An 0-6 start for the New York Jets could lead to changes as soon as next season’s NFL Draft.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently published his first-round mock draft for next season, and according to him, the Jets will be drafting what they hope to be a franchise quarterback with the No. 1 pick.
Reid has New York selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana University. Reid cites New York’s need for a spark on offense after the disappointing 0-6 start to the season.
“The Jets are 0-6, and their offense is among the NFL’s worst,” Reid wrote. “Justin Fields hasn’t worked out to this point, and New York needs more than just a franchise quarterback. It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that is predicated on timing and accuracy.”
Mendoza has been among the best quarterbacks in college football this season and is a main reason for the Hoosiers being undefeated and ranked No. 3 in the country.
His ability to both rush and pass the ball are extremely similar to that of Fields, a major reason why he could be an excellent fit for head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. A lot could happen between now and the end of the season, but Mendoza would certainly be an excellent choice for the Jets if they are on the clock to begin the 2026 NFL Draft.
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