The New York Jets, in a downward spiral, suffered a road loss to the Patriots during Thursday Night Football. Justin Fields ran for an early lead against New England, but once he stopped using his legs, the team couldn’t move the ball and fell to a 27-14 loss. While Fields owns the scoring for the Jets’ five-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, his impact on the showdown wore off as the contest progressed. From there, the Patriots pulled away behind Drake Maye’s surge and Stefon Diggs’ big plays. However, the result will require the Jets to rewrite their draft extensively in the future. Here are the top five prospects who can change the Jets’ fate in 2026.
Top NFL Draft Prospects for the Jets in 2026
QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza delivered an elite performance in Week 11 of college football, which solidified him as a Heisman Trophy favorite. In the epic 27-24 victory against Penn State, Mendoza had an efficient game. He threw for 218 yards, gained one yard, and succeeded against Penn State’s vulnerable defense. Furthermore, the Jets’ need at quarterback is obvious. Teams’ hopes for a Justin Fields revival have not materialized, and now the franchise is once again in search of a quarterback leader. Mendoza has been one of the top quarterbacks in college football all season, and his game-changing ability will make him an ideal fit for the Jets.
DT Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
Known for his finest defensive tactics, Reuben Bain Jr. has been making waves in his football career. The defensive linemen have anchored the Hurricanes’ defensive front through the first nine matchups in the 2025 season. He has totaled 31 tackles, including 15 solo stops. He has also recorded a forced fumble, one interception, and one pass breakup. Rueben has been one of the best defensive players in college football all season, ranking first among the defensive linemen, along with an elite 93.9 PFF offense grade through the first 11 weeks. With the outstanding play this season and subpar performance in Week 11, he has a chance to be a top pick for the Jets in the 2026 NFL Draft.
DL Peter Woods, Clemson
With the Jets looking for a proper replacement for Quinnen Williams, Peter Woods is the ideal candidate. Wood has the explosive talent that can be a disruptive force in the middle of the Jets’ defensive line. In the road game against Louisville, Peter Woods had 27 tackles, two sacks, and a pass breakup. Woods’s elite athleticism and high football IQ made him an excellent fit for the Jets, given their need along the defensive line, even before the trade of Williams.
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Replacing a player of Sauce Gardner’s caliber is no small task, but the 2026 class offers high-end corner talent. LSU’s Mansoor Delane has emerged as one of the best on the football scene. Despite his listed height of 6’6″ and weight of 190 pounds, Delane plays with agility, demonstrating a willingness to enter the box and contribute as a run defender. His ball skills and boundary coverage make him a clean schematic fit. If Aaron Glenn remains the head coach in 2026, Delane brings the traits that Glenn can maximize quickly.
LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese, a linebacker from Ohio State, is another player to watch for the Jets’ second first-round pick. He was the Buckeyes’ top player in their season-opening win against the high-profile Texas Longhorns, with nine total tackles and a sack. Over the course of his career, Reese recorded translatable performances as a coverage presence, a run defender, and a pass rusher. In a head-to-head duel against Penn State in Week 10, Reese earned second-star honors, along with 12 tackles and one sack. Reese is one of the top college football players this season and may be a potential target for the Jets.
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