There’s not a lot of mystery in the picks that will go at the top of the first round in the 2020 NFL Draft. It would be a massive shock if anyone other than LSU quarterback Joe Burrow went with the #1 pick. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some betting options for the first round of the draft. BetOnline.ag has a list of simple ‘First Pick Props’. They quote the odds and you have to decide will the first pick be an ‘Offensive Player’ or a ‘Defensive Player’. Some of the ones that are blatantly obvious aren’t priced–for example, we all know that Cincinnati is picking an offensive player at at #1. We’ll run through some of these and try to find some decent value:
2020 NFL DRAFT FIRST PICK PROPS
ARIZONA CARDINALS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER -220 DEFENSIVE PLAYER +155
It would be very surprising if the Cardinals pick a defensive player. Their primary goal this offseason is to upgrade their offensive line to better protect Kyler Murray. Murray has shown that he can do great things when he gets even a modicum of protection. There’s a lot of work to be done but Arizona will likely go with Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs who is ranked #1 at the position by most sources. If Wirfs isn’t available there’s still a slew of OL talent available. The NY Giants will likely take an offensive lineman as well but are reportedly leaning toward Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr.
BET ARIZONA CARDINALS FIRST PICK OFFENSIVE PLAYER -220
ATLANTA FALCONS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER +275 DEFENSIVE PLAYER -450
The Falcons have plenty of holes to fill with pass coverage a serious issue. If one of the top four OL in the draft drop this far Atlanta could grab him or else they could work out a trade. More likely, they’ll get the best cornerback on the board at their position which will likely be CJ Henderson out of Florida. The expectation is that the #1 ranked CB–Jeff Okudah from Ohio State–will go to Detroit. No interest at this price.
PASS
BALTIMORE RAVENS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER +130 DEFENSIVE PLAYER -170
Historically, the Ravens have been synonymous with defense but at the moment the offense is carrying the freight. The defense needs to get better and faster and there are several good options available at #28. Plenty of talk about Patrick Queen, LB out of LSU being the player the Ravens want.
BET BALTIMORE RAVENS FIRST PICK DEFENSIVE PLAYER -170
BUFFALO BILLS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER +110 DEFENSIVE PLAYER -150
Bills don’t have a first round pick and won’t go until pick #22 of the second round (#54 overall). Probably not as strong as the Ravens pick but it looks like the Bills want to focus on the defense.
BET BUFFALO BILLS FIRST PICK DEFENSIVE PLAYER -150
CAROLINA PANTHERS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER +250 DEFENSIVE PLAYER -400
Panthers reportedly want Isaiah Simmons who is not only the #1 rated linebacker in the draft but out of nearby Clemson. Simmons is a great pick and could be a franchise linebacker. Not lost on CBS Sportsline what a freak Simmons is. Don’t want to lay the price though.
PASS
CHICAGO BEARS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER -140 DEFENSIVE PLAYER +100
Chicago doesn’t have a first round pick. Their first pick is #11 in the second round (#43 overall) which they acquired from Las Vegas. Word is that they’re hoping to get the best tight end in the draft, Cole Kmet out of Notre Dame.
BET CHICAGO BEARS FIRST PICK OFFENSIVE PLAYER -140
CLEVELAND BROWNS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER -400 DEFENSIVE PLAYER +250
Browns need offensive linemen and they should have a choice between a couple of excellent prospects at #10 with Andrew Thomas of Georgia and Mekhi Becton of Louisville likely to both be available. Price keeps me from getting involved.
PASS
DALLAS COWBOYS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER +165 DEFENSIVE PLAYER -240
Dallas has the #17 pick but the word on the street has them trading down and getting the best defensive player available once they do.
BET DALLAS COWBOYS FIRST PICK DEFENSIVE PLAYER -240
DENVER BRONCOS FIRST PICK
OFFENSIVE PLAYER -360 DEFENSIVE PLAYER +230
Denver really wants an OL but it doesn’t look like any of the top of the class prospects will be available at 15. The thinking is that they’ll take the best WR available but they’re not really sold on any that will realistically be on the board at this point. Too much can happen here so we’ll pass.
