Why Peach Bowl seemed like absolute disaster for New York Jets, Dante Moore
- - Why Peach Bowl seemed like absolute disaster for New York Jets, Dante Moore
Nate Davis, USA TODAYJanuary 10, 2026 at 7:42 AM
0
For the New York Jets, a franchise that’s two years away from being a year away – and this has somehow remained perpetually true for the past 15 seasons, the NYJ last reaching the NFL playoffs in 2010 – Friday night’s Peach Bowl felt like an unmitigated disaster.
The Jets, who are still in search of a worthy successor to Hall of Famer Joe Namath nearly 50 years after he threw his final pass for the franchise, are scheduled to pick second overall in the 2026 draft. Their 3-14 record this season matched the Las Vegas Raiders in terms of ineptitude – though only the Jets managed to become the first team in league history to lose five consecutive games by at least 23 points apiece. Quite the exclamation mark − expletive mark? − to another sad-sack campaign.
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" style=padding-bottom:56%>1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
">1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xGoR6uX_xTQtqaDDntBs2w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/974dbe52310218ef0b49518f1bf46b41 class=caas-img>2. New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>2. New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gkePvYmkVF3q_qGX45vJRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9bc168cd606b4a17c9d8168ede8bec3c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
2. New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
">2. New York Jets – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gkePvYmkVF3q_qGX45vJRw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9bc168cd606b4a17c9d8168ede8bec3c class=caas-img>3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xtiQcBh_nR8I092lwLISoA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/72c6e272d87c87766670d93ef5305781 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
">3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/xtiQcBh_nR8I092lwLISoA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/72c6e272d87c87766670d93ef5305781 class=caas-img>4. Tennessee Titans – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" style=padding-bottom:56%>4. Tennessee Titans – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
4. Tennessee Titans – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
">4. Tennessee Titans – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1YB.rggxft7LshqvBaW4hg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/06e6639619e0df586b61a8ce51e1148c class=caas-img>5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4xQRPayXWEZFOcXqpDVxFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b01dca8406cf311e54f3b5f9394ef8bc class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
">5. New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4xQRPayXWEZFOcXqpDVxFQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b01dca8406cf311e54f3b5f9394ef8bc class=caas-img>6. Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>6. Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
6. Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
">6. Cleveland Browns – Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6qvRhGh1UzYRuiF67Qx8tw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2b89206f679920a0cec362ae9de58f1d class=caas-img>7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" style=padding-bottom:56%>7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
">7. Washington Commanders – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHu8UeMBXXe.F4no4ALc7A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c79f5819a1276c9e0b4407e7c8ec0a35 class=caas-img>8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" style=padding-bottom:56%>8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DZDN4udiZPMQ3hT2K7XRgw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa8f461f936161e1d38222e1e1a174a6 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
">8. New Orleans Saints – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DZDN4udiZPMQ3hT2K7XRgw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/aa8f461f936161e1d38222e1e1a174a6 class=caas-img>9. Kansas City Chiefs – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" style=padding-bottom:56%>9. Kansas City Chiefs – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
9. Kansas City Chiefs – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
">9. Kansas City Chiefs – David Bailey, DE/OLB, Texas Tech
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zqAAQ7.6om7UEG68lI7BEw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e024c634f688a3ada90864f944d5613 class=caas-img>10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
">10. Cincinnati Bengals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/R2OAXNlVVPQE8f4MaOPfmA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMTE2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8a2bc7fa4cca63342afc5260ac49a2bf class=caas-img>11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" style=padding-bottom:56%>11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
">11. Miami Dolphins – Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3D7QngB.v6SgcizcndCCTQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c3c3c8f1260d7eed6ef5ecd0de8f0c98 class=caas-img>12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6gMY.ajRaH02c2DkBhxNcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
">12. Dallas Cowboys – Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/6gMY.ajRaH02c2DkBhxNcg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f2a8166c34fe9a3e4238b8dd387a106c class=caas-img>13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" style=padding-bottom:56%>13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
