One Prospect Can Take Rams Offense to Prolific Heights

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. With the NFL Draft right around the corner, it appears the Los Angeles Rams are staying firm at the 13th overall pick. While the team has a variety of options on both sides of the ball, a championship-caliber receiver could be the key for the franchise to lift their third Lombardi.

Manzano Sees National Champion Increasing Rams' Super Bowl Chances

Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano released a recent mock with the Rams using the 13th overall pick on Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

The Rams are a bit of a wild card because they already addressed their biggest need adding cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson during free agency," stated Manzano. "L.A. likely won’t prioritize its future here, because this team clearly is all in on winning a second Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford this season."

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) celebrates with wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Hurricanes in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

"But the Rams could get the best of both worlds here because Cooper could be a solid third option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams before taking over Adams’s snaps beyond 2026."

During Indiana's National Championship-winning campaign, despite having to split targets with playmakers Charlie Becker and Elijah Sarratt, Cooper put up 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Would Cooper Work For the Rams?

Like a glove. Not only would Cooper be an instant contributor, but his upward projection is exciting. He's a nice mix of Puka Nacua and Deebo Samuel, allowing the Rams to utilize his ball carrier ability, but the fact that he is able to be a running threat out of the backfield would allow the Rams to scheme up route concepts for Cooper from any position on the field.

There's a grittiness to his game that is very exciting. His ability to make contested catches, especially his incredible game-winner at Penn State, displays his physicality, something that will allow his game to grow within the Rams' offense, as their mirroring of run blocks and route patterns will give Matthew Stafford the space needed to target Cooper, and Cooper has the hands to turn those chances to completion.

The most exciting thing about Cooper's game is his movement at the line of scrimmage. He's very shifty, understands space well, and knows how to manipulate space to his advantage. With a season exposed to Davante Adams' tips and tricks regarding leverage at the line of scrimmage, Cooper has the potential to be a surgical threat, especially on third down.