Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a legendary season, leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season, a National Championship, and winning the Heisman Trophy. Obviously, he couldn’t do it alone and got help from a lot of good players around him. His most consistent receiver from start to finish in 2025 was Omar Cooper Jr. Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. As we get closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, some in the media have projected Cooper as a top-20 prospect and potential first-round pick. However, in speaking with team sources, they see Cooper as a day-two pick.
“Nice player, but day two guy,” said an NFC general manager. “We have him in the third round.” Other sources were higher on Cooper. “I think he goes in the 35-50 range,” said an AFC director of player personnel.
Cooper had a good performance at the NFL Scouting Combine to help himself, and there are a lot of teams that could use receiver help in the second round. While Cooper may not be a first-rounder according to teams, they see him going on day two, and that is where I have him in my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
