5 prop bets to make draft night more interesting
The NFL draft is an annual event filled with hope, as the worst teams look to find a franchise savior and the best teams look to tweak their lineup for another run at the Super Bowl.
This year is no different as the NFL descends on Arlington, Texas with the Cleveland Browns holding the No. 1 overall pick in a draft filled with high-level quarterback prospects.
Here are a few prop bets one can make to spice up the proceedings on Thursday:
Who will get drafted first?
- Josh Rosen (-300)
- Saquon Barkley (+250)
If the Browns take the New York Giants' preferred quarterback, the Giants could go a number of different ways with the No. 2 pick. One of those directions could be Penn State running back Saquon Barkley, arguably the most electrifying player in the draft. Josh Rosen certainly won't be around long given how many teams drafting early need quarterbacks, but Barkley could be the Giants' pick to reload for a couple last runs with Eli Manning.
Who will get drafted first?
- Lamar Jackson (-110)
- Mason Rudolph (-110)
Mason Rudolph has quietly made his way back into conversation for a pick in the first round, while Lamar Jackson remains arguably the most intriguing player in the draft. They are both listed at (-110), so the oddsmakers view this one as a toss-up.
Total number of QBs to be drafted in first round
- Over 5 (-110)
- Under 5 (-110)
Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, Rosen, and Baker Mayfield are locks to be picked in the opening round. Jackson seems to be trending toward that distinction as well, meaning Rudolph is likely the decider as to whether there are six quarterbacks taken in Round 1 or not. While this one may seem like it's a sure thing, it's best to remember that there haven't been six quarterbacks taken on the first day since 1983.
Total number of RBs to be drafted in first round
- Over 1.5 (-160)
- Under 1.5 (+140)
Barkley won't make it outside the top 10, so this bet hinges on whether you think a second running back will hear his name called on Thursday or not. Both Derrius Guice and Sony Michel have received praise throughout the evaluation process. More than one running back has been drafted in the opening round six times in the last 10 years.
Total number of Alabama players drafted in first round
- Over 4 (+130)
- Under 4 (-160)
Four players taken from one school in the opening round? That may seem like a crazy idea, but when Alabama is involved, it's becoming a semi-regular occurrence. Three times since 2011, including last year, the Crimson Tide have seen at least four players from the school drafted in the first round. Defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick, receiver Calvin Ridley, linebacker Rashaan Evans, safety Ronnie Harrison, and defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne could all be opening-round selections this year.
(Odds courtesy: Westgate SuperBook)
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)