Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. could join exclusive company in the 2026 NFL Draft. After a groundswell of national buzz and with the NFL Combine beginning this week, Cooper could vault into a first-round selection with a strong pre-draft performance and interviews.
Cooper, who announced he's forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, would become only the second Indiana wide receiver ever to be draft in the first round. Former IU receiver Thomas Lewis was the first to achieve the feat in 1994 when the New York Giants selected Lewis with the 24th overall pick. Now, Cooper has a chance to join Lewis over three decades later.
According to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, Cooper is quickly rising up draft boards as more front-office executives evaluate the 6-foot, 204-pounder. Cooper's versatility and experience as an outside receiver and slot receiver, along with high-end playmaking skills, have intrigued several NFL teams. Jeremiah's latest prospect rankings tabs Cooper as the No. 19 overall draft prospect.
"Cooper is one of my favorite players to study in this year's draft," wrote Jeremiah. "He's strong, reliable and explosive. He uses his lower-body strength to run through press coverage and he's a loose/fluid route runner. He plays without fear in the middle of the field, making combat catches look easy. He can really pluck the ball and stays grounded through the catch on crossers.
"Also, he can elevate and play above the rim (SEE: game-winner against Penn State) when necessary. After the catch, he has the power to break tackles and enough speed to pull away. Sources at the school rave about his makeup and competitiveness. Overall, Cooper fits the exact model of wideouts finding immediate success in the NFL."
Cooper was previously unranked in Jeremiah's NFL Draft prospect rankings, so his move up to No. 19 overall could be an indication of how NFL teams are currently viewing Cooper.
CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner shares a similar opinion. In Renner's latest NFL Mock Draft after the Super Bowl, he projected Cooper to be selected with the No. 30 overall pick by the Denver Broncos.
"Cooper is the best YAC weapon in the class, making him a perfect fit for Sean Payton's offense," wrote Renner. "He also has exceptional hands, posting a career drop rate of just 4.2%. Denver can't wait until Day 2 to address weapons for Bo Nix again."
Renner doubled down on Cooper's high praise, ranking him as the No. 17 overall draft prospect and second-best wide receiver in the class. Cooper's pro comparison, according to CBS Sports, is former Missouri star and current Chicago Bears receiver Luther Burden III.
"Omar Cooper Jr. is a pre–Curt Cignetti Indiana recruit who flourished in the new coaching staff's offense," wrote Renner. "In 2024, he primarily played outside, averaging more than 21 yards per reception, and in 2025 he shifted into a slot-heavy role. That diverse usage showcased one of the more well-rounded receivers in the class and should serve him well at the next level."
Cooper broke out in 2025 as an All-Big Ten Second Team selection. The redshirt junior led the Hoosiers with 69 catches for 937 yards (13.6 yards per catch) and 13 touchdowns. He also added three carries for 74 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
Cooper's ultimate landing spot could be determined by how well he tests at the NFL Combine and Indiana's Pro Day.
Quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs will participate in on-field workouts on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. NFL Network will broadcast live combine coverage.
Indiana's Pro Day is set for Wednesday, April 1, in Bloomington. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to throw at Indiana's Pro Day to help showcase the Hoosiers' offensive talent.