The New York Jets are showing significant interest in wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who scored 13 touchdowns, as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. The Jets may target him with their 16th overall pick.
Jets have 'significant interest' in 13-TD receiver who's 'in play' with 16th pick originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After free agency, the New York Jets have a few clear needs entering the 2026 NFL Draft. With edge likely to be taken at No. 2 overall, their next biggest need is taking shape with the 16th overall pick.
While there are plenty of routes for the Jets to go, wide receiver is one that's very much in play with this pick. Fortunately, some good options could make it to the 16th pick.
According to ESPN's Rich Cimini and Jordan Reid, the Jets are reportedly showing "significant interest" in a 13-touchdown WR, and this option, Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., could be "in play" with the 16th pick as well.
"The Jets have significant interest in Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), according to ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid," Cimini writes. "He could be in play with the 16th pick. Cooper is known as a physical receiver, which appeals to the Jets."
Garrett Wilson is a fine number one option, and Adonai Mitchell isn't the worst depth. But the Jets need to add a better secondary option to Wilson in the offense.
Cooper, the 6-foot-0, 201-pound receiver who helped Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosiers win the National Championship, would be a great option with the 16th pick.
Last year, he caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns for Indiana in a very impressive season. Not only do the Jets have "significant" interest in Cooper, a WR coming off a good year, but he's also very likely to make it to the 16th pick.
More:Ā Zachariah Branch would be ideal round 2 fit for Jets
Ohio State's Carnell Tate is likely to go inside the top-10, while USC's Makai Lemon has plenty of top-half-of-round-one buzz, and could very well be off the board by the Jets pick. Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson could also be selected in the top half of the first round.
Cooper is likely the fourth WR off the board, and with the teams picking ahead of the Jets not strongly linked to Cooper like the Jets are, he should make it to the Jets' selection at 16th overall.
Between the Jets' "significant interest" in Cooper and the good odds that he will still be on the board come the 16th pick, it would not be a surprise whatsoever to see Cooper go off the board in the middle of Round 1 to the Jets.
The Jets are interested in wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana, who scored 13 touchdowns.
The New York Jets hold the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Jets have several needs, with wide receiver being a significant focus alongside their likely selection of an edge rusher with the No. 2 overall pick.
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