The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, with the New York Jets holding the No. 2 overall pick. The betting favorites for this selection remain uncertain, following the Raiders' expected choice of quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft is approaching
New York Jets hold the No. 2 overall pick
Fernando Mendoza is expected to be the No. 1 pick
Betting favorites for the Jets' pick are uncertain
DraftKings lists top prospects for the Jets
Fernando MendozaNew York JetsLas Vegas Raiders
The 2026 NFL Draft is nearly here and we've still got a unique twist with the New York Jets.
The Jets enter the draft holding two first-round picks including the No. 2 overall selection. Most years, the top two to three selections feel clear or even set in stone.
In 2026, that is not the case. The only solidified pick this year is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the Las Vegas Raiders with the top selection. Even the Jets pick right after at second overall is unclear.
Will the sportsbooks know the answer? Let's take a look anyway.
According to DraftKings, here are the prospects with the five best odds to be selected by the Jets at No. 2 overall at the 2026 draft:
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Odds: +8000.
RB Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Q&A
Who are the betting favorites for the Jets' No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The betting favorites for the Jets' No. 2 pick include several prospects, but specific names were not detailed in the provided excerpt.
Why is the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft considered unclear?
The No. 2 pick is unclear because, unlike most years, there is no consensus on which player the Jets will select after the Raiders pick Fernando Mendoza first overall.
What position does Fernando Mendoza play in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Fernando Mendoza is a quarterback and is projected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
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Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs with the ball during the first half of a NCAA football game against Navy at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in South Bend.
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs with the ball during the first half of a NCAA football game against Navy at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in South Bend.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) reacts in the in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) reacts in the in the second quarter against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Odds: +6000.
ED David Bailey (Texas Tech)
Texas Tech's David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Texas Tech's David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Odds: +180.
LB Arvell Reese (Ohio State)
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) reacts during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin.
