Raiders: Las Vegas has interest in Brandin Cooks, who fits perfectly

What does Cooks bring to the table for the Raiders?

If you’ve been following my work, you’ve probably noticed I’ve had the Silver and Black either signing, drafting, or trading for an explosive deep-threat who can thrive as the team’s no.2 wideout. As good as the receiver room looks, there’s one glaring issue: There’s no blazing speed, outside of Tyron Johnson, who will likely find himself on the roster bubble as is.

This is where Cooks comes in.

Cooks is fast – Running a 4.33 40-yard dash, there’s a reason why teams have always had an interest in the speedy receiver. After all, not only did a team use their first-round pick to draft Cooks but he was then traded for a team’s first-rounder, twice.

The former Oregon State Beaver is at his best deep, and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t get ample opportunities down the field with Pro-Bowl talent such as Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller underneath.

On top of this, Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr had the second most > 25-yard passing plays in the league last season. Using this information, you can bet Carr would be waiting to air it out to Cooks.

In each of his eight seasons in the NFL, Cooks has been able to take at least one pass 50+ yards. During his 2018 campaign, he was even able to take one to the house from 98-yards out, against the same Raiders who are now interested in trading for him. Cooks averages 13.8 yards per reception throughout his career, on an average of 9.1 yards per target.

The top-end speed, which the Raiders currently lack, and deep prowess aside, there’s yet another reason how Cooks can help Las Vegas: Deep-playoff experience. The eight-year receiver hasn’t just been on a team that’s made the Super Bowl, but he’s helped contribute to a Super Bowl appearance for more than one team.

There’s not only Super Bowl experience, but that experience in multiple environments.