NFL Draft Predictions & Expert Picks: Who are the Best Players to Target in the 1st Round?
The first round of the NFL draft kicks off on Thursday, and we have compiled our top predictions and expert picks for the 2024 NFL Draft based on the most favorable NFL odds.
After months of evaluations, workouts, meetings, and medical exams, NFL teams have formulated their big boards for the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place in Detroit, Mich. from April 25 to 27.
Teams selecting early in the draft focus on rebuilding with franchise cornerstones, while Super Bowl favorites are looking to find the missing piece that will push them to victory. The Houston Texans successfully selected impactful players in last year’s draft, leading them to the playoffs. Can another team replicate this success by drafting a player who is a favorite for both Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors?
The NFL Draft is known for its unpredictability, making it a thrilling event on the NFL offseason schedule and a difficult one to gamble on due to the constantly changing draft odds.
We requested ChatGPT to create a 2024 NFL mock draft while anticipating the upcoming action.
Check out our expert picks and predictions for the NFL draft happening on Thursday night. We’ve rated our picks on a 1-to-5-star scale based on confidence, with odds provided by the top NFL betting sites.
2024 NFL Draft expert picks
- Byron Murphy II first defensive player selected (+250 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
- Drake Maye No. 2 pick (+400 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐
- Ladd McConkey first round pick (+100 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- J.J. McCarthy top five pick (-140 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This content is not meant for MAAffiliate Disclosure: Underscoreg Review may earn advertising commissions from visits to a sportsbook.
2024 NFL Draft prop bets
Byron Murphy II to be first defensive player selected ⭐⭐⭐
The excitement was palpable as the 2024 NFL Draft approached, with many predicting that Texas’ Byron Murphy II would be chosen in the top 10 picks. Regarded as the top interior defensive lineman in the draft class, Murphy was considered a strong contender to be the first defensive player selected.
There is a slight risk involved as the Atlanta Falcons, who are likely to be the first team to think about choosing a defensive player, have been linked to Alabama’s Dallas Turner for quite some time. Nevertheless, the Falcons may opt for Murphy, trade down, or bring in another wide receiver for Kirk Cousins if one of the top pass catchers is available.
Despite the odds indicating a 28.57% chance that Murphy will be the first defender selected, he is currently the favored pick to go No. 9 to the Chicago Bears with odds as low as +130. We believe that the NFL values Murphy more than the other pass rushers and cornerbacks available in this weak interior D-line class, also attributing his popularity to the “bubble butt bump.” A $10 bet on these odds could result in a $25 profit.
Top odds: +250 available on DraftKings
Terms and conditions apply.
Drake Maye No. 2 pick ⭐⭐
This bet is a strategic move, with only a 20% chance of success, that Drake Maye will be chosen as the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft. A $10 bet could potentially yield a $50 payout. This decision is influenced by the unpredictability of the lead-up to the draft, as evidenced by last year’s favorite, Will Levis, not being selected second overall. The Washington Commanders are known for making unexpected moves, making this bet even more intriguing.
Jayden Daniels, the Heisman winner, has been the top choice for the Commanders at the second overall pick since February. However, there was a time when Maye was considered the consensus QB2. He is still ranked as QB2 by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who are highly respected in the draft industry.
There have been numerous rumors swirling around Daniels, Maye, the Commanders, and a disastrous trip to Topgolf, causing the odds to fluctuate wildly. The excitement of the NFL draft lies in the lack of concrete evidence shaping our predictions, making the +400 odds too tempting to ignore, especially with Maye considered QB2 by many.
Top odds: +400 on BetMGM
Bonus bets must be used within 7 days of receiving them. This offer is only available to new customers. Please refer to the additional terms and conditions for more information.
Ladd McConkey to be a first-round pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This could be the best bet of the entire 2024 NFL Draft. With even-money odds, a $10 wager on Georgia’s Ladd McConkey going in the first round could pay out $20, indicating a 50% chance of it happening.
It is widely known that the upcoming draft class is filled with talented wide receivers, with up to four expected to be selected in the first half of the first round. However, there are still many teams in need of a wide receiver picking in the later part of the first round. This is where we predict McConkey will be chosen, given his impressive performances at the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and Pro Day.
McConkey is considered a top-tier route runner in his class, boasting sub-4.4 speed. His talents would be a valuable asset to playoff teams such as the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, the NFL appreciates players with the characteristics of being “sneaky athletic scrappy gym rats.”
Top chance: +100 at FanDuel
Only new customers are eligible for this offer. To qualify, deposit a minimum of $5 and place your first bet of $5 or more. If your bet wins within 72 hours, you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets.
J.J. McCarthy to be a top-five pick ⭐⭐⭐⭐
There has been constant discussion surrounding J.J. McCarthy, and regardless of your opinion on the championship-winning QB, he is highly likely to be among the first five players chosen. The odds of -140 suggest a 58.33% chance he will be selected in the top five, given the numerous teams in search of a talented young quarterback for their franchise.
It has been fascinating to watch McCarthy’s draft prospects evolve, from early speculation linking him to the Minnesota Vikings at pick No. 4 or No. 5, to more recent rumors suggesting he could be selected as high as No. 3 by the New England Patriots.
Fortunately, we are not concerned about where he chooses to do his pregame meditation, as long as he is with a team that is drafting in the first five picks. It is crucial to note that the NFL’s ability to evaluate quarterbacks is not much better than that of the average fan, which is why players like Kenny Pickett end up being selected in the top 20.
The most favorable odds are -140, available through bet365.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
NFL top picks placed on Wednesday at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Check out our best NFL betting sites:
- Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUS1000 | Read our Caesars Review
- BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
- bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
- BetRivers Promo Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetRivers Review
- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
*Bonuses are not eligible for individuals under the age of 21. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER. Bonuses are not available in Ontario.
Related pages
- Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)
Related Articles
