Sportsbooks project Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the overwhelming favorite to go first overall to the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft. DraftKings lists defensive standouts Arvell Reese, David Bailey, running back Jeremiyah Love and linebacker Sonny Styles as top choices for picks two through five. The draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
The 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, draws early attention from sportsbooks following the completion of free agency and the NFL Scouting Combine. DraftKings Sportsbook has installed Indiana's Fernando Mendoza as a -20000 favorite for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall. Mendoza, who won the Heisman Trophy and led the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and College Football Playoff national championship, topped the FBS with 41 passing touchdowns and 48 total touchdowns in 2025. He posted a 72% completion rate and 9.3 yards per attempt, shining in the postseason with nine touchdowns and zero turnovers in the playoff run, including more passing scores than incompletions in key games en route to beating Miami in the title game. He would mark Indiana's first No. 1 pick since 1938 and join an elite group of Heisman winners and national champions taken first since the common draft era began, alongside Cam Newton, Jameis Winston and Joe Burrow. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reportedly admires his underdog story from Florida via California to Indiana stardom, starting as the No. 250 prospect. At No. 2, the New York Jets favor Ohio State's Arvell Reese at -250 odds. The 6-foot-4, 241-pound defender ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, best among EDGE prospects, earned All-American honors and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year with 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Texas Tech's David Bailey sits as the +250 choice for the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 after tying for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks, adding 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 81 pressures. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love leads at -135 for the Tennessee Titans at No. 4, the Doak Walker Award winner with 1,372 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns and 40 total scores over two seasons—the most in FBS. Ohio State's Sonny Styles tops projections for the New York Giants at No. 5 with his combine-best 43.5-inch vertical and 82 tackles.
