Ever since West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White had a terrific showing at the NFL Combine, he’s been mentioned as perhaps the best player at his position in the draft.
The Raiders, with the fourth overall pick, are hungry for a play-making wideout, and White suddenly became an option for them at that position, along with Alabama’s Amari Cooper.
In fact, most mock drafts have the Raiders selecting either White or Cooper at No. 4.
Both may prove to be terrific NFL players. But according to some, Cooper is the much safer pick because of his work ethic and more consistent performance and more polished techniques. And if there’s one thing the Raiders absolutely cannot afford, it’s to make a mistake with their top pick. A whiff at No. 4 would be devastating.
Bill Williamson, who covers the Raiders for ESPN.com, wrote this week that he believes Cooper “seems to be the perfect choice at No. 4,” and cites the evaluation of ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.
“(Cooper) has ‘work ethic’ tied to his name as much or more than any great player in the draft,” Kiper wrote. “I think he’s your best bet to be a No. 1 wide receiver against seasoned NFL defensive backs early in his career as any wideout in this draft.”
Last year, the Raiders took another player with a strong work ethic, linebacker Kahlil Mack, and Mack showed he’s ready to star in the NFL. The same could be true of Cooper.
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“Over the years, supremely talented receivers who also come with a strong work ethic usually are sure bets to have a long, impactful career,” wrote Williamson.
That opinion was echoed by the Scout NFL Network in its evaluation of Cooper. Its report of course cited the production numbers of Cooper at Alabama: 228 catches, 3,463 receiving yards and 31 touchdown catches in just three seasons, along with his precise routes, good hands and ability to go up for the ball.
But the Scout NFL Network report also adds this:
“Cooper is a perfect role model for the team’s younger players with his work ethic and takes well to hard coaching. He is called the team’s hardest worker by the coaching staff and a great program type that will do anything to get the job done. He pushes himself hard in games and practices and plays until the whistle.”
Scout NFL ranks Cooper as the No. 1 wideout in the draft, ahead of DeVante Parker of Louisville and White.
Former NFL scout Bucky Brooks, who now writes for NFL.com, wrote recently that “scouts favor White; coaches seem to like Coooper.” He added that, “The different views make sense because scouts/GMs think long-term potential; coaches are more inclined to like guys who are ready from Day 1.”
It will be interesting to see which way the Raiders go on Draft Day.
