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Evaluating Amari Cooper’s 2015 NFL Draft Stock After Week 12

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Amari Cooper 2015 NFL Draft

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The similarities of one Amari Cooper to Julio Jones when projecting him to the next level go beyond his collegiate affiliations. Though both athletes attended the University of Alabama, each of them possessed that man amongst boys look during their stays in Tuscaloosa. There’s no question general managers throughout the league are salivating at the idea of adding Cooper to their receiving corps in the 2015 NFL Draft.

At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, Cooper is a load for any corner attempting to defend him one on one. His superior athleticism, with incredible leaping ability and top-notch acceleration also put Cooper on the next level as far as wideout prospects are concerned. He has the body of a professional already, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get even more physical once he assimilates into the league.

One of Cooper’s most valued skills is his next level route-running. He is so smooth in and out of his breaks that he sells double-moves better than anyone else in this year’s draft class. Cooper puts his foot in the ground and breaks like some of the elites already plying their trade at the NFL level. It’s rare to be able to say that about any receiver still in college, let alone an underclassman.

His numbers already this season illustrate just how overmatched any defenders are trying to match up with him on the outside. Cooper has already reeled in 87 catches for 1,303 yards with 11 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide this season, and there’s no doubt he will be a key component to their push for a spot in the first College Football Playoff.

Regardless of how this season finishes up for his team, it seems inevitable that Cooper will declare for the 2015 draft despite having a year of eligibility remaining. And once he does that, expect the buzz surrounding this kid to continue to build as he makes his case to be a top 10 pick come April.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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