Amari Cooper to win NFL Rookie of the Year

Nov 29, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) catches a touchdown pass in the third quarter past Auburn Tigers defensive back Jonathon Mincy (6) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Pedigree

Darrius Heyward-Bey didn’t do much in college but got drafted in the first round because of his speed. And many laughed at him because he didn’t appear to know how to play football at times. But there’s a flip-side to that as those that put up big numbers are assumed to have the skill to be NFL stars.

But you need athleticism too as Ashley Lelie put up all-time numbers in college and did very little in the NFL. Lelie didn’t participate at the combine or at a Pro Day so he was probably hiding his lack of athleticism. Then of course, there’s the June Jones’ gimmick offense Lelie came from at Hawaii.

Cooper’s pedigree, is as good as it gets, starting with the all-time numbers he put up while at Alabama. Then at the combine, he checked out athletically, running a 4.35 40 and a 6.71 three-cone drill. And the route-tree in a pro-style offense he ran at Alabama made him the most pro-ready receiver coming out.

Next: Situation