Rams WR Cooper Kupp Among Biggest Draft Steals, ESPN Says

ESPN ranked Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp as the fourth-biggest draft steal of the last decade

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp is among the best in the NFL today, something few predicted when he first entered the league. 

Kupp played for the Eastern Washington Eagles, an FCS team, and put up ridiculous numbers with 428 receptions for 6,464 yards and 73 touchdowns in four seasons. However, the fact that he went to a smaller school, as well as a subpar performance at the combine, raised questions about his potential at the NFL level. The Rams saw Kupp's ability, though, and selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

To say that decision has paid off would be a huge understatement. Kupp immediately took on a large role in the offense and he became a regular starter near the end of his rookie season. 

Then in 2021, Kupp had one of the best seasons by a receiver in NFL history, leading the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns to win Offensive Player of the Year and help the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, also winning the MVP award for the game.

To turn a third-round pick into one of the best receivers in the game is outstanding work by the Rams, especially their scouting department. So much so that ESPN named Kupp as the fourth-biggest draft steal of the last decade.

"After running a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, many evaluators questioned whether Kupp had the speed necessary to survive long-term in the NFL," ESPN writes. "But the third-rounder quickly outplayed his draft slot and took on an expanded role during his third season."

"One of the best route runners in the league, Kupp has a natural feel and understanding of how to get open, no matter the coverage. A huge 2021 season (145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns) led him to AP Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI MVP honors."

Kupp, 30, still has plenty left in the tank, but he's already among the greatest receivers in Rams history. He is currently fourth in franchise history in both receptions and yards and fifth in touchdowns, although he has a long way to go to catch the likes of Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce. If he can keep producing at a high level for years to come, he could find himself at or near the top of the Rams' record books. 

The three players ahead of Kupp are all fellow pass-catchers. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce took the No. 1 spot, while Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill (selected by the Chiefs) and Las Vegas Raiders receiver Davante Adams (selected by the Green Bay Packers) took No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. 

Kupp has been a huge success story for the Rams and their scouting department, and that story is still being written for years to come.

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You can follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter @JonAlfano_News

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