Kupp passes Rice

[luckyintheorder]

Yes, there is always the risk of injury,

Hope he has insurance. Also, hope he isn't listening to anyone but his family. Lots of knowledge there.

Not sure any FCS receiver is a 1st or 2nd rounder unless they were a BCS guy that fell out who is 6'5" and 4.4 guy with mitts the size of tennis rackets. Kupp is certainly special and think he could outplay many 1st or 2nd rounders over the past ten years, but does he have those type of measurables?

Not sure Kupp has anything left to prove and unlike Ranger, don't think another year at Eastern is going to improve his draft status. There is LOTS of competition at WR this coming draft and next... Guess it comes down to his goals and were he thinks Eastern can be as a team next season.

Couple of draft type sites, there are probably better ones; share if you have them.

http://www.draftnikcentral.com/draft-prospects/player-profile/?player_id=3175

http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/widereceiverrankings-2016nfldraft.html

Disagree, and here's why: It's really less to do with what he can accomplish playing another year of college ball, and more about the competitive nature of this year's draft class. This year is going to be a VERY competitive draft class for WR's. If nothing else, waiting another year puts him in a better position in the 2016 draft class. Playing another year of college ball certainy won't hurt, but coming out a year early could.

Ranger, I mentioned there was a lot of competition. Plenty next year too. In the end, it is about Kupp's goals. He would get an invite to the NFL combine this coming year. He's already earned that and his grandfather and dad being ex-NFL almost ensures a look. That is where his draft status will be decided, not on the FCS gridiron. Will miss him.

 

[eaglesfootball]

i agree that he most likely will declare, but for his sake I hope he does not.

 

[clawman1]

Steve Largent-
In 1974 at Tulsa, he had 884 yards receiving and 14 TD catches. In 1975, he had 51 catches for 1,000 yards and 14 TD catches.

Despite an All-American career at the University of Tulsa, Largent was not selected until the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers (117th pick). After four preseason games, he was slated to be cut, but was instead traded to the expansion Seattle Seahawks for a 1977 eighth-round pick.

Largent spent thirteen years with the Seahawks, and, while not particularly fast, was extremely sure-handed. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl seven times.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Largent" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[luckyintheorder]

Steve Largent-
In 1974 at Tulsa, he had 884 yards receiving and 14 TD catches. In 1975, he had 51 catches for 1,000 yards and 14 TD catches.

Despite an All-American career at the University of Tulsa, Largent was not selected until the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers (117th pick). After four preseason games, he was slated to be cut, but was instead traded to the expansion Seattle Seahawks for a 1977 eighth-round pick.

Largent spent thirteen years with the Seahawks, and, while not particularly fast, was extremely sure-handed. He was selected to the NFL Pro Bowl seven times.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Largent" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I too was thinking of Kupp in terms of Largent; smart player who ran great routes and created space. Don't give any more away, recorded A Football Life Steve Largent last night and haven't seen it yet. Loved the early days Seahawks with Patera, Zorn, Herrera, Doornick, Largent et. al.

 

[luckyintheorder]

i agree that he most likely will declare, but for his sake I hope he does not.

Life changes affect these decisions. Kupp is married now, VA had a child. These are compelling events. Will enjoy watching Kupp in the NFL when that day comes.

 

[Obzerver]

Kupp reminds me of Marc Mariani for the Chicago Bears. The six year NFL vet is listed as a WR but mainly handles kick returns. He's 6'1 187lber from Montana where he was an All-American and was drafted in the 7th round. Not sure how Kupp's WR skill set fits the NFL where defenses rule (low scoring compared to college) but Kupp also has those kick return skills and could be a special team standout. I'm confident he'll be playing on Sunday's and can't wait to see him shine!

 

[eaglemachine]

I can't wait to see him on Sundays, too. I just hope it's after next year.

 

[Screamin_Eagle174]

Kupp reminds me of Marc Mariani for the Chicago Bears. The six year NFL vet is listed as a WR but mainly handles kick returns. He's 6'1 187lber from Montana where he was an All-American and was drafted in the 7th round. Not sure how Kupp's WR skill set fits the NFL where defenses rule (low scoring compared to college) but Kupp also has those kick return skills and could be a special team standout. I'm confident he'll be playing on Sunday's and can't wait to see him shine!

Huh? Yeah, NFL scores are lower, but that's more due to how popular spread offenses have become in college. But the rules in the NFL definitely benefit the offense, and it's still ruled by offenses, unless you have an elite defense like Seattle's.

 

[EWURanger]

Kupp is now second overall in FCS with 52 TD's, passing Jerry Rice (50), and 6 behind David Ball. He's now 14th overall with 281 receptions and fourth in yardage with 4,338, 7 games into his Junior Season.

 

[JPN17]

I believe that Kupp will declare after this season and FWIW, I believe it will be the correct decision. He has nothing left to prove at the college level and IMO is ready for the NFL. Just one guy's opinion.

 

[kalm]

I imagine some of you have followed SmallcollegeFBFan on AGS and have seen this thread. For those who haven't he's an NFL scout and also does some outstanding work evaluating FCS national awards races. He is well connected in the league and knows his shit.

Very complimentary of our coaching staff and he definitely thinks Kupp should stay one more year at Eastern unless he grades out as a 2nd rounder or higher.

