It's only natural to compare two similar players and judge them against one another in the NFL. That stands especially true for the first wide receivers selected in each of the past two drafts. So how does Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper stack up against Buffalo Bills receiver Sammy Watkins?
Both players were the No. 4 overall picks in their respective drafts and both have off-the-charts talent. Watkins showcased it last season by overcoming some shoddy QB play in Buffalo to finish with 65 receptions for 982 yards and six touchdowns. Cooper, meanwhile, set an SEC record with 124 receptions to go along with 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns at Alabama last year.
Cooper is a bit luckier in the signal caller department as second-year quarterback Derek Carr had a solid rookie year despite a serious lack of weapons in Oakland. If Carr can continue to develop than Cooper may have the opportunity to make an even bigger splash than Watkins did in 2014.
Cooper is probably the superior route runner of the two and has drawn comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green. But Watkins plays with a more physical edge and is slightly faster (4.34 40-yard dash compared to 4.41 for Cooper). ESPN scout Matt Williamson weighed in on the debate.
"Cooper is further along in his development, but Watkins is a special athlete, a deep threat and a [special] player with the ball in his hands. I like Cooper a lot, but I love Watkins," Williamson said.
The consensus appears to be that Cooper is more NFL-ready at this point in his career than Watkins was and that he has a higher floor than perhaps any other player in this year's draft class. However, Williamson believes that Watkins' tremendous upside is the trump card.
Is he right? It will be incredibly fun for Bills and Raiders fans to find out over the next few years. In the meantime, let us know who you think is the better receiver in the comments section below.
