2015 NFL Draft Profile: Amari Cooper, WR Alabama
By Adam Carlson
Before the amazing combine by Kevin White, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was the consensus top pass catcher in this draft class. However, now the debate has been made about drafting a player based on their potential or going for a more established prospect.
The Alabama pass catcher has been consistently efficient during his three years at the university. He’s totalled 228 catches for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns. A majority of that productivity came during his 2014 campaign, when he registered 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 scores. Teams should be lining up for the opportunity to draft an established prospect like Cooper.
Amari Cooper’s projected NFL comparisons include Indianapolis Colts great Harvin Harrison and young Jaguars pass catcher Marqise Lee. He should be taken in the first half of the 2015 NFL Draft’s first round. His athleticism, polished skill set, and willingness to do what it takes to win are what make him such a hot commodity.
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) runs after a catch against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the third quarter of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 211 pounds
- Arm Length: 31.5″
- Hand Size: 10″
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 33″
- Broad Jump: 120″
- 3 Cone Drill: 6.71 seconds
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 3.98 seconds
Draft Projection
Amari Cooper is CBS Sports’ #4 overall prospect and #1 wide receiver. He should be a definite first day selection at the 2015 NFL Draft.
Fit For The Vikings
The Vikings could be looking for a #1 receiver in the 2015 NFL Draft. Amari Cooper is as polished of a prospect as there is in this class of pass catchers.
My Take
A player like Amari Cooper could help any team in the NFL. However, with the Vikings already having a lot invested in Greg Jennings and Cordarrelle Patterson combined with Charles Johnson, Jarius Wright, and Adam Thielen all emerging as capable players. While wide receiver isn’t the biggest need for the team, if Amari Cooper is the best player available on the board, expect the Vikings to select him on draft day.
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