2026 NFL Mock Draft: Jets Trade Up for QB

As the 2025 NFL season reaches a critical juncture, projections for the 2026 NFL Draft are taking shape. Several teams now possess multiple first-round picks due to recent trades, significantly altering their draft strategies and potentially their quarterback decisions. This early mock draft provides a snapshot of potential first-round selections, acknowledging that free agency and prospect performance will continue to influence team needs.

The New York Jets are noted for making a significant move, trading up to secure a top quarterback prospect. This decision addresses their ongoing struggles at the position and signals a commitment to a new era under coach Aaron Glenn. Simultaneously, teams that drafted rookie quarterbacks in the previous cycle, such as the Browns, Giants, and Saints, might be satisfied enough to bypass another quarterback, shifting their focus to other crucial positions.

This projection highlights a diverse range of talent, from promising quarterbacks like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore to impact defensive players like Arvell Reese and Carnell Tate. It also includes offensive linemen such as Francis Mauigoa and potential difference-makers at various positions, offering a comprehensive look at the projected first round and the evolving strategies of NFL franchises.