The Las Vegas Raiders could target a wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft who has the upside to grow into a true No. 1 option. Adding a receiver would also give Fernando Mendoza another reliable target in the passing game, especially with expectations that he could go No. 1 overall.
That kind of fit makes it logical for Las Vegas to look at receivers who already have chemistry with Mendoza. Two names that stand out are Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt, both of whom could step into that role and help ease the transition early on.
Las Vegas could decide to wait for Cooper in Round 2, but ESPN’s Matt Miller believes that the former Indiana Hoosiers wideout could go in the late first round and is a strong fit for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“If they go wide receiver, which I think we have to keep out there as a possibility, finding someone to be that No. 2 long-term opposite DeVonta Smith, I’m going to throw my guy Omar Cooper Jr. into the mix once again,” Miller said on the April 14 edition of “NFL Live.” “Philly values ball skills and run-after-catch ability, and those are the two things that Cooper really brings to the table.
“He has a similar physique, not as big as A.J. Brown, but a similar build. Someone who can win on crossing routes, win with his body shielding defenders off, and show back-shoulder fade ability to track the ball and win with toughness.”
Omar Cooper Jr. Could Become a Favorite Target for a QB
Moreover, Miller believes that Cooper can become the favorite for former Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders are expected to select No. 1 overall, and why Cooper would make sense to the Silver and Black.
“We all know about this catch, the one against Penn State, but there was a year and a half of production from Omar Cooper Jr. that made him that No. 1 receiver for Fernando Mendoza, and it’s because of his ability to win at the catch point that made him a favorite of Mendoza’s,“ Miller added.
Raiders Named Ideal Fit for Omar Cooper Jr.
Although Cooper could be a target for teams late in the first round, for Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, the perfect fit for the wideout would be being drafted by the Raiders to likely team up with his college teammate.
“Even if the Raiders believe Tre Tucker can take a leap in his fourth season or wideouts Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. make strides after nondescript rookie campaigns, they could help presumptive No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza by reuniting him with Omar Cooper Jr.,“ Moton wrote in an article published on March 24.
“With Mendoza under center, Cooper saw a significant spike in his production, leading the Indiana Hoosiers in catches (69) and receiving yards (937) last year. He also finished with 13 touchdown receptions.
“Even before Mendoza arrived in Bloomington, Cooper flashed big-play ability, averaging 21.2 yards per reception in 2024. His rapport with the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner is undeniable, though. Assuming the Raiders draft Mendoza and want him to get off to a quick start, they should consider bringing in one of his top receivers early on Day 2 of the draft.”
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