2023 NFL Draft Betting Guide: Odds, Prop Bets and Predictions

The premier event of the NFL offseason is quickly approaching. In what has become a massive success for the league, Kansas City is set to host the 2023 NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, April 27.

Since the NFL Draft started switching cities in 2015, it has been a destination event for the league. Along with the allure and festivities of the NFL Draft rapidly growing, popularity for wagering on the draft at the top NFL betting sites has exploded.

Let’s huddle up to examine the latest 2023 NFL Draft prop bets, discuss a few of the popular names in this year’s draft class, and see where we can find some NFL betting value.

When Is The 2023 NFL Draft and What Time Does It Start?

The 2023 NFL Draft officially starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 27. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will come out and announce that the NFL Draft is beginning with the Carolina Panthers on the clock. The Panthers will have 10 minutes to make the first overall selection.

How Many Rounds Are There In The NFL Draft?

The 2023 NFL Draft includes seven rounds comprised of 259 picks. Rounds 2 and 3 are scheduled for Friday evening beginning at 7 p.m. ET. On Saturday, April 29, rounds 4-7 will begin at 12:00 p.m. ET¹.

How To Watch The NFL Draft

There are multiple ways to watch the 2023 NFL Draft. The event will air live on ABC, ESPN and the ESPN app². Additionally, the NFL Network will have wall-to-wall coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft³.

2023 NFL Draft Betting Odds

The following NFL Draft betting odds are courtesy of BetOnline:

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1st Overall Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers have made it well-known that they are looking for a franchise quarterback. Currently, Andy Dalton is the first-team quarterback, while Matt Corral is listed as the No. 2.

In other words, there is a clear need at quarterback for the Panthers. Who will they draft to be their franchise QB? It appears that this is a race between Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

As physically gifted as Stroud is as a pocket passer, Young checks more boxes. Young’s ability to read defenses pre-snap, and make the proper adjustments, is a few steps beyond Stroud.

Bryce Young, remember his name. 😤@_bryce_young | @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/PKbyVMQKXD

— NFL (@NFL) April 14, 2023

Also, Young has better pocket awareness to get out of trouble and improvise on the fly. He keeps his eyes downfield regardless if he’s being pressured, scrambling, or sitting comfortably in the pocket.

The Panthers are fond of Stroud, but will likely select the quarterback with a sky-high ceiling and more NFL ready on Day 1. Young is expected to be the first player off the board at the 2023 NFL Draft.

2nd Overall Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

The consensus among NFL pundits is that the Houston Texans will select the next best quarterback on the board. So, if the Panthers go with Stroud, Young will likely hear his name here.

Conversely, Stroud has a strong chance of going off the board if Young is the first pick. Are there other potential scenarios? For one, Alabama’s edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will be tempting.

Additionally, Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson is seeing plenty of hype recently. The Texans have gaping holes all over their roster, so they could point toward a defensive player.

Despite the loss, CJ Stroud put on an elite performance 🏈

-348 passing yards
-4 passing touchdowns
-0 interceptions pic.twitter.com/adcXWZ140J

— 247Sports (@247Sports) January 1, 2023

USC’s Caleb Williams, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy, is eligible for the NFL Draft next season. The Texans should have another high pick next season, so targeting Williams would be a viable plan.

Nevertheless, while the Texans wouldn’t mind Williams next season, nothing is guaranteed one year from now. They have to take a chance when a special talent like Stroud is in front of them.

3rd Overall Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals are in possession of the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. There are indications that the Cardinals are looking to shop this pick.

If Stroud is available in this spot, the Cardinals will be listening to a few trade offers. The Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Atlanta Falcons could all be interested in moving up.

Florida’s Anthony Richardson is favored to be selected with the third overall pick following a spectacular effort at the NFL Combine.

Tyree Wilson dominated vs. NC State.

This rep is ridiculous. Gets 74 off balance with the long arm, swims through quick enough to split the two blockers, and has enough power to fight through contact before using his insane arm length to rag-doll the QB to the ground. pic.twitter.com/h70kv6843R

— Kenny G. (@Gritz_Blitz) January 10, 2023

A sleeper prospect worth watching here is Tyree Wilson, who has all of the intangibles that make him the most talented defensive player in the Draft.

