You Can Bet On It: The 2022 NFL Draft
The 2022 NFL Draft starts today in Las Vegas.
Note: I'll be attending and will post a daily report here at Pointspreads.ca.
Spreads.ca offers several wagering options on the draft, which based on history, has a high predictive value. Teams rarely deviate from projection, so for astute draft followers, there's money to be made on these props and exotics.
Here's an example of the wagering menu at Spreads.ca – which is on the first quarterback to be selected in the 2022 NFL Draft:
You can also wager on draft positions, first wide receiver taken, first running back taken, the first pick, the second pick, and many more options.
So, where to begin so far as analyzing the possible wagers? Mock drafts are an excellent source. Here's the mock draft posted at CBS Sports:
NFL DRAFT: ROUND 1
Round 1 - Pick 1
Evan Neal OL ALABAMA • JR • 6'7" / 337 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Jacksonville
PROSPECT RNK 2nd
POSITION RNK 1st Neal has played guard and right tackle through his career. It is all about putting the five best players on the field to protect QB Lawrence and allow him the comfort that he did not receive last season.
Round 1 - Pick 2
Kayvon Thibodeaux EDGE OREGON • SOPH • 6'4" / 254 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Detroit
PROSPECT RNK 6th
POSITION RNK 2nd Detroit does not really need an offensive lineman here and may be gun shy going back to the cornerback well after Jeff Okudah. I am investing in a premier position like edge rusher and the best in this class based on film is Thibodeaux. I have not been sitting in the interviews with him so I can not speak to the issue at hand, but I like the player and what he could become in the NFL opposite Romeo Okwara.
Round 1 - Pick 3
Ikem Ekwonu OL NC STATE • SOPH • 6'4" / 310 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Houston
PROSPECT RNK 10th
POSITION RNK 4th The franchise has made the decision to give Davis Mills a year to prove himself. It would serve no one to surround him with a flawed supporting cast incapable of giving him a fair shot at proving whether or not he was capable. If the team upgrades the offensive line and he does not work out, then pick a quarterback next year and you'll still have that offensive lineman to block. It is difficult to envision Laremy Tunsil on the roster next year under his current contract.
Round 1 - Pick 4
Ahmad Gardner CB CINCINNATI • JR • 6'3" / 190 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK 3rd
POSITION RNK 1st Cornerback is a premier position to me and, despite signing D.J. Reed, I think that is an area of the roster that could be elevated. With this particular draft class, I have been saying that I wish I could start my rankings at about No. 5 overall because I do not see a No. 1 overall prospect in this class. With that being said, Gardner is my top-rated prospect.
Round 1 - Pick 5
Derek Stingley Jr. CB LSU • JR • 6'0" / 195 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK 5th
POSITION RNK 2nd If James Bradberry is gone, then New York can ill afford to miss on Gardner and Stingley. It is a risky proposition because you essentially know that the franchise is going to miss on an offensive tackle if Carolina does not take a quarterback. A sacrifice has to be made but it is the right decision.
Round 1 - Pick 6
Charles Cross OL MISSISSIPPI STATE • SOPH • 6'5" / 307 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Carolina
PROSPECT RNK 8th
POSITION RNK 2nd Carolina can trade for Baker Mayfield if it pleases but no quarterback is going to be successful under the current structure. The Panthers need to upgrade the offensive line and Cross would allow for some hope at the quarterback position. I would rather take my chances this season and enter the quarterback market next year if it does not work out. Sam Darnold and Mayfield would both be off the books and the franchise would be starting clean. It is important to note that my job is not on the line with this pick, though. Panthers leadership will probably be motivated by what can help them the most this season.
From Chicago Bears Round 1 - Pick 7
Travon Walker DL GEORGIA • JR • 6'5" / 272 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Giants
PROSPECT RNK 13th
POSITION RNK 1st Upon missing out on the offensive tackles, the Giants take a second player at a premier position. An elite edge rusher has evaded the Giants since Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora. Walker is not that player walking in the door but he is a high floor run-stopper initially with the potential to develop into more of a threat as a pass-rusher. He should be able to win with speed and power early in his career until he figures out the rest.
Round 1 - Pick 8
Garrett Wilson WR OHIO STATE • JR • 6'0" / 183 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Atlanta
PROSPECT RNK 7th
POSITION RNK 1st The Falcons need playmakers and Wilson gives them something a little different than what they already have in Kyle Pitts, who was used more detached than he was as a traditional tight end. Wilson is my top-rated wide receiver because of his elite body control down the field.
From Denver Broncos Round 1 - Pick 9
Aidan Hutchinson EDGE MICHIGAN • SR • 6'7" / 260 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Seattle
PROSPECT RNK 1st
POSITION RNK 1st A surprising fall leaves Hutchinson available for Seattle at No. 9 overall. His production in college was fantastic and his floor as a well-rounded player suggests that he is not going to be a bust. The concern is his arm length and how opposing offensive linemen will be able to dictate movement at the next level.
From Seattle Seahawks Round 1 - Pick 10
Jameson Williams WR ALABAMA • JR • 6'2" / 179 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM N.Y. Jets
PROSPECT RNK 11th
POSITION RNK 2nd Williams was trending toward becoming the top wide receiver prospect prior to his injury. His road to recovery has gone well to this day and that could lead to an early return. I value the Alabama product in this spot to complement Elijah Moore.
