The 2022 NFL draft has come and gone, with the Kansas City Chiefs adding several key players on defense. The mission to improve defensively was evident for GM Brett Veach and his staff, as seven of the 10 selections were on that side of the ball.
The Chiefs’ second-round choice of Cincinnati Bearcats standout Bryan Cook focused on the team’s revamped secondary. Cook was a significant part of Cincinnati’s highly praised defensive unit, largely due to his ability to fill in at multiple spots. The 62nd overall selection shared his thoughts on his role in DC Steve Spagnuolo’s defense during his post-draft press conference.
“I think, for me, it’s not going to change, I just do what I do,” Cook told reporters. “I’m very versatile, so I’m just able to work and make it my own. That’s something that’s not going to change. You’re going to get the same player you saw in college, now will learn certain things – different level, different speed. The energy and the style of play definitely won’t change. It took me this far, so why change it up?”
In 2021, Bryan Cook earned first-team American Athletic Conference honors with 93 tackles, 5.5 for loss, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups in 14 starts. He further explained his ability to play multiple roles in the secondary and the motivations behind his versatility.
“I played corner at my old school, at Howard University,” Cook said. “Being able to adapt there and then transferring to safety in a different scheme, different coaches and a different playbook. Having that, that helped the process a lot more. I think just the overall love for the game. I think the best quote I heard so far was to just ‘still be a kid, which just meant have fun with it. I’m very curious with a lot of stuff, which helps me to get better. I think that’s the biggest thing, knowing that I don’t know everything and that I can get the most information I can by continuing to improve in different areas.”
The Chiefs also added several players in the secondary during Day 3 of the draft indicating the heavy emphasis on adding depth to the defensive backfield ahead of the 2022 NFL season. With the additions made within the division and conference at the receiver and quarterback positions, it makes plenty of sense to see the team invest in the defensive secondary. Cook’s versatility should only help his ability to see the field early and make an impact in Kansas City.