Wilson finished his career at Texas Tech with 249 tackles, 60 TFL, and 11.5 sacks in three seasons⁴. He can switch inside and outside, which is the kind of versatility that teams are looking for in a pass rusher.

If the Cardinals don’t trade this pick, Wilson and Anderson Jr. are in contention here. At +1400 odds, the athletic freak from Texas Tech is your best bet.

1st Defensive Player Selected In The 2023 NFL Draft

Will Anderson Jr. is heavily favored as the first defensive player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Is there any value in this wager?

It sure doesn’t look like it. This is more of a toss-up than the -475 NFL betting odds suggest.

Jalen Carter at +450 odds would have been the bargain of the Draft if he didn’t look so sloppy in pre-draft workouts and have character concerns. Nonetheless, Carter has immense talent that showed up on gamedays.

The third option at +550 odds is the most interesting prospect. Wilson may not jump off the page on film as much as Carter or Anderson Jr., but scouts and GMs continue to warm up to him.

If you don’t like Wilson at No. 3 in the 2023 NFL Draft, there is still decent value in Wilson being the first defensive player selected.

Total Quarterbacks Selected In The 1st Round

The way we see it unfolding, this NFL Draft prop bet will come down to whether Hendon Hooker is drafted in the first-round or not.

Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson bring us to three quarterbacks selected in the first-round. We will also give Will Levis the green light on the first night of the draft.

Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker was in the Heisman Trophy discussion after leading his team to a big win over Alabama. He put on a show in a 52-49 upset over the Crimson Tide in October. Hooker passed for 385 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception⁵.

A month later, the 25-year-old suffered a season-ending ACL injury against South Carolina. Despite missing time, Hooker finished with gaudy numbers. He recorded 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions⁶.

While Hooker has impressive numbers, it is hard to ignore that he is a 25-year-old coming off a torn ACL. Hooker played in an offensive system at Tennessee that largely predetermined where the ball was going. There wasn’t anything that tested him to work through his progressions.

He is a mobile quarterback, but how does the injury impact him? We don’t know. Hooker is a solid option on the second day. However, he has no value as a Round 1 selection. 

Total Running Backs Selected In The 1st Round

Will Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs both go off the board in Round 1?

Robinson looks like a surefire first-round selection. The Texas Longhorn is the most well-rounded running back in the 2023 NFL Draft.

He is an every-down back that could be the No. 1 rusher on any team’s depth chart in Week 1. In 2022, Robinson finished his collegiate career with 1,580 yards on 6.1 yards per carry.

The top running back in the nation also had a knack for the end zone with 18 rushing TDs and 2 receiving touchdowns⁷.

Robinson is off the board in the first, but what about Gibbs? If he does, it is going to be one of the last draft picks in the round.

Laying -400 on the Under 1.5 doesn’t have any value. Unfortunately, Robinson appears like the only running back selected in the opening round.

Total Wide Receivers Drafted In The 1st Round

There is expected to be plenty of wide receivers hearing their names called in Round 1. A minimum of three, with a good chance of four receivers drafted on the opening night in Kansas City.

We can write in Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a lock for the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite only appearing in three games last year, scouts had seen enough from Smith-Njigba in his second season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba holds the Ohio State record for most receiving yards in a single season (1,606). 😲 @jaxon_smith1

📺: 2023 #NFLDraft – Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/epp74kGmAt

— NFL (@NFL) April 8, 2023

He will follow in Olave’s shoes as the next young receiver to come out of Ohio State and make an impact right away. Smith-Njigba will be followed by Zay Flowers or Jordan Addison.

Both Flowers and Addison look like Week 1 contributors. Then there is TCU’s dynamic receiver, Quentin Johnston, who also looks like a first-round talent.

Speedster, Jalin Hyatt, a favorite target of Hooker at Tennessee, might be considered in the later stages of Round 1 too.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see five receivers taken in the opening round of the 2023 NFL Draft. At -150 odds, take the Over 3.5 option as it still provides value. 

