2026 NFL Draft Odds: Which Position Will Each Team Draft First?

The 2026 NFL Draft is less than 24 hours away, and the anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. Every franchise enters this pivotal weekend with a unique set of priorities, ranging from the desperate search for a franchise quarterback to the meticulous work of plugging specific holes along the offensive line or in the secondary. The draft board is fluid, but one thing is certain: the first-round selections will shape the future of the league for years to come.

As of April 23, DraftKings Sportsbook has released updated odds on which position each team is most likely to target with their first pick. These odds offer a fascinating glimpse into the league-wide strategy, revealing which teams are all-in on a signal-caller, which are prioritizing trench warfare, and which are hunting for game-changing skill players. Let’s break down the most compelling storylines and expert predictions as we head into the final hours before the clock starts.

The Quarterback Carousel: Who’s Reaching for a Signal-Caller?

The most volatile market in the 2026 draft is undoubtedly the quarterback position. Several teams are sitting in the top 10 with glaring needs under center, but the value and depth of this year’s QB class remain hotly debated. According to DraftKings, the odds heavily favor a QB being the first pick for at least three teams, but there are also surprises that could shake up the entire first round.

• New York Giants: The Giants are the overwhelming favorite to take a quarterback first. With Daniel Jones’ future uncertain and a new regime in place, the odds of a QB at +150 suggest they are all-in on a rookie signal-caller. Expect them to target a dual-threat prospect who can elevate a struggling offense.
• Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders are another team where the QB odds are sky-high. At +120, they are desperate for a long-term answer under center. The question is whether they will need to trade up or if their preferred prospect falls to them. The smart money says they will not leave the first round without a quarterback.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints are in a tricky cap situation, but the odds of them taking a quarterback at +200 indicate they are ready to move on from the Derek Carr experiment. A developmental quarterback with a high ceiling could be the pick, especially if they can sit for a year.

Expert Analysis: While these three teams are the clear frontrunners, don’t rule out a surprise. The Tennessee Titans (odds +250) could also go quarterback if they decide Will Levis isn’t the answer. However, the deeper analysis suggests that teams like the Giants and Raiders are locked into this position, making them the most predictable picks of the night.

Trench Warfare: Where Offensive and Defensive Linemen Dominate

Every year, the draft is won in the trenches, and 2026 is no different. The odds for offensive lineman and defensive lineman are particularly compelling for several teams that prioritize building from the inside out. According to DraftKings, the offensive lineman position carries an average odds line of +130 across multiple teams, making it the most likely position to be selected first overall by several franchises.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears are a prime candidate to take an offensive lineman first. Their odds are currently at +110, reflecting the need to protect their young quarterback. A versatile tackle or a dominant guard could be the pick to solidify the pocket.
• Cleveland Browns: The Browns are another team where the offensive line is a priority. With the Deshaun Watson situation still unresolved, the odds of +130 suggest they want to rebuild the unit from the ground up. A road-grading right tackle or a center with leadership qualities fits the bill.
• Houston Texans: The Texans are a fascinating case. While they have a franchise QB in C.J. Stroud, the odds of +150 for an offensive lineman indicate they want to keep him upright. A left tackle prospect could be the safest pick in the entire draft.
• Defensive Line Dark Horses: On the defensive side, the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have strong odds for a defensive lineman. The Falcons, at +120, need an explosive edge rusher to complement their secondary. The Panthers, at +140, are likely to target a disruptive interior defensive tackle to anchor their front seven.

Expert Analysis: The key here is the value of the offensive line in the top 10. With multiple elite tackle prospects available, teams like the Bears and Browns can secure a cornerstone player without reaching. Meanwhile, the defensive line market is more volatile, but the Falcons could be the team that triggers a run on pass rushers. If you are betting on the offensive lineman odds at +130, you are betting on the most consistent trend in modern NFL drafting: protecting the quarterback.

Skill Position Surprises: Wide Receivers and Running Backs in the First Round

While quarterbacks and linemen dominate the top of the draft, there are always a few teams that zig when others zag. The wide receiver and running back positions carry intriguing odds for teams that have their quarterback situation settled but lack explosive playmakers. This year’s class is deep at receiver, but the running back position is seeing a resurgence in value.

• Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs are always a wildcard. With Patrick Mahomes under center, the odds of +200 for a wide receiver are tempting. They need a true No. 1 option opposite Travis Kelce, and a burner who can take the top off defenses could be the pick.
• Detroit Lions: The Lions have a stacked roster, but the odds of +175 for a wide receiver suggest they want to add another weapon for Jared Goff. A big-bodied possession receiver would be a perfect complement to their existing speed.
• Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are a team to watch for a running back. With Tony Pollard’s future uncertain, the odds of +250 for a running back are surprisingly high. If a top-tier back like a 2026 version of Bijan Robinson is available, Jerry Jones might not be able to resist the star power.
• Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins are another team that could go wide receiver at +180. With Tyreek Hill aging and Jaylen Waddle needing a running mate, a versatile slot receiver could be the pick to keep their offense explosive.

Expert Analysis: The wide receiver market is the most unpredictable. Teams like the Chiefs and Lions have the luxury of taking the best player available, which often means a receiver. However, the running back odds for the Cowboys are the most intriguing. If a top-tier running back falls to the late first round, expect a run on the position. Betting on the wide receiver odds at +130 is a high-risk, high-reward play, but it could pay off if a team like the Chiefs gets creative.

Defensive Backs and Linebackers: The Hidden Value Picks

While the spotlight is on quarterbacks and offensive linemen, several teams are quietly eyeing the defensive back and linebacker positions. These are the picks that often define a defense for a decade, and the odds reflect a few teams that are desperate for secondary help or a sideline-to-sideline linebacker.

• Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks are a classic candidate for a defensive back. With a history of drafting elite corners, the odds of +200 for a cornerback are appealing. They need a lockdown corner to pair with their young safeties.
• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are always looking for value in the secondary. The odds of +180 for a defensive back suggest they want to add depth behind their starting corners. A versatile safety who can play in the box or deep is a likely target.
• Green Bay Packers: The Packers are a surprise team for linebacker at +250. Their defense has been soft against the run, and a thumper at middle linebacker could be the missing piece. This is a classic “need meets value” pick.
• New England Patriots: The Patriots, under a new coaching staff, are likely to target a linebacker at +220. They love versatile, high-IQ players who can lead the defense. A do-it-all linebacker would be a Bill Belichick-style pick, even in the post-Belichick era.

Expert Analysis: These positions are often overlooked in mock drafts, but they are crucial for team building. The Seahawks and Eagles have a history of hitting on defensive backs, making them smart bets. However, the linebacker odds for the Packers and Patriots are the most intriguing. If the top offensive and defensive linemen are gone, these teams will pivot to the second level of the defense. Betting on a defensive back at +130 is a solid play for teams picking in the middle of the first round.

Conclusion: The Draft is a Chess Match, Not a Sprint

As we approach the final 24 hours before the 2026 NFL Draft, the odds from DraftKings Sportsbook provide a roadmap, but not a final destination. The offensive lineman position, with its +130 average odds, remains the safest bet across multiple teams. However, the quarterback market is volatile, and teams like the Giants and Raiders are likely to force the issue early.

The true art of the draft lies in the unexpected. Will a team trade up for a quarterback, causing a cascade of value picks? Will a top running back sneak into the top 15? These are the questions that keep general managers up at night. For fans and bettors alike, the key is to watch the first three picks. If a quarterback goes first overall, expect the offensive linemen to follow quickly. If a defensive lineman comes off the board early, the wide receiver market could heat up.

My final prediction? The offensive lineman will be the most drafted position in the first round, with at least four teams selecting one. The quarterback position will see two picks in the top five, but a surprise team like the Titans will also jump in. And do not be surprised if a defensive back sneaks into the top 10, shaking up the entire board. The 2026 NFL Draft is a chess match, and these odds are just the opening move. Stay tuned for a night of drama, deals, and destiny-changing decisions.

Source: Based on news from Fox Sports.