The NFL draft is almost here - and while the annual player-picking tradition never disappoints, you can't go wrong adding a little fun to the proceedings by wagering one any of the dozens of prop bets available.
Here's a look at some of the best values available as we enter the last few days of mock drafts, rumors and rampant speculation:
(All odds courtesy BetDSI; odds as of Monday morning)
PROP: Who will be the second running back selected?
Derrius Guice: -450
Sony Michel: +550
Nick Chubb: +875
Kerrryon Johnson: +1,750
Pick: DERRIUS GUICE (-450)
It's a near-lock that Saquon Barkley will be the first running back taken in 2018 - possibly as high as second, if the New York Giants decide to buck the projected quarterback trend and address their scattershot backfield. Just how likely it is that Barkley goes first among rushers? He's a whopping +7,500 underdog in this prop. That leaves a quartet of contenders for the role of No. 2 running back selected - and Guice is the consensus choice ahead of Michel and Chubb, with the majority of mock draft experts expecting him to go later in the first round. This prop won't pay off very well, but it's easily the most bankable of the five.
PROP: Total quarterbacks selected in the Top 5: 2.5
Over: -115
Under: -115
Pick: OVER (-115)
The teams picking at the top end of the draft all have big-time quarterback holes to fill. Cleveland is the most desperate of the bunch, and are expected to pick either Sam Darnold or Josh Allen first overall; they'll either use the No. 4 pick to fill another hole, or they'll deal it to another team that could very well address their own QB situation. The Giants would love a top-end option to succeed Eli Manning, while the Jets are almost as needy as the Browns in the passer department. And the Broncos are actively shopping this pick, with the Bills expected to be in the mix; Buffalo would almost certainly use the pick on a QB. Take the Over on this one.
PROP: Total Alabama players taken in the first round: 3.5
Over: -130
Under: +100
Pick: OVER (-130)
The Crimson Tide are an annual fixture of the opening round of the draft, and should have a handful of players taken early yet again. Standout safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is widely expected to be the first Alabama player taken, followed closely by sensational wide receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive tackle Da'Ron Payne. Linebacker Rashaan Evans is the least likely of the four to appear in the opening round, but is likely be the top target of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who pick 28th. Take the Over here; if the Steelers keep their pick, you'll almost certainly wind up with all four Crimson Tide players snagged in the opening round.
PROP: Lamar Jackson draft position: 17.5
Over: -115
Under: -115
Pick: OVER (-115)
The most polarizing player in the draft, Jackson's range of potential outcomes is as vast as any guy on first-round draft boards. While few will doubt that the Louisville standout is among the most skilled players available, there are enough teams concerned about his accuracy struggles, diminutive frame and issues throwing the deep ball - not to mention his rock-bottom Wonderlic score - to warrant a significant slide on draft day. While teams in the middle of the first round could take a shot on Jackson, there's a much better chance he falls into the second round. Don't pay for the Under here; it isn't happening.
PROP: Will Odell Beckham be traded on draft day?
Yes: +350
No: -600
Pick: YES (+350)
Nothing beats a good draft day trade - and the Giants are in position to make one of the biggest. The relationship between Beckham and the franchise has deteriorated over time - and with New York in dire need of a reboot, dealing Odell represents a significant step in that direction. The Eagles and Cowboys are 10-to-12 win teams. The Redskins are expected to be competitive. The situation begs for the Giants to retool - and trading ODB would net them a boatload of picks and/or talent that would accelerate the process. The odds are long here, but it's worth taking a shot on New York moving Beckham on draft night.
Betting the 2018 NFL Draft: Five Favorite Prop Picks Vol. 1
