Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
As the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday, the board is finally taking shape—and the betting market is telling a clear story. At the very top, there’s no drama. Fernando Mendoza is an overwhelming -20000 favorite to go No. 1 overall, making him as close to a certainty as you’ll find on draft night.
After that, things get far more interesting.
Ohio State headlines one of the biggest storylines early in the draft. Arvell Reese has emerged as a strong favorite at -400 to land at No. 2 overall, while fellow Buckeye standout Carnell Tate is leading the odds at +300 for the No. 6 pick. It’s a reminder of just how loaded that roster is with top-end talent.
The intrigue really begins at No. 3. David Bailey sits as a slight favorite at +115, but Jeremiyah Love at +325 presents real value for bettors looking to capitalize on uncertainty. That’s where this draft starts to feel wide open.
Further down, the volatility only increases. The No. 9 pick is shaping up to be one of the biggest toss-ups on the board, with Mansoor Delane and Rueben Bain Jr. both listed at +425. With multiple teams weighing needs versus best available talent, expect plenty of movement before Thursday night.
Click here to see the full list of 2026 NFL Draft Odds from Bovada
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