Daniel Jeremiah says New York Jets will try to trade up to No. 1 to draft Fernando Mendoza

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The buzz around quarterback Fernando Mendoza keeps building, both on and off the field. Mendoza was announced Friday as the winner of the Manning Award, presented by the Sugar Bowl Committee to the nation's top quarterback and he also finalized a new partnership with LinkedIn.

Draft trade talks are now starting to center on New York.

Appearing Friday on The Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said the New York Jets will 100 percent try to move up to the No. 1 overall pick to select Mendoza. Jeremiah described it as an expected attempt, not a guarantee, emphasizing that willingness from the team holding the top pick ultimately decides whether a deal gets done.

Jeremiah pointed to Mendoza's poise and production in high-leverage moments.

"The way [Fernando Mendoza] finished everything up," Jeremiah said. "When you look at how he did on some big third downs, how he did in the red zone. You get accuracy, toughness, somebody who's been big in big moments. Oh, by the way, he's 6'5."

The Jets' draft capital gives them real trade ammo

A move of that size would require major resources, and the Jets have them. As of January 2026, New York controls five first-round picks and three second-round picks across the 2026 and 2027 drafts. The haul includes multiple picks acquired through recent trades, highlighted by a 2027 first-rounder and 2026 second-rounder from Dallas. The Jets also hold the No. 2 and No. 16 overall selections in the upcoming draft, giving them flexibility to package premium assets.

The biggest obstacle remains the Las Vegas Raiders, who own the No. 1 pick and are believed to be fully sold on Mendoza. 

MORE: Are the Las Vegas Raiders a good landing spot for Fernando Mendoza?

"Right now, [the Raiders] are sitting on a guy that has all the measurables, intangibles," Jeremiah said. "I don't see the Raiders listening to any of those offers."

The expectation is that aggression will come from New York's front office. Whether that aggression finds a willing trade partner remains the key variable.

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