2015 NFL Draft: First round winners and losers analyzed
By Daniel
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Winner: Oakland Raiders
With the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders selected wide receiver Amari Cooper. The team needed a top weapon for young quarterback Derek Carr to throw to and develop with and Cooper gives the Raiders just that. He is, perhaps, the most complete skill player in this draft and as a senior he proved how great he was.
In 2014, Cooper caught 124 passes in 2014 for the Alabama Crimson Tide and he brings speed, size, and great yards after the catch ability to the Raiders’ offense. This team is young and is trending upwards and this quarterback-wide receiver duo could potentially one of the best in the league in a few years. Cooper was known for his precise route-running ability and his ability to find soft spots in the defense at Alabama; those skills should translate seamlessly into the professional game.
The Raiders didn’t have a receiver come even close to 1000 yards receiving a year ago and Cooper could definitely change that next year. It would be remarkable for a rookie wide receiver to post a 1000-yard receiving year, but if there is one player capable of doing that in this draft class — it’s Cooper.
He certainly has a chance to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2015 as he’ll be a primary weapon in the Raiders’ offense. I honestly do not believe that I’m speaking in hyperbole when I say he should definitely be considered as a starting receiver on fantasy football squads starting in Week 1, 2015.
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