NFL Betting – Offensive vs. Defensive Players Drafted In The First Round

Written by:
Phil Simon
Published on:
Apr/20/2020


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Finally there is something to look forward to for sports fans and bettors. The 2020 NFL Draft is scheduled to begin with the first round on Thursday and betting options are aplenty ahead of the extravaganza. It will feel somewhat normal considering all that’s been happening around the world. Sports games and leagues have been cancelled and people are asked to shelter in place to flatten the curve. It’s madness out there. Not on Thursday.

Today’s NFL is all about offense. It’s hard to argue that after watching the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl behind Patrick Mahomes and a gaggle of playmakers. That makes me wonder if the term ‘defense wins championships’ is still a thing. There are a number of great athletes on both sides of the football available on draft night and we’ll examine which side will have the most players taken in the first round. Odds posted at BookMaker.eu say the offense will have 17 or more players selected. Visit BookMaker.eu to wager on this prop and many others.

More First Round Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft

Offensive Players PK ( -286 )

Defensive Players PK (+218 )

LSU’s Joe Burrow is the heavy favorite to go first overall to Cincinnati with Ohio State’s Chase Young the pick of choice at No. 2. With one player from each side of the ball off the board in the first two picks we’re likely to see a similar struggle throughout the first round.

Quarterbacks Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert are all first-rounders, and some of the so-called experts have moved Jordan Love up the board. There are also a number of talented receivers available with as many as six and possibly seven aiming to be picked among the first 32 selections.

Before you go throwing down on the offense remember that there are also high-quality defenders available. And there are coaches around the league who still value defense. Some teams need a game-changer on that side of the ball. The Skins should jump at Young with the second pick and Detroit needs secondary help that Jeffrey Okudah can supply. Isaiah Simmons possesses all the tools and will be gone by the 10th pick.

Most mock drafts have the numbers evenly split. Some give the advantage to the offense while others have more defenders in the opening round, but the difference isn’t large. It’s safe to assume that no team will use a first round pick on a special teams player so 17 is the target number. It’s easy to look at what others predict but for this wager you have to do your own work and figure out a team’s specific needs. Still that’s no guarantee and GMs and coaches aren’t divulging much info about their picks.

The outcome of this prop will likely be decided in the final 10 picks or so. While most prognosticators have the top 20 picks decided, there is more uncertainly in the later spots. And there are a few teams that can swing the result in either direction. Will Kansas City take a defensive back with their pick? It’s certainly a position of need. But what if a player like D’Andre Swift is available?

The same goes for the Minnesota Vikings. A receiver is likely considering they dealt Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen is recovering from injury. But they could also use help on the back end of their defense. Either way it’s going to be interesting. I like defensive players coming off the board and it makes sense to bet the underdog considering the possibility of a push.

More First Round Picks in the 2020 NFL Draft

Defensive Linemen 0.5 ( +235 )

Offensive Linemen 0.5 ( -310 )

This matchup prop doesn’t figure to be as close as the one listed above. The draft class for offensive linemen is strong even after the revelation of prospect Mekhi Becton’s failed drug test. Taking the talented group of players and matching them with the line help needed by several teams gives the edge to the offensive linemen.

Along with Becton, who is still a likely first-rounder, you have Jedrick Wills, Tristan Wirfs and Andrew Thomas, all tackles who could be scooped up in the first 15 picks. Centers Cesar Ruiz and Lloyd Cushenberry are also potential first round picks.

That doesn’t leave a lot of wiggle room on the other side of the ball. Most of the talent comes at linebacker or in the secondary. Every team is looking for a Nick Bosa-type edge rusher and Chase Young is it. The burning question is can A.J. Epenesa and Yetur Gross-Matos sneak into the first 32? Derrick Brown and Javon Kinlaw are projected first-rounders on the interior. I just don’t see the defensive linemen stacking up in this prop so take the negative odds and get a small return. It’s better than the alternative.

Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.

- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com

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