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Bleeding Green Nation fantasy football takes on Darius Cooper
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Bleeding Green Nation about Darius Cooper.
50
Insights
39
Positive
4
Negative
Insight ledger
All Bleeding Green Nation insights about Darius Cooper
PositiveRoleAug 26, 2026
Cooper had a couple nice catches during the public practice and is more ready to contribute early in the season than Lemon is at this moment in time. Zack Baun argues that if the Eagles had to play a game today, Cooper is one of the Eagles' best three receivers. However, Cooper also had a bad drop and there was a rep where it didn't look like he was on the same page as McKee. Cooper is in the running to be the Eagles' punt returner and took reps in that role.PositiveRoleAug 24, 2026
Hurts connected with Cooper over the middle. They have a nice chemistry. Good things happen when the Eagles throw the ball to DC.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Cooper is featured in the Eagles' new offensive scheme through C-gap insert concepts, running deep routes through the C-gap on the first offensive snap. He finished with three receptions for 44 yards on four targets, demonstrating strong athleticism and route-running ability. His movement skills stood out in space, making linebackers miss and turning easy throws into larger gains. Cooper runs sharp routes, plucks the ball cleanly away from his frame to avoid hits, and shows the awareness and athleticism to separate and finish catches against better competition—traits that fit Mannion's emphasis on attacking the middle of the field.PositiveUsageAug 24, 2026
Cooper was the Eagles' top graded offensive player by Pro Football Focus standards. He caught three of his four targets (the only missed connection was a Dalton overthrow) for 44 yards. The source notes it was good to see the Eagles only used him for 18 snaps before resting him, as he previously played 29 snaps (66%) in the first preseason game. The source emphasizes there's no need to further expose him to injury in the preseason; it's clear he's good and deserves a role in the offense.NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
Cooper was the primary target for Andy Dalton in preseason action, receiving completions of 25 yards on a 2nd-and-7 and 13 yards on a 4th-and-1 during the Eagles' first touchdown drive against New England. All of Dalton's completions in the Patriots game went to Cooper, indicating he was Dalton's safety valve in the passing game.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Receiver looked good, redeeming himself after a bad start last week; had team-high three catches for 44 yards by halftime and was the only receiver Andy Dalton connected with on Dalton's 10 passes; made a 13-yard reception on fourth-and-one coming across the middle at the New England 27 that led to the Eagles' first score.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Cooper had an impressive performance, turning a short catch into a 25-yard gain by fighting through contact and avoiding defenders after the catch. He also got open for a first down with the Eagles going for it on 4th-and-1, demonstrating good route running and playmaking ability.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Wide receiver competing for the Eagles' open WR3 spot with Makai Lemon. In the first preseason game against the Ravens, Cooper had 2 catches on 5 targets for 21 yards. The source questions whether he can improve on that performance and convince the Eagles' staff to start him Week 1, or if Lemon will claim the spot at the tail end of camp.PositiveUsageAug 20, 2026
Cooper caught a successful two-point conversion from Jalen Hurts, who rolled right and floated the ball back left with nice touch to get it over a defender. The source describes Cooper as 'automatic' and notes he 'did a nice job of uncovering' on the play.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
Cooper had a nice release to get open for a short catch and also caught a deep pass from Hurts along the left sideline for first down yardage, demonstrating his ability to create separation and make plays.PositiveBreakoutAug 19, 2026
Cooper has had an outstanding camp and is close to a lock for the final roster, having significantly out-played Hollywood Brown and Elijah Moore despite being on a minimum-wage deal with no guarantees. The source notes Cooper 'has had an outstanding camp and I feel like he's close to a lock' and that 'with Lemon sidelined the last two weeks, Cooper and Moore in particular have had strong camps and both deserve to be on the roster.' However, he could use a good showing against the Patriots after being 'up and down vs the Ravens' in the preseason opener.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Wide receiver Darius Cooper was hit by Jalen Hurts over the middle with good timing on the first rep of 7-on-7, showing early positive involvement in the offense.NegativeUsageAug 17, 2026
Darius Cooper led the Eagles in receiving with 21 yards and played a lot in the preseason game despite the source's expectation that the team would preserve him given they've already seen enough to believe he deserves playing time. He dropped a would-be first down conversion.NegativeUsageAug 16, 2026
