Oct 18, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Amari Cooper (9) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The roster is changing in so many ways for the San Francisco 49ers, perhaps a clear indication that GM Trent Baalke had his own vision for the team, and it didn’t exactly mesh with former head coach Jim Harbaugh. Already he has remade the offense with the addition of speedy wide receiver Torrey Smith. However, the desires for the makeover go even further than that.
It makes perfect sense that the 49ers have eyes for Amari Cooper. He is probably the most polished wide receiver in the 2015 draft class. An instant plug-and-play starter with plenty of speed, polished route running and soft hands for making the big catches. The problem is there is almost no way he makes it out of the top 10, let alone to #15 where San Francisco currently sits. Hence the interest in moving up via NFL trade.
Colin Kaepernick seems to be their focus now. Getting the most from him has becom a priority and landing two deep threat in Smith and Cooper would allow the 49ers to properly utilize his powerful arm. It’s just a matter of finding the right trade partner who might entertain a deal.
Best Option: New York Jets
So why among all the top 10 teams are the New York Jets the best choice to discuss a trade up? Rumors have swirled for months they may have serious interest in moving down, especially if quarterback Marcus Mariota is selected before they go on the clock. They sit at #6 which isn’t too high to command a huge ransom of picks from the 49ers and also gets them in front of the Chicago Bears, a team reported to have heavy ties and interest in the Alabama star.
Realistically it may cost a future 1st round pick for San Francisco to get up high enough for Cooper, so they better be sure he is worth it.