It’s been nearly three months since the Los Angeles Ram hoisted the Lombardi trophy into the air, and for most football fans, that seems like an eternity ago. Still, we received quite a treat with an eventful offseason with blockbuster trades involving top QBs, WRs, and other Pro Bowlers at various positions. Russell Wilson is now a Bronco, Deshaun Watson is in Cleveland, Carson Wentz is a Commander, and Matt Ryan is now a Colt. What’s more, Davante Adams will be suiting up in the Raider silver and black this season, while Tyreek Hill will be catching passes from Tua Tagovailoa.
While there has been plenty of offseason action, it is far from over as we gear up for the NFL Draft this Thursday. Former college seniors and juniors across the country will anxiously await for their names to be called and start their journey as a member of the National Football League. And like every sporting event, you know there is gambling involved in this one.
So, what are some prop bets you should watch for come Thursday? Here are our best bets for Round 1 of the NFL Draft.
No. 1 Overall Pick Travon Walker (-220)
Jacksonville finds itself with the first overall pick in the draft for the second consecutive year. After drafting their hopeful franchise quarterback last year, Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars will now look to revamp their defense which ranked in the bottom 5 in the NFL in 2021. Enter Walker of the National Champion Georgia Bulldogs. Walker ran an impressive 4.51 40-yard dash in the combine. He also has turned eyes at all levels, given his athletic ability both on and off the field. Walker would be a great addition to bolster the pass rush as his size and speed allow him to get to the QB quickly and take him down for the sack. He has emerged in recent days as the consensus favorite to go No. 1 overall over Kayvon Thibodeaux and Ikem Ekwonu. While the value may not be favorable, he is worth risking the money. Take Walker at No. 1.
Top 3 Pick Derek Stingley (+300)
The buzz has picked up tremendously on the best cornerback in the draft. The LSU product has garnered much-deserved attention recently and could be a surprise pick at potentially No. 3 to the Houston Texans or even a longshot at No. 2 by the Lions. Stingley could be off the board sooner rather than later in a draft class that is not deep at the CB position. Don’t be surprised if a team opts to trade up for Stingley at No. 3.
First QB to be Drafted – Kenny Pickett (+170)
Though this year’s QB class is relatively light compared to other years, expect at least two signal-callers to be selected in the First Round. With the 6th overall pick, there is a good chance that the Carolina Panthers could trade back in the draft. In that case, look for the Panthers to target a QB after a disappointing year from the combination of Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and PJ Walker. Malik Willis has been the favorite QB to go first in most mock drafts, but Panthers HC Matt Rhule will choose the more experienced Pickett to compete for the starting job this season.
Total Number of RBs selected in Round 1 – Under 0.5 (-190)
In recent years, teams have found success drafting RBs in the draft’s later rounds. With a deeper class of prospects at offensive line and wide receiver, expect teams to wait until Day 2 or 3 to draft a running back to meet their needs. With most teams opting to play a pass-heavy offense, it should be no surprise that front offices will be looking to fulfill other needs before selecting a running back so high in the draft. There’s always a chance a team could trade up for Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker toward the end of the first round, but in all likelihood, we will not hear either’s name called on Day 1.
Total Number of WRs selected in Round 1 – Over 6.5 (-125)
This year’s WR draft class is one of the deepest, with Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams, Drake London, and Chris Olave heading the position. It also is a year where we have seen top receivers in the league switch teams, including Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, Amari Cooper, and more. With that, teams such as the Packers, Chiefs, and others will be in the market for a top wideout. Once the first receiver is selected, expect there to be a domino effect after. Take the over.
