Fisher's presence sold Cook on Rams

ST. LOUIS -- Jared Cook's familiarity with coach Jeff Fisher made the free agent tight end a natural fit with the St. Louis Rams. The Rams remained hopeful of adding another big piece to the offense, tackle Jake Long.

Fisher said Thursday at a news conference to introduce Cook that Long was still in town a day after interviewing with the team. Fisher believed the team also was in the running for safety Louis Delmas, who also interviewed with St. Louis.

The physical exam with Long had no red flags, Fisher said. Long was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2008 draft and started every game his first three seasons, but has missed six games the last two years.

"He's a very, very talented player and he's still got a lot left," Fisher said about Long. "You have to do your due diligence from a physical standpoint, we've done that, and let's see where it goes."

The 6-foot-5, 248-pound Cook, who got a five-year, $35.1 million contract, played his first two seasons in Tennessee under Fisher in 2009 and 2010. The Rams envision having Cook, who said the majority of his snaps last year came from the slot, and holdover Lance Kendricks on the field at the same time.

Cook's production slipped a bit last year with 44 catches, an 11.9-yard average and four touchdowns after getting 49 receptions, a 15.5-yard average and three TDs in 2011. He's confident, to say the least, in his abilities.

"I see the word potential as you really ain't done nothing, and I don't see that as myself," Cook said. "I think I'm on the elevator going up. I don't see myself looking back at all, and I'm excited about the future here."

Cook ran a 4.49 40 at the Combine and said it was "safe to say" he still had that speed. He has enthusiasm to spare, too.

"You play for the excitement, you play to line up on Sundays," Cook said. "I'm here to play and get better and be a great tight end, and look good doing it."

He's fired up about the franchise's future. The Rams were 7-8-1 in Fisher's first season after totaling 15 victories the previous five years.

"I know his vision, I know what he's capable of, and I'm excited the path the Rams organization is taking," Cook said. "It's been a big turnaround, and it looks like they're headed for clear skies."

Fisher said Cook had been high on the Rams' list, and the team was just waiting to see if the Titans would franchise him. Cook priced himself out of Tennessee, wanting to be paid like a wide receiver instead of a tight end.

The Rams beat out the Dolphins for Cook, who said "quite a few teams" had shown interest and that it had been a "bidding war."

"He fits in a lot of different places," Fisher said. "It's about creating mismatches with him and taking advantage of his ability."