Fernando Mendoza is primed and ready to become the first overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft and, as of right now, is heading to the Las Vegas Raiders
Recently, however, draft analysts and NFL experts on ESPN have been discussing the idea of one franchise working its way up the draft board, trading with the Raiders for the No. 1 pick: the New York Jets.
Currently, the Jets have the second overall pick, but that's one spot too late to snag Mendoza off the board. However, with New York's abysmal success rate with quarterbacks, this idea could ruin the legendary Hoosier's career before it ever really takes off.
"I actually love this trade for the Jets," ESPN's Peter Schrager said on First Take. "I think Mendoza would be an incredible piece for the Jets to build around based on where their franchise has been and where they want to go."
The Jets trading for Fernando Mendoza could ruin his career
From Sam Darnold to Zach Wilson to Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields and more, every single quarterback who has stepped foot in the Jets' locker room seems to play some of his worst football ever (or suffers a season-ending injury and can't play at all).
Indiana's beloved, Heisman-winning, National Championship MVP quarterback doesn't deserve that to be his fate in the NFL.
Should the Jets trade up for Fernando Mendoza?
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 3, 2026
—@PSchrags loves the idea 🏈 pic.twitter.com/VRw7X1AYFZ
Don't get anything twisted, the Raiders haven't exactly been an elite franchise since making the move to Vegas. However, they also haven't been on the same crash course that the Jets have experienced over the last decade or so.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off on Thursday, April 23, from Pittsburgh, PA, and Mendoza will (almost undoubtedly) hear his name called before anyone else, whether that be as heads to Las Vegas or New York still remains to be seen.