The New York Jets have four top-50 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft this month, including a pair of selections in each of the first two rounds. While there are a myriad of needs to be addressed, there is one name to monitor closely for one of those four selections.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Jordan Reed reported this week that the Jets are "extremely high" on Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. In the eyes of the organization, he is an "ideal" No. 2 receiver to share the field with standout weapon Garrett Wilson.
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Cooper, who won't turn 23 until December, is an Indianapolis native who spent his entire collegiate career with the Hoosiers. After averaging 21.2 yards per reception as a junior, he posted personal bests in receptions (69), receiving yards (937), and touchdowns (13) last season.
With his 6-foot height, he has been compared to former All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. While Cooper's struggles with contested catches and his specific skill set may keep him in the slot, he is viewed as an excellent playmaker with the football in his hands.
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If New York doesn't take Cooper at 16th overall it would be a real gamble for them. He is one of the most sought-after players for pre-draft visits, with the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans all bringing him in for top-30 visits this month.
There is a possibility that the Jets could package the 33rd overall selection with either their fourth-round selection (103rd or 140th overall) to move up late in Round 1 to land Cooper. This would allow the club to come out of the first round with three starting players, including a No. 2 receiver for Aaron Glenn and potentially two impact guards.
