Can Los Angeles Rams WR Pharaoh Cooper be the next Tavon Austin?

The Los Angeles Rams drafted WR Pharaoh Cooper in the 2016 NFL Draft out of South Carolina. With the same speed and agility as one current Rams player, could 2016 be the year of speed for the Rams offense? 

It was clear in the 2015 season that the Rams needed help on offense bad, as the their top 5 defense could not win them every single game. With the 2016 NFL Draft a good opportunity to address the offense, the Rams did so. With the conclusion of the Draft, Los Angeles drafted two wide receivers and two tight ends. One of those receivers being Pharaoh Cooper.

Right away I knew Cooper could play a key role in the Los Angeles Rams offense. He reminds me a lot of current Rams player Tavon Austin. Cooper is bigger with his 5’11 frame as Austin sits at 5’9. Cooper is also about 20 pounds heavier, but that is also due to his 2 inch height difference. However Cooper does have the speed and agility just like Austin. According to an NFL Draft Scout, 

"Cooper, Reaches top speed almost instantly. Should blaze his 10-­yard split at combine. Operates with excellent balance and body control at all times. Staccato footwork and seamless change of direction out of breaks opens early passing window. Will break off route and improvise to free space when route is compromised by coverage underneath it. Competitiveness ramps as soon as he hits the grass. Has burst to steam past safety if cornerback takes bad angle on his slants. Strength to play through contact in his routes. Stutter-go release near goal line is difficult to stop.”"

The Rams have a clear need for help in the slot. Stedman Bailey is recovering from two gunshot wounds to the head, as we are hopeful Bailey will be back on the field.However, the Rams do need help on that side, and South Carolina used Cooper all over the field last year. Austin and Cooper can be used in the same packages, as both have the ability to turn a short 3 yard catch into a 50 yard touchdown. Given the opportunity to compete at a slot spot, Cooper may ease his way into the Rams first string rotation. Last year Cooper had 66 receptions for 973 yards along with 8 touchdowns.

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Cooper was used in multiple packages in College, as well as Austin was with the Rams last year. Tavon Austin was used as a running back, punt returner, receiver, you name it he was in that position. With Austin looking to be a Ram for the next couple of years, Austin may develop into their No. 1 receiver while Cooper becoming the all around player. Every NFL team knows what Austin can do, as I except the Rams offense to have new packages for Cooper to be used all over the field.

In the video above, Cooper’s speed blew right past everyday. Screens, slants, deep passes, Cooper could do it all. Just watching that highlight reel of Cooper, made me realize the dangerous combination of both himself and Austin. ESPN’s Nick Wagoner got the chance to talk to Cooper about the opportunity to play along side Austin, his response.

"“I mean, if we were to both come in the starting lineup, that’d be great,” Cooper said. I’m not going to go in there and say I should be starting right away. I am going to have to prove to the coaches that I’m worthy and that I’m going to work hard. That’s the main thing I’m going to do — I’m going to work hard. If we are both on the field at the same time, it could be dangerous.”"

Without a doubt, having both Tavon Austin and Pharaoh Cooper on the field will be dangerous. Could the Los Angeles Rams be looking at the next Austin? Only time will tell.