As we dive deeper into the 2025 NFL season, it’s becoming more and more likely who will be picking high in the 2026 NFL Draft.

It’s a position that New York Jets fans are far too familiar with, but it’s a reality that can’t be ignored.

The Jets have tried countless times to snag a high-end quarterback with their high draft picks. They tried with Sam Darnold after taking him third overall in 2018, and that didn’t work out until he thrived elsewhere.

They had also tried with Zach Wilson, who was selected second overall in 2021, and he’s now the backup quarterback for the Miami Dolphins.

So can the third time be a charm?

It’s too early to tell, but there are plenty of fascinating options for the Jets should they find themselves in a position where they can select a quarterback.

Let’s dive into the three best options at the position for the Jets.

Mendoza is just another case of a quarterback who needed to go elsewhere to show his true ability.

When he was playing for Cal, he was certainly adept and someone who the Golden Bears could rely on, but after they brought on Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, it was all but official that Mendoza was on the way elsewhere.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti was able to unlock his true potential and turn him into a perennial Heisman Trophy candidate. Through 10 games, Mendoza leads all of the FBS with 26 passing touchdowns and has only thrown five interceptions.

His ability to throw in the pocket is what will make him money. In a world where quarterbacks are more of a dual threat, it feels like the prototypical pocket passer is becoming more of a minority.

But if you’re an elite passer and are poised amidst constant pressure, there will always be a spot for you.

Players like Jared Goff and Sam Darnold have proven to be quality pocket presences for their respective squads, with Goff helping the Los Angeles Rams reach Super Bowl 53, and Darnold throwing for over 4,300 yards last season with the Minnesota Vikings.

Yet, what is a known concern about his game is when he strays away from the pocket. He’s not exactly the most comfortable passer, especially when it comes to being on the run, or moving toward his left.

Then there are times where he can be too confident, throwing uncatchable balls as Pro Football and Sports Network appropriately dubbed it as “arm arrogance.”

If there was ever a quarterback that was built to be an NFL quarterback, it would be Ty Simpson.

The only part of his game that may be holding him back and turning him off to other NFL teams is his lack of playing experience.

Simpson did it the old school way, where he waited his turn in the three years he was at Alabama, but when he was finally given the keys he made sure never to let them go.

What started out as a rocky season has turned into a story for the ages. Simpson has become one of college football’s most efficient quarterbacks, leading the SEC in completions and passing touchdowns.

To go with that, he’s only thrown one interception through nine games.

One fascinating part about his game is that he’s become a very elusive presence. He has underrated legs that help him gain yardage in otherwise lost plays, and has managed to escape tackles at a high level.

Simpson’s leadership ability has been what has set himself apart from the rest though. In a season that started out rough for Alabama, his team rallied behind him, helping the Crimson Tide win every game since Week 1.

Perhaps Dante Moore is one of the more intriguing quarterbacks in this story.

And the payout he brings has a chance to be immense.

There’s a very strong chance that Moore doesn’t end up being the first quarterback taken in this Draft, especially after throwing two duds against Iowa and Wisconsin in back-to-back games (albeit both being in the pouring rain).

But Moore has proven to consistently thrive under pressure, almost like he erases oncoming defenders from his mind and just sees his receivers. It’s a fascinating process to watch him stand in the pocket, cool as a cucumber even when the pocket in front of him collapses.

Moore isn’t really considered a dual-threat quarterback, as he only scrambles and runs the ball when he absolutely needs to, but he certainly has the legs to create space for himself and gain yardage. 

But his first option will always be to throw. He’s not the type of quarterback who will run draw plays. Even when he scrambles and evades pressure, he still keeps his head up to make sure he’s not missing anything.

What he will need to work on is his arm strength. He doesn’t have the power behind his throws that Simpson or Mendoza has, but his mechanics are among the elite of the class.

The further he throws down the field, the less likely it is for the pass to be caught. His season-long pass was a 65-yard throw to freshman Dakorien Moore, which probably should’ve been a 40-yard pass had Moore not slipped away from two Oklahoma State defenders.

A 40-yarder is still nothing to sneeze at, but if that’s his furthest pass this season, it should tell you that he doesn’t have a whole lot of confidence in his long ball.