The TE acquisition is just what some posters around here, myself included, had hoped that TT might deliver all along. It's not a blockbuster acquisition since he's not one of the prized names in the FA talent pool. He didn't need to be and he won't be paid like it. But Cook clearly fills a need. He does not possess the complete skill-set of the perfect TE. But who does? He does provide something important (speed) to the position and lacking for a few seasons. He has quality NFL experience. He shouldn't need to be spoon-fed. And TT will not have to reach for a TE early.
So Cook's value lies in the eclectic nature of this latest rendition of the Packer offense. His presence also allows another TE time to learn this complicated offense - something not usually mastered by any rookie receiver. And he's not a replacement for Rodgers but a complement to him. He replaces Quarless, Backman, or Perillo. Take your pick. My guess is that it will be Quarless who's gone with Perillo going to the practice squad as the buffer against injuries later. Henry may be in the mix, too. Maybe they end up keeping the best blocker of the remaining bunch on the 53 to complement both Rodgers and Cook, with the next-best overall going to the practice squad as insurance.
Another guess is that TT goes big in the draft early and often, as in interior linemen to replace Raji, Pennell, and probably Barclay. With a draft alleged to be deepest with interior linemen, TT probably needs to take full advantage of the existing circumstances. If Ragland manages to be there at #27 TT could have a really good problem on his hands. And if TT acquires another ILB before the draft he may not need to draft one that early. If not, then he truly could go BAP all the way, especially early. Wouldn't that be nice?
