New York Jets finally find their franchise quarterback, defense gets a makeover in latest 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The New York Jets cash in during the 2026 NFL Draft to find their future franchise quarterback.
The New York Jets are an organization in a really difficult situation. Head coach Aaron Glenn was gifted a roster without much talent, and no long-term starting quarterback in sight. It didn’t take long, but everyone can now see that Justin Fields isn’t the future behind center. Without a quarterback, an organization can only get so good.
For the sake of the Glenn era in New York, this team is going to need to hit on its upcoming 2026 NFL Draft class, and as of today, they hold the first overall selection. As you could have guessed, quarterback was the main priority in the recent 2026 NFL mock draft. After that, it was all about filling holes in a poor roster. Both were accomplished in a big way.
Round 1, Pick 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Jets are in desperate need of a new identity and a face of their franchise. Mendoza has the look of a legitimate NFL quarterback at around 6-5 and 225 pounds. He is generally very accurate, possesses good arm strength, and is athletic enough inside the pocket to extend some plays. New York finally has their quarterback of the future.
Round 2, Pick 33: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
At a little over 6-6 and 333 pounds, Banks is an imposing presence from the middle of the defense. He has missed the majority of the season due to injury, and it has caused some to forget just how talented Banks really is. If Banks can begin to tap into his upside, this will be a massive steal for the Jets.
Round 3, Pick 101: Amare Ferrell, S, Indiana
On a really good Indian defense, Ferrell is an extremely underrated playmaker. At 6-2 and 200 pounds, he is a bigger safety with outstanding explosiveness. Ferrell is a physical tackler and a better pass coverage player than you’d expect. He should be a future starter.
Round 5, Pick 140: Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU
What Anderson lacks in size, he makes up for with incredible short area quickness and route running upside. He will be minutes to the slot, but Anderson makes a lot of plays from that alignment. Anderson is especially dangerous after the catch, a skill set that the Jets need desperately.
Round 6, Pick 185: Kenyatta Jackson, EDGE, Ohio State
From a pure talent perspective, there is a lot to love about Jackson. He is a really smooth athlete at 6-6 and 265 pounds, possessing the overall movement skills to develop into a starter. For whatever reason, however, Jackson hasn’t been able to put it all together. He is still a solid dart throw at this point in the draft.
Round 6, Pick 201: D’angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Copy and paste the analysis from Anderson, but on the defensive side of the football. Ponds is a smaller cornerback, but he’s tenacious and incredibly quick. He will be a slot only on the next level, but he has upside in that department.
Round 6, Pick 207: Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
Wagner is an incredibly long right tackle prospect who certainly looks the part. The issues for Wagner are a lack of core strength and inconsistent bend. Offensive linemen are at just such a low supply, and Wagner’s physical profile should be able to help him to get a long shot to stick on a roster.
Round 7, Pick 238: Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
As a pure runner, there aren’t many better than Moss. He is a powerful running back with good instincts and the contact balance to create hidden yardage and a ton of second effort runs. The biggest issue with Moss is going to be durability and availability, which could cause him to fall down boards.
Round 7, Pick 256: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
If you love size on the second level, then you won’t be much of a fan of Louis. He is, however, a really rangy linebacker who makes plays all over the field. Perhaps that limits Louis to just being a special teamer on the next level, but that’s a role that matters a ton.
Round 7, Pick 257: Billy Schrauth, OG, Notre Dame
Schrauth has played well for Notre Dame this season, but durability concerns continue to be an issue for him. In terms of pure athleticism, Schrauth is pretty average for the NFL level, but he plays with tenacity and incredible effort. That should allow the 6-4, 310-pound offensive guard to fight for a roster spot.
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It will be tough for him to come back from this one.
