3 WR Drafts in a Row? Indiana Stud Could Be Panthers' Xavier Legette Replacement

The Carolina Panthers traded up into the first round in 2024 to select wide receiver Xavier Legette. Then, they doubled down with Tetairoa McMillan in the top 10 the very next draft.

Could they triple down? The Panthers still don't have a great wide receiver room, and after free agency, they have a wide variety of options with the 19th pick. Wide receiver wouldn't be a surprise, one analyst claims, and he's got an overlooked name to keep an eye out for.

Omar Cooper Jr. linked to Panthers in NFL draft

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) against the Miami Hurricanes | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Xavier Legette has so far not worked out. The Panthers still believe in him, but wide receiver remains a need until he's replaced or he takes a leap that we're not sure he has in him.

ClutchPoints' Douglas Fritz believes wide receiver is one of the top needs despite the investment in the last two drafts. And if the Panthers feel the same, they could end up with a first-round pick at wide receiver three years in a row rather than wait for someone later.

"The Panthers indeed need to make a key addition to their receiver room. And if [Makai] Lemon falls all the way to them, it makes sense. However, it’s not a slam-dunk that he will be available when they pick," Fritz wrote.

He continued, "Would they be happy with a guy like Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. here? His traits put him in plus starter territory, according to [his scouting report]." Cooper Jr. was the Heisman-winning Fernando Mendoza's top target.

“Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well. He can stem and drive past press with his strength. He has potent early acceleration to climb past nickelbacks into top position to challenge deep.”

Cooper Jr. received an ironic pro comparison from the Bleacher Report scouting department: DJ Moore. The Panthers have missed him since the 2023 trade that got them Bryce Young, but now they could add a newer, younger version of him in the draft.

His YAC ability is what separates him from others, and it makes up for the other looming question marks in his game. But is he worth the 19th overall pick? Therein lies the question, and big boards aren't in agreement on an answer.

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) celebrates after catching a 1-yard touchdown | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here's where he ranks:

Tankathon: 24
Bleacher Report: 30
PFF: 24
CBS Sports: 17
FOX Sports (Joel Klatt): 14
The Ringer: 36
NFL (Daniel Jeremiah): 18
ESPN: 23
The Athletic: 27

That means that he's likely to be a slight reach at 19, but trading back and drafting Cooper Jr. might be the smartest move the Panthers can make.