2026 NFL Draft Odds: How Many of Each Position Will Be Selected in First Round?
#2026 NFL Draft#first round picks#quarterback odds#running back projections#offensive linemen#cornerbacks
📌 Key Takeaways
Fernando Mendoza is projected as the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with odds favoring at least two quarterbacks being selected in the first round.
Odds suggest fewer than two running backs will be drafted in the first round, with Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love potentially being the only one.
Betting lines indicate over 7.5 offensive linemen and under 4.5 cornerbacks are expected to be taken in the first round.
📖 Full Retelling
Based on the odds, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza will be the first player whose name comes off the board later this month in the NFL Draft. But how many quarterbacks will join Mendoza as first-round picks? For that matter, how many running backs, wide receivers and other positions will have the distinction of being selected in Round 1? Here are the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 6. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 2026 NFL Draft Total Quarterbacks Drafted in First Round Over 1.5: -205 (bet $10 to win $14.88 total)Under 1.5: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total) What to know: According to FOX Sports Betting Analyst Geoff Schwartz, one more quarterback will accompany Mendoza as a first-round pick, especially now that the Cardinals have moved off of Kyler Murray. "[Ty] Simpson showed flashes this season of being that guy," he wrote, "and the Cardinals should be comfortable taking him at the later stages of the first round." Total Cornerbacks Drafted in First Round Over 4.5: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)Under 4.5: -500 (bet $10 to win $12 total) Total Offensive Linemen Drafted in First Round Over 7.5: -155 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)Under 7.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) Total Running Backs Drafted in First Round Over 1.5: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)Under 1.5: -1000 (bet $10 to win $11 total) What to know: Could there be only one running back drafted in the first round in 2026? The Over/Under suggests that could be the case, with Under 1.5 having the shortest odds in this spot. And lead college football analyst Joel Klatt agrees, as he has Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love as the lone RB coming off the board in Round 1. "We’ve seen Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs shine in the NFL after being taken early in the first round of the draft. That said, the Titans should be th
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This news matters because it provides early insights into how NFL teams might prioritize positions in the 2026 draft, influencing scouting, team strategies, and fan expectations. It affects sports bettors, fantasy football enthusiasts, and analysts who track draft trends. The projections also reflect evolving NFL roster-building philosophies, such as the devaluation of running backs in early rounds. Understanding these odds helps gauge future talent pipelines and potential shifts in league dynamics.
Context & Background
The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college players to join the league, with the first round being the most prestigious and impactful.
Betting on draft outcomes has become increasingly popular with the expansion of legal sports betting in the U.S., often using odds to predict positional trends.
Recent drafts have seen a decline in running backs selected in the first round, reflecting a league-wide trend toward valuing other positions like quarterback and offensive line more highly.
The 2026 draft is still two years away, so projections are speculative and based on current college player performances and team needs.
FOX Sports is a major media outlet with credible sports analysts, though betting odds are inherently uncertain and subject to change.
What Happens Next
In the near term, analysts will continue monitoring college football performances to refine 2026 draft projections. Betting odds may shift as player evaluations and team needs evolve. Closer to the draft, mock drafts and expert predictions will become more detailed, potentially influencing the odds further. The actual 2026 NFL Draft will occur in April 2026, where these speculative bets will be settled based on the official selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the betting odds for 'Over 1.5 quarterbacks' mean?
The odds of -205 for 'Over 1.5 quarterbacks' mean a bettor must wager $205 to win $100, indicating a high probability that more than one quarterback will be drafted in the first round. This reflects analyst expectations based on team needs and player talent.
Why are running backs projected to have so few first-round picks?
Running backs are often devalued in early rounds due to shorter career spans, injury risks, and the availability of effective backs in later rounds. The odds favoring 'Under 1.5' suggest analysts expect this trend to continue in 2026.
How reliable are these draft projections two years in advance?
These projections are highly speculative, as player performances, injuries, and team strategies can change significantly before 2026. They serve as early indicators but should be viewed with caution due to the uncertainty over time.
Who is Fernando Mendoza and why is he mentioned?
Fernando Mendoza is a quarterback from Indiana University projected as a potential first overall pick in the 2026 draft, based on current analyst opinions. His inclusion highlights early standout players in the draft conversation.
What is the significance of the Cardinals moving off Kyler Murray?
The Cardinals potentially moving on from quarterback Kyler Murray could create a team need at QB, influencing draft strategy and increasing the likelihood of selecting a quarterback early, as noted in the analysis.
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Original Source
Based on the odds, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza will be the first player whose name comes off the board later this month in the NFL Draft. But how many quarterbacks will join Mendoza as first-round picks? For that matter, how many running backs, wide receivers and other positions will have the distinction of being selected in Round 1? Here are the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of April 6. This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. 2026 NFL Draft Total Quarterbacks Drafted in First Round Over 1.5: -205 (bet $10 to win $14.88 total)Under 1.5: +155 (bet $10 to win $25.50 total) What to know: According to FOX Sports Betting Analyst Geoff Schwartz, one more quarterback will accompany Mendoza as a first-round pick, especially now that the Cardinals have moved off of Kyler Murray. "[Ty] Simpson showed flashes this season of being that guy," he wrote, "and the Cardinals should be comfortable taking him at the later stages of the first round." Total Cornerbacks Drafted in First Round Over 4.5: +330 (bet $10 to win $43 total)Under 4.5: -500 (bet $10 to win $12 total) Total Offensive Linemen Drafted in First Round Over 7.5: -155 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)Under 7.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total) Total Running Backs Drafted in First Round Over 1.5: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)Under 1.5: -1000 (bet $10 to win $11 total) What to know: Could there be only one running back drafted in the first round in 2026? The Over/Under suggests that could be the case, with Under 1.5 having the shortest odds in this spot. And lead college football analyst Joel Klatt agrees, as he has Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love as the lone RB coming off the board in Round 1. "We’ve seen Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs shine in the NFL after being taken early in the first round of the draft. That said, the Titans should be th
