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Todd McShay Releases 'Mid-Season' 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 11:00 PM ET

The 2026 NFL Draft is over five months away, but that won't stop Todd McShay from revealing his updated mock draft.

Last week, ESPN's Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. simulated a mock draft. They had the New Orleans Saints using the No. 1 pick on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. That seemed like the perfect fit for both parties at the time.

“My top-graded quarterback, so far, at this juncture of the college football season, remains Fernando Mendoza, quarterback from the University of Indiana,” Yates said, via On3. “We have talked at length about the skill set that he brings to the table – superior accuracy, excellent arm strength, has some mobility as well…A quarterback race that I think was three players, that I thought about as the number one overall pick in the draft? Fernando Mendoza emerges.”

The Saints might not be in the running for Mendoza anymore since they received a head-turning performance from rookie quarterback Tyler Shough in Week 10. His effort led to them winning their second game of the season. The only downside is that he dropped them from the top spot on the draft board.

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: ESPN sideline reporter Todd McShay reports before the college football game between the UCF Knights and the LSU Tigers on January 1, 2019 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Now that New Orleans is no longer in position to hold the No. 1 pick, McShay has Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese coming off the board first to the Tennessee Titans. They shouldn't be in the market for a quarterback since they drafted Cam Ward this past April.

McShay then has the New York Jets using the No. 2 overall pick on Mendoza.

Here are the top eight picks in McShay's mock draft:

Tennessee Titans - Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese
New York Jets - Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza
Cleveland Browns - Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson
New York Giants - Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson
New Orleans Saints - Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk
Las Vegas Raiders - Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods
Miami Dolphins - Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano
Washington Commanders - Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

The Jets have eyes on Mendoza.

A week ago, Jets general manager Darren Mougey and senior football advisor Rick Spielman got a look at Mendoza when Indiana faced Penn State at Beaver Stadium. They witnessed him orchestrate a game-winning touchdown drive.

Mendoza has 2,342 passing yards, 26 touchdowns and five interceptions this season. If he keeps this up, he'll be the surefire No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 draft.

Of course, we can't rule out Ty Simpson from Alabama and Oregon's Dante Moore surging up draft boards.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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