Buffalo Bills bolster receiving corps with Brandin Cooks signing
The Buffalo Bills made a significant move on Wednesday, adding veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their roster. This decision signals the team’s intent to revitalize a struggling receiving corps that has faced challenges in recent games. With seven wide receivers currently on the active roster and Gabriel Davis on the practice squad, Cooks is expected to bring immediate value to the Bills’ offensive strategy.
A Proven Track Record
Cooks, who has previously excelled as a true WR1, boasts an impressive history of six 1,000-yard seasons throughout his 12-year career. His journey has taken him across four franchises, including stints in New Orleans, New England, Los Angeles, and Dallas, with a brief return to New Orleans. This adaptability illustrates his ability to thrive in various systems and environments.
However, the current season has not been kind to the 32-year-old receiver. Cooks has recorded only 19 catches for 165 yards, without any touchdowns on 25 targets. Factors contributing to this lack of production include his position as WR3 in the depth chart, trailing behind standout talents like Chris Olave and the recently traded Rashid Shaheed. Additionally, inconsistent quarterback play from Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough has not aided his cause.
Analyzing Cooks’ Skillset
What can Cooks bring to Buffalo at this stage of his career? Erik Turner, a content creator for Cover 1, conducted an in-depth analysis of every route Cooks has run this season, revealing several key insights.
Cooks primarily excels in short-yardage situations, with most of his production occurring on routes under 10 yards. His proficiency in slants and under routes stands out, as he has achieved a 16.7% success rate on slants and 12.5% on under routes. His hitch and out routes also demonstrate effectiveness, recording a success rate of 20.8% in both categories.
According to Turner, Cooks has an impressive ability to “eat up cushions quickly,” allowing him to effectively attack defensive backs and create separation. His skills extend beyond just catching passes; he is adept at drawing the attention of zone defenders, ultimately aiding his teammates in creating opportunities.
Utilized as a Decoy
Despite his limited catches, Cooks has been used strategically this season. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception notes that Cooks has a modest 8.8% targets per route, ranking him among the lowest for wide receivers who have run at least 250 routes this year. This suggests that the Saints have often employed him as a decoy, using his presence to generate leverage and space for teammates Olave and Shaheed.
As the Bills look to enhance their offensive capabilities, the addition of Brandin Cooks could be the spark they need to rejuvenate their receiving game. With the right integration into their system, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the field.
