Tag: NFL Draft Bets

2020 NFL Draft: Which cornerback will be drafted first?

Is Jeff Okudah a lock to be the first cornerback drafted? We break down the 2020 NFL Draft odds to be the first CB off the board.

The 2020 NFL Draft features plenty of good options at the cornerback position, but one stands above the rest as the best corner in the class. BetMGM has odds on who will be the first CB taken in April’s draft and we’ll make our picks to be the first cornerback taken in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Cornerback is a premium position in the NFL, especially with the league shifting to more pass-happy attacks. Gone are the days of running backs carrying the ball 30 times a game, with quarterbacks now airing it out more often than ever before. It’s why stopping modern-day offenses requires quality cornerbacks in the secondary.

Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah is widely regarded as the premier corner this year and could go as early as the top five.

2020 NFL Draft odds: Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah -5000

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Okudah was a stud at Ohio State last season, despite not winning the Jim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back in the country. He tested extremely well at the NFL combine, running a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, jumping 41 inches in the vertical and 135 inches in the broad.

All of that, combined with the tape he put together at Ohio State, have him as the odds-on favorite to be the first cornerback taken in April. Several mock drafts have him going as early as third overall to the Detroit Lions – which seems especially likely after they just traded Darius Slay.

Okudah’s line of -5000 is steep and doesn’t offer much upside, but it’s a fair number based on his body of work.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Okudah to be the first CB off the board returns a profit of $0.20.

2020 NFL Draft odds: Florida’s C.J. Henderson +1200

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL Draft? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

Henderson is an elite cornerback, but he’s not on the level of Okudah. He’s viewed as someone who could go in the top 10, but the more likely scenario is he goes somewhere between No. 12 and 20 where the Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars are slated to pick, respectively. The Dallas Cowboys are also a good fit at No. 17.

While he could rise a bit, there’s almost no chance he’ll leapfrog Okudah next month. There’s too big of a gap between them.

2020 NFL Draft odds: LSU’s Kristian Fulton +2500

Fulton is No. 3 on BetMGM’s board of corners, well behind Okudah and Henderson. He has very little chance to go ahead of Okudah, but don’t be surprised if someone takes him before Henderson. He showed great speed at the combine by running a 4.46 in the 40, which was a question mark in his game. Fulton also excels in man coverage, so if a man-heavy team is in need of a cornerback, it could favor the LSU product.

The Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons appear to be good fits for Fulton in the middle of the first round and could be landing spots at No. 15 or 16, respectively.

Want action on the 2020 NFL Draft? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Draft: Which O-lineman will be drafted first?

A look at the O-linemen who could be drafted and who is most likely to go first and to which team.

The 2020 NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday, April 23, and 255 players will be selected by teams to move on and play professional football. Several offensive linemen are expected to be drafted and many will go in the first round. It is a draft with some top-end talent at tackle. Here, we analyze the odds and best bets for the first offensive lineman selected in the 2020 draft.

2020 NFL Draft odds for O-Linemen to be drafted first

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 19 at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Twenty-two players are given odds to be the first offensive lineman selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. Some are absolute longshots. Here are the odds for each player, listed from shortest to longest.

  • Tristan Wirfs, Iowa +140
  • Mekhi Becton, Louisville +175
  • Jedrick Wills, Alabama +220
  • Andrew Thomas, Georgia +800
  • Josh Jones, Houston, +2000
  • Austin Jackson, USC +2500
  • Ezra Cleveland, Boise State +4000
  • Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin +10000
  • Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU +15000
  • Matt Hennessy, Temple +15000
  • Cesar Ruiz, Michigan +15000
  • Ben Bartch, St. John’s +20000
  • Saahdiq Charles, LSU +20000
  • Robert Hunt, Louisiana-Lafayette +20000
  • Jonah Jackson, Ohio State +20000
  • Lucas Niang, TCU +20000
  • Matt Peart, Connecticut +20000
  • Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn +20000
  • Isaiah Wilson, Georgia +20000
  • Trey Adams, Washington +25000
  • John Simpson, Clemson +25000
  • Tyre Phillips, Mississippi State +25000

Who will be the first OL drafted? Best bets

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Based on pre-draft chatter, it is basically a four-man race to be the first offensive lineman picked and it depends on the team making the selection.

The New York Giants are the first team who might tackle a tackle with the fourth overall pick. The Carolina Panthers could do it with the seventh pick. The Arizona Cardinals could with the eighth pick. So could the Cleveland Browns at No. 10 and the New York Jets at No. 11.

