Amari Cooper says SEC defensive backs are just as talented as NFL DBs
The SEC is undoubtedly one of the top two conferences in all of college football. With the likes of Alabama, LSU and Florida all considering themselves “DBU,” the league is particularly loaded with top defensive prospects each year.
Oakland Raiders wideout Amari Cooper knows what it’s like to play against those top defensive backs. He also knows what it’s like to face guys the caliber of Chris Harris Jr., Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters in the NFL. However, he doesn’t think the talent level is much different from the SEC to the NFL.
"Overall guys are better, but overall guys are smarter," Cooper said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "And that's the biggest thing: Guys are smarter. The talent level, to me, probably is about the same coming from the SEC. But they're smarter, so it makes them better."
There’s no arguing that the SEC has some of the most talented defensive backs in the country. But to say NFL secondaries aren’t more talented is shocking. Cooper carved up opposing defenses in college, and though he was outstanding as an NFL rookie, he wasn’t nearly as dominant.
One thing is for sure: Cooper knows the caliber of SEC defensive backs better than almost anyone. He’s looking to build off of 1,070-yard, six-touchdown season as a rookie.
