Jets Rookies Cooper Jr. and Sadiq Aim for Joint Offensive Impact

As roommates during Jets training camp, Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq had to learn how to take turns with each other. Now, the rookie first-round draft picks are aiming to make an impact together for the inconsistent Jets offense.

Cooper and Sadiq have combined for three 100-yard receiving games and three Offensive Rookie of the Week awards. "I know it’s going to come," Cooper told The Post. "There’s going to be a day when a few of us have a great day, so I’m looking forward to it." The upcoming game against the Raiders could be that day.

During Week 3, Sadiq recorded seven catches for 105 yards and a touchdown from Geno Smith, while Cooper was sidelined with a high ankle sprain. Since then, Cooper has posted back-to-back 100-yard, one-touchdown games, while Sadiq has seen a decrease in production, with four catches for 21 yards over the past four games.

Drafted to alleviate pressure on Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, the duo has already contributed significantly. Since 2022, the Jets have had nine non-Wilson 100-yard receiving games, with Cooper and Sadiq accounting for one-third of those. Hall has two of the remaining six.

Head coach Aaron Glenn acknowledged the dynamic, stating, “It’s only one ball, and Garrett has to get it, Braelon [Allen] has to get it, Sadiq has to get it, Mason [Taylor] has to get it. So each week things are different. We have some other guys that can make plays too.”

Cooper has overcome a slow start in training camp and an early-season injury. He credits his resilience to "belief in the game plan and being in the right spot to be a reliable target, knowing Geno is going to put it where it needs to be." He added, "Throughout my whole recovery, I made sure I trusted my faith and wasn’t going to get down on myself because I’m missing out while they were out there having fun. I was in the playbook, paying attention in the meetings, taking notes, so when I was ready to come back I wasn’t all the way behind.”

Sadiq, advertised as a versatile weapon, has lined up in various positions but has only 17 touches in seven games. Despite this, he remains focused on the team's success. "My targets might not be up, but somebody else is doing well. Mason and Omar are both having great games. I don’t have any complaints. I think it’s about just keeping the offense in rhythm, and good things will come for everybody,” Sadiq said.

The Jets utilize 13 personnel (one running back, three tight ends) frequently, which coach Glenn believes suits the team well. "So, I’ll continue to be excited about how that room is improving and it’s so much mix and matching you can do with those guys," Glenn said.

Cooper has been particularly effective against man coverage, ranking second among NFL rookies with 121 receiving yards in such situations. He also leads all NFL pass catchers with at least 45 routes with a 12.2 percent explosive catch rate, according to NexGenStats.

Looking ahead, Cooper expressed optimism about the potential for a synergistic connection with Sadiq, similar to successful receiver-tight end duos around the league. "In the future, that’s definitely the goal," Cooper said. "We’d definitely be excited if that does happen. I’m thankful for the receivers around me I’m learning from and for having a veteran quarterback.”

For Sunday's game, Cooper also plans to swap jerseys with former Indiana quarterback and current Raiders backup Fernando Mendoza. "I need that jersey," Cooper laughed. "That’ll be my first Indiana player I’ve swapped with. Our connection helped us to get the places we want to be.”