Has Riley Cooper Reached His Ceiling?

A player having a high ceiling is a term usually saved for prospects before the draft that could eventually develop into a great player. Typically they are tremendous athletes, but have not yet grasped the necessary technical skills. Riley Cooper is entering his fifth season and he still has room to grow. At 6 foot 4 and 230 pounds Riley was a big body receiver that the Eagles wanted to take a chance on. They are still hoping it pays off. Cooper was drafted out of University of Florida where he was a two sport athlete, football and baseball. This gave him less time to improve his football talents. While he used to play for the Gators, he also looks like he should be wrestling them. He also looks more like a cowboy, rather than someone who plays against them.

The 2013 season was a breakout year for Riley Cooper. Last year he put up 47 catches, 835 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Cooper works his tail off day in and day out and earned every bit of success. Since being drafted as a late fifth round pick, each season he has consistently improved. This coming season the Eagles expect the same. The past season he was nothing special and it not all glory. He had his poor plays and dropped passes. The most crushing drop came against the Saints in the playoffs that every Eagle fan wishes they can forget about. Riley Cooper made some great catches but he was not going against top corners that knew how to fight for the ball. Number 14 for the Eagles has to be more consistent. If his mistakes disappear then the Eagles can rely on him on third down. An underrated part of his game is his first step after making the catch. It is very subtle. He knows exactly where the defender is without looking at him. Something that he has worked tirelessly on is the back shoulder fade in the end zone. We did see it work last year, but it needs to be perfected. The most improved part of his game is how he attacks the ball in the air and came down with it. Cooper is ready to take another big step-forward this coming season.

It is Chip Kelly’s second year in Philadelphia. Riley Cooper fits what Chip wants to do. Kelly’s offense demands a strong receiver who can catch the ball in traffic, which Riley can provide. Chip and cooper have a great relationship, which is evident after the contract of 5 years and $22.5 million. Riley knows he is just one player out of the entire offense. He is able to be a serviceable second wide receiver on the depth chart because he fits the offense. Riley does not have to be a star player because the offense spreads the ball around to everybody. The Eagles gave Cooper that contract because they expect him to impact the game when called upon.

Going into training camp last year, Cooper did was not listed as the second receiver until Jeremy Maclin went down with a season ending injury. This year, Cooper knows his specific role and he is able to build on last year’s success. Riley could not have flourished without Nick Foles under center. With Mike Vick as QB in the first five games, Cooper was practically not even there with having only caught eight passes. After the fifth game of the season, Cooper got a lot more passes his way because Foles stepped in. Foles and Cooper is a great tandem because of their timing and chemistry. It was developed from the past two years of being on the second team together during practice drills.

It will also be Cooper’s first season without Desean Jackson opposite of him. DeSean demanded the defense’s respect. I am sure any defensive back, even Richard Sherman, would rather cover Cooper over Jackson. However, many people do not realize Cooper had 17.8 yards per catch compared to Jackson’s 16.2 yards. Cooper is more of a deep threat than people realize. Now with Jackson gone, Cooper will get more attention. Will his numbers go down or up without Jackson? Riley’s role will likely grow without the former number 10. He will now be counted on as a go to target on crucial downs. Nick Foles will be looking for him much more in the end zone as well. Once again consistency is key for Cooper. Young players are supposed to make mistakes, not a fifth year player. Cooper better be a willing teacher because the Eagles brought in talented young WRs who will to Cooper for guidance.  The former fifth-round pick needs to play up to his size and shield the defender from the ball.

The 2013 season was not a fluke year for Riley Cooper. All of his effort and skill-set warranted those numbers and success. It is completely reasonable for the Eagles fan base to believe that Cooper is a one and done. However, do not say that he did not repeat last year’s success if Kelly gives the ball to a different player because that player was the hotter hand. My biggest gripe with him is his stupidity off the field. The Eagles better have put no country music concerts as a clause in his contract. The Eagles most talented, crowded, and competitive position is at wide receiver. Riley Cooper better improve from last year or he will see his playing time diminish.

-Glen