If New York Jets fans were told that their team fell in love with a national champion, most would be overjoyed in a potential Fernando Mendoza selection.<\/p>\n
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback had a breakout final season with the Hoosiers, culminating in being the expected top pick in the NFL draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n Alas, the dream of Mendoza is dead, with the Las Vegas Raiders expected to draft him first overall. Instead, Gang Green may have to settle for one of the quarterback\u2019s best weapons on that elite offense.<\/p>\n If that receiver can carry over his collegiate production into the NFL, the Jets may end up being thrilled \u2014 obvious truths<\/a> aside.<\/p>\n Cooper intrigue<\/p>\n Omar Cooper Jr. is considered a leader in the second tier of receivers coming out to the 2026 draft. Outside of Ohio State\u2019s Carnell Tate, USC\u2019s Makai Lemon, and Arizona State\u2019s Jordyn Tyson, Cooper\u2019s ability to get open and quality route-running makes him a commodity in NFL circles. <\/p>\n With Tyson\u2019s injury history a major deterrent, there\u2019s even a chance the 22-year-old may be picked earlier than anyone anticipated. <\/p>\n That\u2019s the argument ESPN\u2019s Jordan Reid made on Thursday, just two weeks ahead of the NFL Draft, especially when it comes to the Jets. <\/p>\n \u201cThe Jets are expected to be aggressive in boosting their wide receivers room, and Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana) is one player they are reported to be extremely high on,\u201d Reid wrote<\/a> on Thursday. \u201cThey view him as an ideal complementary WR2 to Garrett Wilson.\u201d<\/p>\n A big-time need<\/p>\n The Jets being a likely landing spot for Cooper should not shock any fan at this point. New York needs to address the receiver position early and often in the draft to find a pairing worthy of playing alongside Wilson. <\/p>\n Gang Green failing to field a receiver with over 400 yards last year is a clear sign that the position must be addressed.<\/p>\n With Cooper, the Jets would get a player who can operate in the slot as well as on the boundary. He\u2019s a quality route-runner with sure hands and a penchant for consistently making plays.<\/p>\n In 2025, Cooper caught a whopping 13 touchdowns. His final two years in Indiana saw him catch 20. If there was a play to be made, it was usually Omar Cooper Jr. who was the one making it for the Hoosiers.<\/p>\n