In view of SEC dominance of best players at multiple positions have gamblers noticed. SEC players are consistently favored with the NFL draft betting lines. In most cases, it’s totally justified. As a result, handicappers will have to pay the premium price for SEC players. Or they will have to assess viable alternatives. Increasingly there are some once hidden gems emerging. In turn, the possibility of 2020 NFL Draft surprises is real. Trades remain the ultimate wildcard for the draft. One early first-round trade can completely flip team priorities.
2020 NFL Draft First Round Individual Player Odds
| Date: | Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25 |
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| 2020 NFL Draft TV Coverage: | NFL Network, ESPN, ABC |
| 2020 NFL Draft First Offensive Lineman Drafted: | Tristan Wirfs +100, Mekhi Becton +170, Jedrick Wills +400, Andrew Thomas +1400, Field +2000 |
Above all, Tristan Wirfs is seen as one of the most complete offensive linemen prospects. Wirfs helped power Iowa to some of the biggest wins in program history. Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr rates are as high as Wirfs. Counter to odds Wirfs is rated by many NFL scouts as the best tackle available. Georgia tackle Andrew Thomas is another highly coveted SEC offensive lineman.
| 2020 NFL Draft First Running Back Drafted: | D’Andre Swift -140, Jonathan Taylor +160, JK Dobbins +700, Field +1000, Clyde Edwards Helaire +3200, AJ Dillon +6000, Zach Moss +7500 |
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Once upon a time running back was a valued draft position. These days it’s the equivalent of buying tires. NFL Scouts are most concerned about eventual “tread wear” and “mileage.” Due to his receiving ability is Georgia’s D’Andre Swift the online betting favorite. Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor is a proven 2000-yard rusher. Taylor has also demonstrated the capability of a huge workload. Of great concern is Taylor’s tendency to fumble. He has shown modest improvement as a receiver. But Taylor is not on Swift’s level when it comes to catching the ball. Also, SEC bias works in Swift’s favor.
| 2020 NFL Draft First Wide Receiver Drafted: | Jerry Jeudy -120, CeeDee Lamb +120, Henry Ruggs +700, Tee Higgins +2000, Justin Jefferson +3200, KJ Hamler +4200 |
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Extending the SEC and Alabama domination of prospects is Jerry Jeudy. Crimson Tide players are valued by NFL scouts due to their preparation. Alabama coach Nick Saban has a proven track record of developing players into NFL Draft prospects. In the same way, Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb is an NFL draft betting line favorite. Lamb’s experience in playing for coach Lincoln Riley’s sophisticated passing attack has him NFL ready. Yet another Alabama receiver, Henry Ruggs III, is going early too. Ruggs emulates Jeudy in being a complete and versatile wideout. LSU wideout Justin Jefferson could be the hidden gem.
| 2020 NFL Draft First Tight End Drafted: | Cole Kmet -250, Adam Trautman +700, Bryce Hopkins +800, Hunter Bryant +1200, Thaddeus Moss +1600, Albert Okweugbunam +1600, Harrison Bryant +200 |
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Namely, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has highlighted the importance of tight ends. Kelce and Rob Gronkowski exemplified the dominance and value that teams want for themselves. Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet stands apart as the top tight end prospect. His size and dynamic explosion at the snap command attention. And his large hands are another asset valued by NFL scouts.
The Picks: Jedrick Wills Jr, Cole Kmet, Jerry Jeudy, Jonathan Taylor
