NFL Draft Betting: Who Goes No. 1 Overall?
With the big game officially behind us, it is never too early to look through FanDuel Sportsbook's 2024 NFL Draft odds.
The Kansas City Chiefs -- who are the league's first back-to-back champions since 2004-05 -- have climbed the mountain yet again, and with that, have earned the last pick in the upcoming draft. To the contrary, the Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) possess the No. 1 overall selection.
At this point in February, the Bears have not tipped their hand on the intentions with the first pick. Some around the NFL believe Chicago could possibly orchestrate a trade. Keep in mind; Soldier Field's home team also has a natural pick at No. 9 overall.
April's NFL Draft will be here sooner than later, so let's dive into the betting odds at FanDuel Sportsbook. Among all players that have declared, who is most likely to hear their name called first in 2024?
All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Odds Rk | Player | School | FanDuel Sportsbook Odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Caleb Williams | USC | -1200 |
2 | Drake Maye | North Carolina | +900 |
3 | Marvin Harrison Jr. | Ohio State | +1600 |
4 | Jayden Daniels | LSU | +3000 |
T5 | Michael Penix Jr. | Washington | +10000 |
T5 | Bo Nix | Oregon | +10000 |
T5 | J.C. Latham | Alabama | +10000 |
2024 NFL Draft Betting
First Pick Odds
Caleb Williams (-1200)
As the most likely candidate to be selected first overall, USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams just might be the most anticipated prospect since Andrew Luck.
Standing at an athletic 6-foot-1, Williams proved over two seasons at Southern Cal (and one with the Oklahoma Sooners) that he has the sort of arm talent to make every throw on the gridiron. Of course, the signal-caller won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, throwing for over 4,500 yards.
As a wrench in the system, Williams has expressed a preference to not play in Chicago. However, something to that nature may be out of the quarterback's hands. Still, the Washington Commanders -- who just hired Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator -- currently hold the second overall pick. Williams has familiarity with Kingsbury via USC head coach Lincoln Riley. Additionally, Williams is a D.C. native.
The Commanders would likely need to send multiple first round picks in order for Chicago to be interested in vacating rights to the No. 1 overall pick. However, it is not at all out of the realm of possibility. Besides, are the Bears really ready to move on from a different young quarterback in Justin Fields?
Drake Maye (+900)
If Chicago decides to go another direction at signal-caller, Drake Maye of the North Carolina Tar Heels seems to be the next most likely option.
Maye is built like the quintessential NFL quarterback. With a big arm, Maye stands at a strapping 6-foot-5, 220 pounds. He's also quite accurate, displaying a lifetime 63-16 TD-INT ratio at UNC. Seemingly, he possesses myriad tools to be a successful professional.
It is worth it to mention that Maye is laboring through an ankle injury suffered near the end of last season. More than likely, it won't hurt his draft stock, but the lower-body ailment did keep Maye out of action for two games in December.
Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft Combine, Maye is a candidate to be selected by any one of the top-three teams -- all of which could be looking for a quarterback. As noted, Washington picks second after Chicago while the New England Patriots will be the third team on the block -- barring any trades, of course.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (+1600)
Should the Bears elect to stand pat with both Field and the first overall pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. from the Ohio State Buckeyes is looked upon favorably in the Midway.
Notably, Harrison is the son of a Hall-of-Fame wide receiver of the same name. Still, the younger Harrison is considerably bigger, measuring at 6-foot-4 inches. His frame coupled with his speed and leaping ability will wreak havoc on defensive backs at the NFL level.
Harrison did well to earn All-American honors after his sophomore and junior seasons -- both of which campaigns produced north of 1,200 receiving yards. Additionally, playing for the Buckeyes, Harrison has earned significant big-game experience.
At FanDuel Sportsbook, Harrison is listed with 16-to-1 odds to be taken first overall. There is potentially value in that number in a scenario where Chicago picks at a position other than quarterback. If that is the case, Harrison will be high on their board.
Jayden Daniels (+3000)
As your most recent Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels of the LSU Tigers is the latest do-it-all quarterback to earn college football's most covered award.
In 2023-24, Daniels shined en route to 50 all-purpose touchdowns while committing only four interceptions. Seemingly, his on-field abilities are game-changing; he continually extends plays while looking for options downfield.
Standing at 6-foot-3, Daniels has quality height for the NFL level. Still, he could be served well but putting on muscle mass. Currently, the wiry signal-caller weighs somewhere in the neighborhood of 190 pounds soaking wet.
I'd imagine Daniels will be beefed up some when we next see him at the annual combine in Indianapolis. From there, he should measure favorably in most metrics.
Considering Daniels just won the Heisman, 30-to-1 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook for him to be selected No. 1 overall seem reasonable.
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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.