The 2026 NFL Draft is right around the corner. The Indiana Hoosiers are set to be well-represented in this year's draft, as IU sent nine players to the NFL Combine in February, which was a program record.
Curt Cignetti not only led the Hoosiers to a historic national title this past season, but has a handful of players set to make an immediate impact playing on Sunday's.
Among those players is WR Omar Cooper Jr, who is generating plenty of buzz in the weeks leading up to the draft. That buzz continues to build with the latest mock draft from ESPN's Peter Schrager.
Schrager attended the annual league meeting in Phoenix last week, and spent time talking with sources and gathering information on what all 32 teams may do with their first round selections. On Tuesday, Schrager released his latest mock draft with the projections based on what he is hearing in NFL circles.
Omar Cooper Jr. moves to mid-first round territory in latest mock draft
So far, Cooper has been projected as a late first round or early second round pick. However, Schrager is hearing that Cooper could now be considered a mid-first round pick.
In his latest first round mock draft, Schrager has Cooper penciled in to be selected No. 16 overall by the New York Jets. "The Jets are all about creating strong culture right now and building with guys who want it more than the ones lining up against them," write Schrager. "That's Cooper. He'd be a great complement to Garrett Wilson."
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In the mock, Schrager has Cooper as the fourth wide receiver off the board, following Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson (9th overall, Kansas City Chiefs), Ohio State's Carnell Tate (11th overall, Miami Dolphins), and USC's Makai Lemon (13th overall, Los Angeles Rams).
In his analysis,, Schrager added that Cooper is receiving love from all over the league. "Every GM I talk to loves Cooper," writes Schrager. "He's fearless and tough as nails -- and he produces, with 937 yards and 13 touchdowns last season."
Omar Cooper Jr. is drawing comps to Deebo Samuel
Schrager also mentioned that NFL circles are giving Cooper a comp of Deebo Samuel. That isn't surprising to see, as Cooper possesses an elite ability to generate yards after the catch just like Samuel.
Given his strong performances at the combine and Indiana's pro day, along with the raving reviews he is receiving across the NFL, Cooper could very well be a top-20 pick in the draft. He could possibly even sneak into the top-15.
Not surprisingly, Schrager also has Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 23 in Pittsburgh. The draft continues through the weekend, culminating on Saturday, April 25.