Sep 18, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs with the ball after a catch as New York Jets safety Tony Adams (22) defends during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Wide receiver Amari Cooper has put together the two best seasons of his NFL career as a member of the Cleveland Browns. After reworking his deal to lock in the guarantees in 2024, Cooper reported to training camp on time after flirting with a holdout as he entered a contract year.
Contract aside, there is no doubting what Cooper has meant in Cleveland and what he has done for the Browns. In his first year with the team, Cooper racked up 1,160 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, but even more impressive is what he did a year ago while being asked to adjust to four different quarterbacks. Tallying a career-high in receiving yards, Cooper racked up 1,250 yards and five touchdowns in another Pro Bowl season in 2023.
While Cooper was given a 90 overall for his play a year ago with the Browns, this was only good enough to check in as the 11th highest-rated wide receiver in the game. Here are the ten wide receivers who are rated higher than Amari Cooper in the soon-to-be-released Madden 25.
1. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: 99 overall
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 19: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins runs onto the field during team introductions prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Hard Rock Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Bryan Cereijo/Getty Images)
Dec 6, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Luq Barcoo (36) at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
3. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys: 96 overall
Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
4. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: 95 overall
Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: 95 overall
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions carries a pass completion in the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Ford Field on October 30, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
6. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: 94 overall
Jan 7, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) misses a pass in the end zone against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
7. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: 93 overall
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) celebrates a touchdown catch in the second quarter during a Week 14 NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Nfl Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Dec 11 0227
8. Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans: 92 overall
Nov 20, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) is unable to complete a touchdown pass as Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) defends at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
9. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers: 91 overall
Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
10. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 91 overall
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
The Dodgers have been interested in Adames and even with Mookie Betts moving back to the infield, Adames would make sense in L.A. Other teams that could make a run at him include the Giants and Braves.
The tone is certainly different as this hot stove season commences considering L.A.'s campaign ended on the ultimate high note, but that’s not to say the Dodgers won’t be busy.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald kick off this monster episode by previewing the biggest matchups of an enticing Week 11 slate of NFL games by giving one (or two or three) things to watch in each. Later, Nate is joined by the Athletic's draft guru himself Dane Brugler to deep dive on the 2025 NFL Draft. The duo give strengths and weaknesses of the class and favorite players at each position before diving into their latest big boards and comparing key prospects to keep an eye on.
