2020 NFL Draft: Best Day 2 & 3 Player Prop Bets
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The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books, and it had a little bit of everything. The SEC Conference stole the show and broke a number of first-round records. The conference’s 15 first-round draft picks shattered the previous record of 12 for a conference. They were also the first-ever conference to have two quarterbacks taken within the first five picks.
The Green Bay Packers turned back the clock and drafted their heir apparent at quarterback (Jordan Love) in almost the exact same fashion that they drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005.
Speaking of the draft having a bit of everything, did I mention it was the first-ever virtual draft? Kudos to all the teams and people behind the scenes for pulling off such an impressive feat without many hiccups.
Looking back on our previously recommended picks, there were some good and some bad. Andrew Thomas as the first offensive lineman taken cashed at +600 odds. However, Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins not going in the first round negatively impacted three separate draft bets.
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The NFL Draft resumes with Rounds 2 and 3 tonight. We will take a look at the best bets for these rounds and the rest of the weekend. All odds are courtesy of FOX Bet.
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33rd Overall Pick
Assuming the Cincinnati Bengals do not trade the first pick of the second round, they will be the team making this selection. While we may have to wait hours to see if our other bets cash, let’s get this one under our belts right off the bat.
The Bengals selected their quarterback of the future in Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick. It would be wise for them to get him some protection along the offensive line with their second pick. Such a pick would be very similar to what the Dolphins did by selecting Austin Jackson from USC after taking Tua Tagovailoa.
Oddsmakers seem to think the Bengals will take an offensive tackle, as the two players with the best odds are Josh Jones (+175) and Ezra Cleveland (+380). Cincinnati used their first-round pick last year on left tackle Jonah Williams. Thus, the lineman they take in this spot would likely be one who has more versatility to move over to right tackle or possibly even guard. That player is Josh Jones.
Considering Jonah Williams missed all of last year with a shoulder injury, Cincinnati will look to take an offensive lineman void of injury troubles. Josh Jones started 45 games at left tackle for Houston, so he is plenty durable.
Pick: Josh Jones (+175)
Jalen Hurts Draft Position (Over 55.5 -133, Under 55.5 +100)
After three quarterbacks went in the first round, it will be interesting to see what teams start looking for quarterbacks on day two — and how early they’re willing to take them.
The most likely candidates to take a quarterback in the second round are the Indianapolis Colts (No. 34 and No. 44 picks) and the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 49. The New England Patriots are another possible candidate at No. 37 after trading out of the first round, but Bill Belichick typically takes his quarterbacks later in drafts.
Jalen Hurts is seemingly competing with Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm to be the next quarterback taken. Both of his competitors are more typical pocket passers, while Hurts brings a unique running ability to his arsenal. Indianapolis and Pittsburgh both currently have pocket passers in Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, respectively. Will they continue this trend and look the way of Eason and Fromm if they are taking quarterbacks?
I have a sneaky suspicion that Jalen Hurts will end up on the Las Vegas Raiders at some point. Since they do not pick again until picks 80 and 81 in the third round, I will take the over on Hurts’ draft position. If you agree, the Raiders odds at +425 to be the team to draft Hurts are also enticing.
Pick: Over 55.5 (-133)
New York Jets to Select Offense or Defense? (Offense -350, Defense +240)
I normally do not like to lay this much juice with a bet, but the Jets to draft offense with their second pick seems all but a formality.
New York used their first-round selection (No. 11 overall) on Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton. Now it’s time to get quarterback Sam Darnold some weapons with the No. 48 overall pick. The Jets lost their biggest downfield threat in Robby Anderson last year, and they enter 2020 with Jamison Crowder and Brashad Perriman atop their depth chart.
With the 16th pick of the second round, there should still be plenty of wide receiver talent available. Clemson’s Tee Higgins and Baylor’s Denzel Mims figure to be off the board by then. However, perhaps guys like Michael Pittman Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr., Chase Claypool, or KJ Hamler will be around for the taking. In that pool of players, the Jets can find everything from big playmakers on the outside to speedy slot receivers. Either way, the Jets should come away with a nice receiver or another type of offensive weapon to help Sam Darnold’s development.
Pick: Offense (-350)
First Running Back Drafted on Day Two
Our D’Andre Swift to be the first running back drafted bet went up in smoke at the end of the first round when the Kansas City Chiefs selected Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Edwards-Helaire may not be universally thought of as a player with more upside than Swift. However, if that pick taught us anything, it’s that a player’s fit in a team’s scheme is more important than general upside.
JK Dobbins (+550) has the third-highest odds to be the first running back on Day Two, and he’s behind Swift (-400) and Jonathan Taylor (+230). When I picked Swift earlier over Taylor earlier, it was with the idea that teams would be nervous over Taylor’s fumbling problems in college.
However, a player like JK Dobbins has more and more appeal as we enter the second round. He’s a great north-south runner who can play physically between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield. He is excellent in pass protection and is tough to tackle. Though he is as not as polished of a receiver as Swift, he is certainly capable of being a team’s bell-cow back.
Look for a team like Miami at No. 39 to continue their offensive makeover and solidify the running back position. Ohio State players did very well in the first round. At odds of +550, JK Dobbins is too good to pass up, and he can certainly continue the Buckeyes’ success in the draft.
Pick: JK Dobbins (+550)
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Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.