Garrett Wilson’s lack of targets is an increasingly problematic storyline to this Jets season.
But at least one receiver is delivering promising production.
Rookie Omar Cooper Jr., whom the Jets took with the No. 30 overall pick in the draft last April, had another strong showing in the Jets’ 28-25 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. He had five receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, hauling in all five of his targets from Geno Smith.
Cooper and second-year tight end Mason Taylor — two young pass catchers whom the Jets invested valuable draft capital in (Taylor was a second-round pick in 2025) — were silver linings in an otherwise disastrous afternoon for the Jets.
“I wouldn’t say establishing myself [yet],” Cooper said. “It’s two games. It’s a long year. Two games, you can’t just say you’re establishing yourself. I will say I’m grateful that I was able to finish two games healthy.”
It’s the second straight week Cooper has recorded 100-plus yards and a touchdown after missing four weeks with a high ankle sprain he sustained in the season opener. Cooper had six receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown during the Jets’ 26-19 loss to the Patriots last week.
Most of Sunday’s production came on two explosive plays — a 52-yard catch in the first quarter and a 60-yard catch in the third quarter. His touchdown came via a 3-yard pass in the third quarter, which cut the Jets deficit to 21-14 at the time.
Cooper suffered the ankle injury on his first touch in the NFL during the season-opening win over the Titans — a 30-yard catch-and-run in which he broke multiple tackles. After a rough training camp and preseason, Cooper has been a rare bright spot when he’s been on the field.
“I feel like me and Geno are connecting really well,” Cooper said. “I feel like we can continue to grow on that. And just looking forward to seeing how next game goes.”
Taylor finished with five receptions for 62 yards, two touchdowns and a successful 2-point conversion.
Ideally, though, Cooper and Taylor would complement a heavy dosage of Wilson — not the other way around.
