The Oakland Raiders aren’t the only ones who saw something special in wide receiver Amari Cooper when they drafted him in May.
After a fantastic Week 2 performance, when Cooper tallied 109 yards and scored his first touchdown, Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden took note.
“I’ve been watching (Cooper) on film. That dude, he’s gonna be special,” Haden said Friday via Cleveland.com. “He has a really good stop-and-start. His burst. Everything. He has body control and runs really good routes. So I think he’s been growing and growing from the first time I’ve seen him play, and I think he has a lot of potential to be really good in this league.”
For a rookie receiver to gain high praises from an elite corner such as Haden is the ultimate compliment. Haden has the task of covering Cooper in Sunday’s Week 3 matchup. And, while Cooper is turning heads, he isn’t the only Raiders receiver that has been impressive. Michael Crabtree is on track to do his fair share of damage as well against the Browns. Crabtree totaled 148 receiving yards and scored a touchdown last week, which did not go unnoticed by Browns safety Tashaun Gipson:
“They complement each other. You got a crafty vet in Crabtree. You got a speedy, quick explosive receiver in Cooper. They kind of complement each other and they give (Carr) different components in the passing game and he’s able to get the ball to those guys when need be and they’re able to make plays.”
With Derek Carr under center paired with his two hot receivers, the Raiders offense will be sure to throw some major challenges Haden’s way. Currently, the Raiders lead 10-0 and Cooper already has 103 receiving yards stemming from five receptions.