The Los Angeles Rams trade down but still land playmaking wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. in a new mock draft.
One of the best aspects of the Los Angeles Rams current roster is the team has the ability to move around in the first round. Despite having the No. 13 overall pick, there is not a steep need on this team, apart from upgrading the wide receiver and offensive line with some younger talent.
That said, a new mock draft has the Rams trading down several spots while still landing a playmaking wide receiver in Omar Cooper Jr.
There is a reality fast approaching that will see both quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Davante Adams hang up their cleats. With that in mind, the team needs to start searching for their replacements.
Adams' replacement is a bit more of a need, as the Rams don't have another WR3 that can match up well with Puka Nacua and Adams. Younger upstarts like Konata Mumpfield and Xavier Smith have not quite made their presences known, opening the door for another infusion of young receivers to come in and make some noise.
One such player could be Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr., whom NFL.com's Chad Rueter has the Rams could land by trading down with the Detroit Lions and taking the young pass catcher at No. 17 overall.
"Cooper can play in the slot or on the perimeter because of his strength, quickness and outstanding body control. He will be a fantastic complement to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams this season and could take on a larger role the following year, as both Nacua and Adams are free agents in 2027," Rueter wrote.
Rueter also indicates the Rams will trade down and acquire the No. 157 overall in the fifth round and a 2027 third-round pick, which would send back some draft capital lost to the Trent McDuffie acquisition.
Cooper finished his collegiate career with 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns. This includes 937 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025. He also led the Big Ten with 21.1 yards per catch in 2024.
Cooper is the kind of strong slot receiver that would be very damaging with the over-the-middle passes and yards after the catch that would be open when Nacua and Adams would stretch the field.
With Matthew Stafford presumably playing in his final season in 2026, Cooper could be that young complementary pass catcher that is needed to take the offense to the next level.
Cooper hasn't been the best with contested catches, which is what Adams and Nacua are there for. However, his ability to accelerate quickly makes him an ideal fit for this high-powered Rams offense.