When it comes to draft time, it doesn’t matter when your name gets called. You take full advantage of the opportunity, make the best impression and do what you can. Some of the biggest names in the NFL have been drafted in the later rounds of the draft. In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams drafted a wide receiver named Cooper Kupp in the third round with the 69th overall pick. He had to earn his spot within the Rams offense. At one time, he was the third option. Now, he’s the guy and has shown it. After extending Aaron Donald, the Rams now have extended their star wide receiver. A $110 million extension over the next five years that will make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
If you say he’s the best wide receiver in the league, I won’t disagree with you one bit. When it comes to route running, three receivers immediately come to mind and that’s Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs and Cooper himself. It doesn’t matter where you might rank him, just make sure he’s included in the conversation. What people don’t know is Cooper is 6’2, but if you watch him closely, he plays small because he’s so quick and deceptive. Cooper does a great job of placing himself in the perfect position to make the catch and the best possible play. He runs the entire route tree with such consistency and poise. For years, I’ve always said as a receiver or a pass catcher that you can catch the ball all you want, however, what you do when the ball is in your hands and yards after the catch is what stands out. I’ve watched Cooper run the shortest route and turn the play into a huge gain or even a touchdown. The Rams use him in so many ways on the field. It could be in the slot or wide on the perimeter. They’ll even place him in the backfield to display his versatility. He’s a well-rounded weapon with great speed, solid hands and he can also block.
Cooper put together one of the best seasons I’ve seen from a wide receiver. In 2021, he became just the 11th receiver to win the triple crown. The triple crown is when a receiver leads the league in three major statistical categories. Cooper led the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16) amongst receivers. What a season he had in 2021. He wins the triple crown as mentioned up top, then he’s awarded with the Offensive Player of the Year award for his stellar season, then, he wins a Super Bowl and was named MVP of the big game. Well done.
