Vikings Draft 2015: Amari Cooper a Big Name to Watch as Mock Season Begins
By Dan Zinski
As mock draft season cranks up, an early name garnering plenty of attention from Viking fans is Amari Cooper. The Alabama WR looks to be a potential top 10 selection but the Vikes could have a shot if circumstances cause him to slide to 11.
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One early mock draft is giving the Vikings a chance at the 6-1, 203 lb wide out. Dan Kadar of Mocking the Draft sees a scenario where Cooper could be available at 11 for Rick Spielman and the Vikes (via SBNation):
"This would be the easiest pick to make on the first day of the draft. But if Cooper is viewed by many as the draft’s top wide receiver, why isn’t he a top-10 pick? Consider what may happen to Cooper if he measures just above six feet or runs a 40-yard dash time slower than expected. It could mean the Vikings get the steal of the first round and a legit No. 1 receiver for Teddy Bridgewater."
Some would say the Vikings are already well-stocked at receiver but I beg to differ on that. Just look at where they are, realistically. Cordarrelle Patterson remains a huge question mark. Greg Jennings isn’t getting any younger. Charles Johnson was good last year but could be a flash in the pan. Jarius Wright is a #3 at best. Adam Thielen is a gritty player but you can’t expect top-level performance from him over the long-haul.
Despite what some might argue, bolstering the receiver corps should be a priority for the Vikes this offseason, either via the draft or free agency. You can debate whether Amari Cooper is the right guy to target, but you can’t debate the need for more talent at the receiver position.