We’re now in October, and of course, it appears that the New York Jets season is likely over. Even though it’s only been five games played this season, with many more to go, with the way the Jets have been playing, it’s looking like the Jets’ season can’t be salvaged. As of now, if the season ended today, the Jets would have the right to select first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. One of the things that Jets fans can look forward to is seeing who their next draft pick could be, since the idea of the playoffs will remain a dream.
New York Jets Draft
Could they draft yet another rookie QB if they had the opportunity? Even though Justin Fields is still under contract for another year and hasn’t played terribly, the idea of drafting a rookie QB is something that this new Jets regime will consider. Again, still a lot of games left to tell if Fields is right to be the future at the QB position for the Jets, but the Jets will have the opportunity to look at the QB prospects this upcoming draft.
There will also be a lot of talented prospects coming into the draft. If the Jets trade down from the first overall pick, they could draft players of need while building a roster from this current regime. The Jets could look to add a no.2 WR, add depth to the defensive line, or fix up the back end of the secondary. With that being said, let’s take a look at some prospects that the Jets could take in next year’s NFL draft.
Fernando Mendoza QB, Indiana
Mendoza’s football journey has certainly not been easy. Coming out of high school as a two-star recruit, he committed to Cal in 2022 and redshirted his first year. He became the full-time starter in 2024, throwing for 3,000 yards and showing he can dominate. Mendoza showcased enough at Cal, where he would take advantage of going somewhere new to keep on developing as a QB. He would then transfer over to Indiana, where he would also play alongside his younger brother. So far, transferring to Indiana is looking like the best decision he’s ever made.
In Mendoza’s Junior season at Indiana, he’s regarded as one of the best quarterback prospects in this upcoming draft and is a top candidate for the Heisman trophy. He’s thrown for 1,208 passing yards, putting up a 16/1 TD/INT ratio, with a QBR of 81.8. Mendoza has the arm as he’s shown great accuracy & ball placement where he can put the ball in intermediate areas. His pocket presence is phenomenal as he’s able to control the plays and extend them by avoiding pressure. The transition from college to the pros is very difficult, but Mendoza can process the game quickly, reading defenses pre-snap and post-snap, finding their vulnerabilities and where the blitzes are coming from. Playing at Indiana has also helped him become more of a leader as he has the respect of his teammates with his performance so far this season, while also demonstrating clutch abilities. Mendoza is definitely a player that the Jets should look at if they were to go the QB route in the draft.
Dante Moore QB, Oregon
Like Mendoza, Dante Moore is another highly regarded quarterback who is enjoying a breakout season after transferring from UCLA to Oregon.. In his first season with Oregon in 2024, he mostly sat behind QB Dillion Gabriel, which benefited Moore because of the experience Gabriel brought to the QB room. Moore was able to sit and watch, developing his skills as a QB behind Gabriel, which has paid off tremendously.
Moore has been lighting it up so far for the Oregon Ducks as he’s considered a top candidate for the Heisman trophy. As a result, Moore has put up prolific numbers in his first five games for the Oregon offense with a 14/1 TD/INT ratio, 1,210 passing yards, ranking in the top five nationally in completion percentage and passing efficiency.
Moore’s breakout game came against Penn State, where the Ducks won in double OT 30-24. Moore’s three-touchdown game was a crucial win as it kept Oregon within the top-12 rankings. Moore received high praise and respect from coaches and most certainly scouts as he showed tremendous leadership, showing the game isn’t too big for him, coming through in clutch moments when needed.
LaNorris Sellers QB, South Carolina
Sellers, who had prior commitments, ultimately decided to go with his home state school, the South Carolina Gamecocks. His freshman season put him on the map as he earned National Freshman Offensive Player of the Year honors. He gained the respect of his team as he became the first freshman in team history to be named captain.
His loyalty is what stands out as he had an opportunity to take an $8 million transfer offer from another University, but after consulting with his inner circle, he thought it’d be best to stay in South Carolina, developing his skills with the Gamecocks, playing for his home state, and getting his education there. Sellers has shown maturity through his leadership as he’s seen as a humble individual. He’s developed into a mobile QB with a physically imposing skillset. Sellers is a player who makes the Gamecocks a threat and gives them a chance to compete with the best teams in the nation.
Reuben Bain JR, DL, Miami
One of the few non-QB prospects that is projected to go first overall in this upcoming NFL Draft. Bain Jr is regarded as one of the best defensive prospects, as his dominant presence on the defensive line has draft experts having him go first overall.
Bain Jr was a dominant force in high school as he racked up 77 sacks and was named the Miami Herald 5A-IND Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a Junior. He won the Nat Moore Trophy for South Florida’s best player of the year.
He made an immediate impact right away as a freshman at Miami, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, also adding Third-Team All-ACC and Freshman All-America selections. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make an impact for the team in his sophomore year as he was dealing with a calf injury, but he’s shown he’s back to his old self so far this 2025 season. As a defensive lineman, Bain Jr possesses tremendous power and strength with his 275-IB built, allowing him to dominate against opposing offensive linemen. What’s scary is he also has the athleticism to go with his strength, as he has great technique to bend, dip, and tighten his way to the QB. The Jets will need to beef up the defensive line again, adding Bain Jr next to Quinnen Williams is a duo that would give opposing QBs nightmares.
Peter Woods DT, Clemson
Like Bain Jr, Peter Woods is another standout defensive prospect who has the potential to go first overall. Woods is known for his combination of size, strength, and quickness, which would be great up front of the Jets’ defensive line.
Peter Woods committed to Clemson over the Alabama Crimson Tide due to Dabo Sweeney’s program’s culture and the coaching staff. In only limited playing time as a freshman, he showed impressive performance, being named an All-American. His sophomore year is where he improved as he developed versatility, being able to play both defensive tackle and edge positions. Along with adding to the run defense, being able to generate pressure, and having a great football IQ, Woods would upgrade any defense in a heartbeat.
Caleb Downs S, Ohio State
Adding Caleb Downs to the Jets’ secondary would help out Sauce Gardner and the backend of the secondary.
After spending a year at Alabama, Downs took his talents to Ohio State, where he was immediately deemed a leader and was a key contributor in Ohio State’s 2024 National Championship Run. Downs has shown that he’s a coach of the game as a player, as he’s earned the nickname “co-coach DS” due to his leadership in leading the defense against opposing offenses and sharing that with his teammates. Having someone at the backend of your secondary scout out the player before it happens is crucial in winning games.
In 2024, Downs was a unanimous first-team All-American in 2024 and was named the Big Ten Conference Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the year.
Visit our forums to talk about the New York Jets with other die-hard fans.
The post New York Jets: Potential No. 1 Pick Options appeared first on JetNation.com – New York Jets Blog & Forum.