Jets Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. May Be Fantasy Football's Next Tyreek Hill

Jets rookie Omar Cooper Jr. offers exciting big-play fantasy upside and could emerge as one of the more intriguing late-round sleepers in 2026 drafts.

New York Jets Draft pick, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. | Jess Stiles-Imagn Images

Omar Cooper Jr. enters the NFL with the kind of explosive profile fantasy managers love to chase in late rounds. The Jets rookie may not deliver weekly consistency right away, but his speed, big-play ability, and projected role create intriguing upside in 2026 fantasy drafts.

With the No. 30 overall pick in the 2026 @NFLDraft, the @nyjets select Omar Cooper Jr. @NewEraCap

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— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2026

Omar Cooper Jr., New York Jets

Cooper announced himself in 2024 by leading the Big Ten in yards per catch (21.2), finishing with 28 catches for 594 yards and seven touchdowns while chipping in two carries (2/23/1). He built on that breakout in 2025, rounding out his game with Fernando Mendoza at quarterback (69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, plus three rushes for 74 yards and a score). 

A 10-catch, 207-yard, four-touchdown demolition of Indiana State in a 73-0 win was his highlight game, though his production dipped considerably over his final nine starts (2/2, 7/86/1, 6/32/1, 3/39/1, 3/64/1, 0/0, 3/45/1, 3/17/1, 5/71), where touchdowns (6) remained a big part of his stat line.

At the 2026 Combine, Cooper ran a 4.42 in the 40-yards dash, showcasing the speed that Indiana leaned on heavily, scheming him open on quick throws near the line of scrimmage, where he could do damage after the catch. His release is above average, and he brings a natural slot skill set to the NFL. 

.@IndianaFootball WR Omar Cooper Jr. improves his time with a 4.43u in front of the home crowd.

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— NFL (@NFL) February 28, 2026

Route running is still a work in progress, but he's already a threat on slants, crossing routes, and isolated matchups downfield. Run blocking is a weak point. The traits, though, are hard to ignore. I see Antonio Brown in the way he creates separation, and Tyreek Hill in what he can do once he has space.

Omar Cooper Jr. 2026 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Outlook: The best part about Cooper in the Jets’ offense in his rookie season is that he will attract attention in the deep passing game, a potential win for better run lanes for their running backs. In the early draft season in the high-stakes market, he projects to be a backend WR5 with a sleeper ADP (164). 

This home run hitter will be up and down in the NFL, making him a challenging player to time, even with WR2 snaps. My initial thought is 35 catches for 500 yards with a run at a handful of scores. Last year, only three players had more than 35 catches on the Jets (Mason Taylor – 44, Breece Hall – 36, and Garrett Wilson – 36).