The New York Jets are entering Week 17 with the hope of somehow landing the NFL's number 1 overall pick. Their odds are slim, but not zero.
Most likely, the Jets wind up with a top-five pick, but the Las Vegas Raiders or the New York Giants get the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. For the Jets, the Giants getting the top pick is ideal.
However, according to a new, surprising report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Jets got some concerning news on the Giants' reported plans with Jaxson Dart and what they might do with the number 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft if they get it.
Jets get concerning report on Giants' NFL Draft plans
"Expect (the Giants) to evaluate all options," Rapoport said, "including looking into Fernando Mendoza before on how they're going to proceed (if they have the number 1 overall pick)."
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo: The latest on #Raiders edge Maxx Crosby, who was placed on IR yesterday despite wanting to play; When could we see #49ers star Fred Warner? #Steelers Pro Bowler TJ Watt (lung) will be back when it matters most. Pic.twitter.com/2tl8uln0Jq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2025
If the Giants wind up with the number 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets would be much better off than if the QB-needy Raiders get the top spot.
The reason is clear: The Giants have Dart, who's shown enough potential for the Giants to stick with him beyond 2025.
However, this report from Rapoport opens the door to the Giants taking top NFL Draft quarterback prospect Fernando Mendoza first overall.
More: Jets receive warning from NFL Draft expert on franchise QB search
This is a surprising update for the Jets and the rest of the NFL. Most had written the Giants off as a team that wouldn't consider taking a QB in the 2026 NFL Draft. But this report now indicates that the Giants are open to taking Mendoza.
While there's a chance this is just to set the stage for a team to make an aggressive trade offer for the number 1 overall pick, it's still a concerning report for any team eyeing a Mendoza in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Jets getting Mendoza was already looking to be a tall order, but this report makes things even trickier. The loser of this Week 17 Giants-Raiders matchup is likely to land the top pick, and the Jets are likely to miss out on that pick, and in turn, Mendoza.
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