WR Darius Cooper led the Eagles with 2 catches for 21 yards in the preseason game, with the longest reception being 13 yards. However, he also had a pass from Andy Dalton go through his hands in the first quarter, indicating some inconsistency in execution.NegativeUsageAug 16, 2026
Cooper dropped a pass that led to the Eagles having a third straight three-and-out. Later, he caught a McKee pass over the middle for the Eagles' first first down of the night, but also had a pass sailed over his head by McKee on 3rd-and-8 for another three-and-out.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Cooper is an unproven receiver in the Eagles' new receiver corps who needs preseason action to develop chemistry and trust with Jalen Hurts; the source argues that giving Hurts preseason time to gain trust in Cooper is 'a risk worth taking' given the volume of changes in the offense and the absence of first-round pick Makai Lemon due to hamstring injury.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Head coach Nick Sirianni highlighted Darius Cooper's strong camp performance, emphasizing his consistency on a daily basis and elite hands. Sirianni noted Cooper has made really good catches and is tough, expressing satisfaction with his progress: "He's done a good job being consistent on a daily basis. And he makes some really good catches, really elite hands, and we know he's tough and things that he can do. But I've been pleased with where he is." Sirianni acknowledged it's still early in the roster evaluation at wide receiver but Cooper's camp performance has been notable.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Cooper has had a great camp and is getting post-practice media availability at the podium, as opposed to the off-camera 'mixed zone' area typically reserved for non-big name players, suggesting elevated status. However, he wasn't getting as much first-team run today with Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore mostly ahead of him. Nick Sirianni grouped Cooper with Johnny Wilson as 'dirty work' role guys back in June, but when asked if Cooper has earned playing time on offense after his standout summer, the implication is that he may be earning more opportunities.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
WR Darius Cooper has had a strong summer and leapfrogged rookie Makai Lemon on the depth chart. Cooper has made the most of extra reps, developed chemistry with Jalen Hurts, grown comfortable in the new offense, earned coach trust, and made consistent plays. The source notes he hasn't missed a rep and suggests he is now ahead in the WR rotation.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Darius Cooper had a strong summer in camp and is in consideration for starting wide receiver reps alongside Elijah Moore, potentially ahead of Makai Lemon. Additionally, Cooper was notably getting reps as a kick returner on Tuesday.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Defensive end Darius Cooper began training camp on the roster bubble but has played his way into consideration for a starting job, earning 14 votes in the Eagles' training camp player stock up/stock down media poll—running away with the vote.PositiveBreakoutAug 11, 2026
Cooper had a standout day in 1-on-1 drills: he beat Kelee Ringo on a completion, beat Woolen on an out route, and made a good catch with his hands extended away from his body to pluck the ball in the air and beat Ambry Thomas. Hurts was asked about how good Cooper can eventually be and said that Cooper is pretty good already.PositiveBreakoutAug 11, 2026
Training camp standout drawing strong evaluations; described as undeniable in practice notes, signaling potential emergence as a contributor.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Cooper, an undrafted player with only nine total catches last year, has shown the ability to run himself open and make contested catches with impressive ball tracking and adjustment skills. Coach Nick Sirianni explained that Cooper "graduates" from his "dirty work" receiver role through trust and consistently doing what he's supposed to do, noting he's won on third down in training camp. The source says if you didn't know the context of Cooper being undrafted with minimal prior production, you'd think he's one of the top receivers on the team. Sirianni recommends not playing Cooper much—if at all—in the preseason, as he should be a real part of the offense this season.PositiveBreakoutAug 11, 2026
Cooper was impossible not to notice during training camp drills; the source kept writing his name down repeatedly and believes he might have set a new franchise record for most catches by an Eagles player during team drills in a single practice. He made back-to-back good receptions in 7-on-7, got open on an out route to beat Riq Woolen in 11-on-11, made an over-the-shoulder grab down the right sideline with Michael Carter II and Zack Baun trailing, and made a good adjustment going to the ground to catch an off-target throw from Hurts. The source states: "good things happen when the Eagles throw the ball to Cooper." Based on merit, the source argues Cooper is a top three receiver on the roster right now and has either outshined or is close to outshining Dontayvion Wicks, the current WR2. Hurts clearly trusts him, shouting him out without being prompted.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Cooper was dominant in team drills, catching the ball repeatedly in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods; made back-to-back good receptions in 7-on-7, got open on an out route to beat Riq Woolen, made an over-the-shoulder grab down the right sideline with both Michael Carter II and Zack Baun trailing, and made a good adjustment while going to the ground to catch an off-target throw from Hurts. Uar Bernard noted Cooper may have set a franchise record for most catches by an Eagles player during team drills in a single practice. Bernard assessed that based on merit, Cooper is a top three receiver on the roster right now and has pretty much outshined Dontayvion Wicks (currently considered WR2). Hurts clearly trusts him, as evidenced by the quarterback shouting him out without being prompted. Bernard's recommendation: the Eagles shouldn't play Cooper much—if at all—in the preseason; he should be a real part of the offense this season.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
WR Darius Cooper has done a great job in training camp according to OC Sean Mannion. Cooper unfortunately missed time in the spring due to injury, but has done a lot of nice things now that he's back out on the field. The team loves Cooper's skillset and are excited about the different attributes he brings to the wide receiver group.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
The source is bullish on Cooper, stating he does something every day to jump out and expects him to make the 53-man roster. Cooper showed enough flashes last year to make the team as an undrafted rookie with nine catches (most by an undrafted Eagles WR since Hank Baskett's 22 in 2006), and looks better this year with a year under his belt. He's made routine catches and three of the most spectacular catches of the summer. He's competing with Johnny Wilson for one spot and has caught the ball better than Wilson.PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
Cooper makes plays every day and has already done enough to make the roster; the question is whether he will actually get playing time, but he deserves it.PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
The Eagles receiver made the catch of the day during training camp, planting both feet on the ground and making a catch while falling to the sideline. The source states 'He is clearly going to make the team, and I'm beginning to wonder if he might be the WR3,' indicating Cooper is not only roster-safe but potentially in line for significant receiving role.PositiveRoleAug 9, 2026
Was ruled out of bounds by the side judge on a rep where he made a toe-tapping catch along the left sideline but the observer thinks instant replay may have overturned that one. Catch or not, it was a great effort and just another example of Cooper flashing in a good way. He makes plays in every practice.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
Cooper has been the third-best Eagles WR on the team throughout camp, indicating a competitive position battle and meaningful role development during the 2026 training camp evaluation period.PositiveDepth ChartAug 8, 2026
Cooper has been the third-best receiver on the team throughout camp with a sizeable gap between him and whoever is fourth; the source bumped him from bubble to lock status for the 53-man roster. He's putting together a standout training camp for the second consecutive year and is pushing his way into potential playing time at wide receiver. Jalen Hurts name-checked him without prompting during an NFL Network interview, which the source notes should not be dismissed given Hurts' intentionality with what and who he discusses. Cooper makes contested catches, adjusts to the ball, and had a strong rep against All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. The source would put Cooper over Johnny Wilson as the "dirty work" receiver and compares his trajectory to Victor Cruz's Year 2 reconfiguration from longshot to offensive piece.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Cooper continues to shine in camp; Tanner McKee had multiple good connections with Cooper, including a nice pass over the middle and another with timing and anticipation on a pass along the left sideline; Hurts also ripped the ball over the middle to Cooper in a tight window on one of his flashiest completions.PositiveBreakoutAug 7, 2026
Jalen Hurts praised Darius Cooper unprompted during training camp, signaling the quarterback's confidence in the receiver and suggesting positive performance or rapport that caught Hurts' attention without solicitation.NegativeRoleAug 7, 2026
Cooper is competing for a roster spot in the absence of Smith and Lemon, who have missed practice time with hamstring injuries. The FCS product from Tarleton State (where he became the school's all-time receiving leader with 3,185 yards in five years) takes pride in blocking on the perimeter and special teams work. He expressed understanding that his coaches will require those responsibilities if he wants a spot on the team. Cooper became the 12th player from Tarleton State to make an NFL active roster and the first since E.J. Speed entered the league in 2019.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Cooper has done a really good job in Year 2, according to Jalen Hurts, who praised him unprompted as a big body, physical, strong hands guy who has transitioned well. He rotates in with the first-team offense and gets a lot of looks that result in good outcomes. The source would be surprised if the Eagles make him a top-three receiver but believes he's building a compelling case to be more involved than he was as a rookie.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Jalen Hurts praised Darius Cooper unprompted during Eagles training camp, signaling confidence in the player's development and potential role in the offense.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
Jalen Hurts unprompted praised Cooper's transition into Year 2, highlighting his physical tools as a big body with strong hands; Hurts expressed excitement about Cooper's development, suggesting he has emerged as a meaningful contributor in the receiver room alongside DeVonta Smith and other veterans.PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026
Cooper was nearly on the receiving end of a deep touchdown from Hurts in 11-on-11 drills; the second-year wide receiver couldn't secure the ball that hit him in the hands as he was going to the ground, but Hurts placed the ball well to give Cooper a chance for the score. Hurts singled out Cooper when asked about the Eagles' wide receiver room, indicating positive regard for the young receiver.PositiveProjectionAug 4, 2026
Cooper continues to make plays in practice. He caught a one-handed toe-tapping touchdown snag along the back of the end zone with DeJean in coverage on a play where Andy Dalton was the quarterback. The source also notes he was overthrown on a deep attempt by Tanner McKee where he had a step on his defender.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Cooper caught everything thrown his way during Monday's practice, including multiple completions over the middle from Jalen Hurts and a diving grab on a Hurts throw over the middle.PositiveDepth ChartAug 3, 2026
Darius Cooper is competing with Johnny Wilson for a role that offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni described as doing the 'dirty work.' Cooper currently has the edge in that competition for the sixth wide receiver spot on the Eagles' 53-man roster projection.PositiveSleeperAug 1, 2026
Last year's unexpected summer standout continues to make catches in camp and has seen a decent share of first-team reps. His most impressive snag came on a play where Jalen Hurts placed the ball high but Cooper caught it above his head. He is receiving notably more first-team reps than Johnny Wilson, which is significant since both were grouped together competing for a 'dirty work' role.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
Darius Cooper, an undrafted wide receiver low on the Eagles' depth chart after the team added four new receivers this offseason, made impressive catches during Wednesday's training camp practice to stand out in limited reps. Most notably, Cooper made a diving snag of a Jalen Hurts pass down the middle of the field and held onto the ball after landing hard. These types of plays are what helped Cooper make the team last year, but the WR room is significantly deeper this year, making roster retention difficult. However, if Cooper continues making plays like this, especially in preseason games, he will force the Eagles to make a difficult roster decision.PositiveUsageJul 29, 2026
Cooper was the recipient of the highlight play of practice—a diving catch on an anticipatory throw from Hurts over the middle against tight coverage. The source notes it was quiet for Cooper in the spring but that he comes alive in the summer, just as he did last year.NegativeDepth ChartJul 29, 2026
Cooper is behind Wilson for the 'dirty work' wide receiver role; the source thinks he might make sense as a trade candidate for more depth at a different position, though he came alive last summer and could do it again.NegativeDepth ChartJul 28, 2026
Cooper, an undrafted rookie WR out of Tarleton State, made the 53-man roster and appeared in 13 games with 9 receptions for 92 yards on 11 targets, playing a 'dirty work' role after Johnny Wilson's injury. However, the Eagles have significantly upgraded their receiver depth with first-round pick Makai Lemon, trade acquisition Dontayvion Wicks, and free agent Hollywood Brown, plus Wilson's return. Cooper is now among trade candidates heading into training camp, with Makai Lemon noting he could make more sense for a non-contending team willing to develop a young prospect.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Darius Cooper, an undrafted free agent from Tarleton State, was one of the great stories at last year's training camp, impressing all summer to earn a roster spot. Despite a shoulder injury, Cooper still played in 13 games with 9 catches for 92 yards. However, the WR room is crowded this year and Cooper is fighting for a spot on the roster bubble.PositiveBreakoutJul 22, 2026
Darius Cooper is identified as having a chance to be pretty good as a receiver option for the Eagles in 2026, suggesting potential breakout upside.