Raiders trade up in fourth round, select Connor Cook
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The Oakland Raiders dealt up for the second pick of the fourth round to draft Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook.
Oakland traded with the Cleveland Browns to acquire selection No. 100 at the top of day three and made the pick. Cook will slot in behind incumbent starter Derek Carr.
Cook was considered a potential early pick in this year’s class, but saw his stock slip out of the first three rounds. Six quarterbacks were taken ahead of him, and ESPN’s draft broadcast discussed concerns about his leadership and personality that affected his value to teams.
In four years at Michigan State, Cook threw for 9,194 yards, 71 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. He led Michigan State to a 12–2 mark as a senior, losing in the College Football Playoff to eventual champion Alabama.
SI.com NFL draft expert Chris Burke grades the selection a B-
Oakland trading up for a QB when it already has its assumed franchise QB, Derek Carr, caught a lot of folks off guard early Saturday. But there are reasons to buy the move. Cook was a clear value at that point, and his contract likely will check in at about one-third of Matt McGloin's 2016 tender ($2.3 million). If all goes well for the Raiders, they can keep Carr locked in and look to move Cook this preseason or next. A bit of a luxury pick, but not a bad one.
