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New Orleans Saints Draft Prospects: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

By Andrew Schuster

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After trading away Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, there has been some speculation around the New Orleans Saints about whether or not they’ll pursue a wide receiver in the first round of the draft for the second-straight year.  While it is an unlikely scenario, life after Drew Brees is not too far down the road, and planning for the future by equipping the offense with strong weapons is not a far-fetched idea.

Alabama standout WR  Amari Cooper is certainly an intriguing prospect with a bright future in the NFL almost guaranteed.  Of course, the Saints would likely have to trade up to acquire the young talent, which I don’t see happening.  Still, it’s fun to think about the idea of having Cooper in the lineup alongside Brandin Cooks.  If the opportunity arises, history tells us that head coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis do enjoy moving up in the draft order, but defense is certainly top priority.

Amari Cooper is not good, he’s great, and he has possesses the pro-ready abilities to make an immediate impact no matter what roster he lands on.  The All-American is super athletic, has great acceleration, excellent ball skills and a pair of big hands that top just about every wideout in the draft.  He absolutely dominated under Nick Saban at Alabama, doing just about everything that was asked of him.

NFL Scouting Combine measurables:

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 211 LBS

Arm length: 31 1/2 inches

Hands: 10 inches

40-yard dash: 4.42 secs

Vertical jump: 33 inches (34 at pro day)

Broad jump: 120 inches

3-cone drill: 6.71 secs (top of class)

20-yard shuttle: 3.98 secs (top of class)

The 2014 Biletnikoff Award winner (nation’s most outstanding receiver), Heisman Trophy finalist and First-team All-SEC selection has a couple of things that he can improve.  Focus drops for one, but those are mental errors that can certainly be corrected and will not affect his stock.  His run blocking can also use some work.

Amari Cooper is a complete receiver with a very bright future at the next level.  He’s got just about everything you want from a wideout.  While the New Orleans Saints will likely go the defensive route, you can’t deny that the SEC record breaker would look good in black and gold.  The first round of the NFL Draft is set to kick of April 30 in Chicago.

Next: Saints Draft Prospects: WR Dorial Green-Beckham

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