It's almost certain that Heisman Trophy-winning Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be picked first in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As the NFL Scouting Combine nears in Indianapolis, another Hoosiers star is getting some first-round buzz.
Omar Cooper Jr. has emerged as a potential pick for receiver-hungry teams, such as the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Lawrence North High School product developed into a deep threat (21.2 yards per catch) in 2024 and became a more consistent target in 2025 (69 catches, 937 yards, 13.6 yards per, 13 touchdowns).
His last-minute touchdown against Penn State as he grazed the grass in the back of the end zone kept IU undefeated on its way to the national championship.
NFL mock drafts: Omar Cooper Jr. of Indiana sneaks into first round
- Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus: 26th to the Buffalo Bills
- "Cooper looked better and better as his college football career progressed, culminating in an 87.4 PFF overall grade in his final season at Indiana. He averaged 2.55 yards per route run and dropped just 4.2% of the catchable passes thrown his way in 2025. He could be the perfect fit for a Bills offense still searching for a No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Josh Allen."
- Cody Williams, FanSided: 27th to the San Francisco 49ers
- "Omar Cooper Jr. isn't getting a ton of first-round buzz as things currently stand, but I'm projecting a bit of what I think is going to happen with the Indiana star. He's not the biggest player, but he plays bigger than his frame, and he has arguably the surest hands in the class. I saw a comparison to Jarvis Landry, and that feels like his mold. The 49ers offense needs that type of target hog with Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings likely gone from the receiver room this offseason."
- Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports: 21st to the Pittsburgh Steelers
- "The Steelers need a long-term solution at quarterback, but they’re better off filling more immediate needs here with better value instead of reaching for a lesser prospect in a potential Kenny Pickett repeat scenario. This might feel a little early for Cooper, but I just love the fit way too much. His complete skill set, alignment versatility, toughness, and ability to make big plays in clutch moments would make him the ideal WR2 in Pittsburgh opposite D.K. Metcalf."
What time does the NFL Combine start? When is the NFL combine 2026?
- Thursday, Feb. 26 (kickers, defensive linemen and linebackers): Gates open, 1-7 p.m. ET; Inside look in stadium, 1-8:30 p.m.; Drills start, 3 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 27 (tight ends and defensive ends): Gates open, 1-7 p.m. ET; Inside look in stadium, 1-9 p.m.; Drills start, 3 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 28 (quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs): Gates open, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. ET; Inside look in stadium, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Drills start, 1 p.m.
- Sunday, March 1 (offensive linemen): Gates open, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. ET; Inside look in stadium, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Drills start, 1 p.m.
Where is the 2026 NFL combine?
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
When is the 2026 NFL Draft?
Thursday-Saturday, April 23-25, 2026.
Where is the 2026 NFL Draft?
Pittsburgh.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 2026 mock draft: Indiana football Omar Cooper Jr. gets first-round grades