Jets top WR target at No. 16 becoming clearer with latest insider rumors

The New York Jets will likely use one of their top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to add a wide receiver next to Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell, and Indiana standout Omar Cooper Jr. is starting to emerge as someone the Jets may be very keen on adding.

Cooper is making a case for WR4 in this class, and with names like Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, and Makai Lemon likely to be off the board when the Jets pick at No. 16 overall, the Jets need to start surveying that second tier of players in order to find their next dynamic pass-catcher.

ESPN's Jordan Reid reported that the Jets are very interested in Cooper, who became Fernando Mendoza's top target on an undefeated, championship-winning Hoosiers team. Rich Cimini later confirmed that the interest in real, even hinting that Aaron Glenn has a particular affinity for him.

"Physical receiver," Cimini said. "Blocks his ass off. An Aaron Glenn type of player. Highly productive at Indiana." Even though he may be limited to the slot, Cooper is one of the most dynamic players in this class when he gets the ball in space.

Rich Cimini confirms Jets interest in Omar Cooper Jr.

Cooper is fighting it out with Washington's Denzel Boston and Texas A&M's KC Concepcion for the title of WR4 in this class. With Boston's simply average speed and Concepcion's concerning propensity for drops, Cooper may stand out as someone who can immediately become an impact player.

Cooper only has one year of elite production, and that came in a role that didn't task him with running a complete NFL route tree. Where Cooper wins is making plays as a runner or going over the middle. His ball skills and blocking are genuinely exemplary, and his performance in clutch situations will appeal to the Jets.

If the Jets pick Cooper, he would likely begin the season as the slot receiver with Mitchell and Wilson on the outside. While he may eventually expand his route tree, putting Cooper there might be the best way for the Jets to maximize his production.

The Jets wouldn't take a player like Cooper unless they have a specific plan of attack they can use to get the most out of him, and it sounds like both Glenn and Darren Mougey believe that he is exactly what this passing attack needs to kick things up a notch.

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