Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Oakland Raiders: Ranking the Top 10 receivers in the draft

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) scores on a ten-yard catch past the defense by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Jordan Sterns (13) and cornerback Kevin Peterson (1) in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 11
Next
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharaoh Cooper (11) catches a pass as he is tackled by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Pharaoh Cooper (11) catches a pass as he is tackled by Miami Hurricanes defensive back Corn Elder (29) in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Pharaoh Cooper, South Carolina

Similarly to Higgins, former South Carolina wide receiver Pharaoh Cooper lacks ideal top speed (registered a 4.63-second time in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day), but he still possesses great explosiveness and acceleration in short distances, something Higgins lacks. Also, Cooper is a much more aggressive route runner in comparison to Higgins, as he has superior play strength and will abuse cornerbacks with his violent route-running ability.

Unfortunately for Cooper, his stock is negatively affected by his lack of height. At 5’11”, 203 pounds, Cooper’s compact frame allows him to more effectively take on hits in comparison to some of the thinner receivers in the NFL, but pairing his small frame with below-average speed will unquestionably cause him to have some severe growing pains early in his career.

Cooper brought in 155 receptions for 2,109 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two years as a starter with South Carolina, via CFBStats.com.

Given that he will struggle to stretch the field at the next level, Cooper will have to prove that he can consistently get open on short and intermediate routes as a slot receiver in the NFL if he wants to be successful. Then, Cooper could excel as a chain mover with playmaking upside due to his ability to create after the catch. 

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft