Report: Amari Cooper, Prized WR Prospect, Visiting Jets On Thursday
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Amari Cooper, one of the two top receiving prospects in the upcoming NFL draft, is scheduled to visit the New York Jets on Thursday, according to Newsday.
The Alabama wideout could fall to the Jets at No. 6, but he'd have to get past Oakland first. The Raiders are expected to take either Cooper or West Virginia wide receiver Kevin White with the fourth overall pick.
Cooper had 1,727 yards -- tops in the college football -- and 16 touchdowns on 124 catches last season for the Crimson Tide and showed significant big-play ability with three games over 200 yards.
The Jets have a suddenly dangerous receiving corps with five-time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall, acquired from Chicago last month, to go with Eric Decker and Jeremy Kerley. The 6-foot Cooper wouldn't be under pressure to be one of the top two options in his rookie year, though he would add depth and young legs to the veteran group.
Stanford tackle Andrus Peat will also be at the team's facility in Florham Park, N.J. on Thursday, Newsday reported. Peat is projected to either barely crack the top 10 or come off the board in the middle of the first round, according to NFL.com, meaning he could be an option of the Jets trade down.
Many believe the Jets won't be able to pass up Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota if the reigning Heisman winner is available at No. 6.
New York is also hosting former New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley, Newsday reported. The free agent was in town Wednesday and will stay "until Thursday," according to the newspaper.
The 26-year-old Ridley had 340 yards and two touchdowns in six games last year before a torn right knee ended his season. His best year came in 2012, when he ran for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Patriots, though his nine fumbles in limited action over four seasons remains a concern.
