Sportsbooks have embraced betting on the NFL Draft with markets based on many different aspects of the annual event. Markets may vary from one sportsbook to the next, but bettors will have no trouble finding NFL Draft odds for specific wagers like who will go No. 1, 2, or 3, the first player drafted at each position, and first-round position totals, to name a few.
As debate intensifies over the next few weeks, NFL Draft odds may shift, and perceptions of who will go where may change.
NFL Draft Odds: Who Will Be Picked First At QB, RB, WR, And OL?
Quarterback—Malik Willis -160 (FanDuel); Kenny Pickett +210 (BetMGM)
Several teams could be in the market for a quarterback, but the QB market is not as highly regarded this season as in recent years or even next year. Much of the talk has focused on Willis as the guy with the most upside. But Pickett projects as the one best prepared to start as a rookie. Desmond Ridder is a solid dark horse candidate at +3000 (via FanDuel).
Running Back—Brian Robinson Jr. +10,000 (BetMGM)
Breece Hall is a heavy favorite (-250, FanDuel), followed by Kenneth Walker at +280 (FanDuel). But the first running back could be a market worth going with a dark horse—like Alabama’s Brian Robinson Jr. Last season was his first as the primary back for the Crimson Tide. He’s a decent receiving threat out of the backfield (like Hall). Teams love that Alabama pedigree when it comes to running backs.
Wide Receiver— Drake London +140 (+140, BetMGM); Garret Wilson +125 (PointsBet)
The trouble with betting on wide receivers is that it often comes down to the preference and need for a particular type. If a team is looking for the stereotypical NFL wide receiver-type, Drake London is the way to go (however, he is recovering from a fractured ankle). But if a team is willing to sacrifice size for speed and versatility, then Garrett Wilson is the best bet.
Jameson Williams (+700, BetMGM) could enter the conversation depending on the status of his ACL rehab.
Offensive Lineman—Ikem Ekwonu -150 (PointsBet); Evan Neal (+135 BetMGM)
Both have been in conversations to go first in the NFL Draft, but then Jacksonville took care of its offensive line needs another way. It will likely come down to the preference of the team that pulls the trigger (Giants at No. 5?). There is a chance Charles Cross leapfrogs both (+1400, BetMGM).
NFL Draft Odds: First Round Position Totals
Some of these markets are not worth discussing. For example, unless some trades back into the first round, it is unlikely a running back goes in the first. The total for first-round running backs is .5 (-182, FanDuel). If you are confident a running back will go in the first, you’ll want to bet the over at BetRivers (+145).
Let’s focus on + odds markets.
Quarterbacks— U 2.5 +188 (FanDuel)
The lack of depth in this quarterback class will keep many teams from using a first-round pick on one. Every team has other needs they could fill in the first. However, it would not be shocking to see a team with a second first-round pick use it to take a quarterback (New Orleans at No. 19 and Detroit at No. 32).
Wide Receivers— U 5.5 +150 (BetRivers)
Several solid wide receivers will likely go in the first round (PFF has five graded in their top 32). But as the top guys come off the board, teams are more likely to see other guys as more valuable than the sixth-best wide receiver in the draft.
Safeties— U 1.5 +130 (FanDuel)
Several teams could use a safety, but only three are graded in the top 64 picks (via PFF). Kyle Hamilton will probably go in the top 10, but otherwise the first round will likely be safety-free.
Cornerbacks— O 4.5 +115 (PointsBet)
The last two drafts have had strong cornerback classes (five went in the first last year; six in 2020). This year’s class projects to be just as strong. But once the top five get taken, players at other positions will have more value than the remaining cornerbacks.
Also read: NFL Season Win Totals 2022: Bills And Bucs Are Atop Oddsboard | NFL Draft Odds
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