If the Giants go with a tackle, they are most likely to go with a left tackle. That would suggest either Becton or Thomas could be the first OL off the board.

Wirfs has great game tape and had the best combine performance, while Wills was solid and allowed only one sack all last season.

Becton, who has incredible size and speed for that side, has the biggest boom-or-bust potential and seems to fit the best in the Browns’ scheme.

Ultimately, it will come down to who makes the first pick.

If you think it will be the Giants, your best bets are Becton at +175 and Thomas at +800.  I expect the top lineman to come off the board at No. 8 with the Cardinals. That will almost certainly be Wirfs at +140.

If you are looking for a potential big payout, Thomas at +800 could be the winner, but the smart money is on Wirfs.

Want action on the 2020 NFL Draft? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Draft: Which tight end will be drafted first?

A look at the tight ends who could be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and who is most likely to be picked first.

One of the weakest positions in the 2020 NFL Draft is tight end. Barring a surprise, there won’t be a tight end drafted in the first round. In fact, there is a realistic chance that there isn’t a tight end drafted inside of the top-50 selections.

However, that won’t prevent us from wagering on who will be the first tight end draft come April 23-25. Take a look at the odds for the first tight end to be drafted:

2020 NFL Draft odds, first TE selected:

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, March 21 at 5:20 p.m. ET.

Player
School
Odds
Cole Kmet Notre Dame -110
Adam Trautman Dayton +400
Thaddeus Moss LSU +600
Albert Okwuegbunam Missouri +600
Brycen Hopkins Purdue +800
Hunter Bryant Washington +800
Harrison Bryant Florida Atlantic +1200
Jared Pinkney Vanderbilt +1200

Who will be the first TE drafted? Best bets

Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet is the odds-on favorite to be the first tight end off the board as he possesses ideal size and speed for the position. While he needs to improve as a blocker, he is just 20 years old and is still improving. Given the big-school pedigree and elite size, Kmet should come off the board sometime in the second round. Even despite the lower odds, Kmet is still a GOOD BET to be the first tight end selected.

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL Draft? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

After Kmet comes Dayton’s Adam Trautman. Despite playing at a small school, Trautman made a name for himself at the 2020 Senior Bowl. But after he ran a 4.80 40-yard dash at the combine, it’s tough to see Trautman being drafted inside the top 60 picks. Despite the attractive odds, PASS on betting on Trautman to be the first tight end selected.

The sucker bet here is LSU’s Thaddeus Moss, whose odds have been pushed up due to name recognition. After measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Moss doesn’t have ideal size for the position — to go with his below-average speed. That doesn’t even take into account that he broke his foot before the combine, meaning that he won’t be able to work out for teams at all before late April. PASS on Moss to be the first tight end drafted at +600 and look for him to be a late Day 3 selection.

An intriguing longshot name to monitor is Missouri’s Albert Okwuegbunam. At the combine, Okwuegbunam stole the show with a 4.49 40 dash while weighing 258 pounds. He is one of the most athletic tight ends in the class, and with three years of college production on his resume, it wouldn’t be a shock to see someone gamble on his upside late in the second round. CONSIDER BETTING on Okwuegbunam at +600 to be the first tight end drafted.

Want action on the 2020 NFL Draft? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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2020 NFL Draft: Which linebacker will be drafted first?

A look at the linebackers who could be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and who is most likely to go first and to which team.

The 2020 NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday, April 23, and 255 players will be selected by teams as they begin their quest to play professional football`. The complexity of football makes the NFL draft, in my opinion, the most exciting of any of the professional leagues as a generational player can be selected in any round, at any position.

For all we know, the next Bobby Wagner, Derrick Brooks or Von Miller could be drafted this year. Here, we analyze the odds and best bets for the first linebacker to be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.

2020 NFL Draft odds:

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, March 21 at 2:50 p.m. ET.

Player
School
Odds
Isaiah Simmons Clemson -3334
K’Lavon Chaisson LSU +900
Patrick Queen LSU +1200
Kenneth Murray Oklahoma +1500
Zack Baun Wisconsin +3300
Akeem Davis-Gaither Appalachian State +3300
Willie Gay Jr. Mississippi State +3300
Troy Dye Oregon +3300
Curtis Weaver Boise State +5000

Who will be the first linebacker drafted? Best bets

Unfortunately, this is a STAY AWAY as far as gambling is concerned because Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons (-3334) has this so locked up it’s not worth even taking a flyer on another linebacker. For example, Simmons had more sacks, tackles for a loss, pass deflections, interceptions and forced fumbles than BetMGM’s second and third favorites for linebackers to be drafted first — LSU Tigers teammates K’Lavon Chaisson (+900) and Patrick Queen (+1200).

