Published on: April 24, 2026, 02:11h.

Updated on: April 24, 2026, 02:11h.

• Las Vegas Raiders select QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick
• First round of the NFL Draft saw eight trades; Rounds 2-3 set for tonight
• New York Jets secure three picks in the first round

The initial round of the NFL Draft took place last night in Pittsburgh, characterized by a flurry of trades as teams maneuvered to secure their targets, leading to a mix of outcomes for sportsbooks.

New Beginning for the Vegas Raiders

This outcome was anticipated. DraftKings’ Director of Race & Sport Operations, Johnny Avello, shared with Casino.org earlier this week that the NFL Draft is one of the most unpredictable events from a bookmaker’s viewpoint.

“There’s never a dull moment,” Avello remarked recently.

As expected, the Las Vegas Raiders selected quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first pick, marking a significant step in their rebuilding journey.

Giants Select OLB Reese with the Fifth Pick

Following Mendoza’s selection, the draft unfolded with a series of trades and unexpected choices. Notably, running back Jeremiyah Love was picked by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, and quarterback Tyler Simpson went to the L.A. Rams at No. 13, as the franchise begins planning for the future without Matthew Stafford.

In total, there were eight trades during the first round, with the Buffalo Bills facilitating three, trading out of the first round to enhance their picks in the later rounds.

Following Mendoza, edge rusher David Bailey was selected by the New York Jets, Love by the Cardinals, wide receiver Carnell Tate by the Tennessee Titans, and another twist, outside linebacker Arvell Reese dropped to No. 5, joining the New York Giants after being favored to be picked second overall.

Completing the top 10: cornerback Mansoor Delane to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 6, linebacker Sonny Styles to the Washington Commanders at No. 7, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to the New Orleans Saints at No. 8, offensive tackle Spencer Fano to the Cleveland Browns at No. 9, and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa to the Giants at No. 10.

Results Mixed for Sportsbooks

Christian Cipollini, Senior Trading Manager at BetMGM, described the draft’s opening night as a “mixed bag” for sportsbooks.

“Bettors benefited from Love being the third pick and Ty Simpson going to the Rams,” he noted. “Fernando Mendoza being the first pick proved to be one of the best outcomes for the sportsbook. Mendoza opened at +10000 but quickly shifted to -10000 for an extended period.”

Avello mentioned earlier today that the significant surprises for DraftKings included Simpson joining the Rams at No. 13, defensive tackle Caleb Banks heading to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 18, and offensive tackle Caleb Lomu being chosen by the New England Patriots at No. 28.

Simpson’s Selection by the Rams Stuns Many

At BetMGM, the most heavily wagered props were for Mendoza to be the first overall pick, Bailey to take the second spot, Reese to finish second, Under 1.5 total quarterbacks drafted in Round 1, and Love to be the third selection. Most of these props remained similar, albeit with Bailey and Reese swapped in the betting order. An impressive sixty-six percent of the money was on Mendoza to go first. In the Over 1.5 running backs drafted in the first round market, 87% of bets and 61% of funds cashed in on the final pick of Round 1 when the Seattle Seahawks chose Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price.

The first round of the NFL Draft brought numerous surprises that ultimately led to commendable results for our bettors,” stated Joey Feazel, Head of Football at Caesars Sportsbook. “Jeremiyah Love choosing the Cardinals was especially favorable, as many anticipated a team would reach for him, and Arizona fulfilled that expectation. Ty Simpson’s selection by the Rams was another major shock that surprised many, but bettors confidently predicted Simpson would be taken in the first round, resulting in a strong outcome here as well.

“The first round concluded with the Seahawks selecting Jadarian Price, marking another triumph for bettors who wagered on Over 1.5 running backs drafted in Round 1 at 4/1. As per usual, trades introduced challenges for live draft markets, but we managed to quickly adapt and navigate the changes, a capability we have consistently demonstrated over the years.”

Rounds 2-3 of the NFL Draft are scheduled for tonight in Pittsburgh, kicking off at 7 p.m. EST, while Rounds 4-7 commence tomorrow at noon.