2023 NFL Draft Betting Analysis on First QB Drafted
With combine testing happening this weekend, many players are trying to bolster their draft stock. While the combine is certainly not the end all be all for players, teams will get to know some guys before their pro days.
This year’s wide receiver class is not as good as last year’s, but there are many playmakers to watch.
Sportsmemo’s No. 1 NFL Handicapper in 2022, Eric Pauly, looks at the current odds for the first QB to be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and breaks down the market.
2023 NFL Draft Predictions: First Wide Receiver Drafted
Player/School | First Wide Receiver Drafted Odds |
---|---|
Quentin Johnston, TCU | +115 |
Jordan Addison, USC | +275 |
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State | +350 |
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee | +600 |
Zay Flowers, Boston College | +800 |
Quentin Johnston, TCU (+115)
Johnston burst onto the scene this season and put up 60 catches for 1,069 yards in his junior season. At 6’ 4’’, teams will love his ability to make plays down the field. While I love Johnston’s size and catch radius, I am not bullish on him being the first WR drafted this season.
Jordan Addison, USC (+275)
Jordan Addison was amazing as a sophomore at Pitt, then he transferred to USC, but injuries derailed his production in 2022. Addison finished with 59 catches, 875 yards, and eight touchdowns this past season.
Coming from a historically great USC receiver room, teams may fall in love with his ability to play inside and outside. These odds are currently on point for Addison.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (+350)
Injuries derailed Njigba’s 2022 season, so teams may have forgotten just how good he is. In 2021, Njigba was undoubtedly the best receiver in the country.
He finished with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. He is not a burner but a crisp route runner, so if the medicals look good, this number has value.
Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee (+600)
Hyatt did not play much during his freshman or sophomore year but was a force for the Vols last season. In 12 games, Hyatt had 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdown grabs. He won the Biletnikoff award as the nation’s top receiver last year. His skill set is versatile, but he will not be taken over the players mentioned above.
Zay Flowers, Boston College (+800)
Flowers has been one of the biggest risers over the past season and this off-season. Last year, he put up 78 catches, 1,077 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Flowers has put on weight this summer, and he certainly has a chance to be a first-round pick. Unfortunately, I do not think he is the first WR drafted.
Opening Line Report | NFL Futures Betting Report
Drew Martin and Teddy Covers gathered one more time this season after Super Bowl 57 to discuss the NFL futures betting market going through odds for teams to win next year’s Super Bowl. Listen now!
Meet the Author
Eric Pauly, @slimeaction on Twitter, graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Finance. Eric is a die-hard Washington Commanders and New York Knicks fan and enjoys watching and writing about the NFL, NBA and MLB. His favorite gambling movements include hitting a +1000 future on Washington to win the NFC East in 2020 and predicting Jonathan Taylor’s breakout season with a +900 ticket for him to win the 2021 NFL rushing title. Aside from the sports betting industry, and making a brilliant Cleveland Browns vs Los Angeles Chargers betting pick, Eric also enjoys good eats, dynasty fantasy football leagues, daily fantasy sports and playing the guitar.
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