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By Tyler Erzberger
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When the New York Jets got the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a fan base that generally has little optimism had a moment to smile.
After another terrible season in which they knew by the third week that Justin Fields was not the answer at quarterback, the Jets faithful were ready to dream again, looking towards April's draft.
Although they didn't get the first overall pick, as the Las Vegas Raiders won that battle, it was OK.
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They had the second overall selection.
The two projected top picks in the draft were quarterbacks, both from the Big Ten: Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore.
Both players separated themselves from the pack later on in the season, and though Mendoza ultimately has become the consensus QB1, that wasn't the end of the world for Jets fans. Moore possibly has a higher upside, and his cannon of an arm can turn heads with his moon balls down the field to wide receivers.
Moore with Garrett Wilson? That could make any pessimistic Jets fan crack a smile.
Well, the dream is dead on Wednesday.
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Moore announced on ESPN that he is forgoing the draft, the Jets, and any other team that wanted to draft him to play one more year with the Oregon Ducks. He will take his chances in a stacked 2027 NFL Draft, which might have the likes of Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, and LaNorris Sellers all vying for the QB1 spot.
Online, Jets fans and sports fans at large, as only they could, reacted to the Moore news and now the question of who they should select with the second-overall pick.
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