NFL Draft 2026 Betting Preview: Odds, Prop Bets, and Predictions

2026 NFL Draft First Pick Odds and Predictions

Fernando Mendoza is a massive -17500 betting favorite to become the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. At that price, the market is assigning him about a 99.4% implied probability of going to the Las Vegas Raiders with the first selection.

Those are overwhelming odds, essentially treating Mendoza as a lock. So, what would have to happen for him to slip from that spot? Realistically, it would take something extreme: a major off-field scandal or a serious, potentially career-threatening injury. Barring that kind of event, Mendoza is going No. 1 to the Raiders.

A Heisman winner and National Champion.

All eyes are on Fernando Mendoza this year 👀

2026 NFL Combine starts Feb. 26 on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BkwKeS9h1B

— NFL (@NFL) February 13, 2026

On the field, he just led Indiana to one of the most improbable seasons in college football history. The Hoosiers weren’t viewed as Big Ten contenders, let alone a legitimate threat to win the CFP Championship. Mendoza shattered those expectations, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while completing 72% of his passes.

The former Cal quarterback also showcased his mobility, adding 276 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground. For a Raiders team desperate for a long-term answer at quarterback after the failure of the Geno Smith experiment, Mendoza checks every box. It’s not an especially deep quarterback class, but Mendoza looks every bit the franchise passer Las Vegas has been searching for.

I bet on Mendoza at -160 in mid-December, but there is no value at -17500. In other words, pass on these odds, and focus on other NFL Draft betting picks.

2026 NFL Draft Second Pick Odds and Predictions

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese is currently projected to be the second overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Texas Tech’s David Bailey close behind him. Both should carve out strong professional careers, but Reese has a 60% implied chance to land with the New York Jets at No. 2.

Reese is more of a tweener, offering valuable versatility to any defense. He can rush the passer, plug gaps against the run, and chase plays sideline to sideline. With his skill set, he can come off the edge, play off the ball, or help control the middle of the field.

Bailey has the more explosive first step and profiles as a more traditional EDGE rusher, but Reese is the more complete defender, something NFL teams consistently covet.

If the Jets want a player who reliably fills gaps and finds the football, Reese is their guy. He still has room to grow as a pass rusher, but with another move or two added to his toolbox, he has the upside to become a difference-maker at the next level.

Arvell Reese showed off his full repertoire at the NFL combine 👏 @ohiostatefb pic.twitter.com/JKyJOqiHby

— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2026

The Jets are expected to run a 3-4 defense this year, and Reese would fit the system perfectly as an athletic linebacker. With this in mind, the Jets are most likely going to side with Reese at No. 2. At -150, there is value on this wager, which should probably be priced closer to -200.

Team to Draft Jeremiyah Love Odds and Predictions

Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is widely expected to be the first running back off the board in this year’s draft. Barring a surprise, he’ll be the initial selection at his position. Love is a dynamic back who can run between the tackles, bounce runs to the outside and create explosive plays in the passing game.

This past season, Love rushed for 1,371 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Since taking over the backfield in 2024, he has piled up 35 touchdowns across the last two years while maintaining that 6.9 yards per attempt mark in each campaign. His biggest separator is his dual-threat ability as both a runner and a reliable receiving option and safety valve for quarterbacks.

JEREMIYAH LOVE GOES 98 YARDS FOR THE TOUCHDOWN 😱 pic.twitter.com/SSAjPnrRtt

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 21, 2024

Love should transition smoothly into an NFL offense and immediately stress opposing defenses as a rookie. The Titans, searching for more support for QB Cam Ward, make a natural fit, and Love stands out as the obvious choice at No. 4.

There is always risk in taking a running back in the top five, and GM Mike Gorgonzi could be drawn to a premier pass rusher. However, the offense also needs an explosive playmaker, and Tennessee has already invested heavily in its defense, which only boosts Love’s appeal at No. 4.

At +200, Love to the Titans profiles as one of the best 2026 NFL Draft prop bets on the board.

1st Offensive Lineman Drafted Odds and Predictions

University of Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa stands out as the best offensive lineman in the 2026 class. At 6’5” and roughly 330 pounds, he is an incredibly powerful blocker who is physically dominant at the point of attack.

Beyond his brute strength, Mauigoa is athletic enough to handle quick edge rushers and blitzing linebackers. His biggest impact projects to come in the run game, an area where the Arizona Cardinals would greatly benefit from his presence.

From American Samoa to the Combine, @CanesFootball OT Francis Mauigoa's path has been defined by his roots 🫶 @cynthiafrelund

2026 NFL Combine starts Feb. 26 on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/29LBYVP2qi

— NFL (@NFL) February 21, 2026

The Cardinals ranked 31st in the NFL with just 93.1 rushing yards per game last season, and they allowed the sixth-most sacks. While their offensive line isn’t in quite as dire shape as units like the Raiders’ or Browns’, they still sit near the bottom of the league. With two sacks allowed in two years, the third-best mark in college football, Mauigoa has pass protection talent, too.

He isn’t currently favored to land in Arizona, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Cardinals considered him. This is the same player who bullied Ohio State’s elite defense in the College Football Playoff, so a top 5 selection isn’t off the table.

Even if the Cardinals pass, there is a strong chance another team drafts Mauigoa before any other offensive lineman. At plus odds, he is my top pick to be the first offensive lineman selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

1st Wide Receiver Drafted Odds and Predictions

As one of my most confident 2026 NFL Draft props, Carnell Tate going off the board first among the wide receivers is my top pick. Tate has a fairly sizable lead over the rest of the receiver class, but I was expecting his odds to be closer to -300 and not where he’s currently priced.

In other words, I recommend getting on this bet before his odds skyrocket. Tate heads to the NFL on the heels of catching 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns. Despite missing three games with a calf injury, Tate put up impressive numbers.

JULIAN SAYIN LAUNCHES IT TO CARNELL TATE! TOUCHDOWN @OhioStateFB 🔥

📺 CBS pic.twitter.com/CduVmL4PLM

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025

He would have easily eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and 10 touchdowns if he had played a full season. Tate has fantastic hands and route running ability. There was some talk about his 40-time not being up to expectations, but it isn’t important when you are an elite route runner and pass catcher like Tate.

He gets separation and knows how to find soft zones in the defense. There isn’t another wide receiver in the draft that does it as well as Tate. He’s likely the first receiver called, so I suggest backing him as one of the best NFL Draft 2026 betting picks.