The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Five best wide receivers on the 2017 schedule

By Alan Schechter

Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brandin Cooks

Here is a guy that we have become all too familiar with over the years. We won’t see him as often as we have in the past, but in his new setting, he will be even more lethal than he was before.

In 2014, Brandin Cooks was the 20th overall pick of the New Orleans Saints. After a rookie season where he only put up 550 yards, Drew Brees took an extreme shine to him over the next two seasons. Brees targeted him well over 100 times each year and received good results in return. In 2015, Cooks pout up 84 receptions, 1,138 yards and nine touchdowns. He followed that up last year with 78 receptions, 1,178 yards and eight touchdowns.

To date, Cooks has had modest success against the Bucs. In five previous meetings he has caught 27 passes for 306 yards, though he hasn’t found his way to the end zone as of yet. You might wonder why he makes this list, but the reason is more about where he is now.

The Saints found him expendable so they traded him, in case anyone missed it, to the New England Patriots. Oh how the rich get richer. Tom Brady has a unique ability to make everyone around him better than they are. He will find a way to use Cooks to his fullest. Cooks will be targeted early and often when these two teams face off in October. He is a great receiver and in the best place he can be. Watch out.

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