Omar Cooper Jr. hype train is roaring after latest reports from Jets practices

The New York Jets may have used the No. 2 and No. 16 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft on Texas Tech pass rusher David Bailey and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, respectively, but the youngster who has popped the most in OTAs and minicamp was the No. 30 pick. Omar Cooper Jr. has been on fire.

Bailey has put together some solid performances, though it's hard to truly gauge his impact due to factoring in the lack of pads when evaluating defensive line play. Sadiq will be a part of the offense in 2026, but he has sat out due to a hernia. Cooper, meanwhile, is trying to make teams regret passing on him as much as they did.

Rich Cimini of ESPN said that Cooper was "their most impressive rookie in the spring" and said that he has all but solidified a spot as one of the top three receivers alongside Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell. Cimini added that Cooper, who received even more praise for his route-running, could be even more dominant when pads come on due to his physical running style.

Jets rookie WR Omar Cooper Jr. has been lighting it up at practice

Even though Sadiq was picked higher, Cooper may end up with more targets and catches as a rookie due to his seamless fit as a slot wide receiver. As Fernando Mendoza's top target on a National Championship-winning Indiana team, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Cooper showing he can play outside in the NFL would be a huge win for this organization, as his breakout in 2025 raised concerns that he will be limited to the Z receiver role in his pro career. Even if Mitchell is taken off the field, Cooper lining up outside could help Frank Reich get the ex-Hoosier star, Sadiq, and Mason Taylor all on the field at once.

While there are questions surrounding Geno Smith at quarterback, players like Cooper will give him a much better offensive infrastructure than what he had with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. Smith is the only offensive starter not under contract beyond this season, which could help give a young quarterback the stability he needs to be great.

Cooper has the potential to be the best non-Wilson and non-Davante Adams receiver the Jets have had in years, and his style of play could perfectly complement a young quarterback picked in 2027.

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