NFL Draft bets: AFC South teams' first pick odds
The NFL Draft is fast approaching, with the first round set for Thursday night. We've covered most of the divisions and their respective teams' drafting needs, and our penultimate feature is the AFC South.
We have just two teams available to bet on in this market for this division. Indianapolis is all but sure to grab themselves a quarterback first, which can explain why they're not offered. As for Houston, the assumption is that they go QB, but reports have suggested they go defensive line with their first of two first rounders. Either way, the market is unavailable, so it's not even worth digging into what the Texans end up doing.
That leaves two. Odds are courtesy of DraftKings.
Tennessee Titans, pick No. 11
- Offensive lineman (-115)
- Quarterback (+115)
- Defensive lineman (+700)
- Wide receiver (+800)
We broke down the Titans and their draft rumors a few weeks back as smoke continues to swirl around Tennessee trying to move up in the draft. Any trade up would assuredly be for a quarterback, and it's here we're focused for the Titans this week.
Ryan Tannehill is not a long-term answer, and with a new QB likely heading to Indy and Houston, and Trevor Lawrence in place in Jacksonville, Tennessee is set to fall behind the rest of the division.
At No. 11, Tennessee should be able to operate a move up the draft if they're sold on a passer like CJ Stroud and he starts to slip. One possibility consistently floated out for the Titans is Tennessee Volunteer QB Hendon Hooker. Hooker is older than most prospects, 25, and is recovering from a torn ACL, but if the Titans believe in his ability it may be time to add a passer to the team.
O-line makes sense as well should they strike out on one of these QBs, and after trading AJ Brown there still is a need for another pass-catcher. Ultimately, we're buying the rumors and excited to see if Tennessee shakes up this draft Thursday night.
The pick: Quarterback (+115)
Jacksonville Jaguars, pick No. 24
- Cornerback (+120)
- Defensive lineman (+250)
- Offensive lineman (+300)
- Tight end (+750)
The Jaguars had themselves a great 2022, winning a home playoff game, and they look poised to lead this division in 2023. It's quite the turnaround for a team that selected first last season, and we actually like them to double-dip on what they topped the draft with a year ago: EDGE rusher.
Travon Walker was the top overall pick last year, a surprise to many, and his rookie season left something to be desired. For Jacksonville to get over the hump in this loaded conference, they have to disrupt the quarterback.
No one knows the impact of that like head coach Doug Pederson, who saw a menacing Eagles defensive line play a massive part in his Super Bowl win in 2018. If Pederson has any say here, we wouldn't be surprised if he's asking for more reinforcements along the defensive line.
This is right around when the second batch of defensive linemen are expected to begin coming off the board, and we love the value here.
The pick: Defensive lineman (+250)
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