Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is on the brink of making history in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the NFL Combine kicking off this week, Cooper's pre-draft performance could elevate him into a first-round pick, a rare feat for Indiana wideouts.
Cooper, opting to enter the draft early, is poised to become just the second Indiana receiver to be selected in the first round. The first was Thomas Lewis, picked by the New York Giants in 1994. Now, over thirty years later, Cooper has a shot at joining this exclusive club.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah highlights Cooper's rapid ascent on draft boards, thanks to his versatility and standout playmaking abilities. At 6-foot and 204 pounds, Cooper excels both as an outside and slot receiver. Jeremiah ranks him as the No. 19 overall prospect, noting his strength, reliability, and explosive play.
"Cooper is a joy to watch," Jeremiah notes. "He has the power to break through press coverage and runs routes with fluidity.
His ability to make tough catches in traffic is remarkable, and he can elevate when needed, as shown in his game-winning grab against Penn State. After the catch, he's a force, breaking tackles and outpacing defenders.
His competitiveness and strong character are widely praised."
Cooper's leap to No. 19 in Jeremiah's rankings reflects his growing reputation among NFL teams.
CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner also sees Cooper's potential, projecting him as the No. 30 pick to the Denver Broncos in his post-Super Bowl mock draft. Renner emphasizes Cooper's skills as a top YAC (yards after catch) threat, ideal for Sean Payton's offensive scheme. Renner ranks Cooper as the No. 17 overall prospect and the second-best receiver in this class, comparing him to Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears.
"Omar Cooper Jr. thrived under the new Indiana coaching staff," Renner explains. "In 2024, he dominated as an outside receiver, averaging over 21 yards per catch. By 2025, he shifted to a slot-heavy role, showcasing his versatility and making him one of the most well-rounded receivers available."
In 2025, Cooper earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors, leading Indiana with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground with 74 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Cooper's draft position will hinge on his performance at the NFL Combine and Indiana's Pro Day. Wide receivers, including Cooper, will showcase their skills on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Lucas Oil Stadium, with live coverage on NFL Network.
Indiana's Pro Day is slated for Wednesday, April 1, in Bloomington, where quarterback Fernando Mendoza will throw, spotlighting the Hoosiers' offensive talent.