The 2022 NFL Draft is set for Las Vegas, starting with the first round Thursday night and finishing up with the final rounds on Saturday. Sportsbooks have posted a diverse selection of betting markets and props related to the draft for bettors to enjoy, everything from the number of players selected from college conferences to the first wide receiver picked, and of course, who will go No. 1.
Rumors have been flying fast and furious this week about teams’ supposed intentions as the first-round approaches. Based on some of those rumors, we have highlighted a few NFL Draft props bettors may want to give some serious consideration.
NFL Draft Rumors And Props
Houston Texans Leaning Toward Derek Stingley Jr. At No. 3?
According to Peter Schrager (NFL Network), there has been a lot of talk about the Texans going with a defensive back, either Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner or Derek Stingley Jr. This matches up with what Matt Miller has heard about Stingley potentially going in the top three. Ian Rapoport has talked about Stingley Jr. as well but makes it sound like the Texans could go with a tackle or Gardner.
The #Texans pick No. 3 and represent the draft's ultimate wildcard. They may have a surprise for us. pic.twitter.com/AJNk8vX6FH
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2022
If the rumors are right and the Texans go with Stingley Jr. at No. 3, the following NFL Draft props are worth considering:
- Derek Stingley to go top 5 +275 (Caesars)
- Derek Stingley to go No. 3 +400 (Caesars)
- Derek Stingley, first cornerback selected: +125 (FanDuel)
- Houston Texans, Exact Position of 1st Drafted Player: Cornerback, +200 (PointsBet)
Jermaine Johnson Or Ikem Ekwonu To The Jets At No. 4?
If the rumors are true, the New York Jets are looking to improve their pass rush with the No. 4 pick in the draft. However, according to some reports, they will not do so with the guy many have been expecting the Jets to take, Kayvon Thibodeaux. Instead, they are thinking of going with Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
FWIW: Several around the NFL (who I trust) believe Jermaine Johnson has a better chance to go No. 4 to the #Jets than Thibodeaux… https://t.co/4kM3e6nKQG
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 25, 2022
If the Jets do not take Johnson at No. 4, there is talk the Giants could be interested in him at No. 5. Should there be truth to the rumors, the following props are worth a hard look:
- Jermaine Johnson to go Top 5 +330 (DraftKings)
- Jermaine Johnson to go No. 4 +350 (FanDuel)
- New York Jets, Exact Position of 1st Drafted Player: defensive lineman, +125 (FanDuel)
However, there was also some buzz Tuesday night that Jets GM Joe Douglas will not pass on offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu if he is still on the board at No. 4. Jacksonville is expected to go with an edge rusher at No. 1. Rumors have the Lions leaning towards an edge rusher or maybe even Malik Willis with the second overall pick. Then, Houston could grab a tackle, but the Texans are expected to go with a defensive back. So, it is possible Ekwonu will be available.
- Ikem Ekwonu to go No. 4 +350 (FanDuel)
- New York Jets, Exact Position of 1st Drafted Player: offensive lineman, +350 (PointsBet)
Total First Round Trades In NFL Draft: Over 5.5 -115 (DraftKings)
This is not the sexiest of picks since the odds are negative, but there is some compelling information in the rumor mill:
Within the past week, as the draft has drawn closer, multiple teams in the top half of the draft have inquired with others to try to trade back in the first round, per sources. So far, the interest in moving back in Thursday’s draft has greatly exceeded the interest in moving up.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2022
Several teams are rumored to be interested in trading down. Seattle may be looking to move back into the first round to take a quarterback. The Vikings are supposedly interested in trading down, too. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert talked at length recently about the research the Steelers are doing into potential trade scenarios:
Kevin Colbert saying they always are evaluating what it’ll cost to move up or what they can gain to move back. Mentions moving between 7-20 and 20 to 32. pic.twitter.com/k3Ty2XQLpL
— Adam Steel (@RenegadeAdam) April 25, 2022
With so many teams interested in trading down, who will trade up? According to Texans GM Nick Caserio, there has not been much interest in moving up, at least not as high as Houston’s first pick at No. 3. But if NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is right, Caserio may just need to be patient:
“Many teams have fewer than 20 players on their boards with first-round grades, which is in line with other recent draft classes; some have fewer than 15. General managers and other high-ranking executives foresee an unpredictable Round 1 — and that’s especially true in the back half, once the most celebrated prospects are gone.”
That explains why rumors have so many teams interested in trading down. It also means if a team wants one of those guys, they may have to make a deal to climb high enough in the first round to get him.
Also read: Why Oddsmakers Hate NFL Draft | Bettor’s Approach To First Round | Mr. Irrevelant Odds
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