ESPN\'s latest 2026 NFL mock draft projects the New York Jets trading up to the No. 1 overall pick to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, with New York sending both first-round picks and a Day 2 selection to the Giants. The projection comes as the Jets rank 27th in QBR at 40.5, searching for stability after cycling through Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook this season.
Mendoza has emerged as a top prospect after a remarkable season at Indiana. He leads the FBS with 33 passing touchdowns and recently led the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten Championship since 1967 with a strong performance against Ohio State.
The Giants drafted quarterback Jaxson Dart and pass rusher Abdul Carter earlier this year, positioning them to field offers if they land the No. 1 pick. ESPN projects New York would receive picks No. 7 and No. 18 plus a Day 2 selection in exchange for the top selection.
The Jets acquired multiple premium picks through deadline trades, giving them ammunition to move up aggressively. Coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey need a long-term quarterback solution to establish themselves within the organization.
The Las Vegas Raiders holds the No. 2 pick in the projection, positioned to select Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. The slender 6-foot-3, 206-pound signal-caller has the third-best completion percentage in the FBS and possesses strong functional mobility with creative arm angles under pressure.
The Tennessee Titans sit at No. 3 and are projected to take Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese. The Titans are one of two teams with better than 5% chance at the top pick not in the quarterback market, having addressed needs elsewhere.
Cleveland holds two first-round selections after acquiring Jacksonville\'s pick. The Browns are projected to select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 and Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor at No. 27.
Tate posted zero drops on 58 targets this season while averaging 17.5 yards per catch. No Browns wide receiver has reached 40 catches or 500 yards this season.
The mock draft accounts for four teams with multiple Day 1 picks: the Rams (from Atlanta), Browns (from Jacksonville), Cowboys (from Green Bay) and Jets (from Indianapolis). Draft order is based on inverse standings through Week 14, with the actual order to be determined after the regular season concludes.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - First Round
1. New York Jets (via trade with NYG) - Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. Las Vegas Raiders - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
3. Tennessee Titans - Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State
4. Cleveland Browns - Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
5. New Orleans Saints - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
6. Washington Commanders - David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
7. New York Giants (via trade with NYJ) - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
8. Arizona Cardinals - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
9. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL) - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals - Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
11. Minnesota Vikings - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
12. Miami Dolphins - Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
13. Baltimore Ravens - Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
14. Kansas City Chiefs - Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
15. Dallas Cowboys - Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
16. Carolina Panthers - CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
17. Detroit Lions - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
18. New York Giants (via trade with NYJ) - Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Makai Lemon, WR, USC
21. Philadelphia Eagles - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
22. Houston Texans - A\'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
23. Chicago Bears - Cashius Howell, Edge, Texas A&M
24. Los Angeles Chargers - Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
25. Buffalo Bills - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
26. San Francisco 49ers - Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
27. Cleveland Browns (via JAX) - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
28. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) - Damon Wilson II, Edge, Missouri
29. Seattle Seahawks - Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
30. New England Patriots - Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
31. Los Angeles Rams - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
32. Denver Broncos - Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Via Field Yates/ESPN