Fantasy Football 2018: 5 Wide receivers who can make jump to elite

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 19: Amari Cooper #89 of the Oakland Raiders runs after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

I can almost see the eyes rolling of fantasy owners that drafted Cooper last season at a premium price. Believe me, I’m right there with you. I invested a ton in Cooper last season for him to have one great game all season. Make no mistake, last year was a disaster, but we can’t forget everything we’ve seen going back to Alabama where he was a stud.

In his first two NFL seasons, Cooper managed to top 1,000 yards on over 130 targets and has never failed to catch at least five touchdowns in his three pro seasons, including a career-high seven last season. He’s an elite talent and I’m willing to roll the dice and suggest 2017 was more of an aberration and less a sign of things to come.

A few things have to happen, but the upside is obvious. New head coach Jon Gruden has to get his targets back up, Derek Carr needs to be much better and Cooper needs to complete the process by holding onto the ball. With that said, it’s not all that far-fetched to think a stat line of 98-1,500-10 is very realistic.

I know it’s tough for a lot of you after he left a bad taste in your mouth last season. However, you should take a chance on Cooper again this year. His talent and upside is too great to overlook and this issues he and the passing attack in general struggled with last season is very fixable. I’m not writing him off just yet.

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