Jets OTAs could answer 1 burning question fanbase is worried about

The New York Jets finally went against their usual grain and loaded up on pass-catchers in the 2026 NFL Draft, using two first-round picks to get Geno Smith some weapons by taking tight end Kenyon Sadiq at No. 16 overall and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at No. 30 overall.

These two are joining a fairly impressive stable of pass-catchers that includes the sensational Garrett Wilson, another promising young player in Adonai Mitchell, and a developing tight end in Mason Taylor. For the first time in what feels like forever, the Jets actually have to figure out the best way to divvy up targets between multiple solid players.

Cooper can be a major part of the solution if he can answer one major question that has haunted his stock as a player. Simply, can he play on the outside, especially after his breakout season at Indiana came when he was primarily playing in the slot?

Jets WR Omar Cooper Jr. can answer questions about versatility at OTAs

Cooper played on the outside often during the 2024 season with the Hoosiers, even averaging over 20 yards per catch. However, his volume and efficiency jumped off the page when he went off the page last season. With a limited route tree, playing on the outside early in his career may not be in the cards.

If Cooper is limited to the slot, that could cause some problems. Mitchell would have to play heavy snaps as one of the two outside receivers, and that likely means that one of Sadiq or Taylor would be on the bench. Frank Reich may need to come up with some wicked formations to feature both of them.

Cooper being able to overtake Mitchell on the outside would present a more favorable situation for New York. The Jets, in base personnel, could use Sadiq like a slot receiver or play with two in-line tight ends heavily.

Cooper certainly has the physical tools needed to make that transition. With solid speed, tremendous YAC ability, and a wide catch radius, the Jets likely would not have drafted him if they didn't see a world where he can move around the formation early in his career.

A world in which the Jets can deploy Cooper, Sadiq, and Taylor at the same time next to Wilson may come to fruition, and New York can make that a reality by testing Cooper's skills on the boundary.

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