2. Amari Cooper, 2015 NFL Draft
Wide receiver Amari Cooper out of the University of Alabama made it two solid first round draft picks in a row for McKenzie during the 2015 NFL Draft. Remember when there was an actual debate on who was the better receiver between Kevin White and Cooper?
Some people actually suggested the Raiders take White. How did that work out?
White has played maybe one or two games, while Cooper has just been breaking defenders ankles. Not so much last year, but his first two years he made a bunch of plays that just made us yell “Wow!”.
Cooper racked up consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons his first two years and it looked as if he had just scratched the surface. Last year was a complete disaster for him and the rest of the offense, so I won’t hold it against him for it.
He just needs to do one simple thing and that is catch the ball. If he can eliminate the drops, he will be even more productive in year four. It’s been a problem since he’s entered the league, but I believe he will get it sorted out with new wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett.
This upcoming season will be an intriguing one for Cooper, who will look to return to the 1,000-yard club playing opposite Jordy Nelson in the passing game.