St. Louis Rams Closing Evaluations: What Grades Do the Tight Ends Receive?

Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Cook: In most observers’ eyes, Jared Cook was a disappointment during 2013, his first season in St. Louis. Seeing as Cook was the Rams’ leading receiver, that may have been partially due to the fact that by giving him a five-year, $35 million-dollar contract, the Rams were creating expectations that Cook could rise to a Rob Gronkowski or Jimmy Graham-type level.

Still, Cook seemed to be quiet when the team needed him the most during that season, and leading all NFL tight ends in drops certainly didn’t help his cause.

This year, there was a definite uptick in Cook’s performance. While his numbers actually weren’t quite as good this year, he was a more dependable threat. Cook cut down on his drops, and though he didn’t take over any games like he did in the 2013 season opener against Arizona, when he caught seven passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns, he was more consistent overall. Cook, who caught two passes or less in five games during 2013, cut that number down to four games this season.

Cook was fifth in the NFL in yards per catch among tight ends with at least 50 receptions, averaging 12.2 yards per reception. He was 12th in the league in receiving yards among tight ends, which was particularly impressive considering the amount that the Rams rely on the run game to fuel their offensive attack.

Cook is never going to be a mauling run blocker, but it’s clear that he made efforts to improve in the run game during 2014. There were frequent occasions during Cook’s first season in St. Louis where he had notable whiffs when run blocking or just flat out didn’t block anyone, but those were few and far between this year. It also helps that the Rams have adapted to his skill set somewhat and more frequently gave him help from Lance Kendricks and Cory Harkey on run plays or subbed him out entirely.

Maybe it was just to a lowering of expectations following a failure to meet them in 2013, but Cook was more noticeable as a key part of the Rams’ offense in 2014. With the drop-off in performance from elite tight ends like Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis, it’s easier to appreciate Cook as one of the biggest difference-making players at his position in the NFL.

GRADE: B+

Next: Lance Kendricks