Last week we spoke about defensive end, Keionta Davis, out of Chattanooga University. In covering the young talent, we pointed out the different ways he could fit the Eagles scheme if drafted. This week, we have decided to look at arguably the team’s biggest need, wide receiver, and how a small school giant could be a huge step to alleviating this issue.
Cooper Kupp WR: Eastern Washington
This 6’2, 200 lbs’, Yakima, Washington native, is everything an NFL scout looks for in a wide-out. A 4-time FCS All-American (2013-2016), and 2-time offensive player of the year, Kupp has served as a legitimate threat for the Eagles at Eastern.
Throughout his four year career, he has been nothing short of a true playmaker in his offense. In 52 games played, Kupp has reeled in 428 receptions for 6,464 yards (both good for an FCS career record, passing Jerry Rice this year), in addition to adding 73 touchdowns, to his resume.
The son of Craig Kupp, a former 5th round pick of the New York Giants, in 1990, Cooper has NFL talent in his blood.
Solid from both the slot and from the outside, he is a threat to score from anywhere. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to use his hands efficiently. The ability to catch the ball away from his body cleanly is something that has evaded the Eagles at times..but is an attribute present routinely in Kupp’s play. He is both sneaky fast and quick in and out of breaks, causing DB’s to struggle in coverage. A part of his game that will easily translate to the Pro’s, is his ability to separate at the top of routes and across the middle.
He is a bigger kid as he uses his 200 lbs’ body to box out the defender and win in contested passes. With his capability to go up and get it, he would easily be a quick favorite of 2nd year QB Carson Wentz.
Like Wentz before him, Kupp has fallen victim to criticism when talking about the level of competition he has faced over the past four years. Though it shouldn’t be a concern, as history is littered with talented FCS Wide-outs whom have flourished in the NFL.
Kupp is no stranger to big time competition as he has faced a Division-1 school at least once every year of his college career..and didn’t exactly underwhelm.
2016-@Washington State- 12 receptions/ 206 yards/ 3 Td’s
2015-@Oregon -15 receptions/ 246 yards/ 3 Td’s
2014 -@Washington University -8 receptions/ 145 yards/ 3 Td’s
2013 -@ Oregon State- 5 receptions/ 119 yards/ 2 Td’s
Even with all four of these games being impressive, what stood out the most was Kupp’s game against the University of Washington in 2014. The dominant receiver came up huge against the likes of former first round pick and arguably top 5 NFL corner Marcus Peters, and potential 1st round pick, CB Sidney Jones. Kupp ran amuck the Washington defensive backfield and kept the huskies on toes all game.
This year at the Senior Bowl, Kupp was a standout again, where he seemed to steal the show from day one. Catching everything thrown his way, Mike Mayock from the NFL network celebrated his hand strength and how “Not one ball, seemed to touch the ground ,when going his way”.
Over the past four years, Cooper has stood out as a true difference maker and has the potential to help change the fortunes of the Eagles wide receivers. An obvious fit for an ascending offense led by a young franchise QB in Carson Wentz, Kupp could serve as a day one WR3, and potentially a star in the making.
Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
