2014 NFL draft: Oregon State's Brandin Cooks says he's best receiver in draft

Brandin Cooks caught 128 passes for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior in 2013. (Jesse Beals/Icon SMI)

Highly-touted wideouts Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are likely to hear their names called well before Brandin Cooks on Thursday, but that hasn't stopped the former Oregon State star from stating he's the best receiver available in the 2014 NFL draft.

It's a pretty strong statement from Cooks, with some pundits declaring this year's class of wideouts among the best ever at the position. For right now, the 5-foot-10 speedster is more than willing to discuss his talent in comparison to his draft competition.

MORE DRAFT: Best offensive sleepers | What should Houston do with No. 1? | Rumors

"I feel like I'm the best receiver in this draft," Cooks told ESPN New York's Rich Cimini. "I feel like the only thing knocking me, in some people's eyes, is my height. Other than that, I've got great routes, I'm versatile and I can do a lot of things some of the guys in this class can't."

Cooks had a stellar combine and is coming off a season in which he posted an impressive total of 1,730 receiving yards, the most in the country. Cooks' resume certainly speaks volumes, but he has some work to do if he wants to prove he's the best wide receiver in a loaded 2014 NFL draft.

[si_video id="video_A3E90215-BCF5-1EF1-ABFA-CCD8E58FC89A" height="475"]