NFL After the Combine

It’s not that long until the 2024 NFL Draft (Apr. 25th-27th in Detroit), signifying the unofficial start of another season (though the free-agency period begins March 13th). 

The annual NFL Scoring Combine in Indianapolis has turned into a huge event in the past number of years, so no surprise its aftermath has affected the wagering markets at the draft. 

Now that the poking and prodding is complete, how did it impact the prospects of the prospects? 

Drama at One?

Southern Cal quarterback Caleb Williams did not participate at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, but instead talked to some teams with a top-10 pick in the draft. One of those teams was the Chicago Bears, who are currently on the clock at No. 1.

If you’re a fan/believer in the Windy City, Chicago is 35-1 (+3500) to win it all next season in New Orleans, according to Super Bowl LIX odds.

It’s been widely assumed that the Bears would select Williams atop the draft, but nothing’s official until his name is called by commissioner Roger Goodell. Williams still has prohibitive odds at -1100 to be the choice, but there is some movement below him. 

Louisiana St. quarterback Jayden Daniels is the second choice at 15-2 (+750), ahead of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye (17-2 [+850]). 

Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy, leading the Wolverines to the national championship last season, is now at 28-1 (+2800), while Ohio St.’s standout wideout Marvin Harrison is the shortest non-quarterback proposition (14-1 [+1400]). 

In other words, expect a quarterback to be the top pick, but things can always change in the six weeks leading to the draft. 

First Non-Quarterback Drafted 

Well, since Ohio. St. Buckeye wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. had the lowest odds among non-quarterbacks to be the first overall selection in the draft, he’s thus the well-backed favorite in the restricted category of ‘first non-quarterback’ off the board. Harrison is listed at -650, as per NFL draft odds, so not much risk/reward payoff to be had there. 

Harrison is a game-breaking wideout, meaning teams could actually leapfrog the draft board in order to select him. That’s not to suggest another position won’t be chosen, with some prices to be had if such a scenario does indeed happen.

The second choice in this category is Louisiana St. wide receiver Malik Nabers at 7-1 (+700), while Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt is listed at 8-1 (+800). The defensive side of the ball finds Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner sitting at 14-1 (+1400).

Watch the Board

As was mentioned, the league’s free-agency period hasn’t begun, so still plenty of player movement before the draft. There will also be some great betting markets regarding specific picks in the draft.

Do not forget the inevitable trades, right through the three days of the draft. Shift the draft order at some point is a given, so it’s imperative to keep abreast of the latest news.  

If you’re successful in getting into the heads of the NFL personnel in the war rooms, there’s a fat payday to be had. In the meantime, do your homework assignment.

See Also

NFL After the Combine