Three weeks until the NFL Draft, and rumors are gaining traction. Everyone waits in anticipation for what 32 players will have their dreams realized as a first-round draft pick. With a chance to add some major talent, New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey has the opportunity to make an impact. Due to having two draft picks within the top 20, New York can gain some big-time playmakers. With Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese the frontrunner to be selected second overall, fans wonder who their 16th overall pick will be. It’s expected they will target a wide receiver. Recently, one player has been gaining traction. Despite not being featured as a top-three prospect at the position, it’d be a helpful addition. After winning a National Championship with Indiana last year, this wide receiver could be picked 16th overall.
Jets Linked to Indiana Wide Receiver Prospect
2025 was a learning experience for the Jets. Under first-year head coach Aaron Glenn, the team experienced a lot of growing pains. Despite losing only losing two more games than in 2024, they saw regression in two key categories. In 2025, the Jets finished with the second-worst scoring defense in the league. In addition, they finished last in passing yards per game as well. Thankfully, New York has made substantial investments in their defense. If Arvell Reese or Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, the defense can improve even more. As for the offense, New York replaced its starting quarterback by acquiring Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders. While he’s not the runner that Justin Fields was, Smith will provide stability within the pocket. However, to capitalize, New York must invest in the wide receiver room as well.
The Jets are expected to be aggressive in boosting their WR room, per @Jordan_Reid
The team is “extremely high” on Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr and view him as an ideal complementary WR2 to Garrett Wilson. pic.twitter.com/dNgjrlV4SV
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) April 9, 2026
Jets linked to Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
When analyzing multiple mock drafts, the consensus shows that the Jets are projected to take a wide receiver with the 16th pick. Primarily, the two front-runners have been Makai Lemon from USC and Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. However, with 15 picks ahead of them, New York could miss out on either one. If that’s the case, New York could take Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. An Indiana native, Cooper committed to play for the Hoosiers in 2021. After redshirting his freshman season, Cooper earned his first bit of playing time in 2023. As a reserve player, Cooper finished his redshirt sophomore season with 267 yards and two touchdowns on 18 catches.
In 2024, Cooper became a starter. In his first full season, Cooper impressed with 617 total yards and eight total touchdowns. Cooper averaged 21.2 yards per catch with 594 yards on 28 catches. However, it was in 2025 that Cooper truly shone. In his second season under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers wide receiver finished with 937 yards on 69 catches and 13 touchdown receptions. In addition, Cooper added 74 yards on three runs with a touchdown as well. After Elijah Sarratt hurt his hamstring against Maryland, Cooper saw his targets increase. Thanks to Cooper’s production, the Hoosiers shocked the world not only by winning a national championship. Cooper’s performance helped quarterback Fernando Mendoza win the Heisman trophy.
Omar Cooper Jr’s Player Profile
Cooper thrived in 2025 primarily operating in the slot. However, his 6’0″, 200 lbs frame can allow him to play on the outside. One of Cooper’s benefits is the natural strength that allows him to create separation when facing press coverage. In addition, Cooper has enough speed to avoid nickel corners when running deep routes. Despite his natural skills, Cooper lacks a refined route tree and his limited inside-out speed when breaking routes. However, this weakness doesn’t limit his impact with yards after catch. The key with him is his natural strength, allowing him to succeed with yards after contact. If he can progress, one area Cooper can uniquely impact teams is as a ball carrier with an offensive coordinator who has a creative run game.
Does Omar Cooper Jr fit in the Jets offense?
New York appears to think highly of Omar Cooper Jr. Recent reports from ESPN’s Jordan Reid indicate Cooper is of interest to New York. With Cooper’s ability to sustain plays after contact, he could be a solid counterpart to star receiver Garrett Wilson. Adding Cooper to an offense that will feature Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Isaiah Williams, and tight end Mason Taylor could be a decent foundation for New York’s passing game. While Geno Smith led the NFL in interceptions last year, the expectation for the Jets is that their offensive line should be better in pass protection compared to the Raiders line last year.
Omar Cooper has the potential to be a productive wide receiver in a solid offense. The problem is while he will be there at 16, New York has more needs than wide receiver. One prospect that has gained traction is Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy. After missing 2025 with a torn ACL, the lockdown cornerback is healthy and could develop into the best defensive back in the class. In addition, safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon could interest Aaron Glenn as well. Although unlikely, if Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson is available, the Jets could be interested in him.
Main Photo: [Grace Hollars/Indy Star] – Imagn Images