The 2026 NFL Draft promises high drama with a deep pool of blue-chip defenders and skill-positions stars ready to transform franchises. Standout talents include explosive Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, Notre Dame’s dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love, Texas edge threat David Bailey, and polished Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, and of course Indiana’s QB Fernando Mendoza who is the overwhelming favorite to get drafted as the No. 1 overall pick, each offering rare athletic traits and scheme versatility.
This class stands apart for its balance and immediate starter potential across the board. Teams with high picks will find game-changers capable of anchoring defenses or igniting offenses, potentially flipping struggling rosters into contenders within seasons. The talent depth ensures multiple organizations could see their long-term outlook shift dramatically.
2026 NFL Draft – Top 5 Favorites to Get Drafted as the No.5 Overall Pick
Listed below are the top 5 candidates to get drafted as the No.1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft 2026, as per Draftkings.
Candidates
Position
College
Odds
Sonny Styles
LB
Ohio State
+195
Caleb Downs
S
Ohio State
+285
Jeremiyah Love
RB
Notre Dame
+400
Francis Mauigoa
T
Miami
+850
Carnell Tate
WR
Ohio State
+1000
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Sonny Styles (+195)
Sonny Styles is the favorite at +195 odds to be selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft due to his exceptional athletic profile and scheme versatility as an off-ball linebacker. His rare combination of size, range, and coverage instincts allows him to excel in man and zone schemes while delivering reliable run support.
The New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick after a 4-13 season, desperately need linebacker upgrades to pair with their defensive front and improve overall defensive cohesion while developing young quarterback Jaxson Dart. Styles’ high football IQ, processing speed, and leadership make him a perfect culture fit and immediate starter.
Caleb Downs (+285)
Caleb Downs is the second favorite at +285 odds to be selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Alabama safety brings exceptional range, ball skills, and instincts that make him a modern center fielder capable of patrolling deep zones while delivering punishing hits in the box.
He ranks second behind Sonny Styles because many teams still prioritize linebacker versatility when rebuilding defenses around a developing quarterback like the Giants’ Jaxson Dart. The New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick after a disappointing 2025 season, need a playmaking safety to upgrade their secondary, tighten coverage, and create turnovers. Downs’ versatility and leadership would instantly stabilize their back end and elevate the entire defensive unit.
Jeremiyah Love is the third favorite at +400 odds to be selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Notre Dame running back offers elite vision, contact balance, and receiving skills that allow him to create explosive plays from the backfield while contributing as a pass protector.
He ranks third behind Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs because the New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick after a rough 2025 season, are focused on upgrading their defense around developing quarterback Jaxson Dart. Love’s three-down ability would provide a strong complementary piece to their backfield, adding balance and big-play potential to an offense that struggled to sustain drives last year.
Francis Mauigoa is the fourth favorite at +850 odds to be selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle stands out with his rare length, smooth footwork, and powerful base that allow him to neutralize edge rushers in pass protection while dominating in the run game.
He ranks fourth behind Styles, Downs, and Love because the New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick after a poor 2025 season, are prioritizing defensive upgrades and backfield help around young quarterback Jaxson Dart. Mauigoa would still represent outstanding value as a potential long-term blindside protector, offering immediate stability to an offensive line that ranked among the league’s weakest last year.
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Carnell Tate (+1000)
Carnell Tate is the fifth favorite at +1000 odds to be selected fifth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Ohio State wide receiver excels with crisp route-running, reliable hands, and the ability to create separation against tight coverage while contributing as a willing blocker.
He ranks fifth behind Styles, Downs, Love, and Mauigoa because the New York Giants, holding the No. 5 pick after a disappointing 2025 season, are focused on defensive reinforcements and offensive line stability to support developing quarterback Jaxson Dart. Tate would still deliver high value as a polished No. 2 receiver who can stretch the field and add consistency to a passing attack that lacked big-play threats last year.
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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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