The betting markets can’t decide on a favorite to go first overall in this year’s NFL Draft. After heavily favoring Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud for weeks, especially after the Panthers-Bears trade, the NFL Draft odds are now back on Alabama’s Bryce Young to go first overall at DraftKings Sportsbook. Let’s dive into the odds for C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young to go first overall.
NFL Draft First Pick Betting Odds Keep Flip-Flopping | C.J. Stroud & Bryce Young Odds
C.J. Stroud became the odds-on favorite over Bryce Young to go first in only mid-March. Since then, Young’s odds fell as far as 3-1 at DraftKings before returning to the top slot in early April. Kentucky’s Will Levis saw his odds plummet from 15-2 to 60-1 through that span, while Florida’s Anthony Richardson received a post-combine boost that has since dissipated. Those interested in buying the dip on Stroud can now find him at +155 at DraftKings. Readers yet to register there can score $150 in bonus bets after winning a $5 moneyline wager!
Stroud and Young are deservingly favored on the betting markets. Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, ranks 22nd all-time in career passing efficiency (165). Some analysts have expressed concern about his stature and build, as repeated hits from bigger players could shorten his NFL career. Stroud ranks a much more impressive fourth in passing efficiency (182.4) and lacks Young's size concerns.
It appears that the betting markets have finally woken up on both Richardson and Levis as unserious contenders for the first overall pick. Although NFL front offices often act irrationally, taking either of those players at first overall is a surefire way for a general manager to torpedo their career. Levis ranks 193rd in career passing efficiency. Although he offers plenty of athletic upside, Richardson did not crack the top 250 in the metric.
ESPN reported in March that the Carolina Panthers had narrowed their options for the first overall pick to only Stroud and Young. However, they also left the door open as to whether they'd trade back from the pick they just traded up to acquire. That still gives longshots like Richardson and Levis some life in the NFL Draft betting market -- especially for those willing to take Carolina's shortlist as a smokescreen. Still, teams who believe their words are unlikely to move up to take a quarterback off that list.
