We're just two weeks away from the NFL draft. We've watched these players play in college, we've been studying their measurables and tape, and we've figured out the needs for each NFL team. Now we just need teams to follow the script in order to cash some draft props at BetMGM.
Wide receivers are becoming more valuable
Over the past few seasons, the value of the wide receiver position is on the rise. We've seen players like Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase come into the league and rewrite the record books in their rookie seasons. We saw Christian Kirk, considered by most a good but not elite receiver, get a ridiculous contract in free agency. We've seen teams trade massive amounts of draft capital to acquire elite pass catchers and then pay those receivers massive amounts of money.
The league obviously values premiere positions like quarterback and edge rusher the most, but the wide receiver position is now up there with positions like offensive tackle and cornerback in terms of importance when building a team. In 2021, Chase, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith all went in the top 10 of the draft. None of those teams regrets that pick currently. Overall, five receivers went in the first round, and 2020 saw six receivers go on the first night of the draft.
The 2022 draft projects as another big year for the wide receiver position. Many receivers are projected to be first-round picks, and there are multiple teams that have a need at the position, including teams that are picking in the top 10.
Who are the top wide receiving prospects?
If you trust the mock drafts, there are five receiving prospects who we can certainly project to go in the first round.
Garrett Wilson from Ohio State and Drake London from USC are neck and neck to be the first wide receiver drafted. Both are currently +130 to be the first wide receiver selected at BetMGM. Additionally, both are currently listed with an over/under of 10.5 for their draft position.
Jameson Williams from Alabama is +500 to be the first receiver off the board. He had a tremendous season but he tore his ACL in the national championship game against Georgia. If he weren't rehabbing, he'd likely be right up there with London and Wilson at the top of the draft.
Behind those three, Treylon Burks from Arkansas and Chris Olave from Ohio State are also widely projected as first round picks. Burks is 10-to-1 to be the first receiver selected while Olave comes in at 16-to-1.
Olave's draft position over/under at BetMGM is currently 17.5. Burks' draft position is projected to be a little lower, with his over/under set at 23.5. Teams to watch include the Eagles (Nos. 15 and 18), the Saints (Nos. 16 and 19), the Patriots (No. 21) and the Packers (Nos. 22 and 28).
Other receivers projected to go in the late first or second round include George Pickens (40-to-1 to be first receiver drafted), Christian Watson (50-to-1) and Jahan Datson (80-to-1).
Which teams need wide receivers?
If you look at the first round of the 2022 draft, there are no shortage of landing spots where wide receivers make sense. Kansas City and Green Bay need to replace Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams, respectively. Detroit, New England, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Houston are teams with below average wide receiver groups. Dallas and Arizona saw receivers leave town during the offseason. None of these teams would surprise if it selected a wide receiver in the first round.
However, I'm focusing on two teams in the top 10.
The Jets have two picks in the top 10 of the draft. They've invested in the offensive line and brought in some tight ends to help out second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. Elijah Moore and Corey Davis are solid receivers, but the group lacks an alpha. With two high picks, the Jets have the luxury of using one on a top receiver.
Atlanta has the eighth overall pick, and its No. 1 receiver is currently Olamide Zaccheaus, an undrafted free agent out of Virginia. Calvin Ridley is suspended for the season, Julio Jones was traded last offseason and even Russell Gage has departed for the Buccaneers. This wide receiver room is in desperate need of an influx of talent, and the No. 8 overall pick seems like it could be a good place to start.
If recent trends continue, receivers might continue to fly off the board early in the draft. If you expect multiple receivers to go in the top 10 and others to go throughout the first round, you might consider betting the under on some of these players' draft props.
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April 14, 2022 at 11:14PM
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NFL betting: Which wide receiver will be taken first in the NFL draft? - Yahoo Sports
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