This WR's Stock is Soaring Days Before 2026 NFL Draft

Just days away from the 2026 NFL draft, several players are seeing their draft stocks trend up, and some down.

However, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is among the fortunate few to see more and more positive hype the closer we get to draft day.

Cooper Jr. began the draft process projected as a Round 2 selection, but now less than a week out from draft time, many analysts are predicting he'll hear his name called in the first round.

In fact, Brad Crawford of CBS Sports recently stated that Cooper could possibly usurp Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson as one of the first three wideouts selected.

"The former Indiana star is picking up steam nearing the draft and could go as high as the third receiver taken ahead of Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson," Crawford wrote. "KC Concepcion, Makai Lemon and Carnell Tate rank ahead of Cooper, who balled out at the NFL combine.

"Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza targeted Cooper 91 times, leading to 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Cooper represented a strong, physical threat in the slot for Indiana’s national championship team. The Indianapolis Colts, who do not have a first-round selection in 2206, are one of several teams that met with Cooper during the pre-draft process."

The 22-year-old Cooper, a second-team All-Big Ten selection and national champion, recorded 69 receptions, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns last year during a breakout season for the Hoosiers.

He finished his three-year college career with 115 catches, 1,798 yards, and 22 touchdowns.

Cooper Jr. is a speedy WR (he ran a 4.42 in the 40 at the combine) who plays physically and excels at winning contested catches. He wins against press coverage and plays an explosive game that creates frustrating matchups for defensive backs.

Most mock drafts have Cooper Jr. going in the 15-32 range.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 8:45 PM.