For a few minutes, New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. got to play general manager.
Or, if you really want to play semantics, he was an unofficial advisor to coach Aaron Glenn.
Speaking on “The Official Jets Podcast,” Cooper recalled when he and his family met with Glenn, and the topic of the Jets’ overall draft plans came up in conversation.
At one point, Cooper — who the Jets selected No. 30 after trading back into the first round — asked Glenn what the team intended to do in the second round.
Glenn responded that the Jets were thinking of selecting an offensive lineman or defensive back.
Omar Cooper Jr. told the Jets to draft Indiana teammate D’Angelo Ponds
Cooper said that Glenn specifically mentioned All-American cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, a teammate of Cooper’s at Indiana.
"I said, 'Go get ‘em,’” Cooper quipped.
Indeed, the Jets snagged Ponds at No. 50 after trading down.
Cooper made the right move, at least in sharing that story. He and Ponds were podcast guests at the same time.
According to Cooper, Glenn said he saw himself in Ponds. That’s been a popular comparison, as both are undersized defensive backs.
Glenn was listed at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds during his career. He nonetheless made three Pro Bowls and started 176 games over 15 seasons.
Ponds measured in at just under 5-foot-9 and 182 pounds at the combine.
"It’s a dream come true," Ponds said. "To win a National Championship and to be in the NFL, it’s been a great experience, all I can ask for."
What should Jets fans expect from rookies D’Angelo Ponds and Omar Cooper Jr.?
Barring injury, the expectation is that Ponds will compete for a starting cornerback role.
The Jets' defense needs all of the secondary help it can get after failing to record an interception last year.
Cooper’s rookie workload is slightly less uncertain. Garrett Wilson is obviously entrenched as the No. 1 receiver, and Adonai Mitchell has all but officially claimed the No. 2 spot.
The door is open for Cooper to be the No. 3, but Frank Reich’s offense typically features multiple tight ends. Glenn and the Jets selected Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the first round.
Glenn also said he wants to use backup running backs Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis more in the passing game.
Cooper should nonetheless find himself on the field, even if his rookie numbers won’t quite be what Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase had.
And if Ponds starts and plays well, perhaps Cooper’s greatest rookie contribution might be approving that pick.
Every victory matters — and in that case, Mets fans want to start seeking out Cooper’s input next.
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