Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook is one of the most debated prospects in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, and one NFC Scout reportedly views him as a third-round pick and believes that he's an average starter in the league at best, according to Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis, and Lance Zierlein of College Football 24/7.
Prior to the start of the 2015 college football regular season, Cook was viewed as a top quarterback prospect for the NFL, and some analysts believed he would be the first pick in 2016. Scouts reportedly continue to argue over Cook and where he stands in the upcoming draft, but it's clear that he has fallen down draft boards across the league his senior year.
Cook has had a strong senior year in East Lansing, throwing for 2,921 yards with 24 touchdowns to five interceptions. The Spartans quarterback led his team to a Big Ten Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Scouts continue to question Cook's accuracy, as he has dropped in completion percentage his senior season. Cook had a 56.9 completion percentage this season, and against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game, he completed 50 percent of his passes and failed to throw a touchdown.
Cook can clearly elevate his draft stock against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl, but he faces arguably the toughest defense he has faced this season. NFL scouts will be watching Cook closely against the Crimson Tide, as his performance will have a major impact on his draft status. If Cook can somehow lead the Spartans to a National Championship, he will clearly move up draft boards, but that is a big question that remains to be unanswered.
