New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has tipped first-round Draft choice Brandin Cooks to become the team's 'new Darren Sproles', following the running back's move to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite being a back by trade, Sproles was a huge weapon for the Saints through the air, almost playing as an extra wideout for the team.

Wide receiver Cooks is seen as someone that can play a similar role by Brees, at least assuming some of Sproles's old responsibilities.

Brees told USA Today: "Even though Darren Sproles played the running back position, we were creative with him. We did a lot of things with him out of the backfield. We'd split him out. We'd throw him screens. We'd do all kinds of stuff with him.

"So, that role can be filled by maybe even a receiver. We went out in the Draft and get a guy in Brandin Cooks out of Oregon State - an explosive player, great speed, great talent, tremendous young man, loves to learn, loves the game of football.

"From all indications, this guy can do a lot of things for us, and he's eager to fill a role that we need him to on offense."

Some experts have predicted that Cooks is capable of making over 70 receptions for the Saints next season.