The hardest part of change is admitting that there is a problem. During the first year of this rebuild, the New York Jets recognized that they needed to commit fully. Embracing the idea of building something sustainable, their draft plans took a major turn at the trade deadline. After parting with longtime stars Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, the Jets earned a golden opportunity. Through those two trades, the Jets gained potentially four top 50 draft picks over the next two years. In this latest mock draft, I present how the picks acquired from the Dallas Cowboys & Indianapolis Colts can be a massive benefit to the Jets.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Add Major Building Blocks
Team Needs: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, Safety, Wide Receiver, Guard, Linebacker
During the trade deadline, the New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey parted with two franchise mainstays in an effort to build long-term. Thankfully, the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys gave the team ample draft capital. Between the Gardner and Williams trades, the Jets gained three first-round picks within the next two drafts. In 2026, New York owns the Colts first-round pick and the Cowboys second-round pick.
Thanks to the extra draft picks, New York can feel comfortable taking an opportunity on a young quarterback while filling holes on the roster. The offense deserves a fresh start away from Justin Fields under center. Along with quarterback, a second wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson would be useful. Potentially, if either John Simpson or the injured Alijah Vera-Tucker doesn’t resign, New York would benefit from getting a guard on the offensive line.
As for the defense, the departure of Quinnen Willliams and Sauce Gardner adds interior defensive line and cornerback among the team’s needs. However, the team must prioritize the safety position within the draft. After a disappointing start to the season for Jamien Sherwood, linebacker will also be needed. Along with Quincy Williams becoming a free agent, too. While all these holes can’t be fit in one draft, New York will gain some great value in this mock draft. This draft will consist of all four picks for the Jets within the first two rounds.
Round 1/Fifth Overall Pick: Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback, Indiana
Beginning our 2026 Jets mock draft, New York finds what is (hopefully) their franchise quarterback. Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza has been thriving this season. The redshirt junior quarterback became the Hoosiers single-season record holder for most touchdown passes in a season with 30. In addition, he’s thrown for over 2,600 yards, completing 73% of his passes. With prototypical size at 6’5″ and 230 lbs, Mendoza has shown his ability to extend plays with his legs to match with near pinpoint accuracy.
3⃣0⃣ TD passes (and counting)
Watch each and every one of Fernando Mendoza’s @IndianaFootball single-season record TD passes
pic.twitter.com/G4ZaXeSOT5
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 15, 2025
While Mendoza has been performing as a Heisman favorite, he’s not without his flaws. Many question whether his production is his own doing or a product of head coach Curt Cignetti’s RPO-heavy offense. In addition, Mendoza has a tendency to panic when pressured or asked to create on the run when a play breaks down. But, he does possess a similar profile to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff or a younger version of Kirk Cousins during his Washington days. With time, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand could get Mendoza ready to contribute early. If the running game holds up, the Jets can thrive in a heavy play-action passing game with Mendoza.
Round 1/28th Overall Pick(via Indianapolis Colts): Denzel Boston, wide receiver, Washington
After getting a great quarterback, it’d be wise to get him another wide receiver target to grow with. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets need someone else to pair with Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III for depth. To add versatility, a big-bodied wide receiver like 6’5″ Denzel Boston. The Huskies playmaker has worked with an experienced NFL coach in Jedd Fisch. Due to his size, Boston would be a perfect complement to Wilson’s game to create size mismatches against smaller cornerbacks. However, Boston’s lack of burst on the line can cause him to get jammed on routes with more physical corners. Fortunately, the Jets offense is expected to use a more timing-based passing game for Mendoza makes Boston a good addition.
Round 2/36th Overall Pick: A’Mauri Washington, defensive tackle, Oregon
With the loss of Williams, adding in the trenches will be essential in reimaging the defense. With that said, head coach Aaron Glenn gets an explosive 330lb gap stuffer who can anchor the interior. A multiyear starter at Oregon, A’Mauri Washington is a vital piece of Dan Lanning‘s defense for the Ducks. Consistent with his pad levels and possessing great instincts to keep track of the ball, Washington can explode in the backfield. While his lack of pass-rushing abilities will push him out of the first round, he’s a game-changer. Adding Washington next to a run stopper like Jermaine Johnson can be huge for the Jets defense.
Was putting off watching #Oregon DL A’Mauri Washington until this game and he is really, really impressive physically
Strong, powerful, explosive. Crazy get-off that puts @BruceFeldmanCFB‘s crazy numbers from the ‘Freaks List’ on display
Scary that his best ball is ahead of him pic.twitter.com/HFtI54aPI7
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) September 28, 2025
Round 2/44th Overall Pick(via Dallas Cowboys): Kamari Ramsey, safety, USC
After trading away Gardner, many would expect cornerback to take priority. But, after the early returns from Azareye’h Thomas have been good, New York opts to focus on safety. After returning to school instead of declaring for the draft last year, junior safety Kamari Ramsey has been a crucial part of the Trojans defense. Ramsey excels in mirror coverage when matched up with tight ends and thrives in coverage.
#USC S Kamari Ramsey (6-0, 205) is one of the more well-rounded 2026 prospects that I’ve watched. Wears every hat in the secondary. Easy mover, range as a FS, brings it in run support, extremely smart with route recognition and attacks the ball. pic.twitter.com/tgcClyONIS
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) August 15, 2025
But he’s far from a finished product. A tendency to get overaggressive on angles could lead to some big plays if not executed correctly. However, the strengths he possesses make him worth taking on as a project with Aaron Glenn. In fact, Glenn might be intrigued by Ramsey’s resemblance to his former safety Kerby Joseph back in Detroit.
Main Photo: [Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times] – Imagn Images
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