One of the most underrated aspects of the Los Angeles Rams success in the 2017 NFL season was the stellar play of their special teams. Among the players at the forefront of this unit is return man Pharoh Cooper.
Cooper established himself as one of the best returners in the NFL last season. However, he has not lost focus on becoming an impactful wide receiver, via the team's official website.
“Absolutely, I’ve never lost focus of that,” Cooper said during the offseason program. “This is my role right now, I’m a punt returner and kickoff returner, but I’ll never let the punt return or kick return take over the fact that I’m also a receiver.”
Los Angeles selected Cooper as a wideout in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He hopes to remain as such moving forward.
“I got drafted to play receiver, so I hope to play for a long career,” Cooper said. “And at a point in time in my career, I plan on being a starting receiver.”
Cooper's career got off to a slow start after dealing with a lingering shoulder injury his rookie year. Fortunately, he managed to bounce back by leading the league in yards per kick return (27.4) while finishing second in yards per punt return (12.5) en route to All-Pro honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl. However, failed to mirror any type of impact on offense after registering just 11 receptions for 84 yards on 19 targets.
Cooper was a two-time first-team All-SEC team member as a wideout during his days at South Carolina. Unfortunately, he may have a rough time etching out a role for himself in the passing game with other capable wide receivers such as Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp on the roster.
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