In the thick of Autumn, certain NFL fans are counting down the days until the 2026 NFL Draft this April. While many eagerly watch their teams push for a playoff appearance, those less fortunate are paying attention to Saturday games for their next first-round picks. Among these teams is the New York Jets. Despite capturing their first win of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals this week, the Jets are currently 1-7. Despite a bounce-back game from Justin Fields, New York should consider drafting their next quarterback. With only $10 million of his salary guaranteed, general manager Darren Mougey can take the financial hit if they find a promising rookie.
Due to Sunday’s victory, the Jets are no longer projected to have the first overall pick. They now hold the second overall pick, behind the New Orleans Saints. Currently, both the Jets and Saints are tied with the Tennessee Titans with a 1-7 record each. After drafting a quarterback last April in Cam Ward, it will come down to the former two to select their quarterback. Regardless, the Jets are primed to pick their future signal-caller.
2026 Mock Draft: Will 2025 Woes Award Jets Fortune at QB?
Positions of need: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher, Defensive Line, Safety, Offensive Guard
It’s important to note that the quarterback isn’t entirely to blame for a poor offense. However, accountability for crucial mistakes can’t go unmentioned. Before Sunday’s win, the Jets had gone five consecutive games without a first-half touchdown while Justin Fields was starting. He is currently 30th in the league in touchdown passes and 29th in quarterback rating. Despite his great rushing ability, it would be malpractice for the regime not to look for a player with more upside as a passer.
In addition, a new quarterback will also need a quality second wide receiver to pair next to star Garrett Wilson. Finding a player with a size advantage on 50/50 balls will be a solid contrast to Wilson’s skillset. During the offseason, the interior of the offensive line could look different with Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson both free agents at the end of the year. As for the defense, the addition of depth behind Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson would be a boost on the edge. Along with defensive tackle, Harrison Phillips is set for free agency as well. Finally, the secondary could use a front safety to pair with Malachi Moore long-term.
First Round/Second Overall Pick: Fernando Mendoza, quarterback, Indiana
The 2026 NFL Draft has some promising quarterback prospects. Among them are standout underclassmen like LaNorris Sellers, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore. While all three are promising, each has less than two seasons of experience as a full-time starter. Although not a negative indicator for their future success, New York went this similar route in 2021, picking Zach Wilson after one full season at BYU. This isn’t to say either will fail like Wilson did. As well as the fact that all three could return to school next year. The New York Jets should leave the 2026 NFL Draft with a quarterback with starting experience.
Fernando Mendoza looks unstoppable!!!
The QB is currently +300 to be the first pick in the NFL draft, is that a smart bet? pic.twitter.com/UehSPvhZes
— WagerWire (@WagerWire) October 25, 2025
Instead, New York will opt to take the more experienced Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana. After two seasons at Cal, Mendoza moved to the Big 10 and has since thrived in Curt Cignetti’s offense. Completing over 72% of his passes, Mendoza has already thrown for 1.923 yards and 24 touchdown passes to only three interceptions. While the stat sheet is impressive, he’s also solid mechanically. Mendoza’s footwork is consistent. However, what stands out the most is Mendoza’s ability to process reads quickly. Recently, Mendoza has been compared to current Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. If offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand can construct an offense around his strengths like he did with Goff, Mendoza could really thrive.
Second Round/33rd overall pick: Chris Bell, wide receiver, Louisville
For Mendoza to succeed in this offense, they must add another wide receiver. While Garrett Wilson is among an elite company of wide receivers, he’s only one man. Acquiring a young wide receiver with size who can gain yards after the catch will open up the scheme more for Wilson, tight end Mason Taylor, and the running back room. One player who fits that mold is Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell. Thriving in his third season with head coach Jeff Brohm, the 6’2″, 220lb wide receiver is built like a linebacker.
Chris Bell cannot be stopped! NFL OC’s are going to love this young man. pic.twitter.com/PkgYPDoFhr
— Full-Time Dame
(@DP_NFL) October 18, 2025
However, it’s his ability to track deep routes and shocking sub-4.5 40-yard time that make him an offensive coordinator’s dream. Diversifying his route tree will be a huge benefit for his game. But the league’s value for mismatches against smaller corners can be an early boost for Bell’s development. With the right offensive coordinator and quarterback, Bell could make good on the AJ Brown comparisons he’s been getting.
Fourth Round/102nd overall pick: CJ Fite, defensive tackle, Arizona State
After utilizing their first two picks to help their offense, the Jets turn their attention to the defense. Unfortunately, thanks to last year’s Haason Reddick trade, the Philadelphia Eagles own the New York Jets third-round pick. After waiting until the beginning of the fourth round, New York adds a defensive tackle to help their run defense.
CJ Fite
Elite interior defensive linemen to keep an eye on this season.
pic.twitter.com/qbMrp4o9X0— Elite Drafters (@Elite_Drafters) September 24, 2025
With veteran Harrison Phillips in the final year of his contract, New York must continue to add depth on the interior. As a result, the Jets take a swing on CJ Fite from Arizona State. This is a head-scratcher for some, considering Fite plays in a 3-4 defense compared to the Jets 4-2 defense. But this is a worthy gamble in my opinion. Despite concerns of limited pass-rushing moves and potential late-game conditioning, Fite makes up for it in lateral mobility and stonewalls interior running lanes with ease. Pairing Fite next to a Pro Bowl defensive tackle like Quinnen Williams will greatly improve his impact.
Main Photo: [Joseph Maiorana] – Imagn Images
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