Cooper Kupp’s Value to the Rams is Worth a Dynasty Investment
When Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp tore his ACL in week ten last season against the Seahawks, it took a hefty toll on the team’s passing offense. After his injury (not including the legendary Rams-Chiefs game), quarterback Jared Goff struggled. In his last five games of the regular season, he saw his touchdown percentage decrease (from 6.8% in his first 11 games to 3.3%) and his interception percentage increase (1.6% in his first 11 games to 3.3%).
The Rams did manage to get to the Super Bowl, albeit controversially, but against the Patriots, the offense didn’t look the same. It didn’t help that Todd Gurley was hiding an injury that may eventually prevent him from ever becoming a bell cow running back again, but Kupp’s absence took away the glue that kept the passing offense intact.
In eight games in 2018, Kupp had 40 receptions for 566 yards, 14.2 yards per reception, and six touchdowns, on pace for 80 catches, 1,132 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
One additional stat to keep in mind is that he caught eight third-down passes that moved the chains, and would have been on pace for 16 on the season, which would be tied for 22nd amongst all receivers. Considering he missed a large chunk of the Denver game in week six, it’s very likely he would have been on pace for more.
Cooper Kupp’s role is vital for how good the Rams offense has been in the Sean McVay era. Brandin Cooks offers success as a vertical receiver but isn’t the most versatile playmaker in the league. Robert Woods isn’t sensational anywhere but he’s an extremely consistent, all-around threat. Kupp is a little similar to Woods in terms of skill set, but he offers a third receiving threat that makes the Rams passing attack that much more difficult to shut down.
That’s something the Rams could have used in the Super Bowl. And that could justify why you need Kupp on your dynasty rosters, as he is one of the best slot receivers in the league. But due to his ACL tear, I’d wait on drafting him until using a later pick, perhaps a mid-round selection.
Obviously, since Kupp works behind the genius of head coach Sean McVay, he’s provided a lot of opportunities to get open thanks to cleverly designed roles and dangerous route combinations. This has helped give Goff plenty of easy reads from the get-go, and many times that open read has been Kupp.
Take this play against the Seahawks in week five for example. Kupp is disguised as a blocker on this inside zone play action fake. This appears to be Cover 3, so the two outside receivers stretch the field, garnering most of the attention from the Seattle secondary.
Kupp runs a nice, tight round against the zone coverage, and combined with the amount of space the defense has granted due to the attention given to the other two receivers, it gives Goff an easy, wide-open window to throw to, and he connects with Kupp on this play.
While his role is indeed aided and enhanced by the high quality of McVay’s scheme, Kupp is certainly more than capable of making plays on his own in the slot.
On this play, Kupp uses his understanding of route patience to win against the Cardinals’ nickel corner. Using quick jabs and an impressive head fake, he catches the DB off guard, giving him plenty of separation and loads of yards after the catch in his sight.
This pivot route on the play fake shows Kupp’s quickness as well. Notice his quick head snap, forcing his foe to chase him before he crosses the first down marker. He’s able to break the tackle and make it across to move the chains.
Kupp gets another nice release on this play, but Goff can’t connect with him. Nevertheless, while I wouldn’t trust him to be your number one wideout, Kupp’s quality comes as a versatile, quick option who understands the McVay offense, offers polished route running, and is a safety net for Goff.
And in an offense that regularly gets him open, Kupp’s ability to produce is further enhanced.
Kupp is 26 and has two years left on his contract, including 2019. Coming off a torn ACL in early November is a concern, but Kupp is of the age where he can still produce at a consistent level, and he’s also expected to recover in time for week one. If your dynasty team is in need of a slot receiver, he offers one of the game’s better ones.
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