I can feel that excitement rising; the NFL Draft is just a few weeks away. For all the pain the NFL gives us of a long offseason, it’s nice they fill it with big events like this. It’s even better that we get to bet on it! Each NFL team’s first position drafted is being offered, so let’s look into the AFC and see which positions are worth betting for each team in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This is one of the more fun markets to get down on, in my opinion. It gives you bettable numbers, leaves it open to predicting the position but not having to nail the exact spot they are drafted or even the right player. Most teams need more than one position desperately, and we can play the game of who they might take or what position they might value with their first pick. Not every AFC team has odds available; some teams, like Las Vegas, are so predictable that the books didn’t even bother.
2026 NFL Draft: Team’s First Position Drafted – AFC
Baltimore Ravens – Running Back (+2200)
We’re shooting for the moon right off the bat! Baltimore could go a number of directions here, but in my latest Mock Draft, I had Jeremiyah Love fall into the clutches of the Ravens. It’s a long shot, but it’s not impossible they look to replace the King, and take advantage of having the Henry-Love connection in the backfield in the meantime.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Offensive Lineman (+185) + Linebacker (+1200)
The most likely case for the Steelers, being the organization that they are, is to grab an offensive lineman to help keep Aaron Rodgers upright for one final run. At 2/1, I can bite on that. But, going back to my Mock Draft, CJ Allen, the linebacker from Georgia, fell to Pittsburgh at #21. At 12/1, I like those odds for something I mocked anyway, and outside of quarterback, their next biggest need after offensive line.
Houston Texans – Defensive Line/Edge (+160)
The most likely place the Texans go is the offensive line with their first pick. It’s their biggest need, especially on the interior of the line. However, at -140, it’s not worth the bet. If things fall correctly and someone like Caleb Banks at defensive tackle is still around. Houston could easily snag him and cash this. Linebacker at 8/1 is worth a look as well.
Indianapolis Colts – Defensive Line/Edge (+200)
The Colts currently don’t have a first-round pick after trading for Sauce Gardner. They’ll pick in the second round at #47. That can certainly make it harder to predict, but the Colts have a glaring need at edge rusher. For the chalk pick, 2/1 is solid odds. No reason to overthink it.
Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Line/Edge (+150) + Linebacker (+650)
The Jaguars don’t make their first pick until #56 after trading for Travis Hunter at the start of last year’s draft. Like their AFC South counterparts, the Jaguars have need on the defensive line, particularly in the middle. They also have a glaring need at linebacker, making it worth a stab at +650, especially making their first selection this late.
Buffalo Bills – Wide Receiver (+475) + Safety (+750)
Edge is probably the biggest “need” for Buffalo, but let’s face it, they need to get Josh Allen more weapons. DJ Moore was a great start, but why stop there? In my latest Mock, the Bills selected KC Concepcion. Safety is also an area of need for Buffalo, and while it’s a weird position in drafts at times, if Emmanuel McNeil were to slip through, I could see Buffalo taking him.
New England Patriots – Offensive Line (+200) + Linebacker (+1200)
Did we all watch the Super Bowl? New England needs offensive line help. Defensive line/edge is the favorite for the Patriots, where they need help as well. However, protecting Drake Maye should be their top priority. New England could go receiver here (+370), but don’t be shocked if a linebacker Mike Vrabel likes is on the board for New England to roll the dice at 12/1.
Denver Broncos Defensive Line/Edge (+250) + Tight End (+425)
Denver recently traded their top pick for Jaylen Waddle. Making their first selection, now pick #62. They are currently the last time that they will make their first selection. A lot of things can happen by pick #62, but some of the Broncos’ biggest needs after getting their wide receiver is on the defensive line, at least at the defensive tackle position. In my latest mock, they went with Eli Stowers at tight end to really shore up their offensive weapons. If he’s still on the board, don’t be shocked if they look his way.
Kansas City Chiefs – Corner Back (+300) + Tight End (+1200)
The Chiefs have an early pick, something they aren’t accustomed to. It’ll be interesting to see how they use it. After trading away Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson leaving, they have a glaring need at defensive back. Steve Spagnulo is a genius at crafting corners, and that may be the best option for KC. I have them going with a surprise and grabbing Kenyon Sadiq at pick #9. Similar to Baltimore, pair him with your star now, and make him the heir apparent to the throne.
Los Angeles Chargers – Defensive Line/Edge (+110)
For the Chargers, it’s splitting hairs between this and the offensive line at (+155). Overall, this is a solid team that doesn’t have a ton of glaring holes. It’s hard to see them veering away from either of these, but they do need both edge and defensive tackle help, so that’s what I’ll target for the Chargers.
