Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
Share
Share
Share
Email
Every year there’s always that one tempting wide receiver prospect that will capture the attention of fans and teams alike. There are a couple of enticing receiving prospects, but a familiar name is Alabama’s Amari Cooper.
The St. Louis Rams may not have a huge need at wide receiver, but it could become an option if Kenny Britt decides to go elsewhere, or if they can’t land a true number one receiver via free agency. The Rams hold the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, so all options may be open if St. Louis’ targeted player is unavailable. It has worked in the past with guys like Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn and Alec Ogletree. But would Cooper be a fit in the Rams’ offensive scheme? Here’s a look at what he brings to the table:
Pros: Place the ball in Cooper’s hands in an open field, and he is almost guaranteed to score a touchdown. He has incredible breakaway speed and the stamina to ensure that defenders won’t catch him. Cooper is fast enough to be placed in the slot and is also not afraid to catch the ball in the middle of the field. He has had success in multiple aspects of the receiving game, which can make him a versatile asset on any receiving corps.
Another coveted skill that Cooper possesses is creating separation from defenders. He essentially is a nightmare in the secondary, since he has great instincts in coverage. Defenders struggle to follow his routes since he waits before picking up speed, which allows him to become wide open. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 earned 3,463 receiving yards, 31 touchdowns and averaged 15.2 yards per reception in just three seasons with the Rolltide.
Cons: At times, Cooper will not commit to routes. This is a huge problem, because if the quarterback sticks to a route, the play will likely end up as a turnover. When Cooper attempts to stick to the routes, he sometimes will not finish if he feels he is beaten. He is only about 6’1” so quarterbacks can’t rely on his height.
There are several things that Cooper that he needs to improve on. He looks lost when it comes to run blocking. He is only average in pass blocking, but he could be a bit more polished. While he makes plays consistently, he has been a bit careless at times and dropped a few passes. All improvements are coachable and aren’t huge concerns.
Bottom line: While Cooper may not be the tallest receiver in the draft, that doesn’t mean he can’t be a No. 1 receiver. There have been plenty of successful receivers that aren’t overly tall such as Roddy White, Marvin Harrison or even Odell Beckham.
Should the Rams be interested? It’s hard to say. Truthfully, the Rams need a taller receiver that can stretch the field, which is why Britt coming back is imperative. Adding Cooper wouldn’t hurt, but it’s hard to say how much it would improve the offensive production. Don’t be surprised if general manager Les Snead does decide to draft him if he goes into the draft with the mentality of drafting the best player available.
Source: Sport-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2015, 2015 NFL Draft, Alabama, Alec Ogletree, Amari Cooper, featured, Kenny Britt, Les Snead, Michael Brockers, NFL, Robert Quinn, St. Louis Rams
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
Every year there’s always that one tempting wide receiver prospect that will capture the attention of fans and teams alike. There are a couple of enticing receiving prospects, but a familiar name is Alabama’s Amari Cooper.
The St. Louis Rams may not have a huge need at wide receiver, but it could become an option if Kenny Britt decides to go elsewhere, or if they can’t land a true number one receiver via free agency. The Rams hold the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, so all options may be open if St. Louis’ targeted player is unavailable. It has worked in the past with guys like Michael Brockers, Robert Quinn and Alec Ogletree. But would Cooper be a fit in the Rams’ offensive scheme? Here’s a look at what he brings to the table:
Pros: Place the ball in Cooper’s hands in an open field, and he is almost guaranteed to score a touchdown. He has incredible breakaway speed and the stamina to ensure that defenders won’t catch him. Cooper is fast enough to be placed in the slot and is also not afraid to catch the ball in the middle of the field. He has had success in multiple aspects of the receiving game, which can make him a versatile asset on any receiving corps.
Another coveted skill that Cooper possesses is creating separation from defenders. He essentially is a nightmare in the secondary, since he has great instincts in coverage. Defenders struggle to follow his routes since he waits before picking up speed, which allows him to become wide open. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 earned 3,463 receiving yards, 31 touchdowns and averaged 15.2 yards per reception in just three seasons with the Rolltide.
Cons: At times, Cooper will not commit to routes. This is a huge problem, because if the quarterback sticks to a route, the play will likely end up as a turnover. When Cooper attempts to stick to the routes, he sometimes will not finish if he feels he is beaten. He is only about 6’1” so quarterbacks can’t rely on his height.
There are several things that Cooper that he needs to improve on. He looks lost when it comes to run blocking. He is only average in pass blocking, but he could be a bit more polished. While he makes plays consistently, he has been a bit careless at times and dropped a few passes. All improvements are coachable and aren’t huge concerns.
Bottom line: While Cooper may not be the tallest receiver in the draft, that doesn’t mean he can’t be a No. 1 receiver. There have been plenty of successful receivers that aren’t overly tall such as Roddy White, Marvin Harrison or even Odell Beckham.
Should the Rams be interested? It’s hard to say. Truthfully, the Rams need a taller receiver that can stretch the field, which is why Britt coming back is imperative. Adding Cooper wouldn’t hurt, but it’s hard to say how much it would improve the offensive production. Don’t be surprised if general manager Les Snead does decide to draft him if he goes into the draft with the mentality of drafting the best player available.
Source: Sport-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
Recommended for you