NFL Draft 2023 Odds: C.J. Stroud New Favorite To Go First After Panthers Trade For No. 1 Pick

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What a difference a trade makes! The news broke Friday evening that the Carolina Panthers traded for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It did not take long for the NFL Draft 2023 odds of a few players to shift. Bryce Young is no longer the betting favorite to go No. 1. That honor now belongs to Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

However, Anthony Richardson’s NFL Draft odds received a boost as well, and there are already rumors circulating that the Panthers may be open to trading down from their newly acquired No. 1 pick.

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NFL Draft 2023 Odds: No. 1 Pick

With a draft class as stacked with quarterback talent as this one is, it is not shocking that two quarterbacks have the shortest odds to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft:

PlayerDraftKingsFanDuelPointsBetCaesars
CJ Stroud-425-320-325-350
Bryce Young+330+300+325+280
Anthony Richardson+450+350+500+475
Will Levis+5000+2200+2200+3000
Will Anderson+10000+9500+10000+8000
Tyree Wilson+13000
Christian Gonzalez+13000
William McDonald IV+13000
Jalen Carter+13000+9500+10000+10000

The Panthers have been in need of a franchise quarterback for years ever since the team parted ways with Cam Newton, who they selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Before the trade, insiders had the Panthers pegged as one of a few teams in the top ten of the draft that would take a quarterback. With the No. 1 pick now in hand, it would be surprising if they went another route.

So—who do they want?

Richardson has drawn comparisons to Newton, and is believed to have the most upside of the quarterbacks available in the draft. However, he only had one season under his belt as the starter at Florida State. But while his athleticism is unquestioned, his game needs some work. But if the Panthers retain Sam Darnold, they would not need to rush him into the lineup.

They could give Richardson his rookie season to develop, or at least a significant portion of it.

But many insiders believe the Panthers have their sights set on C.J. Stroud. However, there have also been reports that the Panthers are undecided. According to reports, owner David Tepper prefers Bryce Young while head coach Frank Reich wants C.J. Stroud:

But if the team can’t decide on one, there is a chance they may trade out of the No. 1 pick:

So, what does all of this mean for bettors?

Betting Analysis

This is a rather strange situation. According to the odds, Stroud has about a 76-81% chance of going No. 1. That sounds pretty convincing. However, he is not an advisable bet at those odds since there is dissension in the ranks. While that brings Young back into play, it also means Richardson and Levis are not out of the running, either.

You have to think the team will want to keep the pick rather than trade down (unless they get offered more than they gave up). But rather than alienate his new head coach by demanding the team take Young, it would make sense for Tepper to trust Reich and go with Stroud.

However, at his odds, bettors would have to risk $320-425 just to win $100.

Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Also Read: Anthony Richardson NFL Draft Odds Top Three To Go No. 1

How To Bet On NFL Draft 2023 Odds

If you’re looking to bet on the NFL Draft this year, it’s a perfect time to take advantage of amazing limited-time welcome offers available at sportsbooks today. Add more than one sports betting app to your playbook so you can line shop for the most competitive Super Bowl odds.

Choose Your Online Sportsbook

Most US states with legal online sports betting put multiple mobile sports betting apps at your fingertips. The welcome bonuses, as well as the odds on NFL Draft markets, differ from sportsbook to sportsbook.

Check out Gaming Today for comprehensive coverage of which online sportsbooks operate in your state. Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, you’ll need to provide proof of age and identity to register for a new account.

Make Your First Deposit

Once the sportsbook verifies your account details, you’re ready to deposit funds and start wagering on the NFL Draft.

Navigating to the cashier at your chosen sportsbook displays all of the different deposit options. But some of the most reliable deposit methods include PayPal, Play+, debit/credit cards, and ACH/eCheck.

Make Your First Bet

Legal online sportsbooks offer myriad ways to bet on the NFL Draft. If you are looking for a more specific wager, such as which wide receiver will be the first off the board, you may have to search a bit. Remember, a lot of the welcome bonuses at sportsbooks are only for the first wager, so choose wisely!

Cashing Out

If your NFL Draft bet cashes in, congratulations! Obviously, you can reinvest your winnings into other bets, but if you are ready to cash out, all sportsbooks will offer you several different options.

PayPal, ACH/eCheck, and Play+ represent some of the fastest ways to cash out when your NFL Draft wagers win.

Best Sports Betting Apps For NFL Draft Odds

How can you find the best sports betting apps for the NFL Draft? Who you can bet with will depend on who operates in your state. This is where five of the best betting apps operating in the U.S. are licensed to take bets:

DraftKings: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY

BetMGM: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, OH, NV, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY

Caesars: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA & WV

BetRivers: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, NY, PA, WV & VA, CT & NJ

FanDuel: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY

Those are the biggest shops, but many smaller operations contribute to providing customers with deep menus. But the online marketplace for NFL Draft odds varies, sometimes wildly, and fluctuates regularly, putting those who have done their homework in the best positions to capitalize on NFL Draft predictions. Incentives are aplenty, too.

About the Author
Travis Pulver

Travis Pulver

Senior Writer
Travis Pulver is a senior writer for Gaming Today and a lifelong football fan, something he says comes naturally having been born in the football-crazy state of Texas. Through the years, Pulver's love of sports has extended into baseball, basketball, golf, and rugby. Life currently finds him in Indiana with his wife and two kids.

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