In an era where top-shelf wide receivers are valued way more highly than star running backs, Alabama’s Amari Cooper seems like the perfect NFL prospect. Apparently what you see isn’t always what you get.
According to a report from NFL.com, NFL scouts are not exactly in love with Cooper. In fact, many of them believe Cooper would have been ranked behind Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and Odell Beckham Jr. if he were part of the 2014 NFL Draft class.
Cooper is certainly an intriguing prospect capable of being a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but he is not a talent capable of revolutionizing the position when he enters the league. The scouts’ opinions here appear in line with those NFL Media reporter Albert Breer spoke with recently, saying Cooper lacks a “wow” factor.
Earlier this month, an NFL scout told Breer that Cooper has sound route-running ability but is not considered an elite talent.
“He’s an easy route runner,” the AFC area scout explained. “Not a lot of wasted movement, solid hands, good speed. But I wouldn’t say he’s elite. He does a lot of things really well. He just doesn’t do anything with a ‘wow’ factor like Watkins, Evans, or Beckham last year. The best thing he may be able to do is run after the catch.”
Cooper’s numbers are certainly impressive. The junior has hauled in a whopping 115 passes this season for 1,656 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has 29 touchdowns in three seasons at Alabama.
Is Cooper capable of making a catch like this? Probably not, but very few people on the planet could make that play.
To people like us, Cooper — a Heisman Trophy finalist — looks like he has future Pro Bowler written all over him. I guess that’s why we aren’t scouts.
