Forget the experts: These are your winning 2026 NFL Draft bets

Nevertheless, I'm targeting a few angles that blend team need, market value, and draft buzz. From elite cornerback value at pick nine to a wide receiver market that's shifting by the hour, here are my best bets for the 2026 class.

The Rams are in "win-now" mode since starting QB Matt Stafford is 38 years old, and they are the betting favorite to win the 2027 Super Bowl at DraftKings.

Los Angeles could take an offensive lineman here, but Stafford could use another pass-catcher because there is a huge drop-off in their WR corps after Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Moreover, the Rams might want insurance policies for Puka, who appears to be crazy, and Adams, who is 33 years old and has dealt with injuries over the last few years. Again, they acquired two starting cornerbacks from Kansas City this offseason.

Bookmaker, one of the sharpest offshore sportsbooks, has Tate at -275 to be the first wide receiver taken Thursday, whereas Arizona State Sun Devils WR Jordyn Tyson is at +155.

I.e., the sharp money at Bookmaker has Tate as a massive favorite to be taken before Tyson. At the time of writing, the best price I could find for Tate being the first wide receiver off the board is on Kalshi.

Ohio State is "Wide Receiver University" featuring Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl LX champion WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba and 2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, New York Jets WR Garrett Wilson, among others. Tate's Buckeye pedigree is enough for me to bet him to be the first wideout selected Thursday.

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