Camila Sosa
There is just over a week to go before the NFL Draft 2022 and there are many expectations that lie on it not only on part of the fans and teams in the league, but also on part of many bettors, who see in this event a possibility to entertain and generate income to a greater or lesser extent.
Below we deal with some of the top picks for players to be selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but first it is worth remembering the format that will be followed on this occasion.
The First Round of the Draft Will Have Its Own Night
The NFL’s decision to reshape the Draft to let the first round have its night in the spotlight has changed not only the teams’ approach to the draft, but also the betting approach to it.
As for the teams, the players chosen in the first round will be under a five-year contractual control, while those chosen in the second round will have contracts of only four years. Considering that first round players are usually the most important players in short to medium term plans, it could be said that this is a great benefit.
As regards the betting side, this opened up a new market for this 2022 NFL Draft as there are now odds to wager on which players could become first round picks. Clearly, there are players who are called to be selected among the first picks in general, but on this occasion we will mention those who can offer us value for a good fee.
Players to Consider for the First Round of the 2022 NFL Draft
The following list contains players who are set to be picked during the first-round night of the 2022 NFL Draft. There are certain names that have not been included in the list since they are prospects who are set to be among the top picks in the 2022 NFL draft without question.That’s the reason why many bookmakers do not take them under consideration thus their names are not included, for instance: Aidan Hutchinson, Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Malik Willis, among others.
| Player | Position | Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Kenny Pickett | QB | -5000 |
| Jordan Davis | DT | -2500 |
| Drake London | WR | -2000 |
| Jermaine Johnson | EDGE | -2000 |
| George Karlaftis | EDGE | -1600 |
| Chris Olave | WR | -900 |
| Tyler Linderbaum | C | -900 |
| Jameson Williams | WR | -700 |
| Devin Lloyd | ILB | -700 |
| Treylon Burks | WR | -650 |
| Trevor Penning | OL | -500 |
| Trent McDuffie | CB | -500 |
| Devonte Wyatt | DT | -300 |
| Zion Johnson | OL | -300 |
| Nakobe Dean | LB | -300 |
| Kenyon Green | G | -250 |
| Andrew Booth | CB | -175 |
| Matt Corral | QB | -150 |
| Dax Hill | CB | -135 |
| Arnold Ebiketie | DE | -130 |
| Boye Mafe | OLB | -130 |
| Jahan Dotson | WR | -125 |
| Desmond Ridder | QB | -120 |
| Sam Howell | QB | -120 |
| Christian Watson | WR | -110 |
Jameson Williams
As Garrett Wilson is one of the most highly-rated wide receivers in this 2022 NFL Draft and he is likely to be among the first round picks, the doors remain open for a team to secure the services of Jameson Williams.
Williams performed well in his final collegiate campaign at Alabama, earning first-team All-SEC (Southeastern Conference) and first-team All-America (top players at his position in the entire league) honors.
A fee of -700 for him seems a bit low, but the investment seems safe.
Trevor Penning
The players that play as offensive tackle in this 2022 NFL Draft are many and of very good level, and Trevor Penning is certainly not on the list of priorities over names like Charles Cross or Evan Neal. However, why not see things from a different perspective? Many big-name players will be called up before him, and many teams will run out of options to fill that position, making Penning an option to consider.
The Iowa offensive tackle was a first-team all-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 2021, and could be a good option at that position, with his -500 quota paying good dividends.
Christian Watson
Do you feel like taking risks in exchange for high returns? Then this bet is for you. Christian Watson, from North Dakota, is far from being considered the best wide receiver available in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, his position is one of the most highly prized in the current NFL market, and with Garret Wilson, Jameson Williams, Drake London, Treylon Burks and Chris Olave surely being picked ahead of him, Watson could certainly carve out a niche for himself in the later first-round picks.
It’s worth remembering that the Kansas City Chiefs have one of the last picks in this first round, and the team has yet to replace Tyreek Hill after he left for the Miami Dolphins, so Watson seems to be a sensible option — of course, if nobody else take him first in this 2022 NFL Draft.
