In a recent mailbag, Saints beat writer Mike Triplett discussed rookie WR Brandin Cooks.

I'm extremely high on Cooks' potential. I think he'll catch a lot of balls and be a big-play threat in the Saints' offense and return game. And he'll have a realistic shot at the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

So of course I'll say it's possible. But even I think that's a little optimistic to say there's a 90 percent chance of a 1,000-yard season. Even if it's "only" 800 yards, five or six receiving touchdowns and a punt return touchdown for good measure, it would still be a huge rookie season, though.

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Brees is eager to see how New Orleans' offense evolves and figures first-round draft pick Brandin Cooks will play a significant part in that process.

"There's no doubt he's a guy who has the ability to be a big contributor for us on offense this year," Brees said.
It would be a mistake to view Cooks as a replacement for Sproles, Brees said, because they play different positions. Still, Brees sees similarities.

"They're both kind of smaller guys but extremely quick, versatile, matchup problems," Brees said.

"Then you lose a guy like Lance Moore who could play outside and inside," Brees continued. "Cooks is a guy who can play outside and inside, so maybe there's a correlation there. Again, you lose a versatile guy and you get a versatile guy."

Cooks took part in Saints rookie camp last weekend but then returned to Oregon State to finish out the school year. Brees won't get to work with him for another month or so.

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.

Saints WR Brandin Cooks seems destined for great things in New Orleans.

“Anytime a player is hand picked by Sean Payton to play offense at receiver, you’d better believe he’s gonna be something,” DC Rex Ryan said between practice sessions at the Saints’ rookie minicamp Saturday. “So I’m anxious to see him. I’m out here watching and it’s like, ‘Oooh.’ This guy opens your eyes.

“You can feel his speed. It’s something that [the late Raiders owner] Al Davis used to say. ‘Can you feel his speed?’ You can feel his speed. So I’m looking forward to seeing him. Because I know how Sean … they’re gonna create roles to get this guy involved, and it’s gonna be awesome.”

For now, the Saints’ first-round draft pick is simply lining up at the X receiver position while they install their playbook – which is typical for all players at this stage of the offseason.

“He is versatile,” HC Sean Payton said. “He’s obviously a receiver [first and foremost]. And I think we can line him up in the slot, line him up outside. [He has a] very good skill set with regards to acceleration, speed, catches the ball well. And I like his toughness.”

The Saints spread the ball around, but not only do they have to replace the departed Lance Moore, the team has to also replace the production of Darren Sproles in the receiving game. The two combined for 143 targets in 2013, so while we're expecting Kenny Stills to see a larger role, there are targets for the speedy Cooks as well.