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Denver Broncos Draft Prospect: Cooper Kupp

By Cody Roark

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (3) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (3) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a solid draft class of wide receivers, Cooper Kupp is one of the most underrated play-makers in the draft. Could Denver select him in in Round 2 or 3?

In a draft with size-able and speedy receivers, one diamond in the rough to me is Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp.

Kupp at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds has the ability to be a playmaker in the NFL with a solid quarterback. Coming out of Eastern Washington, Kupp is a speedy wide receiver that is capable of dominating games.

At the combine he ran a 4.62 40 yard dash which is a decent speed for his size and frame. At Eastern Washington Kupp hauled in 428 receptions and had 6,400 yards receiving.

Record-setting at the NCAA Division 1 Football Championship sub-division, his ability to make plays is second to none.

In 2013 Kupp caught 93 passes for 1,691 yards and 21 touchdowns as a freshman. He followed that season up in 2014 by tallying 104 receptions, 1,431 yards, and 16 TDs.

Kupp’s junior and senior seasons saw him amass 231 receptions, 3,342 yards, and 36 receiving touchdowns combined.

Productivity, durability, and reliability are three characteristics that I would use to describe Kupp as a player. Lets analyze his strengths and weaknesses a little bit deeper…

Strengths:

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Kupp’s 6’2″ frame is a positive for him especially if teams plan to line him up on the inside or outside. He has shown the ability to be a utility player that resembles someone like Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots.

Kupp has the ability to also throw the ball off of jet sweeps or quick passes. Teams can put Kupp on return duty as well.

He is a game-breaker and has the ability to change the outcome of a game with his playmaking tendencies. Don’t forget that this kid caught 32 touchdowns in just two seasons.

Kupp has been touted as a reliable wide receiver who catches everything. NFL Scouts have compared his catching ability to that of the great Larry Fitzgerald.

Kupp excels in his routes that create separation across the middle of defenses. His route running ability is unavoidably similar to a former Bronco by the name of Wes Welker.

Strangely enough, he demonstrates consistent traits that made Welker a dominant inside wide-out. Offensive coordinators will also admire that Kupp will play the ball every time against defensive backs.

Weaknesses:

Kupp has been criticized for not being able to gain early separation in his routes, but on the other hand he makes up for that with precise routes. Certain scouts question whether or not he can play on the outside.

Kupp certainly can operate inside or outside, but scouts question consistent ability to create inside separation.

Final Thoughts:

In my opinion, I believe that Kupp will be this years Draft steal for whichever team gets him. Meanwhile, I believe he could help the Broncos immediately as a playmaker on offense.

The Broncos have no reliable third wide receiver on the roster, and that’s certainly a void Kupp could fill right away. It would be interesting to see Kupp vs. Jordan Taylor in a battle for the position.

Bill Musgrave and Mike McCoy’s system will be very receiver-friendly and Kupp would be a guy I wouldn’t mind seeing in orange and blue.

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