2024 NFL Draft: Teams First Selection Best Bets
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25th. NFL draft betting has become more difficult over the past two seasons as the NFL has partnered with more gambling companies. Still, based on information, GM trends, and other factors, we can make bets on what positional group we expect a team to take with their first pick.
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2024 NFL Draft: Teams First Selection Best Bets
New York Jets: Tight End +150
The Jets are in a unique spot. Last season, they went all in on Aaron Rodgers and are winning now. After Rodgers’ injury, the Jets have decided to double down on their bet. GM Joe Douglas and HC Robert Saleh’s jobs depend on a good season, and this team wants to maximize its chances of being good now with its first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There is no other prospect worth taking here other than Brock Bowers (which is debatable in the first place), but most sources close to the Jets have tied Bowers to New York. The Jets have other needs, but based on their window and the desperation of their GM and HC, we expect them to take Bowers 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Kansas City Chiefs: Defensive Line/EDGE +750
The reigning 2x Super Bowl champions have a few needs, but we see value in Kansas City bolstering their defensive line with the 32nd overall pick. Kansas City has Chris Jones up the middle and a few other pass rushers like George Karlafitis and Fleix Anudike-Uzomah, but they can use another stud on the line.
This is +750 for a reason. The Chiefs have arguably more pressing needs at receiver, corner, and offensive line, but having a stout defensive line has also been crucial to Kansas City’s success. Based on who is expected to be available at the time KC drafts, there is value at this number.
Seattle Seahawks: Linebacker +1600
Linebackers have become a “non-premium” position in the NFL as they are becoming more replaceable, and teams have had success drafting them later in the draft. Seattle’s GM, Jon Schnieder, is one of the better GMs in football, but he also is one to beat to his own drum.
After losing Bobby Wager, Seattle could certainly take a linebacker with their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Seattle’s current linebacker situation consists of Boye Mafe, Jerome Baker, Tyrel Dodson, and Uchenna Nwosu. If Seattle’s top linebacking prospect is sitting there when it’s their turn to draft, 16-1 is great value on the Seahawks pulling the trigger.
Cleveland Browns: Wide Reciever +250
The Browns don’t draft until the second round, but that does not matter for this bet. Cleveland doesn’t have a major need at receiver right this second, but soon their depth chart will be void of any receivers. The Browns’ defense was one of the best in the NFL last season, and Cleveland will look to replenish their WR room in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There are a few prospects that certainly warrant a 2nd round selection, and we would not be shocked to see Cleveland go after one. The Browns don’t have any other glaring holes on their team, so they could use this pick to help bolster their team for upcoming seasons in the 2024 NFL Draft.
