The New York Jets made a statement at the trade deadline, but the moves also served as a reminder that the NFL Draft remains central to every franchise’s future.
Even as teams compete during the season, front offices are already evaluating next year’s prospects.
For the Jets, the recent transactions only reinforced the importance of finding the right quarterback.
With New York already looking to the future, insider Field Yates identified three quarterbacks the Jets should target in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“Let’s start with who’s been perhaps the best quarterback in all of college football this season, that’s Fernando Mendoza for Indiana. Ty Simpson (of Alabama) is just like a runaway train right now. Another guy who has really burst onto the scene this year is Oregon quarterback Dante Moore,” Yates said.
What QB prospect should the Jets target? 🤔 @FieldYates talks about what Ty Simpson, Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza bring to the table 📈 pic.twitter.com/h0ZxumgIQF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 5, 2025
Mendoza has emerged as one of college football’s top QBs this season.
He is completing 72.3 percent of his passes with 25 touchdowns while showcasing arm strength and field-wide accuracy.
After transferring from Cal, he has thrived within Indiana’s improved system and corrected past inconsistencies.
Yates predicts Mendoza’s maturity could lead him to declare for the draft.
Simpson is a first-year starter who has capitalized on his opportunity after waiting for his chance.
He has thrown 20 touchdowns against just one interception, displaying poise and precision that have placed him firmly on draft boards.
While he could return to Alabama for another season, his rapid development makes him difficult to ignore.
Moore has rediscovered his potential after a quiet start to his college career.
The former UCLA recruit now thrives at Oregon, recording 19 touchdown passes with sharp downfield accuracy and steady athleticism.
Scouts believe he might return for another college season, but Yates suggests that if Moore enters the draft, he will likely be among the first quarterbacks selected.
