The latest mock draft from Pro Football Focus had a blockbuster trade involving both of New York’s NFL teams. In this scenario, the Giants traded the top overall pick to the crosstown Jets, receiving a big haul of picks in return, while Gang Green earned the right to select Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their franchise quarterback.
Giants Earn King’s Ransom For Trading Away First Pick
With Big Blue having its franchise quarterback in Jaxson Dart, star left tackle Andrew Thomas, and a defensive line with Abdul Carter and Brian Burns on the edges, the Giants have the luxury of a high draft selection without the positional pressure that usually comes with it.
This allows New York to shop and trade back the pick, and many teams will be desperate to select a premier talent at the most important position in football. In this mock trade, the Giants sent the first overall pick to the Jets, recouping the fifth overall pick, 37th overall pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick.
That might sound like a lot, but the first overall pick in the draft is extremely valuable, particularly with a quarterback class like this one. The Bears traded the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 to the Panthers for the ninth and 61st picks in 2023, a first-rounder in 2024, and a second-round pick in 2025. They also acquired star wide receiver DJ Moore in the trade.
With the fifth overall pick in the 2026 draft, the Giants ended up selecting Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate. Even with Jeremiah Smith on the same team, Tate had a breakout year, finishing second on the Buckeyes with 838 receiving yards in the regular season. He made multiple impressive catches downfield that grabbed the nation’s attention.
PFF’s Max Chadwick wrote about Tate, “His 90.2 PFF grade is tied for fourth among all receivers nationally, and his 151.1 passer rating when targeted also ranks fourth. Tate would form a dynamic pairing with Malik Nabers once the Giants star returns from injury, and he’d also add much-needed size (6-foot-3) to New York’s wide receiver room.
Pairing an explosive receiver like Tate with Nabers would create an elite receiving duo for the Giants. Jaxson Dart has elevated this year’s corps, consisting of Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson, as the top options, so imagine what he could do with two true downfield threats.
Jets Draft Heisman-Winning Quarterback First Overall
The Jets have been stuck in quarterback purgatory for years now, burning through high draft picks in Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson, limping through the Aaron Rodgers era, and benching Justin Fields after acquiring him from the Steelers this offseason.
Drafting this year’s Heisman Trophy winner could help turn around their fortunes. Fernando Mendoza has leaped up draft boards after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a 13-0 record and Big Ten Championship. Indiana is now the top seed in this year’s College Football Playoff.
Mendoza led the country with 33 passing touchdowns and threw for 2,980 yards with a 71.5% completion rate and 181.4 QBR, in addition to rushing for 240 yards and six touchdowns. His character and class is top-notch, and he has the arm strength to make big plays downfield, as evidenced in the Hoosiers’ 13-10 win over Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
This trade would allow the Jets to select a proven quarterback at the top of the draft, someone who can turn the tide for the long-struggling franchise. Their crosstown and stadium cohabitants would also greatly benefit from adding draft capital and still having a high enough pick to select a talented player, whether it be a wide receiver like Tate or the best defensive player available.
NY Mock Draft Blockbuster Has Giants Loading Up, Jets Going All-In