Time is running out in the 2025 NFL season. Five teams, due to their poor performance, are in position to secure the first overall pick in the 2026 Draft, which is widely expected to be quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and leader of the Indiana Hoosiers.
The franchises involved are enduring miserable, forgettable seasons and hope they never experience something similar again. However, cycles in the NFL inevitably repeat themselves, and at some point, teams fall back into being among the worst in the league.
There are others, however, that have spent years trapped in mediocrity, consistently holding high draft positions as they search for new players to bring into the NFL. Their hope is always to find the right transition and finally land their next Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, or another cornerstone player at a different position who can dramatically improve their chances of winning.
New York Jets, 2024 record: 3-11
Unfortunately, this situation is nothing new for the Jets. They seem to repeat the same mistakes when selecting players, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of their scouting department. Year after year, they choose players who fail to meet expectations and remain mere prospects.
This time, they gambled on an experienced NFL quarterback in Justin Fields, but the move turned into a fiasco. The Jets currently rank 27th in Total QBR. They urgently need a passer. Neither Aaron Rodgers nor Justin Fields provided solutions in recent years, instead becoming ongoing headaches. Now, with a 6.8% chance of holding the top pick according to ESPN’s FPI, they cannot ignore the opportunity to draft Mendoza.
Las Vegas Raiders, current record: 2-12
The year has been disastrous. The Raiders placed their faith in Geno Smith, who struggled week after week and was only benched due to injury. Pete Carroll trusted him heavily despite clear signs he was not performing at his best.
According to ESPN’s FPI, Las Vegas has a 37.6% chance of securing the No. 1 pick. In their last three games, they have scored just 31 points. That says everything: they desperately need a quarterback. Mendoza could become the franchise passer they develop and build around for years to come.
Cleveland Browns, Shedeur Sanders does not seem to be the answer
ESPN’s FPI gives the Browns a 20.3% chance at the top pick. Despite the drama surrounding the quarterback position in 2025, it appears they could pursue yet another option. Neither Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel has proven to be the solution, although Sanders was given limited time to develop.
Tennessee Titans, seeking to build a competitive team
What seemed like a rebirth turned into disappointment. At 2-12, the Titans have an 18.1% chance at the first pick. They do not need a quarterback, but could target Jeremiyah Love, while continuing to develop Cam Ward, or reinforce the defense with edge rusher Arvell Reese.
New York Giants, 16.1% chance at the No. 1 pick
The Giants do not need a signal-caller. Jaxson Dart showed promise in his rookie year. A defensive addition would be ideal, especially with Kayvon Thibodeaux entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Read the full article here
