Bay Area Sports: Ranking the Top 30 Players

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) looks on during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

#9 – Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

Coming into the NFL draft, Amari Cooper was considered a difference-making wide receiver, and was even mentioned as the potential first overall pick more than once. In 2014, his junior season at Alabama, Cooper led the entire nation with 124 receptions, and was second in both yards and touchdowns with 1,727 and 16, respectively. He finished third in Heisman voting, behind Marcus Mariota and Melvin Gordon, the highest finish in voting for a receiver since Pitt’s Larry Fitzgerald was runner-up in 2003.

Cooper didn’t wait to prove himself in the NFL. In his debut in week one, he grabbed five passes for 47 yards. In week two, he pulled down seven balls for 109 yards and a touchdown. The next week, he made eight catches worth 134 yards.

The 21-year-old Cooper leads the Raiders in receiving yards with 736, and ranks second to Michael Crabtree in catches with 51, and touchdowns with four. He leads all NFL rookies in each of those categories.

Cooper came into the NFL with a lot of hype, and he hasn’t wasted any time proving that he’s the real deal. With a young quarterback in only his second season to work with, the sky truly is the limit for the ultra-talented Cooper.

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