With the NFL offseason in full swing, football fans and bettors eagerly anticipate the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place April 25-27 in Detroit.
The NFL Draft is a frenzy for football bettors. NFL betting sites offer a plethora of specialty markets around the draft, including which player will be drafted first and how many quarterbacks go in the first round.
One of the most interesting parts about the NFL Draft is how teams address their weaknesses. All 32 teams have unique situations and needs on Draft Day, so it’s always intriguing to see which positions they prioritize first. Do they trade up or reach for a quarterback? Or do they opt to bolster their defense or receiving corps instead?
You can wager on the position of each team’s first draft pick. The odds vary by team and position. These bets are risky, as teams’ draft strategies can change.
Let’s look at the odds for each team and how they might attack their first pick. Note that markets for the New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears were unavailable at the time of writing.
Odds below from DraftKings Sportsbook. Subject to change.
AFC
Baltimore Ravens
- Offensive Lineman: -230
- Defensive Line/Edge: +300
- Cornerback: +550
- Wide Receiver: +700
The Ravens don’t have too many holes to fill after reaching the AFC Championship Game last year. They’ve surrounded reigning MVP Lamar Jackson with a strong supporting cast and made a splash in free agency by signing star running back Derrick Henry to a two-year deal, giving them one of the most lethal rushing attacks in the NFL.
Baltimore clearly plans to run the ball a lot this year, so having a strong offensive line is a top priority. Accordingly, expect the Ravens to target an offensive lineman with their first pick, especially since they won’t pick until the end of the first round (30th overall).
That said, Baltimore could also look to grab a wide receiver at this spot to pair with Zay Flowers if one falls to them.
Buffalo Bills
- Wide Receiver: -280
- Defensive Line/Edge: +425
- Offensive Lineman: +550
- Cornerback: +650
The Bills’ most glaring need is at wide receiver after moving on from their top two wideouts, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, this offseason. Accordingly, look for Buffalo to target a receiver with its first pick to help offset those losses and give Josh Allen a new weapon.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Offensive Lineman: -125
- Defensive Line/Edge: +250
- Cornerback: +350
- Wide Receiver: +650
The Bengals have already made a massive investment in Joe Burrow, so their goal should be doing everything they can to protect that investment. Not only did Cincy spend the first overall draft pick on him in 2020, but it also handed him a five-year, $275 million extension prior to the 2023 season.
Burrow has suffered season-ending injuries in two of his four seasons, however, and was sacked 92 times during his two healthy seasons combined. The Bengals need to emphasize keeping Burow upright and healthy, so look for them to beef up their offensive line with their first pick.
Cleveland Browns
- Defensive Line/Edge: +175
- Offensive Lineman: +350
- Cornerback: +450
- Wide Receiver: +500
The Browns are all-in on two things: Deshaun Watson and their defense. Watson hasn’t worked out as expected, but their defense was one of the best in the NFL last year, leading the league in fewest yards allowed and carrying them to a Wild Card berth despite Watson only playing six games.
Accordingly, look for Cleveland to keep investing in its defense. The defensive line could use a boost after ranking middle of the pack in run defense last year, so look for the Browns to inject some youth there with their first pick.
Conversely, they could also pivot to their offensive line to protect Watson and their run-heavy approach on offense (fourth in rushing attempts last year).
Denver Broncos
- Quarterback: +175
- Defensive Line/Edge: +190
- Cornerback: +330
- Offensive Lineman: +450
After releasing Russell Wilson earlier this offseason, the Broncos are officially in the market for a quarterback. Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson aren’t long-term solutions under center, so expect Denver to take a QB on Day 1 of the draft.
The Broncos have the No. 12 pick in one of the most QB-heavy draft classes in recent memory. The top three quarterbacks will likely be off the board by then, but they should still be able to land either J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix here.
Houston Texans
- Offensive Lineman: +200
- Defensive Line/Edge: +200
- Cornerback: +300
- Safety: +500
- Linebacker: +650
After watching C.J. Stroud win Offensive Player of the Year and lead them to the playoffs, the Texans should prioritize protecting their young signal-caller with an offensive lineman.
That said, the secondary could also use a boost after ranking 23rd in passing yards allowed and 27th in net yards per pass attempt, so don’t be surprised if Houston focuses there.
Indianapolis Colts
- Cornerback: +105
- Wide Receiver: +250
- Tight End: +300
- Defensive Line/Edge: +700
- Offensive Lineman: +900
The Colts must improve their defense after getting torched on that side of the ball last year, ranking 28th in points allowed and 24th in yards allowed. They need help at corner, as Kenny Moore II is the only proven cornerback on their roster.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cornerback: -200
- Wide Receiver: +225
- Offensive Lineman: +600
- Defensive Line/Edge: +1000
The Jaguars took a step back in 2023, and their secondary was a big reason. Their defense ranked 26th in passing yards allowed and 25th in passing touchdowns allowed, giving up too many points and yards through the air. That was particularly apparent during the second half of the season as Jacksonville went 1-5 over its final six games and missed the playoffs.
