With the NFL offseason in full swing, enthusiasts and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place April 25-27 in Detroit.
The NFL Draft is a frenzy for football bettors. NFL sites offer a multitude of niche markets around the draft, adding which player will be selected first and how many quarterbacks will participate in the first round.
One of the most appealing parts of the NFL Draft is how teams properly work out their weaknesses. All 32 teams have exclusive conditions and wishes on draft day, so it’s intriguing to see which positions they prioritize first. Are they trading or looking for an offensive player, or do they decide to bolster their defense or their receiving corps?
You can bet on the position of the team’s first pick. Odds vary by team and position. These bets are risky, as teams’ draft methods can change.
Let’s take a look at each team’s chances and how they can attack their first pick. Note that markets for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears were not available at the time. time to write.
Odds are lower than DraftKings Sportsbook. Subject to change.
The Ravens don’t have many holes to fill after reaching the AFC championship game last year. They surrounded reigning MVP Lamar Jackson with a strong supporting cast and made a splash in the loose signing by signing star running back Derrick Henry to a two-year contract. , giving them one of the deadliest rushing offenses in the NFL.
Obviously, Baltimore plans to run a lot with the ball this year, so having a strong offensive line is the most sensible priority. Expect the Ravens to target an offensive lineman with their first pick, especially since they won’t draft until the end of the first round (30th overall).
That said, Baltimore could also look at a wide receiver there to marry Zay Flowers if one of them drops on them.
The Bills’ most obvious desire is the wide receiver after releasing their two most sensible players, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, this offseason. As a result, Buffalo is expected to target a receiver with its first-round pick to make up for losses and give Josh Allen a new weapon.
The Bengals have already invested heavily in Joe Burrow, so their purpose is to do everything they can to protect that investment. Cincy not only gave him the No. 1 pick in the 2020 draft, but also gave him a five-year option. The extension is worth $275 million ahead of the 2023 season.
Burrow, however, suffered season-ending injuries in two of his four seasons and was sacked 92 times in his two healthy seasons combined. The Bengals want to focus on keeping Burow upright and healthy, so expect them to bolster their offensive line with their first-round pick.
The Browns are betting on two things: Deshaun Watson and their defense. Watson didn’t perform as expected, yet his defense was one of the most productive in the NFL last year, leading the league with the fewest yards allowed and wearing them down until the end. a wild-card spot, while Watson played just six games.
As a result, expect Cleveland to continue to invest in its defense. The defensive line may need a boost after qualifying in the middle of the pack in the previous defense last year, so expect the Browns to inject some of the youngsters with their first-round pick.
Conversely, they can also turn their offensive line toward Watson and his offensive technique (fourth in rushed attempts last year).
After releasing Russell Wilson before this offseason, the Broncos are officially looking for a quarterback. Career backup Jarrett Stidham is rarely a long-term solution at center, so expect Denver to pick a quarterback on the first day of the draft.
The Broncos have the 12th pick in one of the most quarterback draft categories in recent memory. The three most sensible quarterbacks will likely be removed from the board until then, but they will still be able to defeat any of them. J. J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix here.
The Colts want to improve their defense after being set on fire in that aspect of the ball last year, ranking 28th in trouble allowed and 24th in yards allowed. They want corner assists, as Kenny Moore II is the only cornerback shown on their roster.
The Jaguars took a step back in 2023, and their momentary is one of the main reasons. Their defense ranked 26th in passing yards allowed and 25th in touchdown passes allowed, allowing too many problems and passing yards. That’s especially evident in the second half of the season when Jacksonville went 1-5 in its last six games and missed the playoffs.
With their offense in smart shape, the Jaguars prioritize defense and pick a cornerback with their first pick.
This one is pretty obvious. Even after winning a moment straight out of the Super Bowl, the Chiefs desperately need help at the wide receiver position. Rookie Rashee Rice was the only wide receiver with more than 500 receiving yards last year, and Kansas City’s receiving corps led the league in abandonments last year. year.
Travis Kelce turns 35 this year, so the Chiefs may not be able to count on him forever. They want Patrick Mahomes’ assist to stay at the top.
The Raiders’ defense has been strangely strong in 2023, however, their offense may need some work. They ranked 28th in rushing yards consistent with attempts despite employing one of the most sensible running backs in the league, Josh Jacobs, indicating a need for the offensive line.
It’s possible that Las Vegas is also looking for a quarterback. Aidan O’Connell is coming off a decent rookie year, but neither he nor Gardner Minshew inspire much confidence. With the Raiders settled on 13th overall, they’ll be able to find a better QB prospect if they need one.
The Chargers’ offensive line went into a crisis last year, leading the team to finish in the bottom 10 in rushing yards and rushing yards consistent with the attempt despite Austin Ekeler’s presence in the backfield. Franchise quarterback Justin Herbert also suffered a season-ending injury. injury, underscoring the need for improvement along the O-line.
Los Angeles also wants a wide receiver after squandering its two most sensible players, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, in free agency.
Regardless of which position they’re in first, the Chargers will have plenty of characteristics with the fifth overall pick.
With a smaller, injury-prone quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa, bolstering the offensive line is a priority for the Dolphins. Their offense is electric, but they could also use some help defensively after ranking 22nd in allowable trouble last year.
