Welcome to the 2022 IDP recap and 2023 deep dynasty profile for the Chiefs Safety Bryan Cook.
2022 Regular Season Recap
There's not much to talk about regarding production or time with the first defense. The Chiefs selected second-round defensive back/safety Bryan Cook. It was clearly a "best talent" off-the-board pick then, with solid veterans Justin Reid and Juan Thornhill locked down entering the offseason as the starters.
That stuck, leaving Cook with just one start and around 29% of the snaps available on defense while playing a decent amount of time on special teams. This isn't really surprising when 95% of all the rookies Andy Reid drafts don't start or rarely have key roles they can screw up, whereas a proven veteran is less likely to. So my 2022 recap hot take? Bryan Cook got a pass for his rookie season. I'm solid with that.
2023 Dynasty IDP Profile
Bryan Cook's dynasty future has two main parts. One, Reid is under contract until 2025. Thornhill is an unrestricted free agent, and may or may not have earned a payday. And to also recap the trend, the Chiefs depend a lot on multiple defensive back sets.
Two, neither safety was in a position by scheming to matter much. Unless, if a way deeper format is your preference, then maybe. And even at that, inconsistency for both of them barely kept them on that radar week to week, and that's not how we defensive win.
Here's the IDP hot take for Cook that a few might disagree with. While I think Cook starts in some form in 2023, standouts like Ladarius Sneed, Reid (Capable), and Trent McDuffie (Stoke Up) will demand their own portions.
The Chiefs also focused on giving linebacker Willie Gay a huge boost in playing time. Which they usually wouldn't have with their second inside linebackers. Also, add in Pro Bowler Nick Bolton.
We can see why last season and actually many seasons before this. That is exactly why the only real viable defensive back play in this unit isn't necessarily going to be a safety. Laying hot take odds, Cook won't be among this group, at least right away. And if I'm wrong, so be it.
Remember, it's a hot take on a defensive back, which we all know nowadays is all over the waiver wire every season. And shouldn't exactly be a priority, when every season. There's even more flooding the leagues and with all kinds of options. So hence, we miss out on Cook.
The odds of it hitting top-10 DB production are slim. And we'll have no problems picking up a solid replacement somewhere down the line.
Similar Safety Dynasty IDP Profiles: Second-Year Top Targets
Thank you for checking out defensive back (slash safety) Bryan Cook's 2022 IDP recap and 2023 deep dynasty profile. Like to see a similar NFL player hot takes? Then check out my IDP Guys author page. And be sure to tackle more NFL defensive players with me on Twitter at @TheIDPTipster
