Cooper Kupp makes Eastern Washington proud in NFL debut

Last year was the first time I have ever watched more than one round of the NFL draft because I was waiting to hear Cooper Kupp’s name called. In the third round at the 69th pick overall, it finally happened when the Los Angeles Rams decided to make a wise choice and choose the superstar wide receiver out of Eastern Washington University.

In Kupp’s NFL debut in preseason, he scored the Ram’s first touchdown and scored another touchdown in the following game against the Oakland Raiders.

He didn’t stop in preseason either as he had another touchdown in the first regular season game versus the Indianapolis Colts, the one time I had him on my fantasy football bench may I add.

A few weeks ago, I was able to watch him on prime time NFL during Thursday Night Football versus the San Francisco 49ers. He might have only gotten me three fantasy football points, but there was a moment when I was happy to hear Chris Collinsworth’s voice – which is rare – when he said, “And there’s Cooper Kupp, a standout wide receiver from Eastern Washington making veteran moves.”

Even though the Rams’ have newcomer Sammy Watkins on the roster, Kupp has still made a name for himself on the team and it is incredible to watch it unfold. Less than a year ago the red turf’s crowd was chanting “Coooooop” from the stands and he is now making new stats in the NFL. But weren’t we all expecting that from the guy?

Most recently, he guided the Rams win at Dallas with a touchdown with 60 more yards and had two receptions at Jacksonville, to help the Rams extend their winning record. After playing in six games, the EWU graduate has 19 receptions for 275 yards. Not bad for a rookie.

Last year at this time, the LA Rams were one of the worst football teams in the league and finished with a 4-12 record. Now the team, which moved back to LA from St. Louis following the 2015 season, is a contender for the playoffs and already matched their wins from last year as they currently sit at 4-2 overall. The team is also leading the NFC West after last week’s results – yes they are even leading your beloved Seattle Seahawks.

Speaking of those Seahawks, even though Kupp wasn’t able to catch the game-winning ball against Seattle, the fact that the Rams went to him for the last minute score was huge in my eyes. Besides, I think it was the only throw to him like that the wide receiver hasn’t caught before.

And I do not think I am the only one thinking about Kupp this way as the Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson told him, “Rookie of the Year. That should be his goal in my mind. He’s from the Big Sky [Conference], I’m from the Big Sky. I knew coming in he had great route running.”

Even his teammates notice the strides that the rookie is taking.

After following Peyton Manning in the NFL after so many years, I had felt lost without cheering over a football player out there on the field. But ever since the Los Angeles Rams picked up Kupp, I have been so excited and proud to watch the star player out of Eastern Washington become successful in the professional league.

Grace Pohl can be reached at grace@cheneyfreepress.com.