- The public is hammering the OVER on first-round quarterbacks
- Two-way star Travis Hunter is the heavy favorite to go No. 2 overall
- See the public’s favorite prop bets for the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the public has made its preferences clear on a number of NFL Draft prop bets. From the number of quarterbacks selected in Round 1 to which teams will pick certain players, there are some notable betting leans based on data from ESPN Bet.
Let’s break down the public’s favorite prop bets for the draft, including the amount of signal-callers taken on Day 1, where top prospects like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter could land, and more.
First Overall Pick
The Tennessee Titans hold the No. 1 pick after finishing with the NFL’s worst record in 2024. They’re widely expected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who is listed at -20,000 to be the first name called by commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday night.
Ward has all the tools NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. He’s coming off a spectacular final season at Miami, throwing for 4,275 yards with 43 touchdowns and just six interceptions. The Titans have been searching for a long-term answer at QB since moving on from Ryan Tannehill in 2023.
Total QBs Drafted in Round 1
The quarterback position is the most important in football and NFL teams are always searching for their franchise guy. That’s why it’s no surprise to see significant betting interest on the total number of QBs selected in the first round.
ESPN Bet is offering an over/under of 2.5 quarterbacks taken on Day 1. So far, the public is confidently backing the over, with 51.2% of bets but 63.9% of the handle (money) on that side.
Cam Ward (-20,000 to go No. 1) and Shedeur Sanders (+200 to go top-10) are near-locks to be first-rounders. The big question is whether Jaxson Dart or a surprise name sneaks into the Day 1 QB mix. The betting public seems confident at least one more quarterback will.
Team to Draft Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders was once the odds-on favorite to be the first overall pick, but his stock has fallen considerably during the pre-draft process. The Steelers have emerged as the odds-on favorite to land Deion Sanders’ son.
Even if he gets past the Saints at No. 9, it’s hard to envision Sanders sliding out of the top half of the draft. His name recognition alone makes him an appealing target for a QB-needy team in the teens.
No. 2 Overall Pick
Travis Hunter was a revelation for Colorado last year, starring as a two-way player at cornerback and wide receiver. His unique skill set has made him a trendy pick to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns.
Hunter is listed at -350 to be the second pick, odds that imply a 77.8% probability. He shifted to receiver full-time last season and dominated, posting 88 catches for 1,502 yards and 14 TDs.
But Hunter’s true value comes with the ability to line up at corner in sub packages. Browns GM Andrew Berry compared him to Shohei Ohtani because of his potential impact on both sides of the ball.
Team to Draft Ashton Jeanty
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty nearly won the Heisman last year after rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 TDs, which has vaulted him into the top 10 of most mock drafts.
The Bears (+240) and Raiders (+210) have the shortest odds to draft Jeanty, who would fill glaring backfield needs for both squads. Chicago ranked 28th in rushing last season, while Las Vegas placed 29th.
Raiders HC Pete Carroll seems particularly smitten. He gushed about Jeanty at the combine, saying he’s a “rare talent” who can be a “centerpiece back.” It wouldn’t be surprising to see Vegas trade up from No. 6 to secure Jeanty’s services.
Other Notable Draft Trends
- The Chargers are a popular pick to draft Penn State TE Tyler Warren. He’s listed at -150 to be the first TE drafted, and Chargers fans are all over it. LA has received 38% of bets and 41% of the handle to draft Warren, who would be an upgrade over their current Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin duo.
- Punters are people too! At least that’s what speculators seem to believe, as the OVER on 0.5 punters drafted in Round 1 (+2500) has received 5% of the betting handle. Michigan’s Patrick Peterson and Rutgers’ Anthony Evans are considered the top punting prospects.
- The Jets and 49ers are tied for the most total picks in the draft with 11 each, while the Vikings have the fewest with just four selections.
The betting public has made their picks known when it comes to those big NFL prop bets. Will the crowd’s instincts turn out to be spot on or totally off? We’ll find out when the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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With the NFL Draft just around the corner, football fans and bettors alike are eagerly anticipating the event and placing their bets on who will be selected in the first round. From public favorites to potential sleeper picks, there are plenty of options to consider when placing your bets on the draft.
One of the most popular bets among fans is which team will select Ashton Jeanty, a highly touted linebacker out of the University of Miami. Jeanty is considered one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s draft class, and many experts believe he will be a first-round pick. The New York Giants are currently the favorites to land Jeanty, but teams like the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles are also in the mix.
Another popular bet is which team will select a quarterback in the first round. This year’s draft class is loaded with talented signal-callers, including top prospects like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Zach Wilson. The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to take Lawrence with the first overall pick, but teams like the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers could also target a quarterback early in the draft.
In addition to individual player bets, there are also plenty of team-specific bets to consider. The Kansas City Chiefs are currently the favorites to win the Super Bowl next season, but teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills are also strong contenders. Bettors can also wager on which team will have the most players selected in the first round or which team will make the biggest splash in the draft.
Overall, the NFL Draft is always an exciting time for football fans and bettors alike. With so many talented players available and so much uncertainty surrounding each team’s draft strategy, there are plenty of opportunities to make some money on this year’s draft. Whether you’re betting on public favorites, Ashton Jeanty’s team, first-round quarterbacks, or any other aspect of the draft, there’s sure to be plenty of excitement and drama when the picks start rolling in.
