Amari Cooper NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Raiders' Rookie

STRENGTHS

An explosive, polished receiver with instant-impact skills, Amari Cooper was college football’s best receiver in 2014. Cooper is a fluid, fast and smart player capable of lining up at any of the three wide receiver spots and giving you production. He’s the best route-runner in this draft class and has the confidence in his feet and hips to break off routes and accelerate away from defenders.

Cooper can play underneath, intermediate or deep and gives you versatility in his skill set—meaning he’s scheme-versatile. He’s a complete receiver with production and athleticism. At just 20 years old, Cooper has room to grow and comes into the NFL with a long career projection.

WEAKNESSES

Cooper was banged up in 2013 and lacked the explosiveness we saw in his junior season. Even so, his tape speed isn’t as good as his combine speed, and he has to prove he can run past defenders with pads on. He doesn’t have great size or speed when compared to other top receiver draft picks. Drops have been an issue for Cooper, but that’s more concentration related than a physical limitation.

2014 STATISTICS 

Receptions: 124
Yards: 1,727
Receiving Touchdowns: 16

COMBINE RESULTS

40: 4.42 seconds
Vertical: 33.0"
Broad: 120.0"
Three-Cone: 6.71 seconds

PRO COMPARISON: Reggie Wayne, Free Agent

Cooper has the skills to make an immediate impact in the NFL, and his upside makes him one of the safest picks in the draft. From a pure style standpoint, he’s Reggie Wayne all over again.

FINAL GRADE: 7.49/9.00 (Pro Bowl Potential)