With the NFL Wild Card Weekend set to take center stage, teams looking for a quarterback had their eyes on the Peach Bowl matchup between No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon. In leading the Hoosiers to a 56-22 win, Fernando Mendoza solidified himself as the top pick, but what about Dante Moore?
The question set forth now is will Moore declare for the 2026 NFL Draft or will he remain in Oregon for another year. This decision has major implications on the draft because suddenly it will become Fernando Mendoza and everyone else if Moore returns to school.
Although it will set up an intriguing 2027 NFL Draft QB class, teams like the New York Jets may have to reach for QB talent. A player who was considered a top 3 QB and could raise his stock back to that level is Alabama’s Ty Simpson who declared for the draft. A player who also lacks experience as a starter like Moore, Simpson is wagering on himself.
Could Moore head in the same direction?
What Simpson’s decision proves is that it is no guarantee a player will return to school after a disappointing end to their season. Moore didn’t perform great in the Peach Bowl, but that along does not swing the pendulum in either direction. NFL teams will be awaiting that decision, a decision that could change the landscape of the 2026 NFL Draft.
In this NFL Wildcard edition of the 2026 NFL Mock Draft, we assume Moore is declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Top 5: Quarterbacks, Ohio State stars dominate the top 5
In a draft order determined by current record, the Raiders start it off with the No. 1 overall pick.
No. 1: Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
There will be a new coach and new franchise quarterback in Vegas. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders will try to talk themselves into betting on Dante Moore due to his talent and upside, but the sure bet here is Ferando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner served no doubt that he is the best pro-ready QB in this draft by leading the Indiana Hoosiers to a 56-22 win over Moore’s Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl.
No. 2: New Yor Jets– Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Jets may be tempted to throw together a trade package appealing enough for the Raiders to move down a spot. But, the Jets have too many needs to wager their draft capital on Mendoza. If Dante Moore declares for the draft, the Jets stand pat at No. 2 and take him. If he returns to Oregon, things will get mighty interesting in this draft. Alabama’s Ty Simpson could impress enough during pre-draft events, interviews to impress the Jets into selecting him this high.
No. 3: Arizona Cardinals – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Kyler Murray trade rumblings won’t fade in the offseason, but Murray’s future in Arizona could depend on who they hire as their next head coach. What they do with the veteran QB could determine their need here, but with him still on the roster as of the end of the regular season, the Cardinals address one of their top defensive needs here by taking the top defensive back in the draft. In Caleb Downs, they not only get their safety of the future, but a versatile defender who makes plays all over the field. The ceiling only gets higher in Arizona, especially learning from an aging star like Budda Baker.
No. 4: Tennessee Titans – Arvelle Reese, LB, Ohio State
Back-to-back Ohio State stars go off the board as the Titans select Arvell Reese with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Titans will field offers to move back in this draft for more draft capital but ultimately go with a player in Reese who is an impact player all over the field. Fast, athletic and versatile, Reese adds a pass rush option for the Titans as well as a player who has the talent to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come.
No.5: New York Giants – Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Let’s make that back-to-back-to-back Ohio State stars going off the board in the top 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Giants can go in any direction at this spot. They could also trade back with the pick. They stay put and make Carnell Tate the first wide receiver off the board. With Malik Nabers coming off a season-ending ACL, the Giants need to add another playmaker on offense. Tate gives them that big-play receiver until Nabers is back to being fully Nabers. When he is, the Giants will have a dynamic duo at receiver with Nabers and Tate. This will also help the growth and progression of Jaxson Dart. The pick here could also depend on who the Giants bring in as their next head coach.