Jets 2026 NFL draft rumor names ascending wide receiver as likely Round 1 target

Jets 2026 NFL draft rumor names ascending wide receiver as likely Round 1 target originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Among the many, many needs the New York Jets have this offseason comes at wide receiver.

New York is currently slated to go into 2026 with Adonai Mitchell serving as the No. 2 wide receiver to Garrett Wilson, and we know that is not good enough because Mitchell has yet to prove himself in any role, let alone as a WR2.

With an abundance of draft picks, the Jets should use one of them on a receiver, especially considering there will be a new, young quarterback drafted at some point, whether that be this year or next.

Improving the offense is another point of emphasis for the Jets, as New York sported one of the worst units in the NFL last season.

According to a report from ESPN's Jordan Reid, it would appear the Jets have their eye on one specific player at the position whose stock has been ascending during the pre-draft process.

Jets 2026 NFL draft rumor

Aaron Glenn

Reid is reporting that the Jets are "extremely high" on Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who is fresh off an impressive season and a National Championship.

Reid adds that, thankfully for quarterback Geno Smith and whichever young signal-caller the Jets eventually add, New York is planning to be aggressive in its much-needed quest to add to the wide receivers room.

"The Jets are expected to be aggressive in boosting their wide receivers room, and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) is one player they are reported to be extremely high on," he said. "They view him as an ideal complementary WR2 to Garrett Wilson."

Omar Cooper Jr.'s stock is ascending

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Cooper Jr. has been on the periphery of the usual suspects you hear when it comes to the top wideouts in the 2026 NFL draft, like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, and Jordyn Tyson.

But Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports that teams "really, really like" the Indiana product and it looks like we can include the Jets on that list based on ESPN's reporting.

"Teams I’ve talked to really, really like Indiana receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who’s tough as nails, clean character-wise and has the versatility to play inside and outside," Breer wrote. "Best known for the otherworldly catch he made to beat Penn State, he might be better than any receiver in the draft after the catch, and I think some teams have him right there with the best wideouts in the entire class."

One of the three receivers we mentioned who have usually been ranked ahead of Cooper is Tyson, but his stock has taken a hit due to injury concerns, says Matt Miller of ESPN.

It would not shock us one bit if the Jets opt to take Cooper over Tyson if both are sitting on the board when New York is on the clock with the No. 16 pick. That seems like the sweet spot for the Jets to grab their wide receiver.

Omar Cooper Jr. scouting report

Cooper saved his best collegiate season for last, with the Indiana wideout tallying personal bests in catches (69), receiving yards (937) and touchdowns (13).

At 6-foot and 199 pounds and sporting 4.42 speed, Cooper has a nice blend of size and speed and offers versatility with his ability to line up outside or in the slot. The young receiver is tough as nails, also, and will be a menace after the catch.

Cooper's versatility allows the Jets to move him around and not lock him into one spot, which give the Jets future flexibility if they replace Mitchell with another receiver down the road.