National Football League

WR Brandin Cooks says he can 'do it better' than DeSean Jackson

Published Apr. 3, 2014 2:04 p.m. ET

Sid Saraf

OK, let's get this straight: Brandin Cooks is a fan of DeSean Jackson.

The incoming rookie wide receiver out of Oregon State gushed about the now former Eagle to Philly.com on Thursday.

BUT ... the young man feels pretty good about his own abilities and who knows, maybe he's a perfect fit in Philadelphia.

"Maybe (Eagles head coach) Chip Kelly is looking to take another speedy receiver in that first round, and that could be me. Who knows? And if that's the case, a lot of people will wonder 'Can he do it like DeSean Jackson?' In my opinion, I can do it like him and do it better."

Oh, really? Wait, he's not done talking.

"I feel like I'm the best receiver in this class and I'm not just saying that to say it," Cooks said. "I put numbers that nobody else did this year. At the same time I was facing premier talent."

Cooks did little to discourage NFL scouts since declaring for the NFL Draft, as he ran an impressive 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash at February's NFL Scouting Combine. He also put up the best 60-yard shuttle time since 2006. What's more, he did this without even preparing all that much.

"I was going off my natural athleticism. I knew I had the speed, I knew I had the change of direction. I just touched on everything. I tweaked a couple things, but it's not like I came into training like, 'I need to focus on this 40 and make sure I get a 4.3.' No. I knew I was going to run a 4.3 no matter what."