Pharoh Cooper

Player to Watch 

In the 2016 NFL Draft, Los Angeles selected Pharoh Cooper in the fourth round. The Rams ranked dead last in passing yardage in 2015 so with Jared Goff and the South Carolina product they hope to make leaps and bounds in that department. Todd Gurley will be the main focus of the offense, but this is a passing league. Back to Cooper, he lived in North Carolina where his family, who have a military background, raised him. He helped guide Havelock high school to back-to-back state championships. Cooper played quarterback, running back, receiver, and defensive back and was a four star recruit coming out of high school. He would go on to commit to Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks.

As a Gamecock, Cooper started his career off as a cornerback; however, that did not last long as eventually he made the transition to offense as a receiver. Because he was raised in a military family, Cooper was disciplined and mature for a player that barely left his high school prom. This allowed him to play a lot as a freshman as he accumulated 655 all-purpose yards along with three touchdowns. The Havelock standout saw time at running back, receiver, as a return man, and even threw a few touchdowns. Over the next two seasons, Cooper would prove to be one of the most valuable players for his team. As a sophomore, he really took a big step forward and was a surprise for his team. He scored 13 touchdowns as a rusher, scorer, and passer along with 1,336 yards from scrimmage. Against Tennessee, Cooper set the school record in receiving yards with 233. Also, he finished with 170 yards and was named the game's MVP against Miami in the 2014 Independence Bowl. Cooper finished sixth in the Southeastern Conference for yards from scrimmage, eighth in yards per catch with 16.5, and fourth in receiving touchdowns. In 2015, his numbers dipped as he racked 1,084 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. With instability at quarterback and within the program, he was relied on heavily for his team’s offense. Cooper would go on to enter the 2016 Draft as an underclassman. He finished his college career as a two time first team All-SEC selection. In addition, he finished top 10 in school history in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. 

Cooper has the potential to see early playing time as the Rams third receiver according to Optimum Scouting's Mark Dulgerian. He is coming off a lower body injury that held him back during the NFL combine and may have caused him to drop a round later in the draft. That has not stopped him from participating in the Rams rookie minicamp. One NFC Scout said, '"He's a good player. Scouts can't worry about how a player like Cooper is going to be used because that is the OC's job.'" At 5'11 and just over 200 pounds, Cooper brings an explosive athlete to the Rams offense. He has the ability to catch the ball and take it the distance. In addition, Cooper is tough and willing to go over the middle to make plays and return kicks. Finally, he is a jack-of-all-trades meaning he can lineup anywhere on offense and be a threat. In an interview with Los Angeles Times Lindsey Thiry, Cooper illustrates his desire to work hard and be willing to play anywhere on the field. His game is most notably similar to Randall Cobb of the Packers. With Tavon Austin and Cooper, Los Angeles has the chance to get really creative with their offense and help make Goff comfortable. Cooper is definitely a player to keep an eye on this summer during camp and through the preseason.