2017 NFL Draft Results: Grading The LA Rams’ Selection Of Eastern Washington WR Cooper Kupp

The Los Angeles Rams continue to go offense in the 2017 NFL draft. After selecting South Alabama TE Gerald Everett (grade the pick here), they selected Eastern Washington WR Cooper Kupp with the 69th overall selection.

Here are his combine numbers from NFL.com:

NFL.com

Kupp is going to set off some slot warnings for a lot of Rams fans, but there is no doubt that he’s a capable receiver. One thing of interest? The Rams first two picks are from relatively unknown schools, draft wise.

Here’s NFL.com’s strengths on Kupp:

Elite level of production for any level of football. Finished career as Division I career leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Hands are natural and strong. Catches passes like his idol, Larry Fitzgerald. Plucks it away from his body and immediately tucks it away. Utilizes route speed variances to create deep-ball opportunities. Extremely confident and competitive. Bodies up cornerbacks to win contested catches. Believes he can catch every throw and is able to make the circus grab look easy at times. Excellent ball-tracker. Uses force and leverage at break points to help create room out of his cuts. Manipulates coverage with head fakes and stutter-steps. Strong football bloodlines; grandfather played for years as an NFL guard and father was drafted by Giants as fifth-round quarterback in 1990.

Grade: B+

Look, I understand the positional hate. The problem, is that you shouldn’t think of the Rams as needing a certain position. They need offensive talent. They need to move the ball.

You’re not going to get a true #1 receiver in the 3rd round, unless you’re lucky as hell. Cooper Kupp is an impressive slot receiver who might take over a spot from an incumbent...and that’s okay.

(Google AMP and Apple News readers will need to navigate to the TST native URL to see the poll below)