2015 NFL Draft Prop Bets
The 2015 NFL Draft gets underway at 8pm on Thursday night in the not-so familiar confines of Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. This marks the first time in 50 years that pro football’s annual cattle call will be held outside of New York City. Disgruntled Jets fans will be replaced with perturbed Bears fans, and shots of the Empire State Building will be swapped out for the Sears Tower. If recent history is any indication, the first round should be chock-full of action and intrigue. The consensus thinking is that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will be selected number one overall by Tampa. After that, things get very interesting with Tennessee’s number two pick. A handful of teams have been linked to potential trades involving the Titans’ pick and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. What, if anything, transpires remains to be seen. But that hasn’t stopped Vegas from releasing a bevy of prop pets to consider. Here’s a few worth pondering.
Who will be the No. 2 selection?
Marcus Mariota 1/5
Dante Fowler Jr. 15/2
Leonard Williams 3/1
Jameis Winston 12/1
The Field 9/1
Oddmakers are far from convinced that Tennessee is going to pass up a prospect as skilled at Mariota. Does anyone really believe Zach Mettenberger is the apple of Ken Whisenhunt’s eye? If they do go away from QB, stud defensive tackle Leonard Williams is the pick here.
How many RBs will be taken in the first round?
OVER/UNDER 1.5
The 2012 terrible trio of Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, and David Wilson were the last runners tabbed in the opening round. No wonder 2013 and 2014 saw none come off the board until Round 2. Todd Gurley is a legit, albeit injury-prone, Top 15 talent. And Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon could shine in the right situation (cough, Dallas). Neither may hear their named called early, but both should be gone before Day 2.
How many WRs will be taken in the first round?
OVER/UNDER 5.5
Oh, how the times have changed. Big, fast, imposing wide receivers are all the rage on Draft night. Just look at the 2014 first-rounders: Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, and Kelvin Benjamin. Those five accounted for 42 receiving scores a season ago. Kevin White, Amari Cooper, Breshad Perriman, DeVante Parker, and Phillip Dorsett all have first-round grades in 2015. And at least three other pass catchers could sneak into the first round.
Will Adrian Peterson be traded before the final pick of the Draft?
YES +200
NO -300
Arizona and Dallas have been pegged by media types as two teams interested in acquiring Peterson. However, the Vikings are insisting they have no plans to ship him elsewhere. Besides, there are better draft options available for RB-needy teams, if for no other reason than to avoid the PR baggage AP brings strapped to his back.
Where will Dante Fowler be drafted?
OVER/UNDER 3.5
His stats aren’t overwhelming, but put on the game tape and witness a disruptive difference-maker along the same lines as 2014 Top 5 pick Khalil Mack. Ignore all the hullabaloo surrounding Winston and Mariota. Fowler may end up being the “safest” bet at the top of the 2015 Draft.
