Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is among the biggest rising prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Once viewed as a second-round pick, Cooper is now being discussed as a potential top-20 selection. The National Championship winner could be the third wideout drafted.

Cooper was outstanding as Fernando Mendoza’s go-to target in 2025, registering 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Indianapolis native continued attaching a jetpack to his pre-draft stock at the NFL Combine by running a 4.42 and leaping a 37-inch vertical.

Cooper is strongly positioned to be a first-round pick. We’ve identified the three most sensible team fits for Cooper in the 2026 NFL Draft.

2026 NFL Draft: 3 Fits for Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr.

New York Jets

The New York Jets lack wide receiver depth behind Garrett Wilson. They acquired Geno Smith to play quarterback as a temporary solution earlier this offseason, buying them time to find a franchise arm. Smith is an aggressive gunslinger who needs more weapons at his disposal.

The Jets are going to draft the top defender on their board at No. 2 overall, with David Bailey and Arvell Reese as the favorites. With their second of their first-round selections (No. 16), they may target an offensive lineman or wide receiver. Cooper projects as an excellent complement to Wilson.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. this summer. That marks two consecutive offseasons the Steelers have made an aggressive trade for a receiver. Pittman joins DK Metcalf in a rather top-heavy receiver room in Pittsburgh.

Both Metcalf and Pittman are big-bodied wideouts who are vertical field stretches and contested catch winners. With the Steelers still sorting through Aaron Rodgers’ decision and their quarterback position, Mike McCarthy’s offense needs a receiver capable of doing short-to-intermediate damage as a yards-after-catch threat who can break tackles. The Steelers could target Cooper at No. 21 overall.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are still expected to trade disgruntled wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason. Once Brown’s departure is finalized, the Eagles’ depth chart at receiver will become fairly thin, with DeVonta Smith being elevated into the No. 1 role.

Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was signed in free agency, but he’s a deeper rotational option at this point in his career. Cooper would thrive in Nick Sirianni’s system as a quarterback-friendly target Jalen Hurts could pepper underneath the coverage in creative concepts. Receiver has emerged as one of the Eagles’ bigger draft-day needs.

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A teenager was in surgery at an Indianapolis hospital after he was shot during a fight among juveniles Tuesday evening near the historic mineral water sanitarium in Martinsville, police said.

Officer Aubrey Rachels of the Martinsville Police Department told News 8 by phone about 8 p.m. Tuesday that the teen, who is from 13-16 years old, was seriously injured in the shooting just before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and taken by helicopter to Riley Hospital for Children.

Later, in a news conference just after 9 p.m. Tuesday, Rachels said the teenager injured was from age 13-18. She also said the teenager was stable at the hospital.

Investigators were talking to a possible suspect and witnesses, all who are juveniles, Rachels said. No arrests had been made as of 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Photos showed crime scene tape in the 400 block of North Mulberry Street, just a block west of North Main Street near the Morgan House Apartments, and a block east of the historic Martinsville Sanitarium.

The shooting was believed to have been targeted, and no threat to the community at large exists, Rachels said.

GALVESTON, Ind. (WISH) — A town marshal in Cass County has been placed on administrative leave pending review of a personnel matter.

Galveston Town Marshal Nick Bowyer’s leave became effective on Thursday, March 30.

An attorney for the town declined to comment on the reasons behind the decision.

WRTV Investigates, the investigative team at WISH-TV’s sister station WRTV, filed a records request for more information on the situation.

Records show Bowyer served as:

• Town Council Member: Dec. 13, 2017 – March 29, 2019
• Deputy Marshal: May 13, 2019 – July 20, 2020
• Town Marshal: July 21, 2020 – present

His current compensation rate is $30/hour, records show.

WRTV Investigates asked town attorney Braden Dean about who is taking on Bowyer’s duties, and Dean responded via email, “During the leave period, department operations are being maintained through existing personnel and standard operational procedures.”

Nick Bowyer is also listed as a sergeant with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.

WRTV Investigates talked to Sheriff Ed Schroder, who confirmed Bowyer is still employed there and is not on leave at that agency.

Under Indiana law, government agencies have to disclose the factual basis for any disciplinary action, including suspensions, demotions, or discharges.

“At this time, no final disciplinary action has been taken,” Dean said. “Administrative leave is a non-disciplinary measure, and no findings or conclusions have been reached.”

Indiana State Police tells WRTV they have not received any reports related to the town.

“Consistent with Indiana law, the town is limited in what information may be disclosed while the review is ongoing,” said Dean. “Should any final action occur, the town will comply with applicable public records requirements at that time.”