Rashee Rice, Omar Cooper Jr., and the Chiefs' Wide Receiver Picture Heading Into 2026
No Kansas City Chief shifted the narrative around their future more in 2025 than wide receiver Rashee Rice. Coming off a promising rookie season, Rice looked like he was ready to take another leap-until a season-ending injury brought everything to a halt.
Before that, he served a six-game suspension, and while he came out of the gate strong upon his return, his momentum didn’t last. As the competition stiffened, so did the scrutiny.
A few key drops and some quiet outings in big moments had fans wondering: was the early-season flash a sign of things to come, or just a mirage?
Now, as we look ahead to 2026, Rice is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He’s played just 28 games in a Chiefs uniform, and the team still doesn’t have a clear answer on who he is-on or off the field.
There are a few paths Kansas City could take here. They might look to move him in a trade, letting another team take a swing on his upside and contract situation.
They could try to lock him up at a discount, especially with legal costs looming. Or they could simply let the season play out and hope a clean, healthy offseason gives them the full picture.
But one thing is clear: the Chiefs aren’t going to sit back and hope. They’re evaluating all options-including drafting over him.
Enter Omar Cooper Jr.
If Kansas City is eyeing receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft, Omar Cooper Jr. out of Indiana is a name to watch. He’s not a burner, and he’s not going to wow you with a highlight-reel catch radius, but he brings a polished, physical presence to the slot that could fit the Chiefs’ system-depending on how they want to evolve.
Let’s break down Cooper’s profile and why he might (or might not) be a fit in Kansas City.
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR | Indiana
Height: 6'0" | Weight: 205 lbs | Age on Draft Day: 22
Tape Watched: Iowa (2025), Oregon (2025), Michigan State (2025)
NFL Comparison: Shades of Jalen Coker or yes, even Rashee Rice
Background and Production
A local product from Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Cooper was a three-star recruit who stayed in-state to play for Indiana. He redshirted his first year but quickly carved out a role, becoming a steady presence in the Hoosiers’ offense. Over three seasons, he racked up nearly 1,800 receiving yards, 22 touchdowns, and averaged 15.6 yards per catch-all while helping Indiana to a national title run.
His most memorable moment? A circus catch against Penn State that kept Indiana’s undefeated season alive and lit up social media.
What Cooper Brings to the Table
Yards After Catch (YAC):
Cooper’s game really comes alive once the ball is in his hands.
Built like a running back, he runs through contact and has the balance and vision to rack up extra yards. His 7.3 YAC per reception puts him in the 85th percentile among FBS receivers.
He’s not blazing fast, but he accelerates quickly and gets downhill in a hurry.
Strong Hands and Catch Point Toughness:
He’s not just a body catcher-Cooper plucks the ball with confidence and doesn’t shy away from contact.
His drop rate (4.3%) is among the best in the country, and he wins half of his contested-catch opportunities. That’s a big deal for a guy who operates primarily over the middle, where traffic is heavy and hits come fast.
Route Running and Savvy:
Cooper’s not going to dazzle with a wide variety of routes, but what he does, he does well.
He plays with tempo, uses body control to manipulate defenders, and understands how to attack leverage. That’s the kind of football IQ that translates quickly at the next level, especially in a timing-based offense like Kansas City’s.
Where the Concerns Lie
Lack of True Explosion:
Cooper isn’t a vertical threat.
He can get open underneath and make defenders miss, but he’s not someone who’s going to stretch the field. That limits his ability to flip a game with one play.
He’s more of a chain-mover than a game-breaker.
Limited Outside Versatility:
While his size is serviceable, Cooper has struggled to win consistently against press coverage on the outside.
Most of his best work has come from the slot, and Indiana’s RPO-heavy scheme didn’t exactly challenge him to develop a full route tree. That’s not a knock on his potential, but it does mean there’s a steeper learning curve if a team wants to expand his role.
Production Ceiling:
Cooper never had a 1,000-yard season, and his biggest numbers came when defenses had to account for teammate Elijah Sarratt and a strong ground game. That doesn’t mean he can’t grow into a bigger role, but right now, he profiles more as a complementary piece than a WR1.
What This Means for the Chiefs
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is Omar Cooper Jr. just more of the same?
From a skill set standpoint, there’s certainly some overlap with Rashee Rice-and even with Jalen Royals, another young receiver on the roster. All three bring YAC ability, operate best from the slot, and win with strength and savvy rather than speed and size. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does raise questions about how the Chiefs want to build their receiver room.
If Kansas City is still unsure about Rice’s long-term future, and if Royals hasn’t shown enough to earn a bigger role, Cooper could be a smart insurance policy. He may not be a dynamic WR1, but he’s the kind of reliable, tough, high-IQ receiver that can thrive in a system like Andy Reid’s-especially if paired with a true vertical threat on the outside.
And if he slides in the draft? That might be exactly the kind of value the Chiefs like to pounce on.
Bottom Line
Rashee Rice’s situation remains one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2026 season. Whether it’s injury, suspension, or inconsistency, the Chiefs haven’t gotten the clarity they need. Omar Cooper Jr. might not be the answer to all those questions, but he could be part of the solution-especially if Kansas City is looking to reshape the receiver room with dependable, scheme-friendly talent.
The Chiefs don’t need another superstar. They need reliable weapons who can execute, move the chains, and make life easier for Patrick Mahomes.
Cooper checks a lot of those boxes. The only question is whether Kansas City sees him as a fit-or just more of the same.