5 Jets' draft options: Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza tops the list of players they could target

Quarterback, receiver, interior offensive linemen and defensive linemen are among the Jets’ many needs. They have two first-round picks and two seconds in 2026, along with three firsts in 2027. They have more than enough assets to get the quarterback they want.

Here are five players they could draft with their 2026 Day 1 and 2 picks:

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

If the Jets aren’t in position to draft him, they could package picks to move up and grab the player who is trending toward being the first quarterback taken.

Mendoza has all the tools to succeed in the NFL, and in the Jets’ offense. He’s big (6-5), a good drop-back quarterback, very poised in the pocket and decisive. Mendoza has displayed remarkable accuracy, completing better than 85% of his passes in four games this season, including three above 90%.

He has led the Hoosiers to an 11-0 record and thrown for 2,641 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions. Jets general manager Darren Mougey scouted Mendoza in person when he led a brilliant go-ahead drive in the final two minutes in a win over Penn State.

Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

His stock is rising as he navigates his first season as a starter (11 games), and against good SEC defenses at that. The redshirt junior threw only 50 passes before this season, working behind Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe.

Simpson has shown the ability to make plays in the pocket or on the move. A good decision-maker, he hadn’t made many mistakes until recently. He has thrown 22 touchdown passes and four interceptions, three of which have come in his last two games.

His lack of experience may be a concern. If the Jets take him, they should have a veteran quarterback for Simpson to learn from. They don’t have to start the young quarterback in Week 1.

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

He’s another younger, less-experienced quarterback, so the same thing that marks Simpson applies to Moore, who won’t turn 21 until after the draft. If he’s the pick, the Jets should make sure they have a strong quarterback room and someone who can help teach him how to play the position in the NFL.

This is presuming he enters the draft.

Moore started five games for UCLA in 2023 before transferring to Oregon last year, where he sat behind current Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. Moore is 6-3, strong and has good touch.

Two weeks ago against Minnesota, he completed 27 of 30 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns. He has 23 TD passes and six interceptions for the 10-1 Ducks. Their only loss came against Mendoza and Indiana.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Whoever the Jets’ quarterback is, they need to give him weapons. Not bringing in a No. 2 receiver was a major mistake this season. Lemon is one of the best receivers in the nation and would be a good fit.

Physical, tough and versatile, Lemon can line up in the slot or on the outside. Slot is where he might be most effective, and he would team nicely with Garrett Wilson on the outside.

Lemon has 78 catches for 1,124 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He has four games of at least 150 receiving yards, has run for two scores and has thrown a TD pass.

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

The Jets need to strengthen the interior of their defensive line after trading Quinnen Williams and with only Harrison Phillips and Mazi Smith signed for next season. Phillips’ salary is not guaranteed.

McDonald is the anchor of one of the top overall defenses in the country, although he’s not the three-down player Williams is. McDonald is a run stuffer. At 6-3, 326 pounds, he uses his power to shed blocks and wrap up ball carriers. He has 47 tackles, eight for loss, and three sacks.

The fact that he comes from a winning program is appealing to the Jets. Ohio State won the national championship last year and is 11-0 this season.