Oakland Raiders No. 4 overall on rookie record pace
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) catches a pass while defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jimmy Wilson (27) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
After Oakland Raiders No. 4 overallAmari Cooper ripped up college football, there was little doubt he would excel in the NFL. He was considered to be the most pro ready prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft. He came from a pro style offense, played in the SEC, and is as masterful a route-runner there is.
That’s why he was taken by the Oakland Raiders so early and he has immediately paid off for the team. As a matter of fact, after seeing him for six games, there is little doubt he wins NFL Rookie of the Year. Sunday afternoon, Cooper put the NFL on notice with arguably the best game of his young career.
He caught five passes for 133 yards, including 52-yard touchdown where he broke a defensive back’s ankles. Cooper is one of only the second rookie to ever record three 100-yard games in their first six games. In that stretch, he has a total of 519 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches.
A season full of rookie records is within Cooper’s grasp this year and barring injury, he will likely get them. Therefore, there is very little doubt that he walks away with the NFL Rookie of the Year award. That very little doubt (Todd Gurley) happens to be running the ball very well for the St. Louis Rams right now.
But rookie records are hard to deny.