Former Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks a lock-in to join the Las Vegas Raiders with the number one overall pick, but there are still plenty of talking points ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Speculation is rife regarding how the rest of the first-round selections will pan out, with numerous mock drafts offering up contrasting views on the remaining Thursday night order of play.
Here, we take a look at three big questions that will be answered in Pittsburgh, but first, the odds relating to some of the big storylines tonight.
Selected 2026 NFL Draft Odds
Selected 2026 NFL Draft Odds
Market | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
1st Overall Pick | Fernando Mendoza | 1/1000 |
Team To Draft Ty Simpson | LA Rams | 11/2 |
2nd Overall Pick | David Bailey | 4/7 |
2nd Overall Pick | Arvell Reese | 5/4 |
Top 5 Pick | Jeremiyah Love | 1/4 |
Who Will Be The #2 Pick?
NFL Draft #2 Overall Pick Prediction
The New York Jets are scheduled to pick second and with head coach Aaron Glenn being a former defensive coordinator in Detroit , they seem sure to strengthen on that side of the ball.
David Bailey is the more proven performer at defensive end after following up three solid college seasons with Stanford by registering 14.5 sacks for Texas Tech last term.
At 6ft 4in and 251lb, the 22-year-old is well placed to make an immediate impact in the pro game.
However, although Arvell Reese only managed seven sacks throughout three years at Ohio State , there is a growing belief he boasts the greater potential when stepping up to the next level.
Having been used more as a linebacker in college, the 20-year-old has the scope to become a true pass rusher on the edge once filling out his impressive frame.
Bailey is 4/7 to go second overall with BOYLE Sports, with Reese available at 5/4 for the same pick.
Love To Buck The RB Trend
How much Love is there for star running back?
Taking a running back high up in the draft was once a regular occurrence, in fact that position remains second only to quarterback in terms of top overall picks made.
Modern thinking has made going early with this position seem more of a reach but Notre Dame graduate Jeremiyah Love is regarded as a generational talent capable of bucking the trend.
The 20-year-old rushed for 35 touchdowns and just shy of 2,500 yards during his final two seasons with the Fighting Irish and is also a powerful weapon as a receiver.
Love would be highly prized by any team in this draft and most mocks have the Tennessee Titans pulling the trigger at number four, with Derrick Henry having been a superstar in this role for that franchise for eight seasons before switching to Baltimore in 2024.
Love is 1/4 to be a top-five pick with BOYLE Sports.
Who Will Draft Ty Simpson?
Who Will Draft Ty Simpson?
Most pundits feel there is a huge drop-off from Heisman Trophy winner Mendoza to the next best quarterback but there has been a surge of late support for Ty Simpson to follow him off the board as a clear second.
After being a five-star recruit for Alabama at the start of 2022, Simpson had to sit and bide his time before becoming QB1 for the Crimson Tide last term.
That limited his amount of game time and moderate height/weight stats are a concern, but Simpson showed flashes of true quality in leading Alabama to an 11-4 record, throwing 28 touchdown passes and just five interceptions.
So, who is likely to take a chance on the 23-year-old with good accuracy, above-average mobility and a high IQ?
The Arizona Cardinals could certainly do with a new signal caller and could easily trade back up into round one after filling another need with the third overall pick.
However, the New York Jets are another viable option, as they also have slots at 16, 33 and 44 after initially going second, while there has been some speculation the Los Angeles Rams could see Simpson as a long-term successor to 38-year-old Matthew Stafford .
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