{"id":252489,"date":"2025-10-31T13:00:27","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T17:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=252489"},"modified":"2025-10-30T19:40:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T23:40:42","slug":"2026-mock-draft-will-2025-woes-award-jets-fortune-at-qb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/10\/31\/2026-mock-draft-will-2025-woes-award-jets-fortune-at-qb\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Mock Draft: Will 2025 Woes Award Jets Fortune at QB?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the thick of Autumn, certain NFL fans are counting down the days until the 2026 NFL Draft this April. While many eagerly watch their teams push for a playoff appearance, those less fortunate are paying attention to Saturday games for their next first-round picks. Among these teams is the New York Jets<\/a>. Despite capturing their first win of the season against the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> this week, the Jets are currently 1-7. Despite a bounce-back game from Justin Fields, New York should consider drafting their next quarterback<\/a>. With only $10 million of his salary guaranteed<\/a>, general manager Darren Mougey can take the financial hit if they find a promising rookie.<\/p>\n

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Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; New York Jets safety Malachi Moore (27) celebrates winning the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Due to Sunday’s victory, the Jets are no longer projected to have the first overall pick. They now hold the second overall pick, behind the New Orleans Saints<\/a>. Currently, both the Jets and Saints are tied with the Tennessee Titans<\/a> with a 1-7 record each. After drafting a quarterback last April in Cam Ward, it will come down to the former two to select their quarterback. Regardless, the Jets are primed to pick their future signal-caller.<\/p>\n

2026 Mock Draft: Will 2025 Woes Award Jets Fortune at QB?<\/h2>\n

Positions of need: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher, Defensive Line, Safety, Offensive Guard<\/h4>\n

It’s important to note that the quarterback isn’t entirely to blame for a poor offense. However, accountability for crucial mistakes can’t go unmentioned. Before Sunday’s win<\/a>, the Jets had gone five consecutive games without a first-half touchdown while Justin Fields was starting. He is currently 30th in the league in touchdown passes and 29th in quarterback rating. Despite his great rushing ability, it would be malpractice for the regime not to look for a player with more upside as a passer.<\/p>\n

In addition, a new quarterback will also need a quality second wide receiver to pair next to star Garrett Wilson<\/a>. Finding a player with a size advantage on 50\/50 balls will be a solid contrast to Wilson’s skillset. During the offseason, the interior of the offensive line could look different with Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson both free agents at the end of the year. As for the defense, the addition of depth behind Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson would be a boost on the edge. Along with defensive tackle, Harrison Phillips is set for free agency as well. Finally, the secondary could use a front safety to pair with Malachi Moore long-term.<\/p>\n

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Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza (15) passes during the Indiana versus Illinois football game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First Round\/Second Overall Pick: Fernando Mendoza<\/a>, quarterback, Indiana<\/h3>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft has some promising quarterback prospects. Among them are standout underclassmen like LaNorris Sellers<\/a>, Ty Simpson, and Dante Moore. While all three are promising, each has less than two seasons of experience as a full-time starter. Although not a negative indicator for their future success, New York went this similar route in 2021, picking Zach Wilson after one full season at BYU. This isn’t to say either will fail like Wilson did. As well as the fact that all three could return to school next year. The New York Jets should leave the 2026 NFL Draft with a quarterback with starting experience.<\/p>\n

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Fernando Mendoza looks unstoppable!!!\ud83c\udfaf\ud83c\udfc8\ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

The QB is currently +300 to be the first pick in the NFL draft, is that a smart bet? pic.twitter.com\/UehSPvhZes<\/a><\/p>\n

— WagerWire (@WagerWire) October 25, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n