Cooper Kupp spent half the season as Odell Beckham Jr.’s teammate, getting an up-close look at the former Pro Bowl receiver. The two made a great tandem for Matthew Stafford, helping the Rams reach and win the Super Bowl over the Bengals.
Beckham remains a free agent and while there’s mutual interest in a reunion, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Kupp saw the impact Beckham had on the offense and in an interview with Colin Cowherd, he described what Beckham does so well as a route runner to get open for his quarterback.
“His patience. At the top of the routes, his ability to – no matter what happens, if he loses his release – his ability to be patient enough and trust that the depth of his route and the timing in which he’s going to come open in the progression of wherever the play is,” Kupp said. “His ability to understand that and understand that the patience at the top of the route is going to allow him to win still is the biggest thing about Odell. He plays with such confidence and such patience. That’s the position. It is an art form because it’s not about just how fast you can run. It’s getting open at the right time, as well. Being in the right place at the right time. His ability to get to the top of routes and understanding how to use his eyes to manipulate guys and freezing guys. He did an incredible job at that.”
Beckham was a perfect complement to Kupp at wide receiver. They were both great after the catch, but while Kupp won mostly to the inside out of the slot, Beckham made big catches down the field when aligned on the outside.
The Rams added Allen Robinson as their No. 2 receiver this offseason, but there’s still room for Beckham’s explosiveness and leaping ability as the third option. If the Rams can find a way to make that trio happen, they shouldn’t pass up the opportunity.
