Last year’s NFL Draft was unconventional in terms of broadcast structure but went fairly by the book apart from whatever the Packers were trying to do. And while this year’s event is shaping up to look and feel like a traditional affair, the number of surprises may still be lacking. That is important to note when searching for the best NFL Draft 2021 bets.
Simply put, the Las Vegas Raiders aren’t around to take Clelin Ferrell with the fourth pick and the Vikings have stopped doing stupid things. We’ve also seen both the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins make trades to move well ahead of draft day meaning another potential variable from the betting equation has been removed.
The NFL Combine didn’t take place in its usual format but there were more than enough pro days for scouts to pour over. Perhaps the only real wild card comes in the form of those players who opted out of the 2020 college football season. Top end prospects don’t have much to worry about. However, there is a little more uncertainty once you get to the late first and second rounds. With all this in mind, let’s explore some of the best NFL Draft 2021 bets.
Odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook
3 of the best NFL Draft 2021 bets
1) Mac Jones to be the third overall pick (-190)
Trevor Lawrence is a lock to go first overall (-20,000) and Zach Wilson is fairly certain to taken at number two (-3000). San Francisco made a deal to move up to the third spot in the NFL Draft with the sole purpose of finding a quarterback. A lot of experts believe that quarterback is going to be Mac Jones.
This is similar to what happened with the second pick in last year’s draft. Everyone kind of knew that Washington Football Team was going to draft Chase Young although they didn’t come out and say it. That left some wriggle room which meant the odds stayed somewhat palatable at -300. The 49ers haven’t said Jones is the guy, but it seems extremely likely that’s the pick.
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2) Justin Fields draft position over 4.5 (+104)
If San Francisco selects Jones with the third pick, it’s hard to see Justin Fields being taken in the top four. The Atlanta Falcons have way too much invested in Matt Ryan and Julio Jones this season to draft a developmental player. And they probably owe it to both guys to at least make one last run together. If they crap out in 2021, the team will still be in a good position to draft a quarterback.
That leaves the possibility of some team trading up to take Fields. Last year, both the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers resisted the urge to trade, read the board and instead let quarterbacks fall to them. Assuming the Falcons don’t draft a signal caller, there is no need for the New England Patriots or Philadelphia Eagles to trade all the way up four when teams with picks 5-8 aren’t in the market for a passer.
3) Jaycee Horn first cornerback drafted (+230)
Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn are the two best cornerbacks in this year’s draft, but there isn’t a lot separating them. What’s more, both will be selected in the middle part of the draft where teams are more mindful of scheme fit. This seems like a coin flip and when that’s the case, go with the wager that pays out better. There is also an argument to be made for Caleb Farley at +1400.
