2023 NFL Draft: First Defensive Player Drafted Odds, Predictions & Bets
With multiple quarterbacks likely to fly off the board in the top-5 picks, the market for the first defensive player drafted is unique this year. The Panthers and Texans are both extremely likely to take a quarterback first and second overall. Arizona could be the first team to take a defensive player at third overall but are rumored to be very interested in trading down. It’s no secret that the Colts are fed up with their quarterback play post-Andrew Luck, as the veteran carousel they’ve been riding has broken down at every turn. With a chance for four quarterbacks to come off the board before a single other position, there could be some value in betting the first defensive player drafted markets.
This might surprise people, but betting on the NFL Draft is far and away the best event of the year to wager on. The reason is that it’s an information market. These types of markets are the easiest to make money on because no game has to be played.
When you bet on an NFL game, you can have the best handicap in the world and have a massive edge according to your numbers. Yet, so much can go wrong. All it takes is a few things you can’t possibly account for in your handicap, like one cornerback to trip, a field goal kicker getting the yips, a few bad calls, and so many other possibilities for your bet to go sideways.
Betting on the NFL Draft doesn’t have that type of variance. Once you know a team is keyed in on a certain player or position, that’s it. Obviously, reading the tea leaves from plugged-in reporters and getting good information is vital.
Thankfully we have that and won over 40 units on unique bets last year during the NFL Draft. Find all of our official draft bets and see how you can get access to them for as low as $5!
For all of the latest odds on every NFL draft market, check out our NFL Draft Odds table, which updates every 10 minutes!
Odds to be the First Defensive Player Drafted
Odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
- Will Anderson: -600
- Jalen Carter: +900
- Tyree Wilson: +1100
- Devon Witherspoon: +2000
- Christian Gonzales: +2500
DraftKings Bonus
First Defensive Player Drafted Odds, News, and Bets
Will Anderson, EDGE, Alabama
Odds: -600
Anderson is rightfully the favorite to be the first defender off the board. He’s considered the safest defensive prospect in the draft and a player that would come in and make an instant impact on any defense. -600 is a hefty price to pay, though, especially if the Arizona Cardinals trade out of the third pick. I would not bet on Anderson unless the price comes down considerably.
Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Odds: +900
Early in the process, Jalen Carter was once the odds-on favorite to be the first defensive player drafted! This was prior to his legal incident, and his stock has fallen considerably throughout the draft process. Teams are worried about his character due to his off-field incident and gaining 9 pounds in between the combine and his pro day. He wasn’t able to finish drills at the pro day because he was so winded. With that being said, the talent is certainly there, and all it takes is one team to pounce on Carter for him to be the first defender off the board.
Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Odds: +1100
If I had to bet one thing for this market, I would bet on Wilson to be the first defender. As I mentioned in Anderson’s section, things become a bit more volatile if the Cardinals trade out of the third pick. That would likely result in four straight quarterbacks, and the Seahawks at pick No. 5 have done plenty of strange things in the past.
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Odds: +2000
Witherspoon wasn’t able to run at the combine or Illinois’ Pro Day but hosted his own Pro Day in early April. He ran two 40-yard dashes at 4.42 and 4.46, more than putting the concerns about his athleticism to rest. He is a great fit for the Cardinals, Lions, and Raiders, who pick at 3, 6, and 7. I anticipate one of those teams pulling the trigger on him.
Christian Gonzales, CB, Penn State
Odds: +2500
Gonzales was once the favorite to be the first cornerback off the board and still very well may be, but played a ton of zone at Penn State where, as Witherspoon played a lot of man. Unfortunately, the most corner-needy teams skew a bit more man-heavy, meaning if a corner were somehow the first defender off the board, it’ll likely be Witherspoon.
If you want push notifications for all of these bets, make sure to join our subscriber-only discord!
DraftKings Bonus
For the most up-to-date picks, check out my Twitter and subscribe to our Discord. This sheet from Dan Rivera tracks all my betting picks and those from the rest of the betting staff. Just click on the tab with my name on it for the results.
This article is intended for entertainment purposes and adult users only. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you have a gambling problem.
