The New York Jets didn’t pick Omar Cooper Jr. to ease him into the NFL. He’s being thrown into the fire.
The 30th overall pick is expected to carve out a role in an offense featuring quarterback Geno Smith, veteran receiver Garrett Wilson and fellow first-round selection Kenyon Sadiq.
That transition has come with a steep learning curve, but Cooper says he’s already leaning on those around him to speed up the process. Building chemistry with Smith has become one of his biggest priorities.
“I feel like me and Geno, we’re slowly getting on the same page,” Cooper said while speaking to the media. “And there’s times where I have to be a little faster. I’m just making sure that I’m going back to him, asking questions, seeing what he likes and what he thinks I should do.”
For a rookie receiver, there may be no better resource than the quarterback throwing the passes. Cooper’s willingness to seek feedback reflects an understanding that trust isn’t built overnight. Every conversation and every practice rep helps establish the timing and communication needed once the regular season begins.
Cooper has also gravitated toward one of the Jets’ established stars in Wilson. That’s a wise decision by the rookie.
Wilson has already established himself as one of the NFL’s premier young receivers. That makes him an ideal mentor for a first-round pick navigating his first training camp. Cooper’s approach has been simple: watch, listen and absorb as much as possible. His relationship with Sadiq has developed just as naturally.
“Me and Sadiq were roommates during OTAs, and we’re kind of the same person. He’s kind of like me, quiet…” Cooper said. For his full comment, see below.
Sometimes the loudest players in a locker room aren’t the ones making the biggest impression. Cooper and Sadiq appear content letting their preparation speak for them while learning from the veterans around them.
For rookies, training camp is as much about earning trust as it is making plays. Cooper’s willingness to ask questions, study accomplished teammates and build relationships across the offense suggests he understands that development is rarely a solo effort. If that mindset continues, the Jets may have landed more than just another talented receiver—they may have added another player willing to do the quiet work long before the spotlight arrives.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets’ Omar Cooper Jr. shares what he’s learning from Garrett Wilson
Reporting by Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Geoffrey A Knox, Jets Wire | USA TODAY Network
