The 2022 NFL Draft is here. Georgia DE Travon WalkerThe consensus favorite has emerged to be the top pick at sportsbooks. But what other players and props are worth betting? Here are some of my favorites and “Bear Bytes”, which will help you navigate the draft.
The Bear’s top bets
George KarlaftisMore than 22.5 (+130).
It seems a little out of reach for Karlaftis to go so early in a draft that is deep at the defensive end. You’re getting a better deal if he keeps falling on the odds. I believe he will go back in the first round.
Over 5.5 WRs were chosen in the first round (-400).
When it comes down to draft props, I care more about the numbers than the juice. If I can get a good number but have to lay some juice, it’s okay with me. As long as I trust my information, I’m willing to bet on that number. That’s exactly what I’m doing. I see at minimum six WRs in the first round. Perhaps seven. Although I can understand why some people don’t want to pay such a high price, this play is well worth it.
Cleveland BrownsFirst player selected – WR (+250).
The Browns did bring in Amari CooperHowever, they were able to win. Jarvis Landry Rashard HigginsThey would be well served by adding to the WR unit to give Deshaun WatsonAs many weapons as you can. Cleveland may be able to pick someone it likes early in the second round. George Pickens, Christian WatsonOr John Metchie III.
Exact draft order: No. 1 Travon Walker, No. 2 Aidan Hutchinson -200; No. 1 Travon Walker, No. 2 Kayvon Thibodeaux (+350)
I think Travon Walker should be first overall. Therefore, I will maximize my chances of winning by playing exactas alongside Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Kayvon Thibodeaux has been also linked to the Lions. If Hutchinson hits, I’ll make it more heavy.
Bear Bytes
• Alabama has had 38 players selected in the first round since 2010. This is 19 more than Ohio State. Alabama also had 26 more players participate in the first round than any other school, with 59 of them taking part in the second round.
• In the past six years, 618 players have been selected on Days 1 and 2 of the NFL draft. Two schools have accounted for eighty-two percent (13.3%) of the players: Alabama (43) or Ohio State (39) LSU (25), which accounts for 107 of the 618 picks, is 17.3%.
• Only two AAC players have been selected in the top 10: QB Blake BortlesIn 2014, third overall. Ed OliverNinth overall in 2019. Ahmad Gardner from Cincinnati will likely be the third.
• The only Wolverine to be selected No. T Jake Long, who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2008 by the Dolphins, is the only Wolverine to be selected. Long was also the highest-ranked Michigan player to be selected beyond 10th. Since 2009, 44 schools have had one player selected among the top nine draft picks.
• Over the past six drafts, the Buckeyes have had seven players selected in the top 10. This is the most by any team.
• Penn State had a pair of first-round picks last year in Micah Parsons Odafe Oweh. Prior to this, the Nittany Lions only had one first-round selection in each of the 11 previous drafts.Saquon BarkleyIn 2018
• The last Boilermaker selected in the first round was Ryan Kerrigan16th overall to Washington in 2011. Kerrigan has been selected in the first round by 74 schools since the Boilermakers’ last pick.
• The Longhorns have not had a first-round pick since DT Malcom BrownThe Patriots received the final round pick in 2015’s first round. Texas is now the only state to go six consecutive years without a first round pick in the common draft’s history. In the six past drafts, at least one of 46 65 Power 5 schools has had at least one first round pick. Schools that have achieved something Texas hasn’t over the past six drafts — possessing a first-round pick — are Alabama State, Duke, Temple, UCF, North Dakota State, Memphis, San Diego State, Tulsa, Northwestern, Wyoming, Western Michigan, Utah State and Louisiana Tech, along with Texas schools Baylor, Houston, TCU, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and UTSA.
• Garett BollesUtah’s final first-round pick was placed 20th overall in 2017 to the Broncos. The Utes have not been affected by it, as starting with 2016, Bolles’ last year in Salt Lake City saw the Utes win more victories (49) than any Pac-12 team (Washington comes second with 47).
• Since the turn of the century (2000 draft), only two Power 5 schools have not had a player selected in the first round — Indiana, whose last first-round pick was WR Thomas Lewis in 1994, and Iowa State, whose only first-round pick was RB George Amundson in 1973. Could Breece HallStop the drought
• In the past six years, 618 players have been selected in the first three rounds, and 282 of the 618 (45.6%) played in the SEC (175) or Big Ten (107). The ACC comes in second with 87 players, followed by the Pac-12 (72) and Big 12 (51). This is even more dramatic when you keep it to Round 1. Out of the 191 players who were selected for the first round in five years, 102 (53.4%) played in either the SEC or Big Ten.
• Since 2009, the Jets have selected four USC players in the first round. WR Drake LondonRumours have circulated that he was available to the Jets as pick No. 10.
• Since 2016, the Patriots have had four first-round picks. Three went to Alabama or (Mac JonesGeorgia (or Georgia)Isaiah Wynn, Sony Michel). Is there any prop I can wager the Patriots will take one of these? Nakobe DeanOr Devonte Wyatt?