It's almost time for the NFL Draft once again. Sure, it may be more than four months until we see regular-season NFL action again, but the draft is a great reason to get excited for football once again. This is an underrated time of the year for sports fans. The NBA is in the playoffs, Major League Baseball is in full swing, and the NFL Draft now is a three-day spectacle that motivates every fan base. There's plenty to look forward to as a sports fan!
As a bettor, there is a way to take advantage of the NFL Draft now, too. Some of the top sportsbooks now offer multiple prop bets for the NFL Draft. We wanted to take a look at some of the prop bets that have the most value this year. You're going to watch the NFL Draft, so why not profit while you watch? Let's take a look at some of the offerings that show value for the 2015 NFL Draft.
2015 NFL Draft Props: How Many Teams Will Trade Up for 1st Round Pick on Day 1- Take the "Over" 2.5 (-320) at Sportsbook.ag
This is my favorite play on the board. Yes, I know this is a very steep price, but there are plenty of reasons to think this one is about as close to a lock as anything on the board (other than Jameis Winston being selected first, but I'm not laying -1,000 and you shouldn't either). First of all, the NFL turning this into a three-day event has caused more teams to want in on the action on day one to avoid being forced into fighting hard to move up on day two. There are plenty of prospects near the top of the board that teams would be willing to trade up for this year, and I see multiple teams that could want to trade down and receive multiple picks instead of one. Last year, five teams moved up in the first round. Expect at least four to do it this year.
2015 NFL Draft Props: Total Number of Wide Receivers Drafted in Round 1: "Under" 6 (-125) at BetOnline
There are definitely a lot of talented wide receivers in this year's draft class, but this number appears inflated. Consider the fact that dating back to 2005 there has never been more than six wide receivers taken in the first round. A lot of teams in the first round have much more pressing needs than wide receiver. Think about all the teams that need help on the defensive side of the ball. I think some of the wide receivers projected to go late in the first round will dip down into the second round. It's also important to note that most books are offering 5.5 here. With these NFL Draft props, it is huge to be able to shop around to get the best number.
2015 NFL Draft Props: Kevin White vs. Amari Cooper Matchup (Who is Drafted First): Amari Cooper (-160) at Bookmaker
Cooper has been seen as the best wide receiver in the draft for a long time. His route running skills are impeccable, and there really is no flaw in his game. While White has a very big upside, it would surprise me if he goes off the board first. Jacksonville might want Cooper with the third overall pick, and if he doesn't go there it will shock me to see Cooper fall past No. 6. White has a little bit of bust potential in my opinion, while Cooper appears to be the sure thing. More often than not, teams will go with the more-polished player who is definitely going to be a star.
2015 NFL Draft Props: Melvin Gordon Draft Position: Over 22.5 (-130) at Bovada
This one is all about recent trends in the NFL Draft. We've consistently seen running backs slip farther than expected. Gordon is a really good runner, and I think a team that gets him at the end of the first round is getting a good value. Still, with the push for linemen, linebackers, and receivers in this draft, it's unlikely we'll see two running backs drafted before spot No. 23. Someone has to slip down the board. Todd Gurley will be off the board by this time, but Gordon should stick around longer.
2015 NFL Draft Props: Total DLs and LBs Selected in First Round: Over 10 at BetOnline
There are a bunch of teams in the NFL with a strong need for upgrading their front seven on defense. We've seen in the past what a strong front seven on defense can do for a team. Fortunately for those teams who badly want some strength up front, this is a really deep draft when it comes to both defensive linemen and linebackers. It wouldn't be a surprise if there were 12 of them picked in the first round. Getting over 10 here is key, because I see the worst-case scenario here being a push.
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Read more articles by Aaron Smith
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