{"id":254960,"date":"2025-11-17T13:00:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T18:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=254960"},"modified":"2025-11-16T22:10:07","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T03:10:07","slug":"2026-nfl-mock-draft-jets-add-major-building-blocks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/17\/2026-nfl-mock-draft-jets-add-major-building-blocks\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Add Major Building Blocks"},"content":{"rendered":"

The hardest part of change is admitting that there is a problem. During the first year of this rebuild, the New York Jets<\/a> recognized that they needed to commit fully. Embracing the idea of building something sustainable, their draft plans<\/a> took a major turn at the trade deadline. After parting with longtime stars Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner<\/a>, the Jets earned a golden opportunity. Through those two trades, the Jets gained potentially four top 50 draft picks over the next two years. In this latest mock draft, I present how the picks acquired from the Dallas Cowboys & Indianapolis Colts can be a massive benefit to the Jets.<\/p>\n

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Nov 13, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) throws a pass against the New England Patriots in the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Add Major Building Blocks<\/h2>\n

Team Needs: Quarterback, Defensive Tackle, Safety, Wide Receiver, Guard, Linebacker<\/h4>\n

During the trade deadline, the New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey parted with two franchise mainstays in an effort to build long-term. Thankfully, the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> and Dallas Cowboys<\/a> gave the team ample draft capital. Between the Gardner and Williams trades, the Jets gained three first-round picks within the next two drafts. In 2026, New York owns the Colts first-round pick and the Cowboys second-round pick.<\/p>\n

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Nov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn reacts after a Jets touchdown during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Thanks to the extra draft picks, New York can feel comfortable taking an opportunity on a young quarterback while filling holes on the roster. The offense deserves a fresh start away from Justin Fields under center. Along with quarterback, a second wide receiver behind Garrett Wilson would be useful. Potentially, if either John Simpson or the injured Alijah Vera-Tucker doesn’t resign, New York would benefit from getting a guard on the offensive line.<\/p>\n

As for the defense, the departure of Quinnen Willliams and Sauce Gardner adds interior defensive line and cornerback among the team’s needs. However, the team must prioritize the safety position within the draft. After a disappointing start to the season for Jamien Sherwood, linebacker will also be needed. Along with Quincy Williams becoming a free agent, too. While all these holes can’t be fit in one draft, New York will gain some great value in this mock draft. This draft will consist of all four picks for the Jets within the first two rounds.<\/p>\n

Round 1\/Fifth Overall Pick: Fernando Mendoza<\/a>, Quarterback, Indiana<\/a><\/h3>\n

Beginning our 2026 Jets mock draft, New York finds what is (hopefully) their franchise quarterback. Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza has been thriving this season. The redshirt junior quarterback became the Hoosiers single-season record holder for most touchdown passes in a season with 30. In addition, he’s thrown for over 2,600 yards, completing 73% of his passes. With prototypical size at 6’5″ and 230 lbs, Mendoza has shown his ability to extend plays with his legs to match with near pinpoint accuracy.<\/p>\n

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3\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3 TD passes (and counting) \ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n

Watch each and every one of Fernando Mendoza's @IndianaFootball<\/a> single-season record TD passes \ud83d\udc47 pic.twitter.com\/G4ZaXeSOT5<\/a><\/p>\n

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n