Grading the Jets pick: New York gets the last laugh, making doubters eat their words by trading up for Omar Cooper Jr.
The New York Jets silenced all of their doubters by putting the perfect final piece of the puzzle that was their 1st round haul in the 2026 NFL Draft. Let’s grade the team’s trade and selection of Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
The New York Jets ended up making the most selections of any team in the 2026 NFL Draft. They began the day selecting David Bailey with the second pick and followed it up by landing Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq at pick 16. And they had one more surprise up their sleeve by trading up to have a third first-rounder selecting Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
This one felt especially good for Jets fans after the Sadiq selection drew criticism, as they passed on the likes of Cooper Jr. and Makai Lemon. Well, the Jets got the last laugh because they ended up landing Cooper Jr. and Sadiq.
Omar Cooper Jr.’s college stats at Indiana University
- 2022: Redshirt
- 2023: 18 receptions, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns
- 2024: 28 receptions, 594 yards, 7 touchdowns (Led the Big 10 with 21.2 yards per reception)
- 2o25: 69 receptions, 937 yards, 13 touchdowns
Jets get their first round wide receiver after all
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What Jets are getting in former Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.
A to Z Sports’ NFL Draft analyst Adam Holt broke down Cooper’s game for us here:
Cooper is one of the top run-blocking wideouts in this class. The Hoosiers’ wide receiver has strong hands, runs crisp routes, and can take the top off the defense. He lined up a lot in the slot in 2025, so he could find a long-term home there for the most part at the next level. Cooper is a jitterbug with the football in his hands and will create after the catch consistently. His short-area quickness was lacking at times in college. Don’t underestimate his ability as a red zone threat.
A to Z Sports NFL Draft analyst
Adam Holt
Grading the Jets trade up and selection of Omar Cooper Jr.
To get back into round one, the Jets send the San Francisco 49ers pick 33 in the second round and pick 179 in the fifth round. To only part with a fifth-round pick to make sure they get a player like Cooper Jr. was a brilliant move. The Jets now give Geno Smith in 2026 an onslaught of young weapons with Cooper Jr. joining Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Mason Taylor, and his fellow 2026 first-round pick Sadiq.
This move helps the Jets in 2025, but more importantly, the team is preparing for 2027 and beyond. The Jets also own three firsts in 2027 and will be in a great spot to land their future quarterback in that class. And whoever that ends up being is going to have a great young nucleus on offense at their disposal.
I was one of the people doubting the selection of Sadiq at 16. Passing on the wide receivers on the board seemed puzzling to me. Little did I know the Jets knew exactly what they were doing. Bravo, New York, bravo.
Grade: A+
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