Making it happen with draft capital: the Jets traded up in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, moving up 11 spots to select Miami offensive guard Anez Cooper at No. 188 overall.
New York had the No. 199 selection as part of a trade with Cleveland earlier in the day, but packaged that selection and No. 242 in the seventh round to move up to make this pick. That leaves the Jets with just one pick remaining, that being No. 228 in Round 7.
Cooper, who goes 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds, was named Second Team All-ACC in 2025 after two Honorable Mention nods in 2023, and he started all 42 games from 2023-25 at right guard for last year’s national runners-up.
From NFL.com’s Draft and Scouting Combine profile:
Cooper is a big and proportional guard. He loses effectiveness when blocking in space, but he plays with good body control and understands how to use his size to neutralize in-line opponents. He has heavy hands and punches quickly into extension in pass pro to subdue rush momentum, making him difficult to circumnavigate. He struggles staying mirrored to athletic rushers with quality setups, though. His issues identifying and responding to rush games are cause for concern. Cooper’s limitations require occasional help, but he has starter upside in the right scheme fit.