Players Over/Under Draft Position

The following NFL prop bets focus on whether or not a player will go over or under the listed draft spot:

Bijan Robinson Over/Under NFL Draft Position

As we discussed above, Bijan Robinson will be a first-round selection in the Draft. However, there’s some debate as to where the talented running back will go.

The Washington Commanders need RB help. There have been rumors that Robinson could be the pick at No. 16. Unfortunately, running back isn’t the only position of need for the Commanders.

Robinson has been floated around as an option for the Eagles at No. 10, too. However, if the Eagles want a running back, they will likely look elsewhere and wait for the second or third-round.

We are not excited about laying -175 odds on this NFL Draft prop bet. Robinson to the Lions with the 18th overall selection looks like a good spot for the former Longhorn. If he falls to the end of the round, it would be a steal for whichever team takes him.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Over/Under NFL Draft Position

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the most exciting skill-position players in the 2023 NFL Draft. Even though he only played limited minutes in three games last season because of a hamstring injury, Smith-Njigba is the best wide receiver in this year’s NFL Draft.

The Ohio State standout doesn’t exactly have burner speed. However, it isn’t that detrimental because he doesn’t need it with his superior skillset. Smith-Njigba has elite agility and route running to make him a star in the NFL.

Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba:
▫️ 15 receptions
▫️ 346 yards
▫️ 3 touchdowns

Most ever receiving yards by a player in a bowl game in college football history.

Buckeyes win the Rose Bowl. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/05tvZRi2T8

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 2, 2022

He needed just one season in his junior campaign to catch 95 receptions and record 1,606 receiving yards⁸. Could Smith-Njigba and Stroud reunite in Houston?

If the Texans draft Stroud at No. 2, they are going to be tempted to get him back on the field with Smith-Njigba. The Stroud and JSN connection may find a new home in Houston.

In another bet where -175 odds at NFL betting apps looks too pricey, consider the plus money wager here.

Jalen Carter Over/Under NFL Draft Position

During this past season, Jalen Carter looked like a lock for the Top 5. The fact that a 6-foot-3 inch, 300+ pounder could move with that agility and balance made Carter a standout.

However, the Georgia Bulldog hasn’t impressed in pre-draft workouts. He looked like a player that didn’t want to be there. There are also teams that have character concerns with Carter.

I think Jalen Carter sliding past the #Bears is a reality. His Pro Day showing today was really poor, by all accounts. He showed poor conditioning, was 9 lbs. heavier, and skipped testing. He “couldn’t finish his position drills.”

— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) March 15, 2023

That being said, the tape presents a dominant player that can take over a game in the trenches. If he is coached up and stays out of trouble in the NFL, Carter could end up being the best player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Carter’s conditioning problems have been well-documented throughout his collegiate career. In our view, this is the largest red flag. He was on the sidelines gasping for air too often in college.

Carter gained 9 pounds between the NFL Combine and his pro day. It is a red flag that is hard to ignore. Carter is not tanking, but he might be there for the Bears at No. 9 or Eagles at No. 10.

Which Player Will Be Drafted First?

The following 2023 NFL Draft prop bets, courtesy of BetUs, require you to pick which player will get drafted first in a hypothetical head-to-head battle.

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Who Will Be Drafted First?

The Indianapolis Colts are in dire need of a quarterback for the 2023 season. As it stands now, Gardner Minshew and Nick Foles are No. 1 and No. 2 on their depth chart.

The Colts are a likely candidate to take a quarterback with their first pick. If Stroud or Young falls to No. 4, they will be quick to act.

Arizona might need a franchise quarterback if the new regime aren’t sold on Kyler Murray. Currently, Richardson is favored to be selected with the No. 3 overall pick.

“I want to be the best.”

Anthony Richardson (@GVOaant) hears the criticism, but he knows the sky is the limit as he gains experience 📈 pic.twitter.com/nqACJlHfsR

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 13, 2023

Richardson has +160 odds, while Will Levis has +700 odds to go to the Cardinals at No. 3. Levis has a cannon of an arm and looks the part, but so did Jake Locker.

The Gators’ Richardson has a higher ceiling than Levis. He needs to improve his footwork in the pocket, but Richardson is a tremendous athlete with loads of potential.

Richardson may not go as high as his NFL Draft betting odds are indicating, but he is still likely to be off the board before Levis.

