New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields continues to be an up-and-down performer.
The 0-4 Jets remain in the market for a long-term franchise quarterback. Fields was signed to a two-year contract in free agency to delay the process.
General manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn will eventually draft their signal-caller of the future. If the Jets stay in contention for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft, the moment could arrive in April.
That’s precisely what happened in The Draft Network’s latest 2026 first-round mock draft. Jaime Eisner has the Jets taking Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 5 overall.
“It’s early, but the Justin Fields experiment isn’t exactly inspiring a ton of confidence in New York,” Eisner wrote. “If the Jets wind up picking this high, the new regime in charge may not be able to pass on selecting “their guy” at quarterback. Fernando Mendoza has the necessary frame and arm strength to succeed in the NFL and shows maturity in the pocket. He’ll need to continue improving his accuracy to solidify himself as a top-10 pick, but he’s off to a good start.”
Mendoza has thrown 16 touchdowns versus one interception this season. His Hoosiers are a perfect 5-0 while averaging nearly 50 points per game. Mendoza is playing his way into the first-round conversation.
The Jets are undoubtedly paying attention to his ongoing ascension.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Jets select surprising QB of the future with top-5 pick in latest 2026 mock draft
Reporting by Justin Melo, Jets Wire / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
