BEREA, Ohio -- When Josh Cooper returns for Browns training camp next month, the rookie receiver will be staying with quarterback Brandon Weeden and his wife, Melanie. 
The arrangement between old Oklahoma State teammates is temporary, but Cooper admits to feeling a bit like the Owen Wilson character in "You, Me and Dupree."
"I'm definitely the Dupree in the equation," Cooper said in reference to lodging with a married couple. The undrafted free agent isn't worried about crashing on somebody's basement futon. He's just trying to find a home on the Browns' roster.
The slot receiver from Mustang, Okla., lacks the size and NFL experience other competitors enjoy. Cooper does, however, hold one advantage: a familiarity with the Browns' presumptive starting quarterback. He was Weeden's second-favorite target at Oklahoma State behind Justin Blackmon, making 161 catches for 1,696 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The duo's chemistry, as well as Cooper's ability to catch the ball, have been evident during the minicamp and organized team activities. The coaching staff will get a more accurate evaluation of the 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver when the Browns don pads and the defense can begin applying punishing hits.
Cooper is used to having to prove his durability and nerve while running routes in high-traffic areas infested with linebackers.
"You have to be tough in the slot," Cooper said. "I've always prided myself on being a hard-nosed player and that's what I will try to do here."
Every NFL organization trolls the late rounds and free agency looking for the next Wes Welker, the undersized, undrafted possession receiver who has flourished in New England. Cooper, who grew up near Welker's hometown of Oklahoma City, doesn't pattern his game after any specific player, he said.
Browns coach Pat Shurmur seems to appreciate Cooper's football acumen, route running and ability to maximize his talents. The 23-year-old has seldom dropped a pass in drills.
"I'm very impressed with what I've seen from him," Shurmur said. "I think he generally gets it. He understands how to uncover in the slot area. There is something to that because you are surrounded by lots of guys, and to understand leverage and how to get open is a skill."
During the draft's final round, the Browns asked Cooper's future landlord to help recruit him should the receiver not get selected. Cooper said he didn't need much convincing.
The Browns aren't the only team outfitting their rookie quarterback with a pass-catching security blanket from college. The Indianapolis Colts, who selected Andrew Luck with the first pick, drafted Stanford tight end Coby Fleener and signed receiver Griff Whalen.
Even in drills, observers can see Weeden knows where to find Cooper and where to place passes. But the receiver knows his friendship and association with Weeden means little as the club whittles its roster.
"It's a business," Cooper said. "I am not here because of him. I have to come out here and prove myself every day."
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2012/06/rookie_wr_josh_cooper_looking.html
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