The arrival of the NFL draft signifies an opportunity for teams to further strengthen their rosters in preparation for the upcoming season. While free agency has seen significant activity, the draft holds a distinct allure that cannot be replicated.
Naturally, West Virginia sportsbooks have prepared for the occasion by offering a wide range of draft markets.
The NFL draft this year is marked by a higher level of uncertainty compared to previous years, as there is no clear No. 1 overall pick. Aidan Hutchinson, a defensive end from Michigan and a strong contender for the Heisman trophy, is currently leading as the favorite to be chosen first.
The inaugural round commences from Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, April 28th. Subsequently, the second and third rounds are scheduled for Friday night, with the grand finale consisting of the remaining four rounds taking place on Saturday afternoon.
Trades often introduce a significant level of unpredictability to the draft. At any given moment, a team has the potential to climb up the ranks and completely alter the course of the round.
As the announcement of the first pick draws near, let’s delve into the odds offered at WV sportsbooks for a closer examination.
2022 NFL draft odds at WV sportsbooks
We’ll kick off with the start of the player draft, which is always the most thrilling part. The uncertainty surrounding the order of the most promising selections this year is partially due to the scarcity of quarterbacks.
Despite the high demand for more quality signal-callers in the NFL, this season is different as there are several quarterbacks vying for the top spot, making it uncertain for the No. 1 team to make their decision.
At present, DraftKings Sportsbook WV indicates that Malik Willis from Liberty (-150) and Kenny Pickett from Pittsburgh (+150) are the top contenders to be the initial quarterback chosen. They hold a significant advantage over other competitors in the race.
Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder is the next candidate for the position, with odds of +1000.
However, Willis’ draft position on the online sportsbook has been set at pick 10.5. The over option is offered at odds of -130, while the under option has odds of +100.
Pickett is expected to be selected around pick 12, just a step behind the individual mentioned earlier. DraftKings provides a draft position of 12.5 for the Pittsburgh quarterback, with the over listed at -145 and the under at +115.
This implies that the books believe none of the players in that position will be selected in the top 10 picks on Thursday, which is quite uncommon given the style of modern football.
This draft class appears to be weak as many teams are still searching for a quarterback to fill their void.
Although Willis is considered to have the greatest potential among the group, analysts believe he still needs more preparation before entering the NFL.
The beginning of the draft becomes a gateway to numerous other possibilities.
It comes as no surprise that the top overall contenders for selection excel in two crucial positions on the line – offensive tackle and defensive end.
In addition to Hutchinson, Georgia’s Travon Walker has the second-highest chances of being the first pick, while Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux holds the fifth position with odds of +1800.
Leading the way on the offensive side are Ikem Ekwonu from NC State with odds of +1200 and Evan Neal from Alabama with odds of +1400.
NFL draft specials
WV sportsbooks offer numerous alternatives to betting on the first player drafted, with a wide range of positional props and special options for specific teams.
DraftKings offers the opportunity to bet on each pick within the top 10, presenting great value in these markets. From the third pick onwards, all selections yield odds that are superior to even money.
Choosing the perfect timing can result in a decent payout from a small bet. The majority of the favored options for each selection have odds listed at approximately +300.
The online sportsbook offers a wide range of markets for almost every position on the field. Bettors have the opportunity to place bets on the first and second players chosen for each position.
In addition, there is a separate category dedicated to a diverse range of pre-designed draft parlays. The majority of these parlays are highly targeted, focusing on a select few players or teams.
However, there are some realistic predictions. According to DraftKings, Willis is favored to be the first quarterback chosen, while Garrett Wilson from Ohio State is projected to be the first wide receiver drafted, with odds of +225.
Additionally, an example would be the Green Bay Packers opting to select a wide receiver with both of their first-round picks, which has odds of +550.
The odds of all these players being chosen within the first 10 picks range from incredibly long at +8000.
- Malik Willis
- Kenny Pickett
- Ahmad Gardner
- Derek Stingley Jr.
- Kyle Hamilton
- Jordan Davis
Every franchise has a list of team props available, with the online book offering odds for the position that each franchise addresses with their first pick.
The options available to the Pittsburgh Steelers are quite intriguing, although it may be more one-sided for other teams.
Even though Mitch Trubisky was added to their roster this offseason, the team is still actively searching for another quarterback. The current frontrunner for Pittsburgh’s top pick is currently listed at +110.
There is no guarantee as the QB position is closely trailed by an offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and defensive back, all with odds of +350.
The Steelers have a viable chance of acquiring a wide receiver, with odds of +700 in their favor.
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