2022 NFL Draft: 1st Overall Pick Odds and Predictions

The 2022 NFL draft is quietly sneaking up on coaches, players, and fans. The draft kicks off on April 28 in Paradise, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas.

Where to Bet on the NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the first pick in this year’s draft, just as they did a year ago. Their 3-14 record this season edged out the 3-13-1 Detroit Lions.

The big question as it is every year is who will be picked first? Here’s a look at the 2022 NFL draft first overall pick odds and predictions.

Jags Take DE

A year ago when the Jags held the first pick, they were in desperate need of a quarterback. They got their guy in former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence.

Lawrence struggled as rookies often do and threw for 3,641 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also threw 17 interceptions but left no doubt that he can be the franchise’s quarterback for the next decade.

That means Jacksonville and new head coach Doug Pederson can focus on defense. That is why Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson is the favorite to go No. 1 overall.

Hutchinson is 6-feet-7-inches tall and weighs 260 pounds. He ran 4.74 in the 40-yard dash and had a 36-inch vertical jump at the NFL combine. He is explosive and his motor never stops.

Hutchinson is also versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line and he can drop into pass coverage.

At -300, he is the overall favorite to be picked by the Jags, who are in need of a big-time edge rusher.

NFL Betting Lines

The Contender

In recent weeks, Georgia’s Travon Walker has moved up the board. Walker is another physical specimen standing 6-5 and weighing in at 272 pounds.

Walker’s 40 time at the combine was an impressive 4.51. He is big, fast, strong, and Walker was one of the big reasons why Georgia had the No. 1 defense in college football and why the Bulldogs won a national championship.

Walker is given +325 odds to go No. 1 and it will come down to preference of edge rusher for the Jags.

Other Possibilities

The only way an edge rusher does not go first in the 2022 draft is if Jacksonville trades out of the top spot. A defensive end is Jacksonville’s biggest need right now.

After Walker, offensive linemen Ikem Ekwonu (+1000) and Evan Neal (+1200) are next on the board. They are not likely to go No. 1 unless, as mentioned, a team like the Texans or the Giants move up.

In reality, both teams can probably stay right where they are at and still get the guy they want.

NFL Predictions

Aidan Hutchinson Now Huge Favorite to Go First Overall

Hutchinson has long been projected as the top pick in this draft. What happened to Kayvon Thibodeaux? During the college football season, it was Hutchinson and Thibodeaux, who is now listed at +2500 to go first.

The Oregon DE is another outstanding edge rusher prospect, but he will most likely be the third DE picked in the top ten of this year’s draft.

It’s no secret the Jags are taking a defensive end. The best pass rusher in this draft is Hutchinson and that’s why he’s the favorite. In February. we reported on this market as well and Hutchinson was +160. We hope you bet on him then when he was paying much better odds.

PICK: AIDAN HUTCHINSON -300

2022 NFL Draft 1st Overall Pick Futures Odds

Aidan Hutchinson -300

Travon Walker +325

Ikem Ekwonu +1000

Evan Neal +1200

Malik Willis +2200

Kayvon Thibodeaux +2500

Kenny Pickett +6600

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