The 2023 NFL Draft is setting up to be one of the craziest betting events in recent memory.
While some information tends to leak out ahead of the NFL Draft and betting markets tend to work itself into shape, this one has been as tight lipped as anyone can remember, starting at No. 2 with the Houston Texans, who have a bevy of different scenarios in play.
With so many questions at the top of the board, it can lead to some chaotic ripple effects down the draft board. Considering this is going to be a wild one, let’s take a look at five bold predictions for this year’s first round.
Hendon Hooker will be selected by the Houston Texans
The winds are blowing towards the Texans taking a defender at No. 2 overall, Will Anderson of Alabama is the odds on favorite as of this writing with Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson second on the board, but I struggle to see Houston not leaving Thursday night without a quarterback.
Armed with picks No. 12, No. 33 and No. 65 65, the Texans have the ammo to move into the back half of the first round and take Hooker, who dazzled at Tennessee this season, but suffered a torn ACL in November. However, he is already on the field training again.
Despite being 25 already, the Texans appear to have done a fair amount of work on the signal caller. Further, many are mocking him into the first round now, meaning Houston would have to get aggressive to get a QB if they pass at No. 2.
The Eagles trade to No. 5 to take Jalen Carter
Carter moved to the heavy favorite to go No. 5 over the last 48 hours, currently held by the Seahawks, but with Carter’s range starting at No. 5 and ranging to No. 10, held by the Eagles, I think Howie Roseman cashes in on some surplus draft capital to get arguably the best prospect on the board.
The Seahawks, who have some salary cap issues, get to move down and acquire more assets from the Russell Wilson trade and stay inside the top 10.
Zay Flowers goes No. 14 to the New England Patriots
The Patriots desperately need some weapons in the passing game, and the team has been connected to Zay Flowers for the entire draft process, including a lengthy pre-draft visit.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the overwhelming favorite to be the first wide out picked, but the further down the board you go, the more team fit and internal grades play a role, and I can see New England selecting the local prospect over JSN and Flowers going way under his over/under.
Nolan Smith goes in the top 10
Maybe it’s not so bold, but I think a second Georgia pass rusher goes off the board in the top 10. While Atlanta is a prime trade down spot or to select Bijan Robinson, I think it can opt for Smith. As well, whoever is picking at No. 10 (which could very well be the Seahawks) can happily take a pass rusher there as well.
Dolphins trade into first round and take Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs is reportedly a first round pick now and while the Dolphins don’t have a first rounder, I think they move into the back half of it to select the Alabama product. Miami lacks a blue chipper at running back despite a high-powered offense, but in Mike McDaniel’s offense he will thrive.
You can bet Gibbs to Miami at +1600 and the Dolphins’ first pick to be a running back at +850.
Track all of Reed’s bets at Betstamp HERE!
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
