2-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft has Jets land franchise QB, standout pass rusher

The New York Jets are looking for their next franchise quarterback after Justin Fields failed to provide the offensive lift this team was looking for, and their 2-9 record in the 2025 season has them in perfect position to strike.

In addition, Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey can completely remake this roster by virtue of having four picks in the first two rounds. This team can address its poor pass-rush depth, improve the Sauce Gardner-less secondary, and add another wide receiver to the mix.

This 2-round plan of attack would be wise for Mougey to follow, as it puts him in a position to get this team kicked into high gear by addressing many of the clear and obvious holes they have.

New York Jets 2-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, Pick 4: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

There is a scenario in which the three teams above the Jets, only one of whom may look at quarterbacks in the Draft, go best player available and let Mendoza fall a bit. After lighting college football on fire with his strong arm and downfield accuracy, this would be a gift from the heavens for Jets fans.

Mendoza has shown that he has made improvements as a playmaker out of structure this season. When paired with some good decision-making abilities, Mendoza has shown more than enough to warrant the Jets going all-in on him as their next franchise savior.

Round 1, Pick 28: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

The Jets have two worthwhile defensive ends in Will McDonald and Jermaine Johnson. To improve this lackluster pass rush, they need either another speedy dude off the edge like McDonald or a two-way engine and emotional leader like Johnson. Uiagalelei is more of the latter due to his 270-pound frame and ceaseless motor.

Uiagalelei might lack that dominant speed off the edge, but he is such a well-rounded player that he could instantly earn a starting role over McDonald and give the Jets a genuinely improved pass rush that other teams will have to worry about.

Round 2, Pick 35: Chris Brazzell II, WR, Tennessee

Tennessee's completely backward offense might be so remedial that Brazzell has a hard adjustment to life in the pros (remember Jalin Hyatt), but no one can deny the physical tools the 6-foot-5 X receiver possesses. His speed, hands, and length make him a legitimate deep threat.

If Garrett Wilson is his usual excellent self in 2026, and the two trade acquisitions in Adonai Mitchell and John Metchie III continue to impress, the Biletnikoff Award semifinalist joining that young group should give the Jets a very deep and promising wide receiver room after their struggles to build a good unit in 2025.

Round 2, Pick 45: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

You don't end up with one turnover and zero interceptions at Thanksgiving without some bad safety play. While Malachi Moore has had some flashes, the combination of Andre Cisco and Tony Adams was so unwatchable that the Jets need to address their safety room early in the NFL Draft.

Thieneman is a classic ballhawk with a very aggressive style of play that Aaron Glenn will love. A very football smart player who has impressed at both Purdue and Oregon, Thieneman and Moore could be good enough to lock down the Jets' safety room for the next half-decade.