*Each week leading up to the NFL Draft, Redskins.com will be bringing back its "Mock Madness," a compilation of what pundits and various media members believe the Redskins should/could do with their No. 5-overall pick. *
Here's an extended look into CBSSport's Will Brinson's latest mock draft pick selection:
While the Redskins may already have DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garçon at their disposal, if general manager Scot McCloughan has Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper at the top of the board by the time the No. 5-overall pick comes around, then CBSSports.com's Will Brinson believes he'll be the one for the burgundy and gold.
In his latest mock draft, Brinson writes that Cooper – who is considered one of the two best wide receivers in this year's draft, along with West Virginia's Kevin White – could fit into long-term plans for the Redskins.
"The idea of the Redskins grabbing a wideout with Jackson and Garcon already on the depth chart sounds crazy, but this is a best-available-player situation for McCloughan and he's got his pick of wideouts here," Brinson writes. "Look at his draft run in San Francisco: the 49ers took offensive players in the first round during 4/7 first-round picks from 2005 through 2009. If you're thinking about life post-Garcon, Cooper probably matches up best with Jackson, though there's no guarantee he'll be there forever either."
Cooper certainly isn't short of talent or experience.
The Miami native burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2012, recording 59 receptions for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Selected as a freshman All-American, Cooper broke Al Lary's record for most touchdowns in a season set in 1950.
His sophomore season was highlighted by a 99-yard touchdown – the longest play in Alabama history.
As a junior last year, Cooper recorded 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Check out these photos of Amari Cooper, a hard-working and big-play capable wide receiver from the University of Alabama.
NFL.com’s profile for Cooper writes that he not only has top speed, but "stays there at the top of his routes."
"Consistently able to get defenders leaning before breaking them off in the other direction," it continues. "Owned the post route. Play speed includes a second gear. Good feel for traffic on crossers and is able to adjust and avoid the big hit. Unafraid to work the middle and secures the tough catch in traffic. Sticks it and gets it out of breaks, creating instant separation. Not content to sit in zone as covered target. Works to make himself presentable to quarterback. Competes hard and makes big plays in big games. Worked outside and from slot and varies his route speed. Tracks the ball well and has burst to run under and finish for six. Caught absolutely everything during NFL Scouting combine workout," his profile reads.
As for a professional comparison, many believe Cooper could turn out to be like eight-time Pro Bowler Marvin Harrison.
A key member of one of the best offensive units in NFL history with the Indianapolis Colts, Harrison was the top receiving threat for Peyton Manning, recording more than 14,500 yards and 128 touchdowns – fifth-most all-time.
NFL.com Bottom Line:Won't dazzle with blazing speed or outrageous size, but is good in both categories. Complete receiver with game-changing ability to win downfield. Has the skill and twitch to be a consistent, high-volume target in the short and intermediate games with the ability to produce against any coverage. Cooper won't be able to run roughshod over NFL safeties like he did in college, but he should be able to help a passing game improve quickly.
RELATED LINKS:
-- Alabama Stars Participate In 2015 Pro Day
-- 2015 Mock Drafts: Kevin White To The Redskins?
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