The 2026 NFL Draft is generating massive buzz as one of the most stacked classes in recent memory. Headlined by potential generational quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the class also boasts an extraordinary wave of defensive talent, featuring edge rushers like Arvell Reese, David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., along with standout linebacker Sonny Styles.
This talent-rich group could dramatically alter the trajectory of many franchises in the near future. Teams desperate for franchise-altering pieces will find high-upside prospects across multiple positions, making this draft a pivotal moment capable of reshaping rosters and shifting competitive balance throughout the league for years to come.
With that said, let us take a look at the list of prospects who could drafted as the No.3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
2026 NFL Draft – Top 5 Favorites to Get Drafted as the No.3 Overall Pick
Listed below are the top 5 candidates to get drafted as the No.3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft 2026, as per Draftkings.
Candidates
Position
College
Odds
David Bailey
LB
Texas Tech
+255
Francis Mauigoa
T
Miami
+280
Arvell Reese
LB
Ohio State
+370
Jeremiyah Love
RB
Notre Dame
+450
Sonny Styles
LB
Ohio State
+900
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David Bailey (+255)
David Bailey is the +255 favorite to go No.3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his status as the consensus best pure pass-rusher in the class. The Texas Tech edge defender showcases rare short-area twitch, reactive agility, and a logic-defying first step that frequently leaves tackles recovering before they set.
He boasts a deep arsenal including ghost move, club-swim combos, and seamless speed-to-power transitions, while building momentum to shrink the pocket with natural bend and cornering ability. His high motor produces consistent backside pressures and finishes, projecting him as an immediate three-down 3-4 outside linebacker with an All-Pro level upside. Teams in need of elite edge disruption see him as a plug-and-play difference-maker.
Francis Mauigoa (+280)
Francis Mauigoa is the second favorite at +280 odds to go No.3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle dominated in 2025 with elite pass protection, allowing just one sack all season while showcasing rare length, foot quickness, and anchor strength at 6’6″ and 325 pounds.
Scouts praise his mirror-and-match athleticism, powerful punch, natural knee bend, and ability to dominate in both zone and gap schemes. His combination of size, technical refinement, and football IQ projects him as a potential decade-long blindside protector with All-Pro ceiling. Teams needing immediate offensive line stability, especially those with mobile or developing quarterbacks, view Mauigoa as a franchise cornerstone left tackle.
Arvell Reese is the third favorite at +370 odds to go No.3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ohio State linebacker/edge hybrid brings rare versatility, seamlessly flipping between off-ball linebacker and stand-up edge while maintaining elite production in both roles.
His lateral quickness allows him to flow sideline-to-sideline and erase cutback lanes with textbook pursuit angles. At the Senior Bowl, Reese displayed advanced hand usage, including rip-rip moves and long-arm stabs that consistently disengaged blockers. His football intelligence stands out through pre-snap diagnosis and rapid post-snap adjustments, making him a coach’s favorite. Teams value his high character and leadership, projecting him as an immediate defensive captain with Pro Bowl potential.
Jeremiyah Love (+450)
Jeremiyah Love is the fourth favorite at +450 odds to go No.3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Notre Dame running back possesses a rare blend of patience and burst that allows him to press the hole, then explode through the second level with sudden acceleration. His receiving skill are already advanced, routinely winning against linebackers in the flat and creating separation on wheel routes with fluid route-running.
Love’s balance after contact is exceptional, routinely spinning through arm tackles and maintaining forward lean to gain extra yards. Scouts highlight his elite football character and work ethic, noting he consistently stayed late after practice to refine blocking technique. Teams see him as a true three-down weapon capable of carrying an offense for years to come.
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Sonny Styles (+900)
Sonny Styles is the fifth favorite at +900 odds to go No.3 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ohio State linebacker showcases exceptional processing speed, frequently diagnosing plays before the snap and positioning himself to make impact tackles in the run game. His coverage versatility shines in zone drops, where he maintains excellent depth and mirrors tight ends with smooth hip fluidity.
Styles possesses a long, rangy frame that allows him to disrupt passing lanes and force incompletions at an elite rate. He also brings value on special teams with his sure tackling and willingness to throw his body around. Teams view him as a culture-changing defender whose football IQ and leadership could elevate an entire unit immediately.
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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.
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