It is always a little sad to see the NFL season end. However, that does not mean bettors have to wait until the fall to wager on the NFL. Many sportsbooks have odds posted for things like the Super Bowl 57 winner, NFC/AFC champions, 2022 NFL MVP, and the NFL Draft.
As the NFL Draft nears, sportsbooks will continue to post odds for various draft-related markets. For now, bettors can find odds at DraftKings, PointsBet, and FanDuel on who will get selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
2022 NFL Draft Odds For The No. 1 Pick
There is disagreement among the betting market about who the Jaguars will take No. 1 on April 28 in Las Vegas. Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was the early betting favorite but has been overtaken at FanDuel by another defensive end, Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson. Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal has also been getting a lot of attention and is now the betting favorite at PointsBet. Hutchinson and Neal are priced equally at DraftKings.
| #1 Overall Draft Pick Odds | Pointsbet | FanDuel | DraftKings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Neal | +130 | +195 | +175 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | +200 | +165 | +175 |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | +600 | +600 | +500 |
| Ikem Ekwonu | +1000 | +850 | +700 |
| Charles Cross | +2000 | +4000 | +3500 |
| Kenny Pickett | +5000 | +4000 | +7000 |
| Kyle Hamilton | +5000 | +6000 | +7000 |
| Malik Willis | +5000 | +4000 | +3500 |
| Matt Corral | +6000 | +8000 | +8000 |
| Sam Howell | +8000 | +8000 | +10000 |
| Derek Stingley Jr | +8000 | +4000 | +9000 |
| Carson Strong | +10000 | +15000 | +10000 |
| George Karlaftis | +10000 | ||
| David Ojabo | +10000 | +10000 | +15000 |
| Desmond Ridder | +10000 | +12000 | +15000 |
| DeMarvin Leal | +6500 | +13000 | |
| Drake London | +10000 | +20000 | |
| Jameson Williams | +10000 | +13000 | |
| Jordan Davis | +10000 | +12000 | |
| Nakobe Dean | +10000 | +10000 | |
| Garrett Wilson | +15000 | +20000 | |
| Kenyon Green | +15000 | +15000 | |
| Ahmad Gardner | +15000 | +15000 |
Jacksonville Jaguars Have Many Needs
Once again, the Jags have the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Last year, the decision was easy since the best player in the draft, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, also happened to fit a position of need. This year, it does not appear as cut and dry. There is no consensus “best player” in the draft, leaving it to the Jags to pick someone to meet one of the team’s many needs.
If they want Lawrence to develop into the quarterback many think he can be, they must do a better job of protecting him. It would help if he had more talent at wide receiver, and an excellent tight end would be nice, too.
Of course, while building the offense is essential, addressing the defense is also important, starting with the pass rush. While Jacksonville desperately needs to upgrade its front seven, a stud safety would not be a bad idea, either.
Jacksonville can take care of only one of the team’s many needs with the No. 1 pick. However, with 13 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, they have an opportunity to fill several holes. The front office is also working $56 million in cap space.
NFL Draft Odds: Jaguars On The Clock!
According to the odds, it appears the Jags will go with either Aidan Hutchinson, Evan Neal, Kayvon Thibodeaux, or Ikem Ekwonu (NC State offensive tackle). Jacksonville could use some help at offensive tackle and pass rusher, making all four viable options.
Many consider Thibodeaux the best player in the draft, but his stock has been declining in recent weeks while Hutchinson’s has been on the rise. As for the offensive lineman, Neal and Ekwonu grade amongst the top three offensive tackles in the draft, per Pro Football Focus, but Mississippi State’s Charles Cross ranks No. 1.
Betting Analysis
As a former Super Bowl champion, new Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson has experience building a championship-caliber team. His 2017 Eagles team, like the Jaguars, had a budding superstar at quarterback in Carson Wentz. He also had the No. 1 offensive line in the league, according to PFF.
As that line deteriorated in the years following the Super Bowl, so did Wentz’s performance.
Jacksonville’s offensive line ranked 24th in the league last season (PFF), and the team could lose both tackles in the offseason. After watching one promising quarterback regress when his offensive line weakened, Pederson may be extra motivated to protect his new potential star QB.
Look for the Jags to go with a tackle at No. 1, with many mock draft pegging Neal, Ekwonu, and Cross as viable options.
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