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New Orleans Saints rookie receiver Brandin Cooks has made so many big plays so consistently throughout training camp that it was a bit jarring when he had a relatively quiet Monday on the heels of a standout performance in Saturday's scrimmage.

No matter. Cooks was back Tuesday with another touchdown, another long run and more oohs and ahhs from the crowds at the Greenbrier resort.

But while Cooks said he's grateful for the praise he's received for his performance early in camp, there remain plenty of things that fans and media don't see that he needs to improve upon before making his NFL debut.

"I feel like I did all right (Saturday)," Cooks said on Tuesday, drawing a few chuckles for his modesty. "I've got to work on the little things. But as far as catching the ball and running routes, I feel like I did a pretty good job of that. I just need to continue to learn and build."

Much of that growth needs to come in blocking, Cooks said.



Listed at 5-foot-10, 189 pounds, he can't rely on his size like a bigger wideout. He also knows that to be a true every down receiver, he'll have to contribute when the ball isn't being thrown in his direction.

The other issue? Cooks won't be a secret weapon by the time the Saints open the regular season in a month at Atlanta.

He won't even be a surprise to the St. Louis Rams when the Saints open the preseason season.

"(I have to get used to) how people are going to play me and the coverages that he guys at this level can disguise a little better than in college," Cooks said.

Cooks has already noticed some adjustments in camp. Defensive backs haven't been complacent against the speedy rookie.

"I can tell the difference in how they played me the first couple of days and now," Cooks said. "That's helping me as a player too, just because I've got to fix other things and work on my craft in different areas."

Cooks hasn't been vexed by the speed of the game in the NFL, but by the mental agility of its players. That, Cooks said, is the biggest difference from college.

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Rugby Saint II

That boy has greatness written all over him.

K Major

Bubble screens, slants and the 9 (go route). I expect Cooks to be a vital part of the offense this year.

B_Dub_Saint

This guy single handedly will make this season very exciting. We have never had a player like him before. Similar types in Sproles and Bush but not with his attributes. Sh!t is about to get real people!!!!

hagan714

that right rookie you have a lot to learn

i like hearing the other players pointing it too

Danno

He will be a combo of Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson with Steve Smith's toughness, without all the migranes and bad attitudes.

After a couple of seasons, Cooks will be the one promising rookies will be compared to.