Miami would also likely need to add some other wide receiver to surpass Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as no one else on the team had more than 400 receiving yards last year.
The Jets have as many pieces in position to make the playoffs this year if everyone stays healthy, but one of the spots they want is tight end. Even though Tyler Conklin threw for a career-high 621 receiving yards, New York can simply use TE to team up with him after releasing CJ Uzomah in the offseason.
That said, it would be best for the Jets to focus on their offensive line. They ranked 22nd in rushing yards last year and do everything they can to protect 40-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers have already invested in the quarterback position this offseason by acquiring Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, so they want to make sure those guys are enough by improving their offensive line.
Pittsburgh could also add a wide range of diversity after trading top catcher Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers could use a new No. 2 to back up George Pickens and give their new quarterbacks more to throw to.
With a young quarterback in Will Levis and a star running back in Tony Pollard, the Titans will most likely invest in an offensive lineman with their first pick. Running the ball will likely be a priority for them this season, especially if Lévis is struggling, so having a strong offensive line will be critical.
The Falcons have already addressed their most pressing desires by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract. Now, the biggest hole on their roster is on the defensive end, as Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree are free agents after combining for thirteen sacks last year. .
All signs point to Atlanta completing its defense with the No. 8 pick. The Falcons could have a pick between Terrion Arnold (the cornerback in the draft) or Dallas Turner (the running back).
Bryce Young’s first season in Carolina was an unmitigated disaster, as the Panthers finished 2-15 as Young attempted to run a talentless offense. At the combine prior to this offseason, general manager Dan Morgan said his main goal is to surround Young with bases. , which is why the wide receiver has the lowest odds here.
Carolina has already traded for Diontae Johnson this offseason, but it’s still expected to be for a wide receiver in the draft. The Panthers don’t have a pick in the first circular, but they do have one in the second circular.
The Cowboys desperately need an offensive line, so it makes sense that they have less chance of signing an offensive lineman. Center Tyler Biadasz left for the Washington Commanders in the offseason, while Tyron Smith also left as a free agent.
Tyler Smith is the team’s primary offensive lineman. He can play both left back and left guard, which allows Dallas some flexibility when it comes to deciding on a lineman in the draft. The Cowboys have the 24th pick, so they have plenty of options on the offensive line.
The Lions have low odds for four positions, so they can move in other directions with their first pick.
An offensive lineman would make sense, as Taylor Decker and Kevin Zeitler will be free agents after this season. A cornerback would be welcome, as Detroit hasn’t selected a top-100 cornerback since 2020.
The Lions don’t necessarily want a wide receiver, however, it’s such a heavy draft that they might just pick one at No. 29. We think they’re picking a cornerback here.
Jordan Love inspired in 2024, throwing for more than 4,100 yards and leading the Packers to the playoffs in his first full season. Bookmakers are hoping Green Bay will get some coverage from Love with its No. 25 overall draft pick.
David Bakhtiari just suffered a season-ending injury and Yosh Nijman signed with the Panthers, so we’re agreeing with the oddsmakers. There’s a chance the Packers are simply looking for a cornerback, but catching an offensive lineman is more likely.
There are a few things that make sense. The Rams, who signed a defensive lineman or an Edge Rusher, were among them after Hall of Famer Aaron Donald retired in the offseason.
Los Angeles opened the offseason with a lot of question marks about its offensive line, but addressed the lack of agency. Now it’s time to name Donald’s successor.
It’s appealing that an offensive lineman has so little chance here, given the holes in the Saints’ roster. While they want the assistance of protector Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara, they may also use reinforcements on defense after recording just 34 sacks last season. it will also go to a wide receiver after letting Michael Thomas control his free agency.
New Orleans will most likely draft an offensive lineman at No. 14, but it’s not as certain as the odds suggest.
The Giants are in a difficult situation. Their wide receiver corps is barren and needs an infusion of skill as soon as possible, however, that hasn’t stopped owner John Mara from giving his team’s decision-makers the “green light” to draft a quarterback. field with selection number 6. .
Current quarterback Daniel Jones has 3 years left on the four-year, $160 million extension he signed in 2023, but there have been plenty of rumors surrounding New York’s interest in J. J. McCarthy.
That said, the Giants may have to work for him. If they stay at No. 6, they’ll likely hire a wide receiver to help Jones.
The Eagles have been quiet when it comes to free agency, leading many to speculate that the team is contemplating taking an early-draft cornerback with the No. 22 pick.
That would make sense, since the team doesn’t really have forged starting cornerbacks, James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Philadelphia has recently developed intensity at cornerback in the later rounds of the draft, however, that finish will most likely end this year.
The 49ers have an incredibly giant roster, so their good luck depends on their ability to draft quality drafters they can produce right away.
Photo via David Becker/Getty Images
The data provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your monetary scenario is exclusive, and the products we reviewed may not be suitable for your scenario. We do not offer monetary advice, counsel or brokerage and we do not present or advise Americans or buy or sell specific stocks or securities. The performance data would possibly have been replaced from the date of publication. The above functionality is not indicative of long-term results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity criteria. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date of publication, the offers contained herein may no longer be available. The views expressed are solely those of the author and have not been provided, endorsed, or otherwise endorsed through our partners.