Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu? With the first overall pick, which player will Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars select to protect Trevor Lawrence’s blind side? We take a look at the 2022 NFL Draft markets and the odds associated with a number of top players.
Due to the lack of elite quarterbacks in this draft, I believe the first overall pick will be decided between two players: Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal and NC State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu. As an organization, the Jacksonville Jaguars are focused on giving QB Trevor Lawrence the support he needs. Drafting an offensive lineman first overall is a step in the right direction.
EDGE rushers Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux will compete for the distinction of being the first defensive player drafted. We do not yet have these odds, but figuring out the Detroit Lions’ intentions with the second pick could determine this market.
Kenny Pickett has been projected by many draft experts to be the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. Similar to Trey Lance last year, Malik Willis’ athleticism may enable him to overtake Pickett in this market.
In late December, with the potential of the Jaguars holding the first overall pick, I gave out Neal (+2000) and Ekwonu (+9000) as two bets to put in the portfolio to be the first overall pick. If you missed these excellent numbers, no sweat, we’ll have you covered with so many more NFL draft props that will be released over the next month-plus.
With the 2022 NFL Draft fast approaching on April 28, we track the odds for several players and look at the best early targets to be the top pick.
2022 NFL Draft Odds: No. 1 Pick
SEE ALSO: NFL Awards Betting Recap
NFL Draft Odds: Focus on Linemen
Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Neal's odds have shortened from +2000 to as low as -135 to be the first overall pick for the Jaguars. According to many mock drafts, the Jaguars are expected to draft an offensive lineman to protect Lawrence. During 650 pass-blocking snaps, the 6-foot-7 lineman from Alabama allowed only 15 quarterback pressures.
No. 1 Pick: -110 via FanDuel Sportsbook
Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State
Due to draft analysts such as Mel Kiper Jr., mocking him to the Jaguars with the first overall pick, Ekwonu has seen his odds shorten. Since the mock draft, Ekwonu's price has been reduced to +450 from +700.
No. 1 Pick: +450 via DraftKings Sportsbook
Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
The Mississippi State tackle gained some momentum on the odds board following the release of a mock draft by Pro Football Focus. In this mock, Cross was selected by the Jaguars. As a result, his odds moved from +6600 to +2000 at PointsBet. The advantage Cross has over Ekwonu is that he is a highly productive pass blocker. Ekwonu is known for his run blocking ability.
The Jaguars may be more interested in someone with the skillset of Cross if their goal is to protect Lawrence.
No. 1 Pick: +5000 via DraftKings
NFL Draft Odds: Defensive Contenders
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon
Since Hutchinson recorded three sacks against Ohio State, Thibodeaux has been sliding down the odds board. Thibodeaux was as low as -175 to be selected first overall prior to Hutchinson's standout game against the Buckeyes. It appears that he is no longer in contention to be the first overall pick. Therefore, your attention will need to be directed toward determining whether Thibodeaux will be drafted as the first defensive player.
No. 1 Pick: +1400 via DraftKings
.@oregonfootball DE Kayvon Thibodeaux has always been dominant on the football field.
All eyes on him this week at the Combine.
@kayvont
— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2022
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Aidan Hutchinson, Edge, Michigan
The fact Hutchinson is still priced this low for the first overall pick is quite surprising. I do not believe he is someone the Jaguars would consider drafting due to his talent alone, compared to a position they desperately need. In my opinion, his price is low because he is consistently mocked near the top of the draft. He's likely to go early with the Lions picking second overall, but I do not see him being the first pick.
No. 1 Pick: +300 via FanDuel
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2022 NFL Draft Odds: First QB (Odds via FanDuel)
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
FanDuel opened Willis at +250 to be the first quarterback selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. The odds were immediately lowered to +175 and subsequently to +150, where they have remained for some time. Pickett is being mocked higher than Willis, but it cannot be ignored that a team may fall in love with his athleticism and make him the first quarterback selected.