I'm hearing Kupp is thinking 2nd round. I did not say he would go 2nd round. I would project mid 3rd to early 4th round right now. I don't think any underclassmen should declare unless they get a 2nd round grade or better.

If Kupp doesn't want to play FCS anymore what he should do is graduate and then transfer up like Vernon Adams did. If he went to the Pac-12 and had an All-Pac 12 season and went to the Senior Bowl he could probably put himself in the first round instead of settling for a 50-100 range selection.

After seeing what he did week one, I think he would be very good in the Pac-12.

He does need to think hard. Things have not worked out as well for previous EWU players who left as people expected. I think he is the best between Jones and Kaufman but he still needs to return to college. EWU has a great staff and they can prepare him for the NFL. These players who aren't making it who declared early stopped listening to their coaches and their careers went down the tank. I know EWU coaches are telling Kupp to stay. They could truly help him.

They have had two players declare early. One did not get drafted and did not make it. The other went 4th round instead of 2nd like agents were telling him. He is still playing but just a role player. Both players could have benefited from returning.

The coaches sincerely care about him making the right decision as well. Any coach will tell a player if you are going to be a top 50 pick go ahead and get the money. My argument against Kupp going is that while I think he is the most ready of any they have had I know the history there and if he does not make it or struggles then will you pay for his degree? If he has his degree and would go in the 2nd round then yes but Kupp has simply decided already from what I'm hearing and he has not even gone to the advisory board. I hope that whatever the grade given by the NFL he will go with that and not what the draft websites and agents tell him. If they tell him 2nd round and he has his degree then I'm 100% behind him going. If he does not have his degree and he is told 4th round, then he needs to stay and push himself into the 2nd round next year.

If players were treated poorly then I would be all in with you about paying Kupp and all that but he is not treated poorly. He has great facilities, is fed, goes to school for free, and has essentially been interviewing for NFL jobs for 3 years to allow himself the chance to make it. As long as he has his degree and will go in the 2nd round then I'm all for him leaving.

The issue is that he still has the combine and if he runs badly then he loses a lot. There is a gamble either way. Just remember that a NFL career lasts around 4 years while that degree will last forever.

 

[luckyintheorder]

I imagine some of you have followed SmallcollegeFBFan on AGS and have seen this thread. For those who haven't he's an NFL scout and also does some outstanding work evaluating FCS national awards races. He is well connected in the league and knows his shit.

Very complimentary of our coaching staff and he definitely thinks Kupp should stay one more year at Eastern unless he grades out as a 2nd rounder or higher.

I'm hearing Kupp is thinking 2nd round. I did not say he would go 2nd round. I would project mid 3rd to early 4th round right now. I don't think any underclassmen should declare unless they get a 2nd round grade or better.

If Kupp doesn't want to play FCS anymore what he should do is graduate and then transfer up like Vernon Adams did. If he went to the Pac-12 and had an All-Pac 12 season and went to the Senior Bowl he could probably put himself in the first round instead of settling for a 50-100 range selection.

After seeing what he did week one, I think he would be very good in the Pac-12.

He does need to think hard. Things have not worked out as well for previous EWU players who left as people expected. I think he is the best between Jones and Kaufman but he still needs to return to college. EWU has a great staff and they can prepare him for the NFL. These players who aren't making it who declared early stopped listening to their coaches and their careers went down the tank. I know EWU coaches are telling Kupp to stay. They could truly help him.

They have had two players declare early. One did not get drafted and did not make it. The other went 4th round instead of 2nd like agents were telling him. He is still playing but just a role player. Both players could have benefited from returning.

The coaches sincerely care about him making the right decision as well. Any coach will tell a player if you are going to be a top 50 pick go ahead and get the money. My argument against Kupp going is that while I think he is the most ready of any they have had I know the history there and if he does not make it or struggles then will you pay for his degree? If he has his degree and would go in the 2nd round then yes but Kupp has simply decided already from what I'm hearing and he has not even gone to the advisory board. I hope that whatever the grade given by the NFL he will go with that and not what the draft websites and agents tell him. If they tell him 2nd round and he has his degree then I'm 100% behind him going. If he does not have his degree and he is told 4th round, then he needs to stay and push himself into the 2nd round next year.

If players were treated poorly then I would be all in with you about paying Kupp and all that but he is not treated poorly. He has great facilities, is fed, goes to school for free, and has essentially been interviewing for NFL jobs for 3 years to allow himself the chance to make it. As long as he has his degree and will go in the 2nd round then I'm all for him leaving.

The issue is that he still has the combine and if he runs badly then he loses a lot. There is a gamble either way. Just remember that a NFL career lasts around 4 years while that degree will last forever.

Interesting take, not sure you can apply BCS Round 2 underclassmen criteria to this situation. Is there really a lot left for Kupp learn? Sounds like this expert leans towards "nothing left to prove at the FCS level" by advocating a move up to BCS (no Mike Leach please). Don't have any insight into Kupp's state of mind but believe he will do everything possible to get good information before making a decision. Someone in the NFL is going to get a GREAT 2nd through 4th rounder regardless of when he decides it time.

 

[LDopaPDX]

Interesting note from the press release today:

"Kupp continues to lead FCS in receiving touchdowns (15), receiving yards (1,216), receiving yards per game (173.7), receptions (84) and receptions per game (14.5), and is second in scoring (13.7 per game). His numbers are so extreme he is 21 catches, 344 yards and five TDs ahead of the next-highest marks in FCS."