Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch for a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Following picking up David Bailey and Kenyon Sadiq, the NY Jets decided to make a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for their third pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jets gave up their 33rd and their 179th overall pick to pick up San Francisco’s 30th overall pick, and the second-to-last pick in the first round. With their trade up, the Jets got their guy as they picked up star Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Cooper Jr. was one of the highest-rated wide receivers in the entire 2026 NFL Draft class. Behind just Makai Lemon, Cooper Jr. instantly gives the Jets a much-needed facelift at the wide receiver spot. The Jets made sure to get their guy. Here’s how Omar Cooper Jr. fits into the NY Jets offense.
Many projected the Jets to choose Cooper with their 16th overall pick. However, they ultimately went in a different direction, taking Oregon’s tight end, Kenyon Sadiq. It was a bit shocking when his name wasn’t called, and perhaps even more shocking when Sadiq’s name was. However, the Jets never took their eyes off the prize and did what they had to do to get another very impressive receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.
Cooper Jr. lines up primarily in the slot, but also has experience flexed out wide. This is primarily what he may be used for with New York, as Garrett Wilson has the slot spot locked down. He can be an explosive player, with a good initial burst and acceleration off the line of scrimmage. In zone coverage, he does a great job of finding soft spots in the defense. However, in man coverage, he plays off the leverage of defenders to create some separation, but he’s not always able to get out of breaks.
One of the best things about this pick, too, is that the Buffalo Bills, the Jets’ division rival, were gearing to get Omar Cooper Jr. with their 31st overall pick. When the Jets made the trade and took Cooper Jr., the Bills traded back with the Tennessee Titans, as they saw no reason to keep their spot in the first round with their guy now going to a division rival.
Darren Mougey likely knew that Buffalo had some major interest in adding a wide receiver, and pulled the trigger on the deal that would put the Jets just one spot ahead of their foe, and got the best available pass-catching prospect on the board.
The Jets got a much-needed addition to their wide receiver room. Cooper was linked ot the Jets throughout the pre-draft process, and ended up sliding just far enough for Darren Mougey to feel comfortable sending the No. 33 and No. 179 picks to San Francisco for the Hoosier’s services.
After adding Sadiq at No. 16, the Jets have immediately improved their weaponry heading into the 2026 NFL season for their new (returning) quarterback, Geno Smith, to work with. Cooper is coming off an insane year with the Hoosiers, who won the National Championship. He hauled in 69 receptions for a total of 937 yards and had 13 touchdowns to go with it. He was a major weapon at Indiana, and looks to be a major weapon in the NFL.
Cooper is a fantastic running mate for Garrett Wilson with his middle-of-the-field brilliance and his ability to make plays after hauling in some impressive catches. He did most of his work from the slot in 2025 after working more outside in 2024, showing a player with some good versatility. Let’s paint a picture of the player that the Jets landed with this pick.
Omar Cooper Jr. brings some great physicality to his game. This is a trait that was seen on the biggest play of his entire career, also the play that saved Indiana’s entire season. Indiana entered Week 10 of the 2025 college football season, 9-0, and the No. 2-ranked team in the country. They traveled to State College to take on their Big 10 rival Penn State. After taking a 20-7 second-half lead, they squandered it and found themselves down by three with just under two minutes to go in the ball game.
Eventual Heisman Trophy-winner, and No. 1 2026 NFL Draft pick, Fernando Mendoza threw the ball with 41 seconds left on a third-and-goal scenario, and took a shot at Cooper Jr. along the backline of the endzone. With star Penn State safety, Zakee Wheatley, in coverage, Cooper Jr. high-pointed the pass and toe-tapped, both feet, NFL-style, his way for a touchdown. Giving the Hoosiers the victory. That’s the player that the Jets landed.
Alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, the Jets are building a nice receiving corps. Adding in Kenyon Sadiq and Mason Taylor on tight ends, and a beautiful offensive line, this team has all the makings to be good in a year or two. However, we just have to survive one year with Geno Smith before the Jets can finally land their future quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. Here’s looking at you, Arch Manning.