Fantasy Upside
After Jeremy Maclin got hurt last year, Riley Cooper found himself as the Eagles WR2. While he was mostly invisible to start the season, once Nick Foles took over at QB, Riley’s numbers took off. Many say he lacks separation, but the Eagles insist Cooper can break away from defenders. Cooper now gets a full camp with Foles as the QB and is once again primed to perhaps be his favorite target in this fast-paced offense under Chip Kelly.
Fantasy Downside
Many think the loss of DeSean Jackson will affect Cooper this year. But the Eagles are insisting teams did not double Jackson, thus leaving Cooper open. While it could be accurate, it remains to be seen. The big question is can he produce over a long haul rather than about a half a season like last year.
Bottom Line
When you take in all the information between what the Eagles say and what the media says, you’re left with thinking the difference in Riley Cooper’s play was the quarterback. So, potential owners can take that with them into 2014 if they draft Cooper – that signs point to him continuing to produce with Foles throwing him the ball. Cooper is ranked just 50th on our WR list which makes him borderline draft-worthy in 10 team leagues. But like Jeremy Maclin, Cooper’s ADP is a little higher compared to those around him. So he’s getting picked earlier than his value is indicating. However like Maclin, the potential is certainly there for him to exceed expectations of his projected 48-787-6.4.
