2015 NFL Draft Prop Bets: Part III

In about 8 hours from now, the 2015 NFL Draft will be under way when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are officially put on the clock. Months of preparation, analysis, and subterfuge comes down to what essentially amounts to a roll of the dice. The professional fates of every single player selected won’t be known for years. Some will meet or exceed lofty expectations, while others are labeled flops and unceremoniously kicked into the sunset never to be heard from again, except when their names appear on some “Biggest Draft Busts” list. Truth be told, this year’s Draft will play a part in one or more teams’ efforts to win a Super Bowl, as well as cost some poor GM or head coach their jobs down the road. Some football guys know more than others, but in all honesty, nobody really knows anything. If they did, the likes of Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, Vernon Gholston, and Tony Mandarich would’ve never been picked at all, let alone in the Top 10. Here’s one last look at some prop bets for the 2015 NFL Draft.

Who will draft Marcus Mariota?

Titans         -225

Bucs           +550

Chargers      +650

Browns        +650

Eagles         +800

This is the biggest unknown of the opening round. Oddsmakers are bullish that the Titans, despite declaring little to no love love for Mariota, will pull the trigger. Tampa could fool everyone by passing on Jameis Winston and going with the ex Duck. The Bolts might deal Phil Rivers to move up, the Browns apparently already offered up a package, and Chip Kelly is still a threat to hook his former protege. Needless to say, the drama at the top will be intense.

To be drafted first: Kicker or Punter?

Kicker        -115

Punter        -115

Draftniks aren’t enamored with either position this year, so it’s quite possible none will be drafted. That said, the 6th and 7th rounds are ideal spots to take a flyer on a footie. Portland State punter Kyle Loomis is a safe bet to hear his name called after booming 32 balls inside the 20 in 2014.

Todd Gurley draft position?

OVER/UNDER   12.5

From a pure talent perspective, Gurley is legit Top 10. However, his injury history and the overall devaluing of running backs by NFL personnel kingpins could result in him tumbling into the high teens. The Dolphins at 14, Chargers at 17, and Browns at 19 are all possible landing spots for the former Dawg.

Total SEC players drafted in 1st round?

OVER/UNDER   7.5

With at least ten SEC prospects identified as first-round worthy, the Over is the play here. It’s likely seven come off the board by pick 20.

Total defensive backs taken in 1st round?

OVER/UNDER   5.5

With monster wide receivers growing on trees, corners and safeties with size who can cover are a hot commodity. Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson, Byron Jones, Marcus Peters, Jalen Collins, Eric Rowe, Ronald Darby, and Landon Collins are all good bets to come off the board Thursday night. Not all have first-round grades, but teams are often forced to reach when they are desperate.