Draft Watch: Underclassmen Spotlight
All Access Football examines some of the top underclassmen prospects for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with in-depth scouting reports.
AAF Underclassmen Spotlight Presented By Sports Management Worldwide Football Career Conference — Last Call: NFL execs, scouts, agents, media and hundreds of football industry professionals ascend upon Indy at the NFL Scouting Combine. Be there, get in the game with your ticket here.
Welcome to the February 17, 2026 edition of the All Access Football Newsletter.
We are officially 65 days away until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. In today’s report, we shine the spotlight on nine underclassmen who have caught the attention of NFL scouts with various prospects that range from Day 1-to-Day 3.
Keep reading below to learn about a playmaking wideout who has feet like Fred Astaire, a tight end who turned heads at the East-West Shrine Bowl, an offensive tackle that is climbing up draft boards, a pair of interior maulers expected to go early in the draft, a pair of edge rushers who have become afterthoughts in a deep class, a linebacker that likes to lay the lumber and a cornerback who fits as the ideal nickelback.
Keep it locked to AAF for our exclusive on location combine coverage starting next week! In the meantime, enjoy the AAF NFL Draft HQ, where you can find thousands of prospects for 2026 and beyond!
NEW: 2026 NFL PRO DAY TRACKER — OVER 40 SCHOOLS ANNOUNCED
COOPER JR., OMAR | Indiana | WR | rJr | #3 | Indianapolis, IN | Day 2
Spring Measurements. HT: 6002 | WT: 204 (photo: Indiana Athletics)
Evaluation: One player who significantly increased his draft stock this past season is Cooper Jr., who emerged as the Hoosiers big-play threat. A prototypical NFL slot wideout, he can consistently leverage his intelligence and keen zone awareness to identify coverage gaps. Cooper excels in route running, where his precise stems and breaks create opportunities and his impressive play speed allows him to accelerate through transitions. Once the ball is in his hands, he transforms into a dynamic playmaker, racking up yards after the catch, with elusiveness and the ability to break tackles. Cooper would benefit from honing his skill-set to adjust to off-target throws, as occasional lapses in body control can lead to incompletions in traffic. Additionally, increasing his involvement in downfield blocking on run plays will round out his overall game and make him a more complete player. Overall, his blend of route savvy, speed and after-catch dynamism places Cooper in the early-to-mid round range.
Background: A 2026 National Champion who appeared in 41 games, including 19 starts. He suffered a right leg injury in the Big Ten Championship game but missed no time. He also suffered a torn ACL in high school. A four-star prospect from Lawrence North High School. He is the son of Vnemina and Omar Cooper.
