Former IU football wideout Omar Cooper, Jr. decided in January to forego his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.
His draft stock has been rising ever since.
Thought to be a second to fourth-rounder when he entered the NFL Draft, Cooper, Jr. has been getting first-round projections, including from ESPN’s Field Yates this week, who slotted him in as the No. 23 overall pick (to the Eagles) in his latest mock draft.
At the NFL Draft Combine, Cooper ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, answering any questions about whether he has the speed for the next level. He also posted 1.55 second 10-yard split, and a 37-inch vertical.
Here’s what Yates said about Cooper, Jr.:
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Though wide receiver A.J. Brown is still with the Eagles, the fact that the team reportedly had discussions for a trade tells you it’s still possible something happens after June 1, when it becomes more palatable from a salary cap standpoint. Of course, Philadelphia would be thin long term at receiver without Brown, which is where Cooper could help. He’s one of the best players in space from this class, averaging 7.3 yards after the catch in 2025. Plus, he can block extremely well downfield, which would fare well for running back Saquon Barkley.
To no one’s surprise, Yates also has quarterback Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Raiders. Indiana has never had two first-round picks in the same year.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh.
Cooper, Jr. committed to former Indiana coach Tom Allen as a 4-star class of 2022 prospect out of Lawrence North H.S. in Indianapolis.
In four seasons with IU he caught 115 passes for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns. He had one season of eligibility remaining.
Cooper, Jr. improved each season in Bloomington.
After redshirting as a freshman, he came back in 2023 and caught 18 passes for 267 yards and two scores.
In 2024 after Curt Cignetti took over as head coach, Cooper, Jr. caught 28 balls for 594 yards and seven scores.
And during Indiana’s 16-0 run to the national title, Cooper, Jr. had his most productive year, catching 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. His dramatic game-winning top-tap touchdown at Penn State helped set the stage for Indiana to secure the No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff. He led IU in receptions, receiving yards, and yards after catch this season.
He also ran five times for 97 yards and two scores over the last two seasons.
Cooper, Jr. moved inside to the slot position as his primary role this season. That’s his likely role at the next level.
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