Analyzing NFL Draft First Round Props & Odds for Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers

• The NFL Draft begins Thursday Night at 8pm ET from Lambeau Field, in Green Bay
• We look at the over/under on skill players taken in Round 1 (QB, RB & WR)
• See the NFL Draft first-round picks, predictions and best bets and, below

The NFL Draft is here and, as always, there are a ton of stories, rumours and draft movers expected to shape what will be another talented class of players into the league.

In this set of NFL Draft odds, we’re looking at the skill positions, particularly how many quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers get taken in Round 1.

We’re start at the pivot position, where everything after Cam Ward is up in the air.

NFL Draft First-Round Over/Unders

* Does not include Travis Hunter as WR

Odds as of April 24 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before making any NFL Draft bets.

NFL Draft Best Bets #1: Over/Under QBs Selected In Round 1

I don’t think QBs will be flying off the board in the first round like they did in 2024, when six pivots had their names called within the first 12 selections. However, it shouldn’t be as barren as 2022, when Kenny Pickett was the lone quarterback off the board.

We know there are at least five teams that need a signal caller: the Titans, Giants, Browns, Steelers and most likely the Saints.

Ward has been linked to the Titans with the first pick, but he’s definitely as close as a lock as there is to a Round 1 pick.

The Shedeur Sanders takedown in the leadup to the draft is baffling. Once considered a Top-5 lock, Sanders could fall out of the first round altogether, with Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart and potentially Alabama’s Jalen Milroe stepping in front of him.

This one is tight, but we’re still talking the most important position in football, and the right choice (hi, Jayden Daniels!) can steer a franchise into the fast lane of contention.

Because of that promise, teams will talk themselves into these QBs.

• Pick: Over 2.5 QBs taken (-179 at FanDuel)

NFL Draft Best Bets #3: Over/Under RBs Selected in Round 1

You can thank Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs for reinvigorating the importance of the running back position in the NFL.

Barkley went 2K in 2024 and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, while Henry supercharged an already potent backfield with Baltimore, and Jacobs was the central offensive cog for the Packers.

But does it move the needle in the draft?

We know Ashton Jeanty is going in the first round, but after that, I don’t know if any GM’s believe they can unearth a game changer in the draft with that valuable capital, that they couldn’t find on Day 2 (or beyond).

The only other player in consideration has been North Carolina back Omarion Hampton, who rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 TD’s this season.

Even though running backs are relevant again, it’s going to take otherworldly talents to crack the first 32 picks.

Pick: Under 2.5 RBs taken (+340 at FanDuel)

NFL Draft Best Bets #3: Over/Under WRs Taken in Round 1

While GM’s aren’t ready to swing big for running backs again just yet, there are no shortage of pass catchers getting selected on Day 1 of the NFL Draft.

In fact, in the 2020’s the lowest number of wide receivers taken in the first round was in 2023, when four came off the board.

Wide Receivers Drafted in Round 1 by Year

All of them are legit starting lineup guys too: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), Quentin Johnson (Chargers), Zay Flowers (Ravens) and Jordan Addison (Vikings), and all were taken at 20th or later.

I mention that year because there are no receivers projected to be in the Top 10 of this year’s draft, but then again, you never know, as the Raiders do hold a pick inside that group.

So expect the names of Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona), Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), Matthew Golden (Texas) and Luther Burden III roll around as we get into the late teens and into the 20s.

This one is probably the easiest of the bunch to hit the Over on, and hence, the little value in wagering it.

• Pick: Over 2.5 WRs taken (-455 at DraftKings)

The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting events in the football world, as teams look to add new talent to their rosters and improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. One of the most intriguing aspects of the draft is predicting which players will be selected in the first round, and what positions they will play. In particular, quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers are always in high demand, and there are plenty of prop bets and odds available for fans to analyze.

When it comes to quarterbacks, all eyes are on top prospects like Trevor Lawrence from Clemson, Zach Wilson from BYU, and Justin Fields from Ohio State. Lawrence is widely expected to be the number one overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but there is still plenty of speculation about where Wilson and Fields will land. Oddsmakers have set the over/under for quarterbacks selected in the first round at 5.5, with the under currently favored at -150.

Running backs are also a hot commodity in this year’s draft, with players like Najee Harris from Alabama, Travis Etienne from Clemson, and Javonte Williams from North Carolina all expected to be selected in the first round. Oddsmakers have set the over/under for running backs selected in the first round at 1.5, with the over currently favored at -200. Harris is considered by many to be the top running back in this year’s draft class, and could be a game-changer for whichever team selects him.

Wide receivers are always a popular choice in the first round, with players like Ja’Marr Chase from LSU, DeVonta Smith from Alabama, and Jaylen Waddle from Alabama all expected to be top picks. Oddsmakers have set the over/under for wide receivers selected in the first round at 4.5, with the over currently favored at -110. Chase is considered by many to be the top wide receiver in this year’s draft class, and could make an immediate impact for whichever team selects him.

As fans analyze the prop bets and odds for quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers in the first round of the NFL Draft, it’s important to consider factors like team needs, player talent, and draft history. While nothing is certain until draft day, these prop bets and odds can provide valuable insight into which players are likely to hear their names called early on in the draft. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking to add some excitement to draft day, analyzing these props and odds can make the NFL Draft even more thrilling to watch.