NFL Draft bets: NFC North betting odds for each team's first pick
As the NFL Draft inches closer at the tail end of this month, we're going division-by-division, breaking down the betting odds for the position of each team's first pick.
Today, we look to the NFC North, who sportsbooks have offered just two teams. The Chicago Bears are drafting first, and all but certainly are grabbing Caleb Williams. Books have also been wary of allowing us to bet on the Minnesota Vikings, who seem like a team trying to move up in the draft to nab a QB. As such, we're left with Detroit and Green Bay.
Odds are courtesy of DraftKings.
Position of 1st Drafted Player: NFC North edition
Detroit Lions
The favorites:
- Cornerback (+135)
- Offensive Lineman (+275)
- Defensive Line/EDGE (+300)
Corner and defensive line both seem like popular mock draft positions for the Detroit Lions at No. 29 in this year's draft, but we're going off the top three and instead turning to the offensive side of the football.
Wide receiver being the pick at +350 seems to be a strong value spot worth grabbing. Detroit is in an enviable position here where they could really look to turn what is already an explosive offense to the next level. They already have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jameson Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs, but add on another dynamic and versatile WR to this group, and they could put up even more points than they did last season.
This offseason, the team let go of Josh Reynolds, who had become one of Jared Goff's most trusted options by season's end. There's a starting WR job up for grabs, and Jameson Williams has yet to show he can take on that role. After the star receivers at the top of this class, there seems to be the vibe that many strong WR options can be taken on Day Two.
At the tail end of the first round, the Lions can get out ahead of the party and nab the best of the rest as the first night closes up, especially with teams behind them like Kansas City likely in the market for a WR.
Our choice: Wide Receiver (+350)
Green Bay Packers
The favorites:
- Offensive Lineman (-120)
- Cornerback (+150)
- Defensive Line/EDGE (+550)
The Green Bay Packers find themselves in an incredibly strong position heading into 2024, as they've seemingly done the "transition to another stud QB without any concerns" thing. Jordan Love looked great by season's end, and he's on an affordable deal surrounded by young offensive talent on their rookie contracts and a strong defense.
It's a boring suggestion, but offensive line seems like the right spot to go here in the mid-20s for Green Bay. Protecting Love moving forward has to be the top priority, and the Packers aren't overflowing with no-doubt-about-it OL talent. Left tackle seems like a quietly big need, as does the interior offensive line.
Don't be surprised if Green Bay trades down should a run on OL go before they're on the clock, but if they stand pat, it's the move that makes the most sense to us here.
Our choice: Offensive Lineman (-120)
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