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NFL Draft 2017: Ranking the top 15 wide receivers

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver KD Cannon (9) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver KD Cannon (9) catches a pass for a touchdown in the first half against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (3) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (3) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

In his last two years of college ball at Mississippi Valley State, Jerry Rice caught 205 passes for 3,132 yards and 41 touchdowns. Cooper Kupp also dominated his competition as a junior and senior, notching 231 receptions for 3,342 yards and 36 scores.

The FCS career leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving TDs didn’t just pad his stats against overmatched competition either. In four games against Pac-12 opponents, Kupp averaged 178 yards and two touchdowns per game.

In addition to his record-setting career at the FCS level, Kupp also bolstered his draft stock thanks to a strong NFL Combine performance. He declined to participate in the bench press and 60-yard shuttle, but took part in every other physical drill. He posted a subpar 4.62 time in the 40, but performed much better in both the three-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle. Those showings demonstrated his crisp movements that translate to his route running.

The son and grandson of former NFL players, Kupp has the pedigree to understand what it takes to play professionally. With a chip on his shoulder, Kupp has the size (6-foot-2 and 205 pounds) and skills that transcend playing in the Big Sky rather than a bigger conference.

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