April 24, 2010
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico center Erik Cook was chosen by the Washington Redskins with the 22nd pick of the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Cook was the 229th overall pick.
Cook was a three-year starter who was one of the premier offensive linemen in the Mountain West Conference and leader of the Lobos’ outstanding offensive line group, dubbed The Hitmen, his final two years. He was named first team all-MWC as senior and second team all-MWC selection as a junior. Cook played every position on the offensive line at New Mexico but found his most success at the center position. He anchored the front line for two years at center, making calls and blitz adjustments. The Albuquerque native, played in 39 career games with 33 starts.
“It’s a great reward for Erik Cook and it’s always exciting to be drafted,” said Lobo head coach Mike Locksley. “He is very deserving and the Lobo family is tremendously excited for his opportunity. He has a great work ethic and he has the versatility to play every position on the offensive line. New Mexico has had a great tradition of getting guys drafted and it’s an honor to add Erik into an elite group of players.”
As a senior, Cook was one of the top offensive linemen in the Mountain West once again, earning consensus first team all-MWC honors. CollegeFootballNews.com listed him at No. 20 on its list of the best players in the MWC, regardless of position. Cook had 88 knockdown blocks (7.3 avg.) and 18 extra effort plays in 12 starts at center. He had a 80% or better technique grade in 10 games, including a season-high 93% vs. Colorado State. Cook allowed just 1 sack in 470 passing attempts and only 1 penalty in 836 plays on the year.
New Mexico has had at least one player drafted every year in the NFL since 2005. Cook joins his older brother Ryan, who was a second pick by Minnesota in 2006, in the NFL.
Cook is one of 13 players drafted from the Mountain West Conference.