Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is expected to be the top pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, according to NFL Draft Analyst Chad Reuter.
People have seen quarterbacks go into their senior season expected to be the number one pick the following season. This brings up memories of players like Matt Barkley, who was expected to go number one following his senior season. Barkley's senior year didn't pan out well, including a shoulder injury, and he fell to the fourth round in the draft.
But, just because Barkley's story didn't work out as planned doesn't mean it's impossible.
Last season both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston were expected to be top picks in the draft, and they both delivered with huge seasons and a berth in the BCS playoffs against each other in the Rose Bowl. Winston went first in the draft followed by Mariota, and Cook is probably hoping for a similar result.
In Cook's junior season he threw 24 touchdowns to 8 interceptions and 3,214 yards. Cook's QBR has risen each season since entering the Big Ten. His 6-foot-4, 220 pound frame is prototypical of what NFL scouts are looking for.
His stats will be important this upcoming season, but where he leads this Spartan team may be more important. Spartan fans saw Ohio State win the National Championship last season, and are hoping Cook can bring Michigan State back on top the Big Ten.
Cook's big frame gives him a strength and durability, and he is known as a tough player who has no fear of big hits, according to a scouting report by Sports Illustrated Jonah Tuls. The pro-style offense run at Michigan State also jumps off the page to NFL scouts, as it shows he will be able to make the transition to the league easier than others.
His first real test will come at home in East Lansing against the Oregon Ducks. Cook and the Spartans lost last season to the Ducks, 46-27, and scouts will be watching this game to see how he responds. Michigan State finishes their schedule with Nebraska, Maryland, Ohio State, and Penn State. This four game stretch will be crucial to Cook and the Spartans.
He is projected number one right now, but Reuter's prospect list has plenty of talent ready to take the top spot.
Shawn Oakman is a massive 6-foot-9, 280 pounds and would have likely gone in the first round this past draft, but he is least likely to move on this list, as defensive players can control their own game, as compared to a quarterback who can be rated on team play. If Oakman stays healthy he is likely to be a top pick.
Offensive linemen are always highly sought after in the draft, especially with teams that already have a franchise quarterback. Offensive tackle Taylor Decker is returning to Ohio State this upcoming season, and will be tasked with protecting whichever quarterback Ohio State chooses to play. Spencer Drango of Baylor is one of the top offensive linemen this upcoming season, and he will look to be one of the top picks in 2016. The key to both of these players is showing their run blocking ability and keeping their quarterbacks upright.
As far as the Michigan State Spartans are concerned, Cook has a tough task in front of him, and quarterbacks can jump up or down the list faster than any other position. Cook will have to prove himself on the big stage against teams like Oregon and Ohio State, but if he does he is likely to be a top NFL pick.
