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Let’s look forward and backward at the same time.
Here are the odds on how several of the top first-round names will perform in their rookie NFL seasons, as well as what to know about them compared to their 2025 NFL Draft counterparts (FanDuel Sportsbook, as of April 24).
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Fernando Mendoza passing yards
Over 2700.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
Under 2700.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
What you need to know: Last year’s No. 1 pick was QB Cam Ward, who started 17 games for the Tennessee Titans as a rookie. He threw for 3,169 yards in his first pro season after throwing for 4,313 during his senior year of college for the Miami Hurricanes. Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards during his senior year at Indiana.
Fernando Mendoza passing TDs
Over 14.5: +112 (bet $10 to win $21.20 total)
Under 14.5: -148 (bet $10 to win $16.76 total)
What you need to know: Going back to Ward, he threw 15 touchdowns as a rookie after throwing 39 TDs the year before in Miami. Mendoza threw 41 goals this past season for the Hoosiers.
Jeremiah Love rushing yards
Over 975.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
Under 975.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
What you need to know: Ashton Jeanty was the first running back taken last year, going sixth to the Raiders, where he will now be joined by Mendoza. Jeanty rushed for 975 yards in 17 starts for Las Vegas. Love went third overall to the Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Draft, fresh off 1,372 rushing yards in his senior year at Notre Dame.
Carnell Tate receiving yards
Over 750.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
Under 750.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
What you need to know: Tate was the first wideout taken in the 2026 draft, going fourth overall to Tennessee, where he will be Ward’s newest weapon. The first one full time wide receiver taken in 2025 (Travis Hunter went second but didn’t play full-time offense) was Tetairoa McMillan, who went eighth to Carolina. There, he put up 1,014 receiving yards as a rookie and won Offensive Rookie of the Year. Tate had 875 receiving yards at Ohio State last season.
Jordyn Tyson receiving yards
Over 800.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
Under 800.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
What you need to know: Tyson was the second receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, going eighth overall to the Saints. He had 1,812 receiving yards over the last two seasons at Arizona State. The other full-time wideout taken in 2025 was Emeka Egbuka, who went to Seattle at No. 19. He had 938 receiving yards in 13 starts last season.
Makai lemon receiving yards
Over 650.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
Under 650.5: -114 (bet $10 to win $18.77 total)
What you need to know: Lemon was the third wide receiver taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, going 20th overall to the Eagles, who traded up to get him. He totaled 1,156 receiving yards for the USC Trojans last season. The third full-time receiver in 2025 was Matthew Golden, who went 22nd to the Packers. He started five games as a rookie and had 361 receiving yards.
