NFL Draft prop bets: First-round picks of Eagles, Chiefs, Lions?

Fans flock by the thousands to every NFL Draft. Some are lifelong season ticket holders. Some are gleeful diehards taking in the spectacle. Others, however, are glorified mascots who are hopeful their guttural yells and excessive face paint will secure their 15 minutes — nah, seconds — of on-camera fame.

For those of us who prefer to consume the draft in snack-sized portions, it’s difficult to fathom extreme fandom. Still, zealots’ commitment to the cause deserves a slow clap, especially since meaningful football remains months away.

Bravo, superfans! Your dedication deserves it.

[ More NFL Draft: QB props | J.J. McCarthy prop ]

When their team is on the clock, excitement and nerves are sure to build. Will the pick warrant an uproarious reaction? How about a bellow of boos? Maybe a trade?

As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport recently expressed, everyone, regardless of affiliation, has “no earthly idea what is going to happen” in the draft. In a likely feeble attempt to predict what general managers are actually thinking, here are three franchise-focused betting props worth debating.

Eagles: Position of first player drafted — Cornerback (+125, DraftKings)

From Adam Schefter to beat writers with boots on the ground, the Eagles are expected to use the No. 22 overall selection on defense. Iowa CB Cooper DeJean is the consensus pick, but Clemson CB Nate Wiggins could also be in the mix. With a projected bottom-half unit grade (No. 21, according to ESPN’s Mike Clay) and it's No. 28 finish last season in coverage (per Pro Football Focus), Philadelphia’s secondary could use a boost.

Chiefs: Position of first player drafted — Wide receiver (-105, DraftKings)

Rashee Rice reportedly faces a likely multigame suspension for legal issues stemming from a six-vehicle crash last month. As a result, Kansas City is sure to add to its wide receiver room, which is already thin on reliability outside of offseason acquisition Marquise Brown. Xavier Worthy (Texas), Adonai Mitchell (Texas) or Ladd McConkey (Georgia) are sensible selections for the Chiefs with the final pick of Round 1.

Lions: Position of first player drafted — Cornerback (+135, DraftKings)

At the end of 2023, only two teams — Broncos and Rams — landed below Detroit in coverage grade, according to PFF. New additions Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson greatly bolster the unit, but the belief is another body could be added at the draft. The NFL Mock Draft Database consensus (though only 18%) has the Lions taking Missouri edge rusher Darius Robinson. However, several notable mocks have cornerbacks Cooper DeJean (Iowa), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) or Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo) taking up residence in the Motor City. Honestly, splitting action on CB and DL/EDGE (+300, DraftKings) might be the savviest move.

Author: Brad Evans

Date Published: Apr 24, 2024 • 1:06 am

Link: https://www.thegamingjuice.com/2024/04/23/nfl-draft-prop-bets-first-round-picks-eagles-chiefs-lions