Who Will Be Drafted First?

Jack Campbell and Drew Sanders are going into the 2023 NFL Draft as the top off-ball linebacker prospects.

Sanders is a natural pass rusher that shows the ability to react in coverage and get to ball carriers quickly. He models his game around T.J. Watt, and there were signs of it at times with the Razorbacks.

Despite not being a lock for the first-round, Sanders could sneak up toward the end of Thursday night. Iowa’s Jack Campbell is going to be in the discussion as well.

Campbell and Sanders may ultimately be drafted within five or so positions of one another. Expect Sanders to have a slight edge over Campbell.

NFL Draft Team Prop Bets

The following BetUS NFL Draft prop bets will examine what specific teams will do with their first pick in the draft.

Baltimore Ravens 1st Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

The Ravens own the 22nd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They are likely going with a cornerback, wide receiver, or pass rusher.

Emmanuel Forbes, Deonte Banks, or Joey Porter Jr. would make sense if they want to go with a cornerback.

The Ravens didn’t sign Marcus Peters to a new deal, and some of their younger talent didn’t impress at defensive back last year. So, it makes sense for this AFC North team to use their pick on this deep cornerback class.

Banks is a native of Baltimore and played college football at the University of Maryland. If he is still on the board at No. 22, the Ravens will be interested.

If they want to go with a wide receiver, Zay Flowers or Jordan Addison are options. However, with the recent signing of Odell Beckham Jr., Baltimore will most likely skip wide receiver in the first round and go with a more pressing need – cornerback.

Buffalo Bills 1st Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

There are several approaches that the Buffalo Bills can take with their first pick. The Bills have the No. 27 overall selection and trading this pick is also a possible scenario

If offensive tackles Broderick Jones or Darnell Wright happened to slide to 27th, the Bills would run to the podium. They could opt to draft Ohio State’s Dawand Jones, but that’s a reach.

The Bills are favored to take a linebacker in this spot. Trenton Simpson, Drew Sanders, or Jack Campbell might be heading to Orchard Park, according to the NFL Draft betting odds at BetUS.

DL Mazi Smith visiting Bills today, per @RapSheethttps://t.co/D9ZUrK5bBM pic.twitter.com/YQSqIKpjs7

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 12, 2023

However, the Bills could probably wait for Round 2 to draft a talented linebacker. There is a chance one of these three is on the board at No. 59.

What about the Wolverines’ Mazi Smith? He stuffs the run up the middle, gets pressure on quarterbacks, and is a hard worker. Additionally, Smith has done this against some very good offensive lines in the Big Ten.

At +500 odds, the Bills selecting a defensive lineman has to be considered for their first pick.

Green Bay Packers 1st Pick In the 2023 NFL Draft

There are a lot of directions that the Packers could go with the No. 15 pick in the draft. It will be dependent on what is available on the board.

If Jaxon Smith-Njigba is there at No. 15, the Packers have to be enticed by the prospect of giving Jordan Love a big-time weapon. Conversely, giving Love protection with offensive line help seems reasonable.

A big, athletic tight end in Dalton Kincaid or Michael Mayer would immediately provide the Packers’ offense with a boost as well. On the contrary, developing an elite pass rusher is something the Packers should be interested in.

Lukas Van Ness at No. 15? If Van Ness is on the board, he seems like such a Packers pick. The Hawkeyes’ defensive end has raw talent that is tough to duplicate.

Kansas City Chiefs 1st Pick In The 2023 NFL Draft

The Chiefs are likely going to target a lineman with the final pick of the first-round. Whether it is a defensive or offensive lineman is up for debate.

Paris Johnson Jr. isn’t going to make it to the back of Round 1. However, his teammate, Dawand Jones, could be sitting there for the Chiefs.

He’s a tank of a man that is difficult to move. Jones stands at 6-foot-8 inches and 374 pounds, with an 87 ⅞ inch wingspan. These measurements were all highs at the NFL Combine in 2023.

Jones did not allow a sack or hit on Stroud in 393 snaps at Ohio State⁹. Mahomes has to like what he sees with those numbers.

If not Jones, there are other offensive linemen that might appease Brett Veach at No. 31.