Post-Draft Super Bowl Odds
Now that the 2014 NFL Draft is over, the march toward the upcoming season begins in earnest. While the pundits and talking heads were busy handing out pointless draft grades, oddsmakers were evaluating which teams strengthened or hurt their chances to hoist the Lombardi Trophy next February. It’s a little too early to see a dramatic shift in any one team’s number, because none of the rookies has inked a contract yet, let alone taken the field as a professional. Nevertheless, here’s a peak at the post-draft odds for several NFL franchises.
Jaguars 200/1 – Despite selecting Blake Bortles third overall and a pair of promising wide receivers, Jacksonville didn’t see their meter shift at all. This probably has more to do with the front office’s assertion that Chad Henne, not Bortles, will be the starter.
Raiders 100/1 – Khalil Mack and Derek Carr bring hope and energy to a team desperate for a heavy dose of both. Combined with a free agency haul that included Matt Schaub, LaMarr Woodley, Justin Tuck, and James Jones, and the Raiders are seeing their odds shift in a positive direction, for once.
Bills 75/1 – Apparently, Vegas didn’t think much of Buffalo’s trade-up to land Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins. He should pay dividends as a rookie, but giving up first- and fourth-round picks in 2015, and ignoring positions of need such as safety and tight end, caused the Bills odds to decline.
Vikings 50/1 – A month ago, Minnesota was sitting at 100/1 odds. After selecting pass rusher Anthony Barr and potential franchise quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the first round, the purple and gold saw that number cut in half. Bridgewater was one of the draft’s most polarizing players. If he’s truly legit, Minnesota could make a big move in 2014.
Browns 50/1 – Leave it to Cleveland to have one of those good news-bad news weekends. The arrival of Justin Gilbert and Johnny Manziel was good news. The possible season-long suspension of Josh Gordon was bad news. Not drafting a wide receiver wasn’t the definition of shrewd, either.
Rams 50/1 – On paper, St. Louis had a banner draft. Greg Robinson, Aaron Donald, Tre Mason, and Lamarcus Joyner should all see significant field time this season. Sam Bradford’s slow development and playing in the NFC West are the only things holding this team back.
Panthers 28/1 – It hasn’t been a cheery offseason for the Cats. Free agency saw an exodus of key contributors from the 12-4 2013 team, and the weekend’s draft haul left a lot to be desired. Kelvin Benjamin was the only receiver taken and the tackle position was completely ignored.
Saints 20/1 – The Saints shored up their defense in free agency and did the same on offense last Thursday night by adding dynamic wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The ex-Oregon State Beaver is a younger, faster version of Darren Sproles. Cooks gives Drew Brees another weapon certain to terrorize defenses.
Patriots 15/2 – It was a curious draft for the Pats. Dominique Easley is chock-full of talent, but his injury history is long. Jimmy Garoppolo may end up being Tom Brady’s successor, but using a second-round pick on a quarterback seems wasteful. Adding someone who can provide immediate help is a sounder strategy for a team chasing Denver in the AFC.
