Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp has burst onto the scene since being taken in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Through the first two weeks of the preseason, Kupp earned the highest rating for a wide receiver on the Pro Football Focus grading scale.
While he continues to prove himself as an immediate contributor to this offense, fellow teammates have already begun to place high expectations on the young receiver. Cornerback Trumaine Johnson recently told Kupp that 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year should be his goal, according to Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times:
“I told him a week ago, rookie of the year, that should be his goal.”
Johnson’s comments may be a bit bold considering the influx of potential playmakers in this year’s draft. However, Kupp has already established himself as perhaps its most polished, pro-ready receiver
He came to Los Angeles as the all-time leader in touchdowns and receptions in NCAA Football Subdivision history. As such, he has already become quarterback Jared Goff’s favorite target thanks to his superb route-running and reliable hands.
Kupp has recorded eight catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns through two weeks of preseason(one of them was a fumble recovery). More importantly, a lot of his receptions came on third-down conversions. If Kupp were to light it up in this crowded receiver group, he would join teammate Todd Gurley as a fellow Offensive Rookie of the Year after he won it back in 2015.
