Former Eastern Washington star Cooper Kupp makes NFL midseason all-rookie team

The NFL is learning what Eastern Washington football fans have known for years: that Cooper Kupp will rise to every occasion, at any level.

On Wednesday, the former Eagle All-American wide receiver was one of 11 players named to the Pro Football Focus midseason All-Rookie team.

Kupp, a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams and only the seventh wideout picked on April 28, has soared to the top of the rookie class.

The experts continue to be impressed with Kupp. This from ESPN writer Alden Gonzalez: “Has become (Jared) Goff’s security blanket on third down. He could end up leading rookie receivers in catches. Grade: Near perfection.”

Through eight games, Kupp has been one of the Rams’ biggest contributors, with 26 catches for 370 yards and three touchdowns.

And for Eagle fans who’ve seen his stiff-arm, it’s also no surprise that Kupp has 151 yards after the catch – the second-best mark for rookie receivers. Kupp also leads the league by forcing seven missed tackles.

Kupp has made an impact since the first week of the season, seeing 30 more more snaps in every game. He’s coming off a three-catch, 54-yard effort against the Giants.

In contrast, first-round picks Cory Davis (Tennessee), Mike Williams (San Diego) and John Ross (Washington), have combined for 123 receiving yards, though all have struggled with injuries.

Things have gone better for the trio of second-round picks, including Zay Jones of Buffalo (16 catches, 168 yards), Curtis Samuel (19 for 70) and Smith-Schuster (24 catches for 424 yards).

The All-Rookie team is determined through a film review process and comprehensive analysis on first-year players throughout the NFL.

Kupp was given an overall grade of 76.0 and was one of two rookie wide receivers on the list. The other is JuJu Smith-Schuster of Pittsburgh, who rated a 71.3.