Although offensive stars grab the headlines and most attention with the 2022 NFL Draft Odds, a deeper dive is required. This leads to a contrarian view of getting the most out of the draft. While most teams zig with the offense, a select few zags with defense. And in this era and its emphasis on high-scoring offensive football, a contrarian strategy could pay dividends. Just ask the Buffalo Bills how important defense can be with a playoff game on the line. And no defensive position can bring more of an impact than a linebacker.
2022 NFL Draft First Linebacker Selected
| Date and Time: | Thursday, April 28, 6:30 p.m. ET through Saturday, April 30, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN, ABC, NFL Network |
2022 NFL Draft First LB Taken Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Devin Lloyd | -400 |
| Nakobe Dean | +250 |
| Quay Walker | +2000 |
| Christian Harris | +3500 |
| Troy Anderson | +5000 |
| Chad Muma | +5000 |
| Leo Chanel | +7500 |
| JoJo Domann | +10000 |
| Brian Asamoah | +10000 |
Devin Lloyd Wows Draftniks and NFL Scouts
On the whole, no linebacker brings the complete sportsbook package more than Devin Lloyd. NFL scouts salivate at the speed of Lloyd. It is such speed that makes Lloyd a threat as an impact player. The type of player that can change games with a devastating play.
In 2021, Lloyd was a First-Team All-American for the Utah Utes. Additionally, he was the Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year. Lloyd is a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree. Last season Lloyd compiled 111 tackles, 66 solos, eight sacks, a forced fumble, and four interceptions with two touchdowns. Now that is an impact!
Buffalo Uses Pain for Gain with Hard Look at Lloyd
In the 2021 NFL Playoffs, the Bills had the Chiefs dead and buried at Kansas City. Or so it seemed. But Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes used just a few seconds to get the Chiefs in position for the field goal that sent the game into overtime. And then, in the extra frame, the Chiefs quickly scored for one of the greatest wins and most heartbreaking losses in NFL history. No wonder Buffalo is looking hard at Devin Lloyd. He is the type of game wrecker that could have saved that game.
Nakobe Dean Brings National Championship Pedigree
Yet another potential impact linebacker is Nakobe Dean of Georgia. Dean was a key member of the 2021 Georgia Bulldogs national championship team. Last year Dean totaled 72 tackles, 36 solos, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions with one TD. As a result of his dominant play, Dean was named the Butkus Award winner. Additionally, he was a Unanimous All-American.
Quay Walker Is Seen as the Ultimate Linebacking Sleeper
Further linebacking excellence from Georgia comes in the person of Quay Walker. Last year Walker was named an AFCA second-team All-American on the Georgia national championship team. Walker has mirroring skills as good as any linebacker in the NFL Draft.
NFL Draft Christian Harris Helps Tide Roll
Naturally, any starter from the Alabama Crimson Tide will be a 2022 NFL Draft betting favorite. And Christian Harris fits that to perfection. To be exact, Harris is a do-everything linebacker that can cover, rush, and hit hard. His versatility makes him a highly valued 3-down linebacker.
2022 NFL Draft SBG Best Bet: Devin Lloyd.