">13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JUBUTcV9vovXEHSEf_i.iQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bc286b7d1c9fcb34f849148c5281a94d class=caas-img>14. Baltimore Ravens – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" style=padding-bottom:56%>14. Baltimore Ravens – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
14. Baltimore Ravens – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
">14. Baltimore Ravens – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4yMmNy1bYfFMUgjsaUe.A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f99e41a7cafe79edc706ab6604ad332b class=caas-img>15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" style=padding-bottom:56%>15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
">15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ajyK0mSSCVOwL7U7KmAkSg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e5de0b59cb9bc2a4e472fb2db7948bb class=caas-img>16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" style=padding-bottom:56%>16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
">16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Makai Lemon, WR, USC
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AyuyrwoDMZtLIVhg7.I_DQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8ad4ab863323b591903ce0f398f62839 class=caas-img>17. Detroit Lions – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" style=padding-bottom:56%>17. Detroit Lions – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
17. Detroit Lions – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
">17. Detroit Lions – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/T3YUygiFHT9pwRia4uyx5w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1b20b32590ee76902a21975f9a9297d0 class=caas-img>18. Minnesota Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" style=padding-bottom:56%>18. Minnesota Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
18. Minnesota Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
">18. Minnesota Vikings – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/txc23NcloX5PXygBjrcYLA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0zMTc0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/79fac7df0154f21ee4dccab8dc14c608 class=caas-img>19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
">19. Carolina Panthers – Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/zLApGciSZ.knQHZgBqgk1g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f12dfa98e13e8f0f130fae4e4b0c299f class=caas-img>20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" style=padding-bottom:56%>20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/swEaxxNcbHxAHhGXLpLrYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6b0e8522e29cece155735c561d2ebeb class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
">20. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/swEaxxNcbHxAHhGXLpLrYw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e6b0e8522e29cece155735c561d2ebeb class=caas-img>21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" style=padding-bottom:56%>21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/opq3RFX4iJORrFfqW2mTyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8189d96e04960b506a44707fe9ad6e34 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
">21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/opq3RFX4iJORrFfqW2mTyA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE3/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8189d96e04960b506a44707fe9ad6e34 class=caas-img>22. Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>22. Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5bxZO4ssda2rV6NNeOBnPg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32282a3cfa942208234941112d44c6f3 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
">22. Los Angeles Chargers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/5bxZO4ssda2rV6NNeOBnPg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/32282a3cfa942208234941112d44c6f3 class=caas-img>23. Philadelphia Eagles – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" style=padding-bottom:56%>23. Philadelphia Eagles – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mIx8joTT6ImzjBUzMvLVZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8481680a56f2458dbf98da3aa75299ab class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
23. Philadelphia Eagles – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
">23. Philadelphia Eagles – Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mIx8joTT6ImzjBUzMvLVZg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8481680a56f2458dbf98da3aa75299ab class=caas-img>24. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" style=padding-bottom:56%>24. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rY7hYWiLWiGpwQJY2gHqMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
24. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
">24. Buffalo Bills – Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/rY7hYWiLWiGpwQJY2gHqMg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3e25b5491d60ac73aeb973ea88def365 class=caas-img>25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" style=padding-bottom:56%>25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wIaaSx.u6KiAB7wQ6gnSew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16f3955be0f72b3e0f5b206acc597fab class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
">25. Chicago Bears – Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wIaaSx.u6KiAB7wQ6gnSew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16f3955be0f72b3e0f5b206acc597fab class=caas-img>26. San Francisco 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" style=padding-bottom:56%>26. San Francisco 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mwXNAhFzMNw8.HHNrDWrDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eb0956b081fd1c37c52b68efc25c007e class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
