The New York Jets’ draft strategy is beginning to take shape, but key uncertainties remain as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. While early projections have offered some clarity at the top, the situation later in the first round appears far less settled, with one rising name starting to draw attention.
Omar Cooper Jr. Emerging as Surprise Option for Jets at No. 16
According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, the Jets’ early first-round decision is narrowing, but their second pick is far more fluid. He wrote, “The choice at No. 16 is, obviously, more up in the air. The early expectation is that it will be a wide receiver… There has been growing buzz that Indiana’s Omar Cooper is a possibility.”
That uncertainty is largely tied to how the board unfolds. Rosenblatt noted that several receivers, including Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson, may already be gone by the time the Jets are on the clock.
If that scenario plays out, it could push the Jets toward alternative options, elevating Cooper into serious consideration.
Cooper’s profile supports that rising interest. As outlined in PFSN’s scouting report, he brings a blend of physicality and explosiveness that fits the mold of a modern three-level threat. At 6-foot-0 and 201 pounds, he operates with a low center of gravity and shows the ability to generate yards after the catch while also stretching defenses vertically.
The report highlights his versatility, noting his effectiveness both as a vertical target and a run-after-catch weapon. His contact balance and quickness allow him to navigate traffic, while his route-running flashes suggest untapped upside. However, there are still areas for improvement, including occasional drops and further refinement in the intermediate route tree.
Additional data from PFSN further reinforces his standing in this draft class. Cooper earned a PFSN grade of 86.87 and is ranked No. 42 overall on their board, including a WR6 positional ranking. His RAS score of 8.79 also points to strong overall athletic traits.
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From a projection standpoint, his average draft position sits at 33.7, with a wide pick range between 13 and 107, and he is most commonly projected as a second-round selection. Consensus rankings across outlets show a similar range of evaluation. He is ranked No. 24 by PFF, No. 23 by ESPN, No. 27 by The Athletic, and as high as No. 17 by CBS Sports, suggesting teams view him as a borderline first-round talent depending on team fit and draft flow.
Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, Cooper is already drawing tangible interest from teams, including a visit with the Dallas Cowboys. His production at Indiana backs up that attention. In 2025, he recorded 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, playing a key role in the Hoosiers’ CFP National Championship run. Across his college career, he totaled 115 catches, 1,798 yards, and 24 touchdowns in 42 games.
For the Jets, the connection is less about immediate need and more about opportunity. If the expected top receivers are unavailable, Cooper represents a fallback option with legitimate upside rather than a reach. His profile, supported by both scouting traits and analytical metrics, positions him as a viable late first-round consideration.
Ultimately, the “growing buzz” around Cooper reflects both his individual development and the unpredictable nature of the draft board. If circumstances break a certain way, the Indiana standout could find himself firmly in play when the Jets make their second first-round selection.
