Fernando Mendoza is the quarterback the New York Jets should be looking at in the 2026 NFL Draft. When they were in London, they didn’t have anybody scouting him but it’s a long season and I’m sure they have been and will continue to do so.

I believe I correctly identified Jaxson Dart last year, but the Giants got him. I think Mendoza is the guy. I know it’s early. I’ve been watching the other quarterbacks, and he stands out to me for a number of reasons.  

I like the way the Indiana quarterback surveys the field. I like his vision, his completion percentage and the fact that he doesn’t throw bad interceptions. Game-killing interceptions.  

I like the way he has a sense of waiting for his receivers to get open at key spots in the game. If the Jets offensive line continues to improve, this quarterback can do a lot with a little time. He doesn’t hold the ball too long. I’m tired of seeing that. 

For a big quarterback (6’5”, 225). I like his scrambling ability when he is flushed out of the pocket, and when e’s running who really wants to take him down? He’s a big man.  

I like his arm, his approach, and he will have to improve on reading defenses moving up the ladder. The Jets don’t need a quarterback who creates amazing highlights. They need a competent, talented quarterback to get Garrett Wilson the ball.  

If the Jets franchise Breece Hall, and this guy comes in, Hall will want to stay. That’s my dream because they would have all the makings of a real NFL offense. It might take a full year to take hold but there would be sufficient hope.  

Like Dart, my mission would be to get him, no matter where the Jets draft. That’s always been my feeling, like with Wilson and Hall as well when they were in their draft years. You get those guys no matter the cost.