26. San Francisco 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
">26. San Francisco 49ers – KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mwXNAhFzMNw8.HHNrDWrDg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/eb0956b081fd1c37c52b68efc25c007e class=caas-img>27. Houston Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>27. Houston Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/McMlinOqCuz1jEIA9IK_kg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff84c8ee10fcf67261ab22f28de8cb76 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
27. Houston Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
">27. Houston Texans – Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/McMlinOqCuz1jEIA9IK_kg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ff84c8ee10fcf67261ab22f28de8cb76 class=caas-img>28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" style=padding-bottom:56%>28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
">28. Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.31bNe727fQXnHJmqsmKhA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NzA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1bf708d70ede4e851729683b08f1320a class=caas-img>29. Rams – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" style=padding-bottom:56%>29. Rams – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
29. Rams – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
">29. Rams – Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/1s4wHrnBc.cVN0sKKT1OTg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/08b410416cded8ea8495d8f4c10eef39 class=caas-img>30. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" style=padding-bottom:56%>30. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M62jq7S5DwFVgL3w0Pp1.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e41815f58fb00adb7a08279b14df418e class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
30. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
">30. New England Patriots – Cashius Howell, OLB, Texas A&M
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/M62jq7S5DwFVgL3w0Pp1.g--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e41815f58fb00adb7a08279b14df418e class=caas-img>31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" style=padding-bottom:56%>31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fB2FLqxaLNMbV9jyM1SKog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4794884f7489917994538b07d9850cb3 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
">31. Denver Broncos – CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fB2FLqxaLNMbV9jyM1SKog--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4794884f7489917994538b07d9850cb3 class=caas-img>32. Seattle Seahawks – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" style=padding-bottom:56%>32. Seattle Seahawks – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CAMKKOAVqA1S1kFONIopfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97a5b94cbf09c62940b95be15ec1f764 class=caas-img data-headline="2026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set" data-caption="
32. Seattle Seahawks – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
">32. Seattle Seahawks – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/CAMKKOAVqA1S1kFONIopfQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/97a5b94cbf09c62940b95be15ec1f764 class=caas-img>
1 / 322026 NFL mock draft: Latest projection with early first-round order set
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
But no matter. By virtue of playing a weaker schedule, the Silver and Black actually "earned" the No. 1 pick − and the right to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The recently crowned Heisman Trophy winner had played like an NFL franchise quarterback facing Pop Warner competition throughout 2025. Then he thoroughly embarrassed the University of Alabama in the Rose Bowl before the Hoosiers routed Oregon 56-22 in Atlanta on Friday.
Yet while Mendoza continues to etch his 2025 season as one of the best in the history of college football while cementing himself as the prohibitive top pick of the 2026 draft, it had seemed like the Jets would be in line for a tantalizing consolation prize − namely Ducks quarterback Dante Moore, a prospect some evaluators think might have more professional upside than Mendoza.
2026 NFL mock draft: Projecting first round with early order set
“Around the league, there’s a debate on who’s one or who’s two,” ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller told USA TODAY Sports. “Some people love Mendoza – pocket passer, super accurate, poised, never seems to get rattled. He’s more of a distributor – he allows his guys to go make plays. I think there’s a lot of people that see that and like it. He’s kind of Jared Goff-esque … or Kirk Cousins-plus.
“Dante, I think he’s a little more explosive, he’s a little more dynamic. … He’s really not quite as experienced. And so it’s more of an upside bet.”
But now? Sure doesn't appear to be much room left for debate after Mendoza owned the Peach Bowl stage, while his team took down Oregon for the second time this season.
Moore served up a pick-six on the first play from scrimmage – a poor throw on an out-breaking route, easily jumped when he didn’t place it closer to the boundary. Moore consistently struggled to sense or evade pressure, fumbled twice and was never able to give his team a chance to keep its championship dreams alive.
Dante Moore loses the ball during the second quarter of the Peach Bowl.
Meanwhile, Mendoza was once again surgical – repeatedly drilling the back shoulders of his receivers when he wasn’t layering touchdown passes to them. He finished with five touchdown passes … and three incompletions. (Between the Rose and Peach Bowls, Mendoza has eight TD throws and five incompletions – against teams stocked with plenty of NFL-caliber talent.)
Said ESPN play-by-play man Sean McDonough at halftime, “I think the debate about who the number one quarterback is and who’s gonna be the number one pick in the draft has been answered.”
Responded analyst Greg McElroy, one of the many quarterbacks who couldn’t cut it with the Jets: “I think it was established even before this. I mean, if you’re drafting Dante Moore, it’s on a projection. You’re getting a ready-made product right now in Fernando Mendoza.”
In fairness to Moore, he made some nice throws Friday, even if his 285-yard, two-TD night was ultimately full of empty calories. In further fairness to Moore, he’s 20 years old and has started 19 college games. But he also looked like a deer in headlights at times. With the benefit of more time and nourished by more quality coaching, he certainly has the potential to be an excellent pro – though time and quality coaching have been in fairly short supply with Gang Green since the Jets’ landmark Super Bowl 3 victory, famously/infamously guaranteed by Namath, to cap the 1968 season. (The Jets have never returned to the Super Sunday stage.)
In the decades since, they’ve picked passers like Richard Todd, Ken O’Brien, Chad Pennington, Mark Sanchez, Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson in the first round. All have been saddled with outsized expectations, few have had the benefit of a strong supporting cast, none have flourished for more than a handful of seasons.
Moore could be set up for a similar fate if the Jets, desperate behind center yet again more than a year after the failed Aaron Rodgers experiment, pick him. ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith even advised Moore to remain at Oregon in 2026 rather than play for the Jets, whom SAS deemed a “football atrocity.”
“That’s the Dante Moore dilemma,” said Miller. “It’s do you go for the sure thing of being a top-five pick, or do you go back to school and risk having a Garrett Nussmeier-type of year, where your stock kinda falls off.
“Who’s to say (the Jets) don’t have the number one pick next year? The Jets are always in the top five. If you’re running from the Jets, you just need to come out and say you don’t want to play for them.”
makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fo8okmfdHRvDHl_AjAyGtw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ece3b009de0e7aba961c9dfc2585f6aa class=caas-img>
1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season
Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.
As well as Moore played in 2025, two of his worst games came in the losses to Indiana − an opponent sporting a talented, opportunistic defense, if not one as remotely good and complex as the ones Moore will eventually see in the NFL. He didn’t distinguish himself against Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl, either.
Meanwhile, Mendoza, 22, couldn’t have looked more composed or efficient in the biggest game of his life – at least until the South Florida native faces the University of Miami for the national championship on Jan. 19. Big (6-foot-5, 225 pounds), accurate, intelligent and perhaps underrated athletically, Mendoza appears like precisely the guy the Jets need – a winner unlikely to be derailed by the Big Apple’s scrutiny and distractions.
Yet, un-Raider-y as the clean-cut Mendoza presents, he’ll likely instead be avoiding the distractions of Sin City while trying to elevate that once-great franchise from the ashes – and with minority owner Tom Brady to oversee his professional growth and development.
As for the Jets?
Maybe they try to package some of their midseason bounty of high-end draft picks, acquired after trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, to move up for Mendoza. Maybe they make a run at a veteran like Mac Jones or Cousins (a Mendoza facsimile without the wheels) and target Texas’ Arch Manning or Ohio State’s Julian Sayin in 2027. Maybe Moore “Ducks” the Jets entirely and winds up in an environment preferable to a “football atrocity” – you know, like in Cleveland or Arizona.
But it sure feels like Moore’s best play personally is to enter this draft, given the likelihood he’ll be close to a surefire top-five pick, rather than chance a regression ahead of what’s shaping up as a stacked 2027 draft. Better to take the Caleb Williams path and join an organization that might foster initial misgivings – while realizing circumstances in the NFL change on a dime, for the league’s worst franchises and its best (slot Williams' Chicago Bears wherever you choose).
Regardless – somehow, some way – sure seems like the Jets now find themselves two years away from being two years away.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dante Moore, Oregon Peach Bowl loss felt like loss for New York Jets
Source: “AOL Sports”
