The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and the first round kicks off Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET. This event has grown into a spectacle, and with it comes a huge slate of betting opportunities beyond just who goes first overall. While Fernando Mendoza is the heavy favorite for the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1, the real intrigue lies in the prop bets.
SportsLine NFL expert R.J. White has analyzed the board and locked in his top five value picks for DraftKings' NFL Draft props. His selections include a star running back, a key team need, and a savvy play on a positional trend.
White's first key pick is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to be selected within the first four picks. In a league that increasingly values dynamic, multi-purpose backs, Love's explosive playmaking ability could see a team trade up to secure a franchise-altering talent early.
Another of White's focused bets is on the Baltimore Ravens. Entering their first draft without John Harbaugh since 2008, the Ravens are coming off an 8-9 season where their offensive line was a glaring weakness. The departure of center Tyler Linderbaum only exacerbates the issue. White expects Baltimore to aggressively address this need, whether by targeting a top tackle like Kadyn Proctor or securing immediate interior help, making them a strong bet to select an offensive lineman with their first pick.
White is also targeting the wide receiver position. Over the last six drafts, an average of over five receivers have been taken in the first round, highlighting the premium placed on pass-catching talent in today's NFL. With several elite prospects in the 2026 class, betting on the "Over" for wide receivers selected in Round 1 is a play on a consistent modern draft trend.
Finally, don't count out the defending Super Bowl champions. Teams looking to sustain success often use the draft to replenish specific depth or add a final piece. White includes a prop on the reigning champs making a strategic selection that fits their winning formula, a savvy bet for a franchise that knows how to build a roster.
The draft is full of surprises, but these data-driven props from an expert like R.J. White offer a strategic way to engage with all the action. As teams finalize their boards, these are the trends and team needs shaping up to define the first round.