Veteran NFL agent
Bus Cook has signed a large class of prospects, including Texas A&M defensive end
Myles Garrett, who some draft analysts see as the potential No. 1 pick in this April’s draft.
“Myles Garrett is, without question, the safest pick as far as someone who is going to come in, play and make an immediate impact,” Cook said. “He’s very fast, quick, has the great spin move in the mode of Von Miller to get that shoulder in there and get underneath that tackle. … He’s very strong. He’s very smart, studies the game.”
Garrett, who was a unanimous All-American last season, was No. 1 overall on CBS Sports’ mock draft last week.
Rob Rang, CBS Sports NFL draft senior analyst, said the defensive end is the best athlete in this draft class. “His combination of size, burst and bend off the edge and power make him a future Pro Bowl edge rusher, which behind only quarterback is the most valued position in today’s game,” Rang said.
Quarterbacks are increasingly valued by teams, but this year’s class may not be the best for the position, Rang said. “The quarterbacks this year are far from sure things, whereas Garrett is viewed as close to a ‘can’t miss’ as anyone in this class.”
Cook has represented both a quarterback and a defensive end who were taken first overall in the last several years. He repped Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who was picked No. 1 in 2014, and quarterback Cam Newton, the No. 1 pick in 2011. Cook also is known for being agent to Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, but he was drafted with the No. 33 selection in the second round in 1991.
For this year’s draft, Cook also has signed North Carolina running back Elijah Hood, Texas A&M offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle. Cook represents the players with BC Sports agent Don Weatherall.
Cook’s BC Sports is based in Hattiesburg, Miss., about four miles from Favre’s alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi. Cook signed several players from Southern Miss, including defensive end Dylan Bradley, offensive tackle Wil Freeman and quarterback Nick Mullens.
> ALLEN TO INSTITUTE: Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen has signed with the Institute for Athletes for representation.
Institute for Athletes founder Blake Baratz and agent Barry Gardner are representing him on the field. For marketing and other off-the-field endeavors, Baratz is representing Allen with Dan Everett of Everett Sports Marketing.
Allen was slotted No. 3 overall in the CBS Sports mock draft last week.
> WASSERMAN SIGNS KLAY THOMPSON: Wasserman is representing Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson both on and off the court.
Greg Lawrence is Thompson’s lead agent at Wasserman. He was formerly represented by BDA Sports.
> LEAHY SIGNS ON AT CAA: Creative Artists Agency has signed television host and sports reporter Kristine Leahy for representation in all areas.
A team of agents will represent Leahy, who co-hosts NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” and “The Herd With Colin Cowherd” on Fox Sports 1 and Premiere Radio. She was previously represented by WME.
> BARRY PICKS UTA: United Talent Agency has signed ESPN game and studio analyst and former NBA player Jon Barry for representation.
Jerry Silbowitz and Ryan Hayden will represent him. He was formerly represented by CAA.
> OCTAGON SIGNS GOLFER: Octagon has signed Australian golfer Cameron Davis, who recently turned pro, for representation.
Ross Chouler, Octagon senior director of U.S. golf, will represent Davis, 21, who won the Australian Amateur in 2015.
Liz Mullen can be reached at lmullen@sportsbusinessjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @SBJLizMullen.
