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Amari Cooper 2018 Outlook: Is a Rebound Really Inevitable?
6 years agoRaiders wide receiver Amari Cooper figured to come into his own in 2017 and potentially become a top-10 fantasy WR. He posted 1,000-yard seasons in his first two campaigns, came into training camp in impeccable physical condition, had a newly minted franchise QB throwing to him, and was primed to experience the prototypical third-year breakout for a young receiver. It didn't happen. In fact, Cooper took about five steps back and wound up as one of the biggest busts of the season.
Cooper only caught half of his 96 targets and nearly a third of his season total for yardage (680) came in one game (210). It's hard to imagine how a 23-year-old in peak condition with such a perfect situation could flop so hard, but now we're left with the conundrum of what to expect in 2018. With a new coach and more competition in the receiving corps, Cooper has to be viewed as a risky WR3 with tremendous upside. Counting on him as a weekly starter would be a mistake, but he also could be a steal at the right price. Target him in the fifth or sixth round if possible, although dynasty owners shouldn't be afraid to buy low before the season begins.