With its offense in good shape, the Jaguars should prioritize defense and take a cornerback with their first pick.
Kansas City Chiefs
- Offensive Lineman: -120
- Wide Receiver: +120
- Cornerback: +550
- Defensive Line/Edge: +1000
Even after winning a second straight Super Bowl, the Chiefs desperately need help at wide receiver. Rookie Rashee Rice was the only wide receiver with over 500 receiving yards last year, and Kansas City’s receiving corps led the league in drops last year.
Travis Kelce turns 35 this year, so the Chiefs can’t rely on him forever. They need to get Patrick Mahomes some help to stay on top.
That said, it’s never a bad idea to invest in your offensive line, especially when you already have so much money committed to your quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Quarterback: +125
- Offensive Lineman: +175
- Cornerback: +225
The Raiders’ defense was surprisingly solid in 2023, but their offense could use some work. They ranked 28th in rushing yards per attempt despite employing one of the league’s top running backs in Josh Jacobs, highlighting a need at offensive line.
Las Vegas could also pursue a quarterback. Aidan O’Connell is coming off an adequate rookie year, but neither he nor Gardner Minshew inspire much confidence. With the Raiders picking at No. 13, they should be able to land a top QB prospect if they want one.
Los Angeles Chargers
- Offensive Lineman: -175
- Wide Receiver: +200
- Cornerback: +600
- Quarterback: +800
The Chargers’ offensive line was a disaster last year, causing the team to rank bottom 10 in total rushing yards and rushing yards per attempt despite the presence of Austin Ekeler in the backfield. Franchise quarterback Justin Herbert also suffered a season-ending injury, stressing the need for improvement along the O-line.
Los Angeles also needs a wide receiver after losing its top two wideouts, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, in free agency.
Regardless of which position they focus on first, the Chargers will have plenty of options with the fifth overall pick.
Miami Dolphins
- Offensive Lineman: -140
- Defensive Line/Edge: +155
- Wide Receiver: +650
With a smaller, injury-prone quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa, reinforcing the offensive line should be a priority for the Dolphins. Their offense is electric, but they could also use some help on defense after ranking 22nd in points allowed last year.
Miami may also want to consider adding another wideout to complement Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as nobody else on the team had more than 400 receiving yards last year.
New York Jets
- Offensive Lineman: -115
- Tight End: +200
- Wide Receiver: +200
The Jets have most of the pieces in place to make a playoff run this year if everyone stays healthy, but one area of need is the offensive line. They ranked 22nd in rushing yards last year and should be doing everything possible to protect 40-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers, especially after watching him go down during their first offensive drive last season.
New York could also look to grab a pass-catcher here to give Rodgers another weapon.
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Offensive Lineman: -350
- Wide Receiver: +400
- Cornerback: +600
The Steelers already invested at quarterback this offseason by acquiring Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, so they need to ensure those guys are sufficiently protected by upgrading their offensive line.
Pittsburgh could also add a wideout after trading top receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. The Steelers could use a new No. 2 wideout to support George Pickens and give their new quarterbacks someone else to throw to.
Tennessee Titans
- Offensive Lineman: -320
- Wide Receiver: +260
- Defensive Line/Edge: +750
With a young QB in Will Levis and a star running back in Tony Pollard, the Titans will likely invest in an offensive lineman to protect both with their first pick. Running the ball will likely be a priority for them this season, especially if Levis struggles, so having a solid offensive line will be critical.
Alternatively, Tennessee could also try to snag a receiver here to give Levis another weapon.
NFC
Atlanta Falcons
- Defensive Line/Edge: -230
- Cornerback: +205
- Wide Receiver: +800
The Falcons have already addressed their most pressing need by inking quarterback Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract. Now, the biggest hole on their roster is on the defensive side, as Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree are free agents after combining for 13 sacks last year.
All signs point towards Atlanta supplementing its defense with the No. 8 pick. The Falcons could have their choice between Terrion Arnold (the top cornerback in the draft) or Dallas Turner (the top edge rusher).
Carolina Panthers
- Wide Receiver: -175
- Offensive Lineman: +190
- Cornerback: +450
- Defensive Line/Edge: +850
Bryce Young’s first season in Carolina was an unmitigated disaster, as the Panthers went 2-15 while Young tried to lead an offensive devoid of talent. At the Combine earlier this offseason, general manager Dan Morgan said his main goal is to surround Young with playmakers, which is why wide receiver has the shortest odds here.
Carolina already traded for Diontae Johnson this offseason but should still be in the market for a wide receiver in the draft. The Panthers don’t have a pick in the first round but have the first pick of the second round.
Dallas Cowboys
- Offensive Lineman: -235
- Linebacker: +450
- Wide Receiver: +600
The Cowboys desperately need help on the offensive line, so it makes sense that they have minus odds to take an offensive lineman. Center Tyler Biadasz left for the Washington Commanders in the offseason, while Tyron Smith also departed as a free agent.
Tyler Smith is the team’s main offensive lineman. He can play both left tackle and left guard, which allows Dallas to have some flexibility when picking a lineman in the draft. The Cowboys have the No. 24 pick, so they should have plenty of offensive line options.
