If quarterbacks go 1-2 in the draft, as expected, the inflection point will come with the third overall selection.
The Cardinals hold the pick but don’t need a signal-caller, as they have two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray under contract through 2028.
Arizona has the worst defensive line in the NFL, so adding star edge rusher Will Anderson would be the no-brainer move if it makes the selection.
However, trading down is also a strong possibility because the draft has four quarterbacks that could go early, and at least two are guaranteed to be on the board at pick No. 3.
Anderson, the Alabama edge rusher, is the favorite to be the third pick in the draft, according to FanDuel on March 24. With -110 odds, it’s an implied probability of 50% once accounting for the juice.
In plain terms: the betting markets are giving Arizona close to a 50-50 shot between trading down and keeping the No. 3 overall selection.
The quarterback most likely to be targeted if someone like the Colts, Lions, Raiders or Falcons does trade up? Anthony Richardson, the University of Florida star who dominated the Scouting Combine.
Here are the odds to go No. 3 overall in the draft, per FanDuel:
- Will Anderson -110
- Anthony Richardson +200
- Will Levis +550
- C.J. Stroud +1600
- Tyree Wilson +1600
- Bryce Young +2000
- Jalen Carter +2000
Levis entered the draft process as the No. 3 quarterback but has seemingly been surpassed by Richardson. However, it is unknown how each team evaluates the signal-callers, and he could be the target at No. 3 by a team that trades up.
Wilson is a toolsy player but has a lower floor than Anderson, while Carter has seen his stock drop after a reckless driving arrest and a poor Pro Day performance over the past several weeks.
Stroud and Young would be obvious candidates at No. 3 if they fall, but the betting markets feel it is unlikely.
Stroud, the former Ohio State star, is the favorite to be the No. 1 overall selection. Young held that title for multiple months, but the odds flipped after the Panthers traded with the Bears from No. 9 into the top spot.
Here are the odds to be the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, per FanDuel on March 24:
- C.J. Stroud -270
- Bryce Young +230
- Anthony Richardson +800
- Will Levis +5000
- Will Anderson +15000
- Jalen Carter +20000
While Young’s odds have fallen to be the top pick, he is still expected to be gone very early. The Alabama star signal-caller has size questions but his production and innate ability at quarterback will be very attractive to many teams.
The Texans have the No. 2 overall choice and Young is the favorite to land in Houston. Here are the current odds to be the No. 2 pick in the draft:
- Bryce Young -200
- C.J. Stroud +200
- Anthony Richardson +1400
- Will Anderson +1800
- Will Levis +2000
- Tyree Wilson +5000
The odds have fluctuated quite a bit already and with every morsel of information that seeps out, there tends to be a reaction by the bettors and the betting markets.
As it stands, the draft is expected to go Stroud to the Panthers, Young to the Texans, and then a toss-up at 3, either with the Cardinals taking Anderson or a trade down with a team looking at a signal-caller.
Arizona may not make that final decision until it is on the clock, so this bet could go down to the wire.
