Jets' Top 2026 NFL Draft Targets With No. 2 Pick After Dante Moore's Oregon Decision

The New York Jets may have to readjust their early plans for the 2026 NFL draft.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, projected in Bleacher Report's latest mock draft to go to the Jets with the No. 2 pick, announced Wednesday on ESPN's SportsCenter that he will be returning for another NCAA season.

Bleacher Report currently predicts the Las Vegas Raiders will draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick.

The next highest-rated quarterback in the draft is Alabama's Ty Simpson. He is currently projected at the No. 13 pick in the B/R mock, but could potentially climb higher if the Jets decide to prioritize choosing a signal caller.

The Jets could alternatively focus on other areas of need in the first round, potentially while trading a back, then target a quarterback later in the draft.

After finishing the 2025 season ranked 25th in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed, the Jets could look to bolster their defense at the top of the draft.

That could involve targeting LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, all potential difference-makers on defense and projected top-ten picks in the latest B/R mock.

The Jets are currently set to select four times in the first two rounds of the upcoming draft at No. 2, No. 16, No. 33 and No. 44.

At least some of the team's offseason needs will be dictated by the decisions a few key players make in free agency.

Offensive linemen Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson, as well as running back Breece Hall, are all pending free agents this offseason.

Should Hall walk, the Jets would have more motivation to consider a first-round running back pick. Notre Dame star Jeremiyah Love is currently expected to be the first player taken at the position in the draft.

The Jets already know they'll be in need of a quarterback after Justin Fields struggled in the position last season.

Other quarterbacks including Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss could still be available if the Jets decide to target the position later in the draft.

The Jets could alternatively take another swing at a free agent quarterback, or acquire one via trade, with the hope of targeting the position in a 2027 NFL draft that could feature highly-anticipated prospects like Texas' Arch Manning and Ohio State's Julian Sayin.