In 2025, the lone bright spot for the New York Jets’ offense was their offensive line.

Armand Membou, the seventh overall pick in 2025, was lights-out throughout his rookie campaign. Left tackle Olu Fashanu and right guard Joe Tippmann each played well, also.

Heading into 2026, the Jets should still feel very confident in their starting offensive line. Their depth, though, still carried plenty of questions entering the offseason. The departures of Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson left large holes along the interior of the line.

It’s a hole that sixth-round rookie Anez Cooper knows he’s ready to fill.

Cooper’s run to the NFL

Cooper was a three-year starter at Miami and anchored one of the better offensive lines in the country during the 2025 season. Despite not being as touted as the likes of 10th-overall pick Francis Mauigoa, Cooper’s pass-blocking and tenacity stood out at right guard.

But the offensive line isn’t where Cooper got his start. Speaking to reporters following the draft, Cooper explained how he began his playing career at defensive tackle before a conversation with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal changed everything.

“I’d just say I didn’t like getting double-teamed when I was going through high school and stuff,” Cooper said. “So when Cristobal came and asked me what side of the ball I wanted to play when I was getting recruited, I had just told him O-line because I felt like it was just better for me.”

Cooper has the size and intangibles to be a quality backup at the NFL level right away. In many ways, he compares very nicely to the likes of Simpson, a player the Jets gave a two-year deal to in 2024.

Should Cooper produce anywhere close to what the Jets had in Simpson, he’ll be seen as a runaway steal for the franchise with the 188th pick.

Jets’ potential impact in 2026

Many sixth-round picks never see the field during their professional careers. There are many reasons why they aren’t given the chance to step up in a meaningful way.

That may not be the case for Cooper. He believes that there’s a path and process for him to perform at a high level.

“I would say I’m very ready,” he said when asked if he could make an impact right away.

New York signed Dylan Parham to be the starting left guard in 2026. Head coach Aaron Glenn has been very open about making each position open for competition, though. If Cooper stands out enough, there is certainly a path for the Jets to give him a starting role earlier than expected.

He credits his time with the Hurricanes for getting him ready to play in the NFL.

“I feel like Cristobal did a very good job the way he prepared us and the way our trenches were made,” Cooper said. “I feel like we had NFL trenches when I was at Miami. Guys like Francis (Mauigoa), (Rueben) Bain, (Akheem) Mesidor, all of those guys (are) first-round guys, so I feel like we did good with how good we were in the trenches. I feel like they were kind of helping me a lot, too.”

New York is expected to play many rookies from the 2026 class. That’s what happens when a team makes four draft selections in the first two rounds.

But their sixth-round rookie out of Miami may end up contributing faster than many expect.