The Cleveland Browns are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with several roster questions still unresolved, and chief among them is the uncertainty about who will be their starting field general. But the issues don’t stop there.
The team’s lack of reliable pass-catchers has also become a major talking point after a disappointing 5–12 campaign. With limited proven weapons on the outside, Cleveland is widely expected to target offensive help early. One prospect, in particular, is now gaining traction as a potential first-round solution.
Browns Are Projected to Land Omar Cooper Jr. to Address WR Need
In his latest mock draft, PFSN analyst Ryan Guthrie projected the Browns to select Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. with the 24th overall pick, acquired via the Jacksonville Jaguars. Guthrie highlighted how Cooper’s rise throughout the season has put him firmly in Round 1 consideration.
“Scouts have been tracking Omar Cooper Jr. since midseason, and he’s done nothing but build momentum after getting more run as the go-to target after Elijah Sarratt went down. He finished the year strong and is now widely regarded as the top receiver coming out of Indiana,” Guthrie wrote.
The context behind that statement reflects Cooper’s increased role late in the college season. He stepped into a primary receiving role and consistently delivered, boosting both his production and draft stock.
Guthrie also emphasized why Cleveland could be an ideal fit for the rising receiver, particularly given the team’s current offensive limitations.
“For the Cleveland Browns, this is about adding another reliable weapon to the offense that desperately needs it,” he noted. “No matter how things shake out at quarterback, they need more consistency and physicality at receiver. Cooper brings that. He’s a strong, controlled route runner who handles contact well and stays on time. His athleticism surprised some, running a 4.42 40-yard dash that all but confirmed his Round-1 status.”
This evaluation underscores the Browns’ need for reliability at wide receiver, especially amid uncertainty surrounding their QB situation. Whether it’s Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson under center, the offense requires targets who can create separation and handle physical coverage.
Guthrie further explained how Cooper could complement Cleveland’s current roster, particularly alongside Jerry Jeudy.
“Dropping him into a group alongside Jerry Jeudy would give Cleveland a solid one-two combination,” he added. “They win in different ways, but they complement each other and give the offense a better chance to stay balanced and efficient.”
BE AN NFL GM: PFSN’s Ultimate GM Simulator
From a big-picture perspective, Cooper is already viewed as a top-tier prospect. According to the PFSN Consensus Big Board, he holds an 86.87 grade and ranks No. 29 overall. That projection places him firmly in Round 1 territory and aligns with his growing momentum leading into draft night.
His on-field production further supports that status, and according to PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Metrics, Cooper posted an 83.0 WR Impact Score, ranking 10th among receivers, while earning a B- grade for the 2025 season.
Across 16 games last season, he had 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns as well. He has recorded 24 touchdowns in 42 games across his four-year career in college football.
Scouting evaluations also point to his versatility and technical polish. “Omar Cooper Jr. is one half of Indiana’s dynamic duo at WR, and like his teammate Elijah Sarratt, it’s entirely possible he’s off the board within the Top 100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft,” PFSN’s scouting report on him pointed out.
“He can extend seams as a RAC threat with his range and contact balance, and he has the quickness and prying strength to work through adjacent contact — but he also flashes great salesmanship and tempo control as a route runner,” the report noted.
These traits make him an appealing option for teams looking to upgrade their passing attack with a reliable and adaptable receiver.
With nine total picks, including the sixth overall selection, Cleveland has the flexibility to address multiple needs. However, adding a dependable WR could be essential to unlocking the offense’s full potential.
