2026 NFL Draft: Grading the Jets' selection of Omar Cooper at No. 30

If that isn’t value, what is? The New York Jets traded their way back into Round 1 and walked away with Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 overall. He's a player many believed would have been a perfectly acceptable selection earlier in the evening. Simply put, regardless of how one defines draft success, this certainly checks every box.

General manager Darren Mougey didn't panic. He didn’t force anything earlier than was necessary. Instead, he and his staff trusted the board, allowed things to unfold, and struck when the value aligned with their evaluation.

That takes discipline, and it reflects well. It also completes a fascinating first round. After selecting David Bailey second overall and adding Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16, the Jets have now addressed multiple areas with impact talent. Cooper adds another layer, giving the offense a physical, high-upside target who can grow into a major role.

The Jets have nothing to hang their heads about after Round 1.

There’s been plenty of discussion about the expectations surrounding Geno Smith and this offense moving forward. With this kind of support, an upgraded tight end room, and a new weapon at receiver, the margin for possible excuses continues to shrink. But before shifting the focus forward, it’s worth appreciating what just happened.

The Jets identified a player they liked. They resisted the urge to reach and still found a way to land him. That’s not just good drafting. That’s calculated execution.

New York didn’t just add talent. They maximized it. Omar Cooper Jr. could have easily been an acceptable acquisition at 16, and the Jets land him 30th overall after trading back into Round 1.

Final grade: A+

This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Grading the Jets' selection of Omar Cooper at No. 30