No. 1 Pick: +5000 via FanDuel
First QB Selected: +150 via FanDuel
Teams have reportedly been “surprised” by Malik Willis’ overall offensive knowledge and ability to retain offensive info and play-calls for the position
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 2, 2022
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
Pickett broke several records held by Dan Marino at the University of Pittsburgh and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Although he has amassed a number of accolades and statistics, there is barely any buzz surrounding his name. It is my belief teams fear that you have already seen the best version of Pickett and that his NFL ceiling is low. From now until April, I believe Pickett will only slide down the draft board, and that he has little chance of increasing his draft position.
No. 1 Pick: +6600 via PointsBet
First QB Selected: +120 via FanDuel
Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
Corral, a two-year starter at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, is a dual-threat quarterback. During his time at Ole Miss, he rushed for 1,338 yards and scored 18 rushing touchdowns. I believe he will be the third quarterback selected in the draft, probably in the 20s.
No. 1 Pick: +10000 via DraftKings
First QB Selected: +1000 via FanDuel
Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina
It is difficult to predict where Howell will land in the draft process. Prior to the 2021 college football season, many experts predicted he would go first overall. He produced consistently all three years at North Carolina, however, his passing statistics have declined somewhat this past year due to a weaker supporting cast. Despite the decline in passing yards, he set a career-high with 828 rushing yards. Howell will be the determining factor in any Over/Under props for quarterbacks selected in the first round.
It is interesting that FanDuel has given Howell a shorter price than Corral for being the first quarterback selected. I do not see many mock drafts that have him going in the first round.
No. 1 Pick: +10000 via DraftKings
First QB Selected: +650 via FanDuel
Sam Howell's 65 forced missed tackles in 2021 are the most by a P5 QB since 2014
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) March 2, 2022
2022 NFL Draft Odds: Best of the Rest
Markets to watch
Who will be the first wide receiver selected in the 2022 NFL Draft? This market has the potential to be the most compelling of all the props we will receive. Four different wide receivers have been mocked to be the first receiver off the board. When the sportsbooks post the odds for this market, price shopping will be essential.
Another intriguing market is the first defensive back to be selected. The mock drafts are divided regarding Ahmad Gardner versus Derek Stingley Jr. In addition to the divided opinion on who will go first, they are mocked very closely in the draft order. According to one mock, Gardner was projected ninth overall and Stingley 10th overall.
Drake London, WR, USC
Prior to suffering a fractured ankle, London was putting up ridiculous numbers for the USC Trojans. In fact, I took a flier on London to win the Heisman Trophy at +25000. London had 88 receptions, 1,084 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns across eight games. Standing 6-foot-5 and having the ability to high point the ball in the end zone, London is an excellent wide receiver.
No. 1 Pick: +20000 via DraftKings
Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Wilson amassed 1,058 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games last season. Many experts believe that his game will translate to the NFL, given his excellent route running abilities and soft hands.
No. 1 Pick: +20000 via DraftKings
Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
Whatever Brian Hartline is teaching wide receivers at Ohio State is working, as the Buckeyes have continued to produce top-end talent. In 2021, Olave scored 13 touchdowns and accumulated 936 receiving yards. An explosive player, Olave mixes speed and route running.
No. 1 Pick: N/A
Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Burks possesses the desirable combination of size and speed. He's an athletic receiver standing 6-foot-3 who can overwhelm a defense. Burks accumulated 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games with the Razorbacks.
No. 1 Pick: N/A
Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to part ways with Chris Godwin in free agency. Many experts believe that the Bucs will address this position with their 27th pick in the draft. Seeing so many mocks predicting that Williams will join the Buccaneers is interesting. In my opinion, they may already know the Buccaneers are unconcerned about Williams' ACL injury and will draft him if he is available.
No. 1 Pick: +15000 via FanDuel
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
During his time at LSU, Stingley allowed a 41.1% completion percentage. As one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, he has chosen not to participate in the combine.
No. 1 Pick: +10000 via DraftKings
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
Nicknamed 'Sauce', Gardner never allowed a receiving touchdown during his three years with Cincinnati. As we approach the NFL draft, I expect his draft stock to continue to rise.
No. 1 Pick: +15000 via DraftKings
When/where is the 2022 NFL Draft?
No. 1 Pick History
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