NFL Draft Predictions & Expert Picks: Who are the Best Players to Target in the 1st Round?
We have compiled our top 2026 NFL Draft betting predictions and expert picks based on the latest NFL odds as the first round of the draft kicks off on Thursday.
After months of evaluations, workouts, meetings, and medical exams, NFL teams have formulated their big boards for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will take place in Detroit, Mich. from April 25 to 27.
Teams selecting early in the draft are focused on rebuilding with franchise cornerstones, while Super Bowl contenders are looking to find the missing piece that will push them to the top. The Houston Texans found success with their top two picks last season, making the playoffs. Will another team be able to replicate this success by drafting a player favored to win both Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year?
The NFL Draft is known for its unpredictability, making it a thrilling event on the NFL offseason schedule and a difficult one to wager on due to the constantly changing draft odds.
As we waited for the action to begin, we requested ChatGPT to create a 2026 NFL mock draft.
Check out our expert picks and predictions for the NFL draft happening on Thursday night. Our confidence level is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars and the odds are provided by our top NFL betting sites.
2026 NFL Draft expert picks
- Byron Murphy II first defensive player selected (+250 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
- Drake Maye No. 2 pick (+400 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐
- Ladd McConkey first round pick (+100 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- J.J. McCarthy top five pick (-140 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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2026 NFL Draft prop bets
Byron Murphy II to be first defensive player selected ⭐⭐⭐
With just one day left before the 2026 NFL Draft, excitement was growing for Texas’ Byron Murphy II to potentially be chosen within the top 10 picks. Regarded as the top interior defensive lineman in his class, Murphy was a strong contender to be the first defensive player selected in the draft.
There is some risk involved as the Atlanta Falcons, who are likely to be the first team considering a defensive player, have shown interest in Alabama’s Dallas Turner for several months. However, the Falcons have the option to select Murphy, trade down, or add another wide receiver for Kirk Cousins if one of the top pass catchers is available.
Although there is only a 28.57% chance that Murphy will be the first defender selected, he is currently the favorite to be picked by the Chicago Bears at No. 9 with odds as short as +130. The NFL seems to value Murphy more than the other pass rushers and cornerbacks available in a weak interior D-line class, possibly due to his “bubble butt bump.” A $10 bet on these odds could result in a $25 profit.
Top odds: +250 available on DraftKings
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Drake Maye No. 2 pick ⭐⭐
This bet is a strategic move, with a 20% chance of Drake Maye being the second overall pick in the NFL draft. A $10 bet could potentially result in a $50 payout. This decision is influenced by the unpredictable nature of the pre-draft period, as seen last year when Will Levis was the frontrunner for the second overall pick. The Washington Commanders, known for making unexpected decisions, add to the excitement of this gamble.
Jayden Daniels, the Heisman winner, has been the top choice for the Commanders at second overall since February. However, there was a moment when Maye was considered the consensus QB2. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and the Athletic’s Dane Brugler still rank Maye as the top quarterback after Daniels.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Daniels, Maye, and the Commanders, particularly about a problematic Topgolf visit. The unpredictability of the NFL draft is what makes it so exciting, with little concrete evidence to base our predictions on. With Maye being widely considered as the second-best quarterback, the enticing +400 odds are hard to ignore.
Top odds: +400 on BetMGM
Bonus bets must be used within 7 days. This offer is only available to new customers. Please refer to additional terms and conditions.
Ladd McConkey to be a first-round pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐
We believe this is the best value bet in the 2026 NFL Draft. With even-money odds, a $10 wager on Georgia’s Ladd McConkey going in the first round could win you $20. There is a 50% chance he will be selected on the first night of the draft.
The wide receiver class is stacked with talent, with up to four expected to be taken in the first half of Round 1. However, there are several teams in the 20s in need of a receiver. We anticipate McConkey being drafted in that range, especially after his impressive performances at the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and Pro Day.
McConkey is considered a top-tier route runner in his class, boasting sub-4.4 speed that would immediately benefit playoff teams such as the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, the NFL appreciates players like McConkey who are described as “sneaky athletic scrappy gym rats.”
FanDuel offers the best odds at +100.
Only new customers are eligible for this offer. Simply deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
J.J. McCarthy to be a top-five pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The discussion surrounding J.J. McCarthy has been continuous, and no matter your opinion on the national championship-winning quarterback, he is highly probable to be among the first five players chosen. The -140 odds suggest a 58.33% chance he is selected in the top five, given the high demand for young, talented quarterbacks by numerous teams.
The fascinating thing about McCarthy leading up to the draft has been his rumored trade to the Minnesota Vikings at pick No. 4 or No. 5, which has now shifted to speculation that he could be drafted by the New England Patriots at No. 3.
Fortunately, we’re not concerned about where he chooses to do his pregame meditation, as long as it’s with a team in the top five picks. It’s worth noting that the NFL’s ability to evaluate quarterbacks isn’t much better than that of the average fan, which is why players like Kenny Pickett often end up being chosen in the top 20.
The most favorable odds are -140 on bet365.
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