Round 1 - Pick 11
Kyle Hamilton S NOTRE DAME • JR • 6'4" / 220 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Washington
PROSPECT RNK 4th
POSITION RNK 1st Hamilton is not a perfect prospect but he is a unique combination of size and speed. He can erase tight ends in the NFL and play downhill with force. His awareness and football IQ will endear himself to coaching and some of that leadership was missed on that side of the ball last season.
Round 1 - Pick 12
Jermaine Johnson II EDGE FLORIDA STATE • SR • 6'5" / 254 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Minnesota
PROSPECT RNK 19th
POSITION RNK 3rd I would have loved to get a cornerback in this spot but I think there is a significant drop from Gardner and Stingley to the next group. Despite signing Za'Darius Smith, Minnesota drafts a premier position to form a great rotation of talent while instilling some insurance in the event that either Danielle Hunter or Smith are moved in the next few years.
Round 1 - Pick 13
Jordan Davis DL GEORGIA • SR • 6'6" / 341 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Houston
PROSPECT RNK 17th
POSITION RNK 2nd How much does a nose tackle impact a rebuilding team? It did little for Carolina and I can understand that argument. However, when exploring the prospects that are different from others, Davis is unique. Could he be a Vince Wilfork like New England had early in Bill Belichick's Patriots days?
Round 1 - Pick 14
George Karlaftis EDGE PURDUE • JR • 6'4" / 266 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Baltimore
PROSPECT RNK 26th
POSITION RNK 4th Karlaftis is one of the more volatile prospects in this class. Opinions are all over the board. I value his talent here and believe that he would be a great complement to Odafe Oweh; speed on one side and power on the opposite.
Round 1 - Pick 15
Tyler Linderbaum OL IOWA • JR • 6'2" / 296 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK 9th
POSITION RNK 3rd Landon Dickerson was a center at Alabama but he also showed growth at guard this season. The idea that Linderbaum, who I value as a top-10 prospect in this class, could come in and sit a year is not a negative to me. There is no better resource for a rookie offensive lineman coming into the league than Jason Kelce. The devoted Eagle plays out his final season and walks off into the sunset knowing that he left a legacy.
From Philadelphia Eagles Round 1 - Pick 16
Trevor Penning OL NORTHERN IOWA • JR • 6'7" / 321 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM New Orleans
PROSPECT RNK 35th
POSITION RNK 8th Terron Armstead was signed by the Dolphins in free agency. They could give James Hurst or Landon Young a shot at the position but off-season actions suggest that they are looking to be competitive this season. Penning theoretically gives the franchise a higher ceiling at left tackle
Round 1 - Pick 17
Chris Olave WR OHIO STATE • SR • 6'0" / 187 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM L.A. Chargers
PROSPECT RNK 29th
POSITION RNK 5th I walked into the Chargers' war room and locked the door behind me. The idea of adding a third wide receiver of Olave's caliber excites me. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Olave give Justin Herbert one of the best receiver rooms in the league and gives them more salary cap flexibility into the future.
From New Orleans Saints Round 1 - Pick 18
Drake London WR USC • JR • 6'4" / 219 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Philadelphia
PROSPECT RNK 12th
POSITION RNK 3rd London offers Philadelphia something a little different than what it currently has on the roster. In an offense that leans on the run game, I like the idea of having a big slot like London who can impede pursuers in space. He is going to be able to use his body to wall off defenders and make plays at the sticks.
From Philadelphia Eagles Round 1 - Pick 19
George Pickens WR GEORGIA • JR • 6'3" / 195 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM New Orleans
PROSPECT RNK 32nd
POSITION RNK 6th There has been some conversation in media circles that Pickens has not exactly nailed his pre-draft interviews. At the same time, I saw a player that suffered a torn ACL in March and could have sat out the 2021 season in entirety without anyone blaming him. Instead, he returned to the field in November and was a part of his team's march to a national championship. His talent is in line with a player who should be taken inside the top 20.
Round 1 - Pick 20
Malik Willis QB LIBERTY • JR • 6'1" / 219 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Pittsburgh
PROSPECT RNK 23rd
POSITION RNK 1st I would not trade up for a quarterback in this class because I do not have that level of conviction with any of them. Therefore, Pittsburgh, who has a roster that could justifiably plug and play a rookie, stays put and still lands a player with upside. The AFC North suddenly features Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and Willis.
Round 1 - Pick 21
Kaiir Elam CB FLORIDA • JR • 6'2" / 191 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM New England
PROSPECT RNK 36th
POSITION RNK 6th New England has been drained of secondary talent over the past few years. Knowing Bill Belichick and his inclination to have depth and versatility in that unit, it would make sense to add a player or two early. Elam is a big-bodied cornerback who offers man-coverage capability, which has been critical to that scheme. I am higher on him than most others.
From Las Vegas Raiders Round 1 - Pick 22
Treylon Burks WR ARKANSAS • JR • 6'2" / 225 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK 15th
POSITION RNK 4th I look at Green Bay's wide receiver room as a clean slate right now. There really is no one who should preclude them from taking a player like Burks. I would have preferred Olave but he was gone. Burks is a big-bodied wide receiver who can serve as a big slot blocking in a wide-zone scheme.
Round 1 - Pