Daniel Jeremiah Talks Odds Raiders Trade No. 1 NFL Draft Pick to Jets Amid Fernando Mendoza Rumors

There is "no chance" the Las Vegas Raiders, who hold the 2026 draft's No. 1 overall pick, trade down with the New York Jets for Gang Green to move up one spot and take Indiana quarterback (and Heisman Trophy winner) Fernando Mendoza, per thoughts relayed by NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah on Friday's edition of The Rich Eisen Show.

"I think the Jets would effort with all the picks that they've accumulated to try and see if they can pry that pick away from the Raiders. And the buzz down here amongst all the teams is there's no chance the team would trade off of that pick."

Eisen then asked if Jeremiah thought the Jets would trade up for Mendoza.

"I 100 percent think they would. 100 percent. But it's irrelevant because [the Raiders] not gonna pass up an opportunity to get Mendoza. I don't think they're gonna do that."

The Jets have the Indianapolis Colts' 2026 and 2027 first-round draft picks after dealing cornerback Sauce Gardner in November. The 2026 Colts pick is No. 16 overall.

New York also has the Dallas Cowboys' 2026 second-round pick (No. 44 overall) and their 2027 first-rounder after trading defensive lineman Quinnen Williams last November as well.

So they have a treasure trove of picks to use. The problem is that the Raiders have a long-term need at quarterback. Geno Smith, who will be 36 years old next October, did not pan out well after being traded to town from the Seattle Seahawks.

Mendoza is the obvious choice for Las Vegas, and he's the pick for the B/R NFL Scouting Department right now at No. 1 overall.

The Jets, who also have a need at quarterback and no clear QB1 option right now for 2026, will likely have to go back to the drawing board and figure out next steps, whether it be taking a QB later in the draft or finding one via free agency or trade.