2026 NFL Mock Draft, AFC East: Biggest Needs for Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Patriots

For the football obsessed, the expression "It’s the most wonderful time of the year," is not so much a reflection about the holidays as it is about mock drafts. They're like Thanksgiving meals — we seemingly can’t get enough of them. 

So, shortly after releasing a traditional first-round mock draft, we thought it would be worthwhile to identify each team's most glaring holes as well as strong prospect fits to fill them.

With two clubs emerging as legitimate contenders for the No. 1 pick, the AFC East felt like the perfect starting point to kick off the series. Here are early projections for the entire division's selections on Days 1 and 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

First round, No. 3 overall pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Jets’ decision to trade cornerback Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams to load up on draft picks suggests that the club is willing to undergo a complete roster rebuild. Perhaps that will allow New York to package picks to trade for a veteran quarterback, with intriguing candidates such as Kyler Murray and divisional rival Tua Tagovailoa thought to be potentially available this offseason. Should Jets general manager Darren Mougey take the more conventional approach, Mendoza’s inspirational play at Indiana could make him the first quarterback off the board this year. His dual-threat ability would make him an intriguing fit in the offense that head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand have used with incumbent starter Justin Fields this season.  

First round, No. 30 overall pick (from Colts ): Mark Fletcher, RB, Miami

While the focus is understandably dedicated to the Jets’ looming decision at quarterback, it seems nearly as likely that the club will also be seeking a new