2026 NFL Mock Draft has Jets replacing Justin Fields with red-hot QB prospect

The New York Jets were always going to be in the market for Aaron Glenn's true franchise quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, but Justin Fields' recent struggles and the team's 0-6 record have only made it more likely that they will look to the NFL Draft for the franchise's next great signal-caller.

While this is regarded as a generally excellent quarterback class, two names seem to have risen above the rest of the pack in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore. South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and LSU's Garrett Nussmeier have been up and down, and Alabama's Ty Simpson hasn't risen to Top 10 status yet.

Both Mendoza and Moore have strong arms, touch on deep balls, and the ability to throw the ball with great timing. Darren Mougey may struggle to pick a winner between these two, even though some analysts believe one of those players is starting to ever so slightly gain an edge.

A 2026 NFL mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid had the Jets using the No. 1 overall pick on Mendoza, while Moore would go third to the Cleveland Browns. Considering that Mendoza is not even a week removed from outplaying and defeating Moore on the road in a notoriously tough environment, he clearly has momentum on his side.

Jets select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in 2026 NFL mock draft

After throwing 30 touchdowns against 16 interceptions during his first two seasons as a starter with Cal, Mendoza has 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions in six games with the Hoosiers. At 6-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza is straight out of central casting for how a quarterback prospect should look.

Mendoza has a very strong arm that is above-average for the NFL, and his ability to make accurate throws down the field while getting the ball out quickly is exactly what the Jets are currently lacking in Fields. His mobility isn't amazing, but it does look better than many assume.

Still, the Jets would need to change their entire offense for a quarterback who isn't a huge threat with his legs. While he processes quickly at the line of scrimmage, he needs to improve how he attacks defenses post-snap.

If Mendoza plays anything like he has been at Indiana, the Jets can put their bad memories of 2025 behind them and move forward with a new franchise quarterback who can drag this team out of the doldrums.