The trials and errors of a first-year regime were on full display for the Jets this season. While fans are justifiably angry over their 3-12 record with two weeks left, there is still hope at the end of the tunnel. As of now, general manager Darren Mougey has the team set up for an active offseason. Along with a fourth best cap space, Aaron Glenn will have four draft picks within the top 50 to help add to the team. This will come in handy to address multiple needs. Ideally, those picks can help boost the linebacker room. Perhaps even a premier edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami. Or, perhaps a great wide receiver like Carnell Tate to join his fellow Ohio State alum, Garrett Wilson. However, no matter what, the quarterback room needs a major upgrade.
Thankfully, the team will have options with a top-five pick guaranteed. After a major road win over Oklahoma, Alabama’s Ty Simpson‘s draft stock has rebounded. Additionally, Oregon’s Dante Moore was surgical in the Ducks victory over James Madison on Saturday. Nonetheless, the Jets seem to have identified their primary target. The Jets will need help to get him, but Fernando Mendoza has been at the top of New York’s Christmas list.
The Jets Clear a Path to Fernando Mendoza
After another season without a playoff appearance, it’s crucial for fans to understand the chance for hope in 2026. Understandably, many miss watching stars Quinnen Williams and Ahmad ‘Sauc’ Gardner on defense. However, general manager Darren Mougey created a great opportunity to boost this team over the next two seasons. Between both the Indianapolis Colts first round picks, along with the first and second-round picks gained from the Dallas Cowboys, the options are endless for New York. Especially for the team to find its next long-term quarterback.
Due to the issues on defense, the argument can be made to hold off on a quarterback in 2027. Believe you and me, the options will be plentiful. With players such as Texas Longhorn Arch Manning, Ohio State Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, ex-Florida quarterback DJ Lagway, or ex-Nebraska Cornhusker Dylan Raiola, that’s four names alone for fans to be excited for. However, it appears the wait for their franchise guy may be over earlier than that.
Fernando Mendoza is the Favorite to go First Overall
In his first season with the Indiana Hoosiers, Fernando Mendoza took college football by storm. After two seasons at the University of California, Mendoza has thrived in Curt Cignetti’s offense. Leading the Hoosiers to an undefeated regular season & their first Big Ten Conference Championship, he’s established himself as the frontrunner to go first overall in April. After leading the nation with 33 touchdown passes with the third-highest quarterback rating in the country, Mendoza was awarded the 2025 Heisman trophy. In addition, the Hoosiers talented offensive line allowed him to showcase his skills as a runner. Mendoza finished with a career high of 240 rushing yards and six touchdowns. However, he has a big test ahead of him against Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
The Jets can get the First Overall Pick
As of this writing, the New York Jets have a strong opportunity to move up the draft board. They currently possess the fourth overall pick and the 18th overall pick from the Colts. Currently, the main competition standing between New York and Mendoza would be the Las Vegas Raiders. Currently holding the second overall pick, the Raiders play the New York Giants this week, where either team could wind up with the first overall pick with a loss. Ideally, Jets fans will wish for the Raiders to win their final two games of the season, who will face a Patrick Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs in the last game of the year.
Between both their 2026 first-round picks and three 2027 first-round picks, Darren Mougey can offer a very enticing package to the Giants. Like the Jets, the Giants have multiple positions of need as well. Not to mention, Jaxson Dart has shown flashes of being their long-term quarterback despite losing Malik Nabers. While it’s not ideal to part with multiple draft picks, the Jets would benefit greatly with Fernando Mendoza as their quarterback.
How Dante Moore Could Help New York Get Mendoza
While he’s the projected favorite, there’s still a chance Mendoza doesn’t go first overall. After his great first-round performance vs. James Madison, maybe the Raiders are more interested in Dante Moore. In his first season as a starter at Oregon, the 20-year-old Moore has been lights out as well. With over 3,000 passing yards and a slightly higher completion % compared to Mendoza, it’s not controversial if Las Vegas prefers Moore compared to Mendoza. While Moore would also be a great addition for the Jets, Mendoza’s similarities to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff would make him a better fit for the Jets.
If Dante Moore can beat a great Texas Tech defense in the Orange Bowl, Moore’s draft stock could flourish. Which would be a massive benefit for New York. Ideally, the Jets could wind up drafting Mendoza without giving up draft picks. By drafting Mendoza while retaining the Colts pick this year, they can pair the quarterback with a wide receiver. Adding Mendoza, along with a wide receiver like USC’s Makai Lemon or Washington’s Denzel Boston, would be huge for the offense. While allowing Mougey to use their two picks to add to the defense in the second round. Either way, New York has a legitimate shot to add the Heisman winner in a perfect world.
Main Photo: [Grace Hollars/IndyStar] – Imagn Images