Jared Cook has world class talent. The speed of a wide receiver and the strength of a linebacker all packed into the body of a tight end. It's scary how great this guy can be. But are we maybe expecting too much? Is this not a tune we have heard countless times? A freak athlete who can be a star. Players like that exist on every team, however, only a small percentage reach half of their potential.
Cook so far has been an good TE. He catches well, runs good with the ball in his hands and has started becoming a focus of defenses. But it may be unreasonable for us to expect him to be Jimmy Graham. Those guys don't just grow on trees, besides, give me a 2011 Jared Cook over Bo Scaife any time of the week. Has cook been a bust? No, he has been a good receiving option for us. Consistency is he main issue, but there are numerous factors regarding that. He was on the bottom of Jeff Fishers depth chart and when he finally gets a shot to perform, lockout. It's safe to assume cook hasn't been put in position to contribute right away.
I think it's funny the amount of pressure the guy has had since hardly anyone knew who the hell he was when we traded a pick for him. We then gushed over his dimensions. Look at Taylor Thompson. He is a defensive lineman converting to TE. Yet some fans are touting him as a potential Cook replacement. We have yet to see the guy in full pads! Lets curb our enthusiasm a bit shall we?
Now im not saying Cook won't be a star, he damn sure has the ability to be; but so does every player on this team. The issue is while everyone is waiting for Jared to become a pro bowler and the next Aaron Hernandez, perhaps we should be happy if he becomes as reliable as a Frank Wychek and go from there. They can't all be like Lavelle Hawkins!
Caw Caw!