First Wide Receiver Drafted
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) | -110 |
| CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) | +135 |
| Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) | +175 |
| Justin Jefferson (LSU) | +5,100 |
| Tee Higgins (Clemson) | +8,300 |
| Denzel Mims (Baylor) | +10,300 |
| Anyone else | +4,200 |
Despite the historic class, there is clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver. The general consensus, however, is that the first pass catcher taken will be either one of the two Alabama stars, Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III, or Oklahoma standout Ceedee Lamb.
All three are dynamic playmakers and excel in certain areas, but for my money Jeudy is the most polished receiver of the bunch. He's a tremendous route runner and has elite foot speed. He's definitely worthy of being the favorite WR to go first at -110, but it’s Lamb who has the most value.
The former Sooner is +135 to be the first receiver selected and will certainly be the top wideout on some teams’ draft boards thanks to his playmaking ability.
PREDICTION: Any one of these guys could be the first WR taken but there's solid value with Lamb at +135.
New York Jets First Pick
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy (Alabama) | +265 |
| CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma) | +430 |
| Mekhi Becton (Louisville) | +510 |
| Henry Ruggs III (Alabama) | +575 |
| Tristan Wirfs (Iowa) | +610 |
Many experts expect the wide receiver run to begin with the Jets’ first selection at No. 11, so that means they should have their pick of the litter. And if they get the chance to pick a WR, they should. Have you seen their receiver room lately? It’s easier to find Lysol wipes in the supermarket than a capable pass catcher in East Rutherford.
While the value of Lamb to be the first WR picked is pretty good, taking the Jets to select either Lamb or Jeudy with their first selection is even better. There's some thought that this selection could be one of the top lineman, but that would be a mistake. They need to start surrounding Sam Darnold with more weapons. Then again, it is the Jets.
PREDICTION: Double up and take the Jets first pick to be Jeudy at +265 and Lamb at +430. If either hit it’s a nice payday.
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Total Wide Receivers Drafted in Round 1
| PROP BET | OVER 5.5 | UNDER 5.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of WRs drafted in Round 1? | -225 | +165 |
With all the talent available, NFL draft odds have the Over/Under of total wide receivers being taken at 5.5 with the Over heavily juiced at this point.
Most NFL mock drafts have the Top 3 and LSU touchdown machine Justin Jefferson going roughly between the Jets' pick at No. 11 and the Eagles at No. 21. After that, there's a gluttony of talent, where any team could have a group of 8-10 guys ranked as the next highest on their draft board.
PREDICTION: With several receiver-needy teams at the back end of the first round, all it takes is one team to start a run of selections to make sure each team gets their guy. Even with the juice, take the Over 5.5.
From NFL Now: The #AZCardinals may not take a WR at No. 8 like Kyler Murray has discussed, but expect the run on WRs to start shortly after that. pic.twitter.com/rUXsSy3GAQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2020
Most Picks Round 1 – Wide Receivers or Offensive Linemen
| PROP BET | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
|---|---|---|
| Most picks in Round 1 - WRs or OLs? | +130 | -185 |
This one is interesting, as wide receivers are the underdogs at +130. Each position has arguably five first-round locks, so it comes down to the first-round bubble guys and positional needs for teams. When it comes to lineman, there are only two other potential first rounders: USC’s Austin Jackson and Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz.
Whereas, for wideouts, Tee Higgins, Jalen Reagor, Denzel Mims, Brandon Aiyuk, and Laviska Shenault Jr. could all be first-rounders depending on whether a team likes them enough them or where they have them on their individual boards.
PREDICTION: Take the value with the WRs here at +130.
Henry Ruggs III Draft Position
| PROP BET | OVER 12.5 | UNDER 12.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Ruggs Draft Position | +100 | -140 |
There have been rumblings that some teams may try and trade up and grab the former Crimson Tide speedster. Calling him a speedster is probably downplaying Ruggs’ explosiveness. He’s a monster when it comes to yards after catch and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. However, he's still learning the finer points of route running.
PREDICTION: It’s hard to see teams giving up draft capital to grab Ruggs ahead of Jeudy or Lamb. If the WR run starts at pick No. 11, that doesn’t leave much room for him to hit the Under on his draft position of 12.5. Take the Over (at even money to boot).
