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Dante Moore was on track to be the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, but decided to stay in college.
Moore skyrocketed up the quarterback prospect list in his first full season with Oregon. He completed 71.2% of his passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, propelling him into the conversation alongside Fernando Mendoza, who also soared with his Heisman Trophy-winning campaign.
The New York Jets currently hold the second pick and are once again desperate to find the future of the franchise. But one of their former quarterbacks, 1989 NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, believes the Jets may have actually dodged a bullet.
Dante Moore of the Oregon Ducks gestures after a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. The Oregon Ducks won 26-14. (Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
“I think the Jets got lucky,” Esiason told “The Dan Patrick Show” this week.
Esiason said he urged Moore on his New York radio show to “stay in school” because “he needs[ed] more playing time.” He has only started 18 Division I games.
“I think he made the right decision. And I’m sure he’ll get a good salary from Oregon. But he’s making a $50 million bet on himself, which is really surprising,” Esiason added.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against Indiana during the second half of the NCAA Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
Esiason also highlighted the possibility of Arch Manning in 2027, while the Jets could still get their shot at Moore anyway.
“Maybe they’re in a better situation to recruit one of those guys next year, which means I don’t think you want to go out and try to win six or seven games,” Esiason said. “Realistically, if you look at it, if you want one of those young quarterbacks that’s going to change your franchise like Jaxson Dart is doing here for the Giants, you’re going to have another bad year next year to be at the top of that draft and be able to draft that guy.”
Trinidad Chambliss and Ty Simpson would be available for the Jets, who also have the 16th and 33rd picks in the draft.
However, the Jets are not the only team affected. Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit, just transferred to Oregon, but now the newcomer hopes to back up Moore in 2026.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore (5) passes against Indiana during the second half of the NCAA Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo)
After the new Jets cut ties with Aaron Rodgers, who made the playoffs with the Pittsburgh Steelers, they started Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook this season.
