- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,239,558
- Reaction score
- 59
Darius Cooper entered his second Eagles training camp facing more competition and fewer questions about whether he belonged in the NFL. Cooper has looked comfortable through the opening practices at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, producing several notable receptions while making another early push for a place in Philadelphia’s wide receiver rotation.
The Eagles highlighted one of Cooper’s catches from Thursday’s session on their official social media account. It was another reminder of the ball skills and physicality that helped the former undrafted free agent emerge as one of Philadelphia’s biggest surprises last summer.
Cooper arrived from Tarleton State without an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. He responded by earning a place on the initial 53-man roster after a strong training camp and preseason, including a six-catch, 82-yard performance with a touchdown in his exhibition debut. His rookie season was interrupted by a shoulder injury, but Cooper returned from injured reserve and finished with nine catches for 92 yards in 13 games. That experience appears to have accelerated his comfort with the playbook, quarterbacks and expectations surrounding an NFL training camp.
Cooper still faces a difficult path in a deeper receiver room. DeVonta Smith leads a group that includes Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon and Johnny Wilson. Britain Covey, Quez Watkins and several other receivers are also competing for limited roster spots.
At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Cooper offers strength at the catch point and experience on special teams. His familiarity with the organization could also help separate him from newcomers still learning Sean Mannion’s offense.
Cooper cannot secure a roster spot during the first week of camp, but he has already shown that last summer’s emergence was not an isolated run. He looks like a receiver who understands where to align, plays with confidence, and expects to finish difficult catches.
In a crowded competition, comfort and consistency matter. Cooper is showing both.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Cooper is emerging again at Eagles training camp
Continue reading...
The Eagles highlighted one of Cooper’s catches from Thursday’s session on their official social media account. It was another reminder of the ball skills and physicality that helped the former undrafted free agent emerge as one of Philadelphia’s biggest surprises last summer.
Cooper arrived from Tarleton State without an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. He responded by earning a place on the initial 53-man roster after a strong training camp and preseason, including a six-catch, 82-yard performance with a touchdown in his exhibition debut. His rookie season was interrupted by a shoulder injury, but Cooper returned from injured reserve and finished with nine catches for 92 yards in 13 games. That experience appears to have accelerated his comfort with the playbook, quarterbacks and expectations surrounding an NFL training camp.
Cooper still faces a difficult path in a deeper receiver room. DeVonta Smith leads a group that includes Hollywood Brown, Dontayvion Wicks, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon and Johnny Wilson. Britain Covey, Quez Watkins and several other receivers are also competing for limited roster spots.
At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Cooper offers strength at the catch point and experience on special teams. His familiarity with the organization could also help separate him from newcomers still learning Sean Mannion’s offense.
Cooper cannot secure a roster spot during the first week of camp, but he has already shown that last summer’s emergence was not an isolated run. He looks like a receiver who understands where to align, plays with confidence, and expects to finish difficult catches.
In a crowded competition, comfort and consistency matter. Cooper is showing both.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Cooper is emerging again at Eagles training camp
Continue reading...
