Usually, projecting the NFL Draft this early into the season is meaningless. More than two months are remaining, and a lot can change with 11 weeks left to go in the regular season. However, the signs are already beginning to clear in college football. Without a single turnover on defense over a month into the season, the New York Jets are off to a 0-6 start. Of course, their underperforming defense has been the main culprit; the Jets are in position for the first overall pick as of now. Even though quarterback Justin Fields hasn’t thrown an interception, the new Jets regime will research the chance to add their pick at quarterback. Head Coach Aaron Glenn has stood beside his quarterback, but has the veteran done enough to prevent Darren Mougey from considering someone like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the number one pick?
Will 2026 Draft Bring the Jets Their Next Great Quarterback?
The New York Jets are in an early rough patch that comes with a new rebuild. The regime of head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey are the only winless team remaining in the league. Outside of the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets defense has allowed the most points in the league. However, the defense had it’s best game of the year in a 13-11 loss to the Denver Broncos this week. While they have had their moments, the Jets offense hasn’t fared much better. Fortunately, the team has the fourth-most rushing yards in the league. Alas, their passing game is still developing.
Despite the productive starts to the season for star wide receiver Garrett Wilson and second-round pick Mason Taylor at tight end, the Jets have the fourth-lowest passing yards per game. The only three teams below them are the Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Tennessee Titans. This was expected when new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand committed to a run-oriented offense; it has come at the expense of opening the playbook. Since the week one loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York hasn’t scored a touchdown in the first half. Despite not throwing an interception this season, Justin Fields has yet to show he’s the solution long term.
Through four games, Justin Fields already has three lost fumbles. That’s half his season total in Pittsburgh last year after playing in ten games. Fields will always be respected as a runner. Through 54 career games, Justin Fields has 47 fumbles throughout his tenure. Along with 31 career interceptions. His dual-threat ability has been an asset to the run game’s success. He also deserves credit for his 204 rushing yards and three touchdown runs. However, most of this success came with the game out of reach. This week’s loss in London was an indictment of Fields’ prospects as the team’s QB going forward. The regime must land on a quarterback. Aaron Glenn is already behind the eight ball. Can he afford to attach himself to Fields long-term at the expense of picking his own quarterback?
Justin Fields:
Completions – 9
Times Sacked – 9
Passing Yards – 45
Sack Yards Lost – 55Do you start Taylor next week? #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) October 12, 2025
Can this Hoosier quarterback be taken first overall?
Thus far, the Jets are the favorites for the first overall pick. Without a win through six weeks, the Jets will turn over the roster more. Soon enough, the team will wind up active at the trade deadline to move off expiring contracts. With the scenario in mind, it’s key to understand who can be on the table going forward. If they retain the first pick, New York will likely pick their quarterback of the future. However, the defense is in dire need of edge rusher and safety help as well. They can’t rule out prospects like Miami defensive end Ruben Bain Jr or Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs. But, they will likely take a quarterback.
After many names on early mock drafts have struggled, this unexpected name has slowly climbed up boards. After Kurtis Rourke graduated, the Indiana Hoosiers needed a new quarterback. The University welcomed former Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the team via the transfer portal. Through 20 games at Cal over two years, Mendoza flashed poise in the pocket and decent size at 6’5″. Along with a fast ability to progress through his reads. However, he’s developed into a complete pocket passer in Curt Cignetti’s offense.
Fernando Mendoza with a PERFECT throw for the lead
@Indianafootball
:CBS pic.twitter.com/ePtsVVv6Jb
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2025
Thus far, the Hoosiers are 6-0 with Mendoza, and he has been at the forefront. Completing 71% of his passes for 1,423 yards and 19 total touchdowns to only two interceptions. His accuracy and anticipation were on full display in a major victory on the road vs. the number three-ranked Oregon Ducks. On the road and throwing a game-tying pick-six in the fourth quarter, Mendoza responded through the adversity. Soon, he led the go-ahead 12-play 75-yard touchdown drive he capped off with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt.
Why Fernando Mendoza could fit the Jets offense
There is a lot that can change before April. While the scenario seems unlikely, Aaron Glenn might not even decide who could be picked in the draft. However, if the team wants to right this ship, they will need to ensure they have their quarterback of the future. Other names like LaNorris Sellers, Dante Moore, and John Mateer also deserve consideration. Upon further examination, someone like Mendoza could be the better fit for this offense.
When looking at the Detroit Lions resurgence under Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff deserves his flowers. While not a stellar athlete, Goff has the rhythm and pocket awareness needed to operate within that offense. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand witnessed it firsthand before he arrived in New York. Mendoza’s ability to throw with anticipation within the pocket is very similar to Jared Goff’s. While Jared Goff had a stronger arm, Mendoza does have the ability to air it out. As well, his ability to extend plays doesn’t get mentioned enough. While not the runner Fields is, Mendoza has two games with over 30 rushing yards this season.
Eventually, the New York Jets will win a football game. Along with the fact that another team can likely pick before them in April. However, if the opportunity presents itself, someone like Mendoza could be a major addition to this franchise.
Main Photo: [Troy Wayrynen] – Imagn Images
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