Jets Way-Too-Early Mock Draft Would Replace Justin Fields
The New York Jets have had a disappointing start to the 2025 National Football League season, to say the least.
New York is 0-6 on the season so far heading into a Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Right now, the Jets are the only team in football yet to win a game. Unsurprisingly, this has led to a lot of negative chatter specifically about young quarterback Justin Fields, head coach Aaron Glenn, offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, and the defense overall.
When it comes to the quarterback position, Fields is coming off of a rough game in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Denver's defense is among the best in football and the Jets' passing offense wasn't able to do anything against it. Fields went 9-of-17 passing for 45 yards to go along with 31 rushing yards. Fields also was sacked nine times in the 13-11 loss.
Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets before the season to be the team's starting quarterback. Glenn has consistently committed to Fields as the team's starter, but the 0-6 start has at least brought up questions about the Jets' long-term plans at quarterback.
After a solid Week 1 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, some talked about Fields as a long-term answer. Now, that conversation has shifted. For example, ESPN's Jordan Reid shared a way-too-early 2026 mock draft on Wednesday and projected the Jets to land the No. 1 pick and select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Will Justin Fields return for the Jets in 2026?
"No. 1. New York Jets (0-6)," Reid said. "Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. The Jets are 0-6 and their offense is among the NFL's worst. Justin Fields hasn't worked out to this point, and New York doesn't need just a franchise quarterback.
"It needs a jolt of optimism. Mendoza is a decisive pocket passer who has impressed this season after transferring to Indiana from Cal, throwing 17 touchdown passes to two interceptions with a QBR of 84.2 that ranks seventh in the FBS. His ability to throw precise, on-time passes suits a Jets offense that's predicated on timing and accuracy."
So far this season, Mendoza has played six games and has 1,423 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. It's still too early to be thinking about the 2026 National Football League Draft. This is more of an indication of perception around the Jets right now. New York isn't trending in the right direction. Glenn has talked openly about how it's going to take time to turn the franchise and the culture around. But, even they couldn't have predicted an 0-6 start to the season.
"Jonathan Taylor Dominates 2025 NFL Season: ‘Best Football of His Career’ as He Leads League in Rushing!"
In a season where every game feels like a statement, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts has emerged as the undeniable standout of the NFL in 2025. Already considered one of the best skill players in Colts' history, Taylor has somehow managed to elevate his game even further, and the results are staggering.
Through just six games, Taylor is leading the league in rushing with an eye-popping 603 yards. But what sets him apart this season isn’t just the rushing yards—it's the way he's taken his game to new heights, particularly in areas where he’s been criticized in the past.
With 422 yards gained after contact, Taylor sits at the top of the league in this crucial statistic, showing that not only can he gain yards, but he can do it even when defenders are bearing down on him. He also ranks third in forced missed tackles (24) and fifth in yards per carry (5.2). But what’s even more remarkable than his numbers is his improvement.
Unlike previous years, Taylor has noticeably reduced negative plays, with only 6.09% of his carries resulting in a tackle for a loss. His explosive play rate is also at a career-high 9.57%, showing just how often he’s breaking free for huge gains. But it’s not just the running game where Taylor is excelling—he’s become a complete player this season, with major strides made in the passing game.
The same player who was once limited in pass protection has now cracked the top five in Pro Football Focus’ pass-blocking grade, an area where he was previously never considered among the league’s best. Taylor is also on pace to smash his personal bests in receptions and receiving yards, currently sitting at 20 receptions for 147 yards.
Taylor recently reflected on the improvements he’s made to his game, especially his newfound patience:
"Definitely just being a little bit more patient," Taylor explained. "I know there have been times where you kind of want to make a play, so you may go outside the parameters of the scheme, but just understanding you have to stay patient. And sometimes you’ve got to run through the smoke."
His newfound maturity and patience have unlocked new dimensions to his play. He added, "It may not look like something’s there, but you just trust the scheme, trust the guys up front – next thing you know, you're popping out on the back side." This mental shift is the key to his game-breaking performances, whether he's running between the tackles or protecting the pocket in pass-blocking.
Taylor’s elite performance was on full display in the Colts' dominant win over the Cardinals, a game where he proved once again that he’s not just the best rusher—he’s the best all-around running back in the league right now.
With his current trajectory, Taylor isn’t just a contender for the NFL’s best rusher title—he’s on pace to redefine what it means to be a complete running back. Fans and analysts alike are wondering: can Jonathan Taylor sustain this level of play throughout the season, and will he carry the Colts deep into the playoffs?
#JonathanTaylor #BestRunningBack #NFL2025
