National Football League

Raiders rookie Amari Cooper being referred to as the 'real deal'

Published Jun. 6, 2015 2:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

NFL rookies are just getting their feet wet in the big leagues, but some are already making waves with their new teams.

The impression Jameis Winston has left on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so far has been well documented.

Fellow rookie TJ Yeldon, who was drafted in the second round out of Alabama by the Jacksonville Jaguars, has wowed his new teammates with his athletic ability, and is projected to be the starter heading into next season.

Another Crimson Tide player is also turning heads in the early going. Wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was taken No. 4 overall, has been called the "real deal," according to an Adam Caplan tweet.

Early word on #Raiders WR Amari Cooper, per team source: "Real deal. Almost no mental errors. Runs great routes, consistent route runner."
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) June 5, 2015

Cooper was widely regarded as the best receiver in the draft. West Virginia’s Kevin White also received recognition by some as the top wideout available this year, but the Raiders chose to make Cooper the top receiver taken. He finished his Alabama career with 228 receptions for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns.