2022 NFL Draft Betting Preview: Six First Round Wagers To Consider

Some football fans spend hours poring over draft possibilities, so why not put that knowledge to use? There are a wide variety of NFL draft betting opportunities throughout the various sportsbooks.

Here are my six favorite wagers heading into Thursday’s first round:

Chris Olave Draft Position

Under 16.5 (-205); Over 16.5 (+150)

Sportsbook: DraftKings

Wide receivers have been the talk of the offseason. Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams were traded and signed mega extensions, while Christian Kirk got a game-changing contract from the Jaguars.

The price of veteran wideouts is going up, which makes the rookies that much more attractive. Olave, the Ohio State product, will likely be the fourth receiver chosen, behind Garrett Wilson, Jameson Williams and Drake London.

But it seems unlikely he lasts until pick 17, especially considering the Eagles and Saints pick directly before then, and both could use a wide receiver. The under is the favorite but the juice is worth it in this case, because it would be a big surprise if Olave drops past the first half of the first round.

Pick: Chris Olave under pick 16.5

Position of First Player Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals

Offensive lineman +250

Wide receiver +300

Defensive back +300

Defensive lineman +400

Linebacker +700

Sportsbook: BetMGM

These offensive line odds have seen a big jump in the past few days, going from the position group with the fourth-best odds to the favorite. Even though it’s not the biggest position of need, it makes sense as the favorite based on the projected players on the board.

If the odds were still +500 that would have been the no-brainer choice, but now the calculus changes. At these odds, wide receiver is the spot worth considering.

If one of the top four receivers is still available in the mid-teens, the Cardinals could be aggressive and trade up. If they stay at 23, Penn State’s Jahan Dotson, Arkansas’ Treylon Burks and others could be available.

The Cardinals certainly need a No. 2 wide receiver, and the draft class is deep enough that this now seems like the best bet among these options.

Pick: Cardinals choose a wide receiver with their first draft pick

Total Number of Quarterbacks Drafted in the First Round

Over 3.5 (+290); Under 3.5 (-440) 

Sportsbook: FanDuel

This quarterback class is not decorated by any means, as only Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett seem like locks to be first-round picks. But at these odds, this bet deserves a closer look.

The Panthers, Seahawks, Saints and Steelers could all be looking closely at quarterbacks. The Lions have the final pick of the first round and could either consider one there or trade the pick to a team that fancies a signal-caller.

The salary benefit of drafting a quarterback is so big that teams could talk themselves into Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral or maybe even Sam Howell.

It would be an upset if four quarterbacks went in the first round, but it’s a risk worth taking based on draft history.

Pick: Over 3.5 quarterbacks drafted in the first round

Position of First Player Drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive lineman +115

Defensive lineman +200

Defensive back +325

Linebacker +750

Tight end +800

Sportsbook: BetMGM

The Bengals’ first-round pick isn’t until No. 31, so there are a lot of different factors that will play into their decision.

The oddsmakers have offensive line as the most likely choice at +115, followed by defensive line at +200. I’m surprised to see offensive line as the favorite, considering Cincinnati did some major work in free agency to shore up that group.

It’s always a good idea to protect Joe Burrow, but I think a defensive player is a more likely pick. It could be a lineman, but the Bengals could use a talented young cornerback, and players like Kaiir Elam, Andrew Booth and Kyler Gordon could possibly be on the board.

That’s the way I would lean with this pick, especially considering the enticing odds.

Pick: The Bengals to select a defensive back with their first choice

First Wide Receiver Selected

Garrett Wilson -160

Drake London +250

Jameson Williams +250

Sportsbook: FanDuel

These are the three main contenders to be the first wideout selected. Wilson is the favorite and has the fewest health concerns, considering Williams tore his ACL in the national championship game and London broke his ankle during the season.

Despite this, Williams’ odds should intrigue. He put up a monster season at Alabama and has the type of speed and height that is extremely coveted in the modern-day NFL. Most of the teams in the top-10 will not be competitive in 2022, which means that Williams won’t be needed at 100 percent the first week of the season.

He may be the best wide receiver prospect in the class, and if reports of a stellar recovery are correct, several teams may be willing to take him ahead of Wilson and London.

Pick: Jameson Williams to be the first receiver chosen

Position of First Player Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs

Wide receiver -110

Defensive lineman +325

Defensive back +350

Offensive lineman +400

Sportsbook: BetMGM

The Chiefs hold back-to-back picks at the end of the first round, and one of them is very likely to be a wide receiver. But Kansas City could always choose to make that player the second of its picks, which would open up some nice underdog bets on the other positions.

If the first draft pick is not a receiver, the best choice to back is certainly a defensive lineman. The Chiefs need to fortify their pass-rush and there could be some intriguing options when they are on the clock. At these odds, it’s a worthy gamble that would result in a solid return.

Pick: Chiefs select a defensive lineman with their first draft choice