Riley Cooper Poised to Take the Next Step for the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles roster is loaded with quality wide receivers. The only problem is that there is as much uncertainty as there is talent.

The biggest story of the preseason continues to be Jeremy Maclin's battle with a mystery illness.

Andy Reid is hopeful that Maclin will be ready to start the season, but the wide out has returned to St. Louis for further testing. 

Nobody, including Maclin himself, knows exactly when the star receiver will be ready to play. There is still a chance that he will be available for the season opener, but that becomes less likely with each passing day.  

The Eagles are also monitoring the progress of newly signed wide receiver Steve Smith.

Smith is currently working his way back from a knee injury that ended his 2010 season. While Smith believes that he is close to returning to the field, he remains on the PUP list and may not contribute for several weeks. 

The illness and injury concerns have left the door wide open for second-year pro Riley Cooper.

Cooper has the potential to be an impact player because he brings something that the speedy Jackson and Maclin lack: He has a large frame, listed at 6'3" and 222 pounds, and has shown the ability to use it to his advantage. 

During the Eagles' first preseason game, the young receiver offered a glimpse of what he can add to this team.

Michael Vick rolled to his left and launched the ball downfield. The pass was slightly underthrown and All-Pro safety Ed Reed was closing in. Cooper was able to leap, adjust, and haul in the pass.

Cooper played the ball beautifully and beat one of the greatest ball hawks in NFL history.

It was only one play, but if Cooper is able to consistently use his size to play the ball, he could be the red-zone target that the Eagles desperately need.

Riley Cooper is a strong candidate to be the Eagles' under-the-radar hero.