Detroit Lions
- Cornerback: +135
- Defensive Line/Edge: +175
- Offensive Lineman: +280
- Wide Receiver: +600
The Lions have relatively short odds for four positions, so they could go in a few different directions with their first pick.
An offensive lineman would make sense, as Taylor Decker and Kevin Zeitler will be free agents after this season. A cornerback would also be welcomed, as Detroit hasn’t drafted a cornerback with a top-100 pick since 2020.
The Lions don’t necessarily need a wide receiver, but this is such a receiver-heavy draft that they could pick one at No. 29. Our guess is that they take a cornerback here.
Green Bay Packers
- Offensive Lineman: -170
- Cornerback: +235
- Defensive Line/Edge: +400
Jordan Love wowed in 2024, passing for over 4,100 yards and leading the Packers to the playoffs in his first full season. Bookmakers expect Green Bay to get Love some protection with its first draft pick at No. 25 overall.
David Bakhtiari is coming off a season-ending injury and Yosh Nijman signed with the Panthers, so we agree with the oddsmakers. There’s a chance the Packers could trade up to get a cornerback, but grabbing an offensive lineman seems more likely.
Los Angeles Rams
- Offensive Lineman: +105
- Defensive Line/Edge: +200
- Wide Receiver: +350
- Quarterback: +1000
There are some things that just make sense. The Rams drafting a defensive lineman or edge rusher is one of them after future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald retired in the offseason.
Los Angeles opened the offseason with many question marks on its offensive line but addressed those in free agency. Now it’s time to draft Donald’s successor.
Minnesota Vikings
- Quarterback: -450
- Defensive Line/Edge: +450
- Cornerback: +600
After losing Cousins in free agency, the Vikings’ main focus in this draft should be finding a quarterback to replace him. With the 11th overall pick, they should be able to get a pretty good one.
New Orleans Saints
- Offensive Lineman: -400
- Defensive Line/Edge: +550
It’s interesting that an offensive lineman has such short odds here given the holes on the Saints’ roster. While they need help there to protect Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara, they could use some reinforcements on defense after recording only 34 sacks last season. They could also be in the market for a wide receiver after letting Michael Thomas test free agency.
New Orleans will probably draft an offensive lineman at No. 14, but it’s not as much of a lock as the odds imply.
New York Giants
- Wide Receiver: -225
- Quarterback: +175
- Offensive Lineman: +950
The Giants are in a tough spot. Their wide receiver corps is barren and needs an infusion of talent ASAP, but that hasn’t stopped owner John Mara from giving his team’s decision-makers “the green light” to draft a quarterback with the No. 6 pick.
Current quarterback Daniel Jones still has three years remaining on the four-year, $160 million extension he signed in 2023, but there’s been a lot of buzz around New York’s interest in J.J. McCarthy.
That said, the Giants may have to trade up to get him. If they stay at No. 6, they’ll likely take a wide receiver to give Jones some help.
Philadelphia Eagles
- Cornerback: -110
- Offensive Lineman: +105
- Defensive Line/Edge +330
The Eagles have been relatively quiet in free agency, causing many to assume that the team plans to take a cornerback early in the draft with the No. 22 pick.
That would make sense, as the team doesn’t really have any solid cornerbacks behind starters James Bradberry and Darius Slay. Philadelphia has recently built cornerback depth through the late rounds of the draft, but that trend seems likely to end this year.
San Francisco 49ers
- Offensive Lineman: -150
- Wide Receiver: +300
- Defensive Line/Edge: +350
- Cornerback: +550
The 49ers have an incredibly top-heavy roster, so their success is contingent on hitting on quality rookies who can produce immediately.
Trent Williams has said he’s coming back for 2024, but beyond him, San Francisco’s offensive line is a work in progress. Tackles Jaylon Moore and Colton McKivitz are in contract years, so drafting an offensive lineman here would help the Niners in the present and future.
Seattle Seahawks
- Offensive Lineman: +140
- Defensive Line/Edge: +175
- Cornerback: +190
The Seahawks don’t have many significant holes in their roster. Like many teams, however, they could use some help on the offensive line. Seattle’s O-linemen have just 16 combined starts, making it one of the NFL’s least-experienced units.
Russell Wilson always felt that Pete Carroll failed him by not making the offensive line a priority, so we’ll see if new coach Mike Macdonald is able to do better for Geno Smith.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Defensive Line/Edge: +150
- Offensive Lineman: +200
- Cornerback: +220
- Wide Receiver: +850
It makes sense that a defensive line/edge player has the shortest odds here, as the Buccaneers lost linebacker Shaquil Barrett in the offseason when he signed with the Dolphins as a free agent.
With Barrett out of the picture, second-year players Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka are Tampa Bay’s top linebacker options, so look for that position to be a priority during the draft.
While the Buccaneers’ offensive line hasn’t been the same since Ali Marpet retired and Ryan Jensen suffered a knee injury, we still think defense will be their main focus in the first round.
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