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2026 NFL Draft Betting Predictions: Best Bets for Props

by Ryan Cobbett - 4/22/2026

NFL Draft betting predictions Sonny Styles Ohio State

The NFL Draft is set to get under way as we inch closer and closer to kickoff of the new season. The draft is perhaps the biggest offseason event, with a new wave of talent entering the professional ranks, ready to leave their mark on the sport we all know and love. This year, we are not faced with any uncertainty regarding the number one overall as Fernando Mendoza is set to head to Las Vegas as the new franchise cornerstone. After Mendoza, there is a lot of uncertainty as to how the rest of the first round unfolds. With that, let’s dive into the top prop bets available for the upcoming first round.

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Top 5 Pick: Sonny Styles

Perhaps the most intriguing prop bet is whether or not Sonny Styles will be drafted inside the Top Five. My answer is yes. We know that Mendoza will go first overall, followed by either David Bailey or Arvell Reese. Whichever of the two isn’t drafted second, will almost certainly be taken third. That leaves the fourth and fifth selections by the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants. Both need help on defense; however, both would love to draft Jeremiyah Love. That said, the other will jump at the chance of drafting Styles. It is also quite possible that a team like the Dallas Cowboys make a big move to jump into the Top Five and draft Styles. It is highly unlikely he will fall outside the Top Five.

My Pick: Yes, -110

First Wide Receiver Drafted

The wide receiver class is deep, with Day 2 selections offering incredible value for teams who wait to jump at the position. Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, and Carnell Tate are widely regarded as the best three wide receivers in this class. While all three will likely be taken inside the Top 15, Tate will be the first receiver off the board for this class. Tate reeled in 51 catches for 875 yards and nine touchdowns in his last season at Ohio State. While Lemon is a strong option in the slot, and Tyson is going to be an enticing red-zone threat, Tate is the most well-rounded receiver. Do not expect Tate to slide out of the Top 10.

My Pick: Carnell Tate -175

First Offensive Lineman Drafted

This is another position group argument. There are four solid options to be the first offensive lineman off the board. The top-rated prospect according to most Big Boards is Francis Mauigoa out of Miami. Despite being one of the highest graded prospects, not only at the position, but in the entire draft, Olaivavega Ioane, Spencer Fano, and Kadyn Proctor all have potential to be the first offensive lineman drafted. Fano separates himself with his versatility. He can play on either side of the line, and he is arguably the most athletic of the aforementioned quartet. He is going to be a solid run-blocker and be cornerstone on the line. Mauigoa may slip in the draft due to recent injury concerns impeding on his availability as camps get underway and preparation for the season ramps up.

My Pick: Spencer Fano +110

Position of 1st Player Drafted – Los Angeles Rams

Shifting gears to another interesting prop bet is what position will a certain team draft first. Here, the Los Angeles Rams are almost certainly going to add an offensive weapon to keep their winning window open another year with Matthew Stafford’s future getting murkier and murkier. They are going to draft a wide receiver to run opposite Puka Nacua which could not only open the field up for their WR1, but it will also benefit the run game. Lemon has been connected to the Rams at pick 13. While the Rams lack draft capital and can be inclined to move back for more Day 2 picks, they are likely going to draft another young offensive talent with a lot of potential that can not only have an impact now, but also for their next quarterback in the years to come.

My Pick: Wide Receiver -110

Team to Draft Kenyon Sadiq

There is no question that Kenyon Sadiq is the best tight end in the class. He showcases similar physical characteristics as George Kittle, and he looks like he could be one of the next great tight ends. He hauled eight touchdowns last season at Oregon, and he recorded a 4.40 time for the Combines 40-yard draft. His athleticism pushes the ceiling higher for him to develop as a reliable blocker, but there is no question he will have an immediate impact, like that of Tyler Warren, in his rookie season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the beneficiaries of Sadiq’s athleticism. Tampa Bay lost the ever-reliable Mike Evans, and they will need to replace him with another solid target. That will be Sadiq, and there is a lot of value with +500 odds.

My Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers +500

Team to Draft Ty Simpson

Surely the Jets won’t mess this up. They will have the opportunity to take a generational talent with the second pick in the first round, but that won’t be a quarterback. Their quarterback situation is atrocious, with no long-term option in-house. With that, they will be aggressive in trading back into the first round in order to draft Ty Simpson. Their biggest competition will be the Arizona Cardinals (if they trade back) and the Pittsburgh Steelers who could be inclined to reach for Simpson’s services with the uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers. The Jets will have the first pick in the second round, and will be on the phones finding a suitor picking in the 20’s. There is great value here at +500 to bet on the Jets drafting a quarterback they really like.

My Pick: New York Jets +500

7th Overall Pick

The Washington Commanders will have the seventh selection in the first round barring any trades. A match made in heaven would be Tate being selected here. He is the most explosive receiver in this draft class and would be an incredible addition for Jayden Daniels. Washington’s offense took a huge step back in Daniels’ sophomore season, and adding Tate will turn that right around. They are very familiar with the quality of receivers that Ohio State puts into the NFL, as he would join Terry McLaurin if selected here. If Styles slips, look for him to be a possibility here, but he is going to be taken inside the Top Five. This will be one of the best selections of this year’s draft.

My Pick: Carnell Tate +225

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