"Keep in mind that there's plenty of time between now and the start of the draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. Beyond multiple months of football still ahead, some players could decide to head back to school, while others could surprisingly declare early. We also have predraft events such as all-star games and the combine, which will shake up boards. And every team's needs will continue evolving as they move toward the upcoming offseason."
"It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that's predicated on timing and accuracy."
The projection evaluates the first round of the 2026 NFL draft roughly one-third into the 2025 NFL season and during conference play. The projection accounts for the potential for players to return to school, early declarations, and predraft events like all-star games and the combine that can alter draft boards. The mock draft order is based on current standings and notes that three teams hold multiple first-round picks. The Jets are projected to select Indiana transfer Fernando Mendoza to revitalize a struggling offense, citing his efficient touchdown-to-interception ratio and precise, on-time passing that fits the Jets' timing-based scheme.
Read at ESPN.com
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