From Joe Fortenbaugh and Wes Bunting
Cornerback Chris Cook appears to be a popular man up north.
According to a league source, the former Virginia standout has upcoming private workouts scheduled with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
AP
Could Chris Cook be headed for the NFC North?
In addition to those workouts, Cooks skill set will be on display for the rest of the league when he participates in Virginias pro day on March 18.
When analyzing team needs, the cornerback position is one of the first to register when discussing the Packers and Vikings. Green Bays Charles Woodson is coming off a stellar season in which he earned defensive player of the year honors, but the Pro Bowler will turn 34-years-old in October. In addition, CB Al Harris turns 36 in December and is coming off a torn ACL he suffered in Week 11 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are faced with similar issues as cornerback Cedric Griffin tore his ACL in the NFC Championship game at New Orleans back in January and Antoine Winfield turns 33-years-old in June. Winfield also missed seven games in 2009 due to a foot injury.
Heres NFP Director of College Scouting Wes Buntings take on Chris Cook:
Cook is a big, long-armed defensive back who runs extremely well for his size and has the ability to consistently re-route receivers off the line once he gets his hands on them. Although he lacks ideal body control and change of direction skills when asked to play in off-coverage, a primary press man-to-man coverage team like the Packers would be an ideal fit for Cook's physical skill set.
Also, a cover two defense like the Vikingswhere Cook can use his big frame and range to sit on routes and go get the footballwould also fit his skill set as well.
Cook is a guy who could also be considered a free safety prospect on a lot of team's draft boards because he simply doesn't look like a player who you can consistently trust in off-coverage. But for the primary press coverage defenses and cover two teams in the NFLlike the Vikings and PackersCook makes a ton sense.
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