The NFL is now deep into its regular season, and many teams are already looking ahead to next year. The NFL Draft is the key way for franchises to build for the future, and teams that are already out of the playoff picture will be eyeing the top prospects in the draft, hoping there is a player capable of turning things around for their franchise.
Below, we’ll explore some of the premier prospects in the draft who oddsmakers have pegged as the favorite to be selected first overall. These are players who could provide great value for bettors willing to take a risk.
Shedeur Sanders (+130)
The player with the highest odds from sportsbooks is Shedeur Sanders, but he is not the runaway favorite. It is easy to see why betting sites are picking Sanders. He is the top prospect at the most important position in the sport, and he has incredible upside. Alongside his father, Hall of Fame talent Deion Sanders, Shedeur has turned around the Colorado football program. His creativity and accuracy are his defining traits, and he doesn’t lack confidence. If the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders have the first pick, he is the likely selection.
Travis Hunter (+280)
If you are interested in a value bet, this may be your option. Travis Hunter is, in most analysts’ opinions, the top talent in the draft, yet his odds don’t reflect that. Putting a risk-free bet on this, which many of the best signup bonuses for sports betting provide, could yield a massive payout. Hunter is the rare player who can play two positions at an elite level, as he is legitimately one of the best cornerback and wide receiver prospects in the draft. It is unclear if teams will let him play both ways, but he certainly has shown the talent to do so. If the Jaguars end up with the first pick in the draft, it could very well be Hunter.
Cam Ward (+1000)
While Sanders looks like the favorite at quarterback, Ward is also on the shortlist. Cam Ward has had an incredible season at Miami and has performed like the best quarterback in the country. He has elite arm strength and composure and is able to make throws that no one else in this draft is capable of making. He is considered a huge longshot with these odds, but crazier things have happened. Ward is going to likely have the opportunity to play in the college football playoffs this year, which appears unlikely for the rest of the QBs on this list. That could be his major chance.
Jalen Milroe (+1900)
Jalen Milroe is a dynamic talent with all the physical traits teams are looking for. Milroe has performed at an incredibly high level at times at Alabama, although consistency has been a concern. He has taken his fair share of the blame, but don’t let that distract from what he can be at the next level. Milroe has a cannon and is the best running quarterback in the draft, and most analysts believe he is a first-round talent. If he goes and blows away testing at the combine, he could experience an Anthony Richardson-like climb up draft boards. There is a lot of potential for Milroe, and this bet could pay out massively.
Jaxson Dart (+3100)
We have reached the heavy longshot portion of this list. Jaxson Dart has been a starter for several years now, and he has helped lead Ole Miss into the upper echelon of the college football world. His accuracy and athleticism are excellent, and he is a big reason the Ole Miss offense has been an absolute buzzsaw. However, his record does have some serious blemishes. Many don’t see him having the build or arm strength to be an NFL starter, and most analysts have not put a first-round grade on him. His odds, being this high, reflect his high-profile status, but it would be our recommendation to avoid betting on this one.
Kelvin Banks (+3100)
Kelvin Banks has been nothing but dominant since he stepped on a college football field. The starting left tackle at Texas his freshman year, Banks is a three-year starter with the size and power that scouts drool over. He has been a big reason that Texas is now one of the most dominant programs in the country, as his high-end talent has helped them form a highly intimidating offensive line. The issue here is that he plays offensive tackle, and the team picking first overall will not likely go in that direction. However, his odds do present great value. There is a chance that a team like the Jaguars or Browns would select Banks.
