Jets Rookie & Sophomore Week 7 Power Rankings – Omar Cooper Jr.’s Breakout Sparks Major Shift

Halfway through the season, the Jets finally have something to talk about besides the 26‑19 loss to the Patriots. Since 2011 we’ve been 1‑14 at Gillette Stadium, and coach Aaron Glenn is now 0‑7 against AFC East foes. Yet even in that defeat the club saw a few bright spots, especially from the younger players.

Omar Cooper Jr. stole the show. The second‑year wideout hauled in a career‑high 10 catches for 112 yards and a touchdown against New England, giving the fans a reason to smile and forcing a seismic shift in the rookie‑sophomore rankings.

Below is the updated Week 7 power list. Note that Anez Cooper and V.J. Payne are still on IR and therefore omitted; both could rejoin after the first four games.

12. Arian Smith, WR – The former fourth‑rounder’s 2026 season ended in a torn ACL versus the Packers. He never moved the needle on offense and will likely be a special‑teams depth piece next year, not a key receiver.

11. Cade Klubnik, QB – After a solid but unspectacular effort from veteran Geno Smith (66.7% completion, one INT), Klubnik remains the bench option. He may see snaps if New York’s season fizzles out.

10. Kiko Mauigoa, LB – Returned from a quad injury only to re‑injure himself on a special‑teams play. He’s yet to record a defensive snap this year, and hopes for a quick recovery.

9. D’Angelo Ponds, CB – Thrust into the slot after a costly Hunter Henry TD, Ponds struggled on 11 defensive snaps, surrendering a 39‑yard gain. Still, he’s only had 34 defensive snaps total, so the learning curve is steep.

8. Malachi Moore, DB – With the likes of Dane Belton and Minkah Fitzpatrick ahead, Moore’s role is limited. He’s shined on special teams (six tackles, 74.8 PFF grade) and could earn defensive reps if the depth chart opens.

7. Kenyon Sadiq, TE – After a monster game against Detroit (seven catches, 105 yards, TD), his target share evaporated. He’s only been in motion on 14 of 88 routes and has a single red‑zone look – a problem for a team that ranks last in red‑zone efficiency.

6. Mason Taylor, TE – Started slow against the Patriots but finished with four catches for 33 yards. He’s bouncing back from a rough opening stretch and could become a reliable safety‑valve.

5. Jamien Sherwood, LB – The once‑prodigy is finally finding consistency, showing flashes of his 2024 breakout form. His hustle on both defense and special teams keeps him on the radar.

4. Braelon Allen, RB – Continues to be the “bell cow” the Jets need, delivering steady yardage and tough‑ball runs. He’s the workhorse that steadies an otherwise shaky offense.

3. Omar Cooper Jr., WR – The breakout performance against New England catapulted him into the top three. Ten receptions, 112 yards, and a TD proved he can be a go‑to weapon when the game is on the line.

2. Quincy Harper, CB – Still solid in the secondary, providing reliable coverage and occasional big plays. His development mirrors the team’s gradual improvement.

1. Michael Parker, LB – Leading the young corps, Parker’s instincts and tackling ability make him the standout linebacker, and he’s expected to anchor the defense moving forward.

Looking ahead to Week 7 against Miami, the Jets will rely heavily on these emerging players. If Cooper Jr. can keep delivering, and if the rest of the squad can build on their modest gains, New York may finally turn the tide before the season’s second half.