Player Profile: Emanuel Cook South Carolina S

Pros: Cook is a strong open-field tackler that loves to light up ball carriers. He shows good leverage and lateral quickness. Cook reads the play quickly and reacts to run-pass almost immediately. He has a knack for forcing fumbles. While playing the run is his forte, Cook does possess solid ball skills. At South Carolina, he was very productive—a regular in the starting lineup since his freshman campaign.

Cons: He lacks the size most teams look for in a strong safety. He does not excel in coverage and also lacks ideal speed. Many question his ability to cover ground as the last line of defense. Cook had some off-the-field issues at South Carolina and was suspended for the final game of the season. He was arrested on a weapons charge (dropped) and had academic issues.

Scouts Take: Cook played in a different scheme at South Carolina, one where he did not have to cover receivers very much and could focus primarily on run support on first and second downs, which is where he flourished. He was a three-year starter before leaving early for the Draft. He is small for the strong safety position and lacks the quickness to play free. He will need to become more mature on and off the field but definitely has the potential to be a solid NFL player due to his great tackling ability. He could be a special teams standout and work his way into the starting lineup next year. He has third- or fourth-round potential.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

All Access: South Carolina Pro Day

LB Jasper Brinkley (6-1 5/8, 249) looked very quick and fluid in all positional drills. Brinkley ran a 4.39 short shuttle, a 6.92 three-cone drill and stood on the rest of his numbers from the Combine. TE Jared Cook (6-4 5/8, 249) ran a 4.56 short shuttle and a 7.25 three-cone drill. Cook has drawn a lot of interest and has a pair of upcoming workouts scheduled. CB Captain Munnerlyn (5-8 5/8, 186) posted a 4.44 and 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, a 4.04 in the short shuttle and a 7.05 in the three-cone drill as well as a 36.5-inch vertical jump. S Emanuel Cook (5-9 3/4, 201) ran a 4.57 and 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, a 4.42 short shuttle, 7.11 three-cone drill and posted a 32-inch vertical jump.

Mancini's Take: You have to love the size on Brinkley, who's actually dropped a few pounds. He's an inside thumper in the mold of Levon Kirkland. I think everybody knows about Cook by now. The kid is an ultra-athletic playmaker at tight end, and Munnerlyn is an NFL corner. He has the loose hips to stay with receivers and is quick at getting in and out of his cuts. He also has some good mitts and can return kicks. What's the skinny on E. Cook, Ross? Do you think his physical play will be enough to overcome his lack of size. He's listed at 5'10", but is probably a inch or so shorter than that.

Mandel's Take: I am more worried about Cook's mental makeup than his size. His hard-hitting ability and all aound physical style of play is all fine and well, but I'd be worried that Cook flamed out academically and ended his season ineligible. It's not that I need him to be an "A" student, it's that he knew what he needed to do in the classroom and failed to do it. He proved to be irresponsible and unwilling to sacrifice for the team. Not good. Brinkley's size is definitely impressive and he has some speed to go along with it. If he can stay healthy--and it's a big "if"--he is going to have an impact at the next level. Munnerlyn, to me, needs to prove he is big enough to play corner at the next level. At 5' 9", he doesn't lay the smackdown like the similarly sized E. Cook and might be pushed around a bit in the League. He will, however, be able to use his quickness to contribute as a return man if nothing else.