On The McShay Show, renowned draft analyst Todd McShay released his latest mock draft, predicting the Jets will use the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza out of Indiana.
McShay projected the Las Vegas Raiders to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore with the first overall pick, leaving the Jets in position to land Mendoza. Widely viewed as the top prospect on most draft boards, Mendoza slipping to New York would represent an ideal scenario for the franchise.
Although McShay projects Moore to be the first overall selection, he had plenty of praise for Mendoza.
“I love a guy who can run, I love a guy who has a lot of juice on the ball, and I love a guy who’s tough as [expletive] nails.”
McShay also highlighted Mendoza’s development this season at Indiana after transferring from California.
“I think Mendoza has grown exponentially from the player I saw on tape at Cal in 2024, cutting down on critical errors and turnover-worthy plays.”
GettyQB Fernando Mendoza.
More Insight on Fernando Mendoza
It comes as no surprise that Mendoza sits atop many mock draft boards. The Indiana quarterback has been phenomenal this season, throwing for 36 touchdowns, which ranks first in the FBS, compared to just six interceptions. He also owns an 89.5 QBR, which ranks second nationally, according to ESPN.
Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 225 pounds, Mendoza has ideal size for an NFL quarterback.
Longtime ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. offered his thoughts on the Indiana quarterback in his latest big board rankings.
“He has cut down on sacks, with only 18 so far this season compared to 41 in 2024. Mendoza is getting the ball out quicker. And while he doesn’t have a huge arm, he can make all the necessary NFL-level throws. His ball placement is fantastic.”
There is no question that Mendoza has shown elite accuracy and toughness, two attributes NFL franchises look for in a potential franchise-changing quarterback.
The Jets struggled last season without a quarterback who displayed strong ball placement, resulting in the league’s lowest passing production. Adding Mendoza would likely address that problem immediately.
GettyMendoza is known for his accuracy.
A Likely Scenario if the Jets Take a QB in the Draft
Yes, many Jets fans would love the hypothetical scenario of landing a Heisman-winning quarterback like Mendoza. In reality, however, most draft boards project the Raiders selecting the Indiana quarterback. If that happens, the Jets would need to look elsewhere to address the biggest question mark on the team: the quarterback position.
If the Jets plan to draft a quarterback and Mendoza is off the board at number one, their most likely choice would be selecting Moore with the second overall pick.
Moore is considered one of the top prospects in this year’s draft alongside Mendoza. Should the Jets end up with Moore, it should not be viewed as a “Plan B.” He has been an elite college player in his own right and was actually ranked as the number one draft prospect on Kiper’s big board, with Mendoza at number two.
“Moore is still developing and will be only 20 years old at draft time. But the toolbox is loaded, and he plays with true command of the Ducks’ offense. I see a lot of confidence in Moore’s game; nothing ever seems to faze him,” wrote Kiper.
Mendoza and Moore will face off in the CFP semifinals on Friday, a matchup Jets fans won’t want to miss.
GettyQB Dante Moore.
Fernando Mendoza Projected to the Jets in Todd McShay’s Latest Mock Draft