Looking to place a bet on the 2020 NFL Draft? Place your legal sports wagers online at BetMGM. Bet now!

The only argument you could make about Simmons not being the first linebacker drafted is that he’s so dynamic as an athlete that he transcends any single position. Simmons entered the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine as the nation’s most decorated college linebacker, winning the Butkus Award and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, and being named a unanimous first-team All-American. His combine performance only padded his lead as the top-ranked linebacker entering the draft. Simmons wowed scouts by running a 4.39 40-yard dash and posting a 39-inch vertical jump and an 11-foot broad jump — making him the first draft prospect since 2003 that weigh more than 230 pounds to post such numbers (according to NFL research). Simmons being the first linebacker selected at the 2020 NFL Draft is the lock of the event.

Which team will select the first linebacker?

I’ll side with network colleague Luke Easterling of USA TODAY Draft Wire’s mock draft and say Isaiah Simmons (-3334) is drafted No. 7 overall by the Carolina Panthers.

Simmons could be drafted No. 3 by the Detroit Lions or No. 4 by the New York Giants. But after Detroit traded Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lions will most likely select Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jeff Okudah. The Giants will probably look to upgrade their offensive line after signing linebackers Blake Martinez and Kyler Fackrell. The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers are both projected to select quarterbacks with the fifth and sixth picks, respectively, which brings us to the Panthers at seven. Carolina could really use a stud linebacker since eventual Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly’s retirement this offseason. Also, the Panthers were ranked 31st in opponent’s points per game and 23rd in yards allowed per game with Kuechly on the team.

Want action on the 2020 NFL Draft? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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2020 NFL Draft: Which WR will be drafted first?

A look at the WRs who could be drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft and who is most likely to go first and to which team.

The 2020 NFL Draft is set to begin Thursday, April 23, and 255 players will be selected by teams to move on and play professional football. Several wide receivers are expected to be drafted and many in the first round. Here, we analyze the odds and best bets for the first wide receiver selected in the 2020 draft.

2020 NFL Draft odds: Which WR will be drafted first?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 19 at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Sixteen receivers are expected to be drafted and have odds to be the first selected. One is the odds-on favorite. Here are the odds.

  • Jerry Jeudy, Alabama -118
  • CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma +120
  • Henry Ruggs III, Alabama +700
  • Tee Higgins,  Clemson +2000
  • Justin Jefferson, LSU +3300
  • K.J. Hamler, Penn State +4000
  • Denzel Mims, Baylor +6600
  • Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado +6600
  • Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State +10000
  • Donovan Peoples-Jones, Liberty +15000
  • Jalen Reagor, TCU +15000
  • Chase Claypool, Notre Dame, +25000
  • Gabriel Davis, UCF +25000
  • K.J. Hill, Ohio State +25000
  • Van Jefferson, Florida +25000
  • Michael Pittman Jr., USC +25000

Who will be the first WR drafted? Best bets

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Jeudy is the favorite but most mock drafts have had the top receiver split between him and Lamb.

The teams with the most glaring needs at receiver in the top half of the draft are the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos. The Cardinals pick at No. 8 overall, while the Raiders are 12th (and 19th), the 49ers are 13th (after a trade with the Indianapolis Colts) and the Broncos will pick 15th.

The Cardinals, though, recently agreed to a trade to acquire WR DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans, which would make it appear they will no longer take a receiver in the first round.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was a college teammate of Lamb and has openly lobbied for the Cardinals to draft him. The Raiders have also coveted him.

Jeudy is believed to be a slightly more complete receiver but Lamb draws comparisons to Hopkins. Both are similar in size, speed and athleticism.

Given the situation with receivers, it is basically a 50/50 bet between Lamb and Jeudy. Since the value lies with Lamb, the best bet is to go with Lamb at +120.

If you are looking for a sleeper who can pay out a lot, put some money on Ruggs at +700. If the Cardinals don’t take a receiver, remember the Raiders have always coveted receivers who can run. Ruggs is the fastest player in the draft.

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2020 NFL Draft: Which RB will be drafted first?

A look at the RBs who could be drafted and who is most likely to go first and to which team.

The 2020 NFL Draft remains set to begin Thursday, April 23, and 255 players will be selected by teams to move on and play professional football. Several running backs are expected to be drafted. Here, we analyze the odds and best bets for the first running back to be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft.

2020 NFL Draft odds: First RB to be selected

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 19 at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Twelve running backs are expected to be drafted and have odds to be the first selected. Two are the clear favorites. Here are the odds.

  • D’Andre Swift, Georgia -118
  • Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin -106
  • J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State +700
  • Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU +2000
  • Cam Akers, Florida State +2500
  • A.J. Dillon, Boston College +6600
  • Zack Moss, Utah +8000
  • Anthony McFarland, Maryland +10000
  • Eno Benjamin, Arizona State +15000
  • Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt +20000
  • Lamical Perine, Florida +20000
  • Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State +20000

Who will be the first RB drafted? Best bets

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Because of how running backs are valued today, even a talented running back class like this year’s group is getting pushed down. It is possible not a single back will go in the first round; however, with players like Swift and Taylor, at least one seemingly has to go early.

Initial projections had Swift going first and this is noted in the odds; however, Taylor produced more in college, rushing for more than 2,000 yards each of the last two seasons. Taylor’s performance at the combine probably put him over the top as the first pick.

Which team will select the first RB?

Who could possibly select the first running back?

The Miami Dolphins, who have three first-round picks, should be the favorite. They are expected to draft a quarterback, likely with the fifth overall pick, and will want to give him a running game to support him. They added veteran Jordan Howard in free agency, but multiple backs is the way to go in today’s NFL.

Another candidate is the Baltimore Ravens at No. 28, who depend on the running game to make the offense run.

My best bet would be to take Taylor, who is physical and fast at -106.

If there is a longshot to consider, ignore all but Dobbins at +700, who has all the abilities a team wants from a running back — running, catching and blocking.

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2020 NFL Draft: Who will go first overall?

Analyzing the odds on who will be selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets.

The 2020 NFL Draft remains set for Thursday, April 23, and it appears we know very little about who will go where. Free agency is still in full swing and we aren’t even sure where some of the top quarterbacks may land ahead of the draft.

However, we have a pretty good grasp of who will wind up going at pick No. 1. BetMGM has posted the odds for the player to be selected with the No. 1 pick. Take a look at the most notable odds below.

2020 NFL Draft odds: Who will go first overall?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 19 at 8 a.m. ET.

POSITION NAME ODDS
QB Joe Burrow -5000
DE Chase Young +1200
QB Tua Tagovailoa +1900
OT Andrew Thomas +2700
QB Justin Herbert +3600
QB Jacob Eason +4300
WR Jerry Jeudy +6500
LB Isaiah Simmons +10000
QB Jordan Love +10000
LB Isaiah Simmons +10000
QB Jalen Hurts +50000

2020 NFL Draft odds: Best bets to go No. 1

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Given the -5000 odds, it seems highly unlikely the Cincinnati Bengals would select anyone other than LSU QB Joe Burrow with the No. 1 pick. Burrow is coming off one of the greatest college football seasons of all-time, winning the Heisman Trophy Award and a National Championship. Given the Bengals’ need for a franchise quarterback, this feels like a slam dunk.

However, the odds here for Burrow aren’t favorable enough that you should wager on him to be selected at No. 1. Bettors would win just $100 for every $5,000 risked. There just isn’t enough value here to bet on Burrow despite him very likely going at No. 1.

Another player worth considering is Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa. If he is medically cleared before the draft, he is the only other quarterback with a similar resume to that of Joe Burrow. On top of historic pass numbers at Alabama, Tagovailoa won a National Championship as a freshman and appeared in another in 2018. He has elite accuracy and athleticism that is reminiscent of Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. At 19-1, Tagovailoa isn’t a bad long-shot bet considering just how incredibly talented he is.

Finally, Oregon QB Justin Herbert is a name worth mentioning at +3600 as he worked with the Bengals’ coaching staff at the 2020 Senior Bowl. Herbert had a fantastic week in Mobile, Alabama, as he was named the MVP of the game. It’s doubtful he is considered at No. 1 by the Bengals or any other team trading into that spot, but we have seen quarterbacks rise up draft boards later on in the process.

Want action on the 2020 NFL Draft? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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