Gang Green Nation
Regardless of where one stands on New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields, one thing is certain – the team needs to add to their quarterback room this offseason. Whether Fields flourishes, fumbles, or anything in-between, the team needs a successor at the position with time to grow with the coaching staff. With that in mind, let’s dive into some of the options the NY Jets could entertain entering for the 2026 NFL draft. As with any good list, we’ll break the candidates into tiers and go into their individual fit, talent, and intangibles. Feel free to tear me apart in the comments. Let’s dive in.
*Please Note*
Not every player on this list may declare for the 2026 NFL draft. It’s still early October, and a lot can happen. Yet given current projections, these players are most likely to be involved in this year’s draft class.
These players are likely to be given first-round grades and will be in the direct spotlight of the NY Jets. The likelihood of New York taking one of these players is extremely high.
Back in April, Fernando Mendoza wasn’t even a top-64 prospect for this upcoming draft class. That sure has changed after his performance for Indiana so far in the 2025 season. Yet, it’s something I saw in the quarterback during his time in California that had me sold from the start.
Fernando Mendoza is such an accurate passer. It's incredible seeing him thread the needle the way he does for such a young quarterback. His IQ is off the charts, too. #GoBears
— Thomas Christopher (@TommyCFB) November 9, 2024
Mendoza is an elite pocket passer. He goes through his progressions quickly, he’s not afraid to take chances downfield, and there’s ice in his veins. Multiple times, Mendoza has led his team from behind to secure a victory in high-intensity moments. And now leading a ranked Indiana team, Mendoza is finally being able to showcase his strengths on the center stage. Yet is Mendoza a fit for the Jets?
Despite having Justin Fields at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza actually fits what Tanner Engstrand’s scheme is about. The Jets’ offensive coordinator loves to get players in space, and that means he needs a cerebral quarterback to quickly go through progressions and reads to hit the open receiver. And, that’s exactly the type of player Mendoza is.
With just 2.62 seconds to throw (as of this writing), Mendoza has the 38th-least amount of time compared to his peers (of 125). Yet, his adjusted completion percentage of 80.0-percent showcases a player who’s decisive, and knows where to go with the football. He’s also just one of 15 quarterbacks (out of 38) to have a pressure to sack ratio of less than 13-percent with 2.65 seconds to throw or less. The signal-caller isn’t dinking and dunking, either. His 9.7 average depth of target ranks 31st amongst quarterbacks,...
