NFL Draft Rumors: 49ers, Jets could target Brandin Cooks, Odell Beckham Jr.
By Danny Helms
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As the 2014 approaches, teams are in the final stages of deciding who they will select in the first round. For the 49ers and Jets, landing a WR would be ideal, as each team is in need for the position. Rumors have surfaced that Dallas, among others are infatuated with Odell Beckham Jr, making it unlikely for New York or San Francisco to get the LSU star without trading up. According to NFL.com writer Chase Goodbread, LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr. and Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks are primary targets for each team. Goodbread writes:
"“In fact, two of them — the San Francisco 49ers and New York Jets — are considering a trade-up for the right receiving weapon, according to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport. Via Twitter, Rapoport suggests that Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks and LSU’s Odell Beckham Jr., could be the targets of such a move.”"
After losing the DeSean Jackson sweepstakes, the Jets are in desperate need for a wideout. Aside from Cooks and Beckham Jr, the Jets could be in position for others such as USC wideout Marqise Lee, Penn State wideout Allen Robinson, or Mississippi wideout Donte Moncrief. Sitting at 18, the Jets may have to move up to get the guy they want, assuming names other than Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are off the board.
As for the San Francisco 49ers, they can go a number of different routes with their 30th overall pick. When Thursday night rolls around, I believe they will go with a WR. Unlike New York, the 49ers are almost sure to move up if they desire Odell Beckham Jr. or Brandin Cooks. Either wideout would fit nicely in San Francsico, as the 49ers current WR situation is a 33 year-old Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree, who only played five games in 2013 due to a number of injuries.
Both teams ranked poorly in passing yardage last season with the 49ers ranking 30th, and the Jets following right behind at 31. This draft is filled with offensive talent, specifically at the WR position. Expect one of these teams to make a big move to assure they get their hands on either Odell Beckham Jr or Brandin Cooks.