Other needs are probably more important. The Philadelphia Eagles could use an edge rusher and must continue preparing for life after Lane Johnson, but help at wide receiver is also needed, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding A.J. Brown and the expectation that trade discussions could heat up again after June 1.
Yes, Philadelphia should absolutely use some of its draft capital on adding another receiver. It seems Howie Roseman may have bought his team a few rounds by adding Marquise Brown, among others. Still, no one should be shocked if a receiver is added earlier than expected, and no one should complain if that receiver is Omar Cooper Jr of the College Football Playoff National Championship-winning Indiana Hoosiers.
Cooper has already earned the respect of Eagles fans and the Philly media, which is no small feat. He’s been connected to the team in some of the earlier mock drafts, but the intrigue goes beyond projections. It’s about fit and mindset.
Omar Cooper compliments the Eagles organization and DeVonta Smith.
In the days leading up to another NFL draft, Cooper recently spoke with Josina Anderson. He didn’t hold back when discussing the idea of landing in Philadelphia:
“I mean just the history, especially over the past like three to four years with the Eagles. That’d be an amazing opportunity…really great team. It would be a big role to fill, especially with AJ Brown, really great player. Like I said about Deebo (Samuel) earlier, just has really done good things in the league; but, that’d be something I would be looking forward to. Also, being able to learn from Devonta Smith. Watching him when he was at Alabama, and then obviously what he’s done now in the league, again that would be just amazing to be next to him and also learn from him. So, I would be really excited for that.”
That kind of perspective matters. He also earned himself a few brownie points by complimenting a legend, Jason Kelce. He says the future Hall of Famer is who comes to mind when he thinks of the organization.
“I would definitely say Jason Kelce…Him being a former player, being there for years. He was just a really great player for their team; really good leader as well. Just everything he does; I mean he really loves football. He loves his family, really good character. So, that would be why I would choose him.”
Indiana WR Omar Cooper on the #Eagles and potentially helping to fill the AJ Brown gap: “I mean just the history, especially over the past like three to four years with the Eagles, that’d be an amazing opportunity…really great team. It would be a big role to fill, especially… https://t.co/JrINBo2p8L
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 22, 2026
Cooper isn’t just acknowledging the opportunity. He’s embracing the challenge and the culture. He understands what it would mean to step into a room alongside DeVonta Smith and potentially help offset any transition involving Brown. That level of awareness, combined with his on-field ability, makes the connection feel even more natural. That’s where the conversation shifts. The Eagles don’t draft based solely on need. They draft based on value, vision, and timing.
If they believe Cooper checks those boxes, they won’t hesitate to act, even if it comes earlier than many expect. The reasons why are obvious. In Philadelphia, it’s not just about filling holes. It’s about staying ahead of the curve, and Omar Cooper Jr. feels like the kind of move that does exactly that.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Omar Cooper Jr. is intrigued by Eagles, cites DeVonta Smith’s impact