NFL DraftScouting Reports

2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Elijah Cooks, WR, San Jose State

Elijah Cooks is a big target in the passing game with great hands. He transferred to San Jose State from Nevada this season where he plans to improve his NFL Draft stock. Hula Bowl scout Bryan Ault breaks down Cook in this report.
Elijah Cooks is a big target in the passing game with great hands. He transferred to San Jose State from Nevada this season where he plans to improve his NFL Draft stock. Hula Bowl scout Bryan Ault breaks down Cook in this report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Elijah Cooks, #4
School (Code)CASJ
DOB, Class Yr10-13-1998, 6th Year Sr.
Height, Weight6035, 213
40 Yd Dash4.5
Arms, Hands3214, 0912
Position/DepthWR / Starter
Honors/Captainship
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedCAFR, ALAU
Scout Name / DateBryan Ault

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

20227 GP, 37 REC, 621 YDS, 3 TDs
20213 GP, 13 REC, 157 YDS, 4 TDs
20201 GP, 2 REC, 24 YDS, 0 TD
201913 GP, 76 REC, 926 YDS, 8 TDs
201813 GP, 22 REC, 348 YDS, 6 TDs
201711 GP, 2 REC, 23 YDS

Player Summary:

6th-year Senior. Starter at WO. Primarily plays at the perimeter but has also aligned in the slot. Tall, long-legged possession wideout who exhibits good hands and wide catch radius, but lacks top route running ability and top-end speed. Very linear player who runs a lot of fades and doesn’t run a diverse route tree. Displays good burst off the LOS when free and has shown ability to stretch the field. Good adjustment hi/low to the ball. Can be a good target in the back of the EZ. Displays good hands, can track the ball and haul it in v. tight coverage. Keeps the play alive for the QB and displays good on-field awareness. Primary concerns are his overall speed and route running ability. Isn’t quick or explosive in/out of his breaks, and as mentioned, runs a limited route tree with mostly fades and corners that don’t require him to change direction. Takes several steps to get out of his breaks when he runs hooks and comeback routes, just not very sudden. Has a tough time getting off press coverage and creating separation between himself and defenders. Is a possession wideout; struggles to make defenders miss after the catch. Isn’t a home-run threat when he touches the ball. Isn’t used as a blocker very much so his abilities there need more evaluation. Had a strong collegiate start but has had a career plagued by injuries over the past two seasons.

Scheme Fit:

Outside WR (X or Z).

Power Statement:

Big-framed possession wideout with good hands but below-average route running ability and overall speed.  

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