It's hard to believe for a lot of football fans out there, but we are inching closer to the 2026 NFL Draft. Just recently, the NFL Combine took place, with top prospects across the country putting on a show. Now, everyone is counting down the days for the draft to get here. With that said, it's no surprise that Fernando Mendoza is a huge favorite to be the No. 1 NFL Draft pick.
Is he going to hear his name called first by commissioner Roger Goodell? That's what a lot of people are expecting, as Mendoza is fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning season for the Indiana Hoosiers. Mendoza was remarkable the year, helping Indiana post a perfect season. In the College Football Playoff, Mendoza was also brilliant, leading his team to several marquee wins.
| NFL Draft odds |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mendoza No. 1 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Reese No. 1 | +1000 | +1000 | +1000 |
| Bain No. 1 | +1500 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Mauigoa No. 1 | +5000 | +5000 | +5000 |
With the CFP title on the line, Mendoza was nearly perfect with the ball in his hands, which made the difference in Indiana winning it all. Mendoza was going head-to-head with Carson Beck in that game, with the two QBs making a ton of plays. However, Mendoza was the one who was a bit sharper, which only helped boost his draft stock as well - Beck is also improving too.
According to the best sports betting sites, the standout quarterback holds -110 NFL betting odds to go No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. It will be interesting to see how things go down here, but Mendoza indeed is our pick to go with the top selection. The hope for fans in Las Vegas is he'll be able to help turn things around for the AFC West franchise and do so quickly.
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not throw at the combine this week, per source. He will throw at Indiana’s pro day on April 1st, when the school has multiple pass catchers that Mendoza wants to help showcase. pic.twitter.com/JDc3xmmixg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 22, 2026
Will Ty Simpson end up being a first-round pick?
A big question a lot of people have on their minds is will Ty Simpson end up being a first-round pick? That's something that we won't know for sure until late April, but it's surely on the table for the Alabama quarterback. Simpson took advantage of being the Alabama starter in 2025, helping the Tide reach the CFP. In a new ESPN Mock Draft, Jordan Reid has Simpson going No. 28 overall to the Cardinals. Will that happen?
"Simpson is a perfect fit in new coach Mike LaFleur's offense," Reid said in his piece. "Simpson operates well off play-action but makes his best throws in the short and intermediate areas. His lack of starting experience (15 starts) makes him a bit of a risk here, but Arizona still has veteran Jacoby Brissett for another year to serve as a bridge until Simpson is ready to be the QB1.
Looking to get in on the betting action as well for the 2026 NFL Draft? With the draft coming in less than two months, the local sportsbooks we work with are offering up special NFL bonus codes and sign-up deals, which of course includes things for the NFL Draft. As we get closer to the actual draft, more promos will come in too, so be sure to keep your eyes on them.
As for Simpson, there's been plenty of debate on whether or not he's going to be a first-round pick or not. There are plenty of teams who are in dire need of a new, young quarterback, but with Simpson being a fringe first-rounder, teams might look elsewhere for their top pick. Simpson holds +225 football betting odds to be a first-rounder - this feels like it's going to be a bit of a toss-up here.
Arvell Reese is the favorite to be the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft
While there's plenty of focus on the quarterbacks for the upcoming draft, don't forget that Arvell Reese is the favorite to be the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft. If it weren't for Mendoza and the Raiders being such a QB-needy franchise, there's be talks about Reese going first overall. Things aren't going to go down that way for Reese, but that's not going to be a problem for him.
The New York Jets hold the No. 2 pick and while the AFC East side has all sorts of issues, bringing in a player of Reese's caliber would be a home-run move for the front office. Reese is coming off a strong season with Ohio State, as the Buckeyes once again impressed after winning the national title for the 2025 season. Reese is also a generational talent and people are excited to see what he can do at the next level.
The Ohio State defense was loaded with elite playmakers and now those studs are ready for a move to the NFL. From our chair, it'd be a total stunner if Reese doesn't go No. 2 overall to the Jets. Per the oddsmakers, Reese holds +115 odds to be taken second overall. Again, it'd be a shocker if it doesn't happen. He's a player that New York fans will be fired up about landing, no doubt.
