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The New York Jets were expected to draft Dante Moore with their top pick if the Oregon star had entered this year’s draft. Well, a new report suggests they could get him in April, but with their final pick in Round 1.
The hope in 2026 was that the Jets would be able to end their miserable run of 10 straight losing seasons. However, as they enter Week 8 of the NFL schedule, that looks very unlikely for the 2-5 team. Yet, while this will be another wasted season in New York, there is reason for hope.
Since the team chose to be sellers last season, and may do so again before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, the Jets will have not one, not two, but three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. While Geno Smith has played well in his second stint in New York, he is not meant to be the long-term option at quarterback. It is a lock that the team will use one of their first-round picks on a QB prospect.
Dante Moore could be available for New York Jets outside the top 10
NCAA Football: Boise State at Oregon
Sep 5, 2026; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) walks off the field after a game against the Boise State Broncos at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If the season ended today, the Jets would have the seventh, tenth, and twelfth overall picks. The assumption is they will probably use one of their first two to address that need. However, that may not have to do that. According to a college scouting director who spoke with Albert Breer, Moore “will go in the first round, maybe not top 10.” A director of player personnel also suggested the Ducks star going in Round 2 is not out of the question either.
After a career year in 2025, Moore struggled at times in his four starts this year before a concussion officially ended his campaign this week. That limited amount of game tape in 2026 has hurt his draft value, according to talent evaluators the NFL insider spoke to. Furthermore, there is a belief around the game that he is very much a classic pocket passer and doesn’t have the athleticism QBs often need in today’s game.
However, despite his damaged draft value, talent evaluators were also very complimentary of Moore’s talent. “He’s got a lot of arm talent,” a director of player personnel who compared Moore to Jordan Love told Breer. “First-round arm talent. He’s accurate. Not a super impressive athlete, not very fast, but I really like the way he throws from the pocket.”
“He’s a really talented passer. Smooth, fluid, accurate. He’s just above the line athletically. He’s not great, but it’s not a hindrance… He can process; he’s smart. I think he’s tough, a good player, a starting quarterback,” the scouting director who thought he would go outside the top 10 said.
Yes, Moore has certain flaws. But he has been viewed as a really good QB prospect for the last year because he has a great arm and the size to hold up at the next level — 6-foot-3, 220 pounds. If the Jets can go with the best player available with their first two selections in Round 1 next year, then get Moore with their third pick, that would be a huge win.
This report makes that a possibility in April.