The 2026 NFL draft is moments away at this point, and it’s crunch time for all 32 teams looking to solidify their rosters for the 2026-27 season.
The event kicks off on Thursday, April 23, from Pittsburgh at 8 p.m. ET, and it airs live on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App, so there’s not much time left for teams to pick their players.
Jordan Reid of ESPN has released his newest, seven-round mock draft taking into account all 32 teams’ picks in the draft.
“I’ve compiled these projections based on my latest intel from conversations with sources throughout the league, months of scouting the entire class and examining each team’s biggest positional needs,” he notes in the piece. “I didn’t project any trades, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be surprises and intrigue.”
Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is being linked to one team more than others in a roundup of mocks, and Reid also has the standout going to that team: the Carolina Panthers. In his projection, the Panthers snag him with their No. 19 selection.
“A wide receiver in Round 1 for a third straight year is definitely in play as the Panthers try to maximize quarterback Bryce Young’s closing rookie contract window,” he states in the piece. “Cooper is an ascending player who helped the Hoosiers to the national championship last season and has continued to climb draft boards during the pre-draft process.”
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He adds, “Scouts have praised his smooth route-running skills and his competitive nature once he catches the ball. Cooper has strong route stems, doesn’t let DBs alter his tempo and can win in traffic, making him the perfect target for Young.”
What Makes Omar Cooper Jr. a Good Fit for the Panthers
The Panthers have holes to fill going into the new season, so even taking a “best player available” approach in the draft could work for the franchise. But, for a team looking to build on some of the momentum they had last season, snagging the best wide receiver available by pick No. 19 is definitely the way to go.
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At this point, it would be a surprise to see them not pick Cooper, so long as he’s available by their selection.
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