The NFL Draft was always a big event for fans of the league’s 32 NFL teams. In recent years, the annual draft has turned into an even bigger betting event.
Online sportsbooks continue to post a wide variety of prop bet options tied to the draft. Most of the props center on the opening round. This year’s official NFL Draft takes place from Thursday, April 29 through Saturday, May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Where to Bet on NFL Draft Props
The opening round of 32 picks takes place on Thursday night. Rounds 2 and 3 will be held on Friday night with the remaining four rounds taking place on Saturday afternoon.
Quarterback First Round Betting Odds
Turning to the NFL Draft prop bet board for quarterbacks, a high-value play would be former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields coming off the board at No. 3 to the San Francisco 49ers at +120 odds.
Former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence appears to be a lock at -10000 odds to be the first overall pick in this year’s draft which belongs to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Always remember, there is no such thing as a lock in sports betting. Just ask everyone who bet on Gonzaga over Baylor earlier this month in college basketball. However, betting against Lawrence makes no sense.
Zach Wilson, as the former BYU quarterback has heavy -2500 odds to be the second player off the board with the New York Jets on the clock. This seems like another sure thing so it is best to stay away from this prop as well.
Moving to the third pick, former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones is a -170 favorite to start his pro career in San Francisco. Yet, Fields is definitely not out of the running to take his place. The plus money in his odds make this an attractive play.
Running Back First Round Props
Running back may be a key skill position on offense. Yet, NFL teams are very reluctant in using a first round pick to land one. This year’s field of potential first rounders is not that strong. To the point where the OVER/UNDER on a running back coming off the board in the first 32 picks is set at ½. The betting odds do favor the OVER at -250. The odds that no running backs are drafted in the first round are +170.
When it comes to the prop bet odds for the first running back chosen in the 2021 NFL Draft, Najee Harris is the -160 favorite. There are a few mock drafts that have the former Alabama running back as a first round pick. However, the value play is still the +170 odds on the UNDER.
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Wide Receiver First Round Props
LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase is a -700 favorite to be the first wide receiver off the board in the opening round. The value prop covers the OVER/UNDER on when he is selected. The pick number has been set at six with the betting odds favoring the UNDER at -200. The betting odds that Chase is selected No. 7 or higher are set at +150.
This could be the ultimate hedge bet of the first round. The Philadelphia Eagles had the sixth overall pick in the draft. They were projected to select Chase with that pick. A few weeks back, the Miami Dolphins traded up with Philly to get that pick and most likely their newest wide receiver.
There is quite a bit of speculation that the Cincinnati Bengals will draft Chase at No. 5. However, a hedge on the favorable +150 odds could be the best value bet. Even if Miami takes him at No. 6, this prop would be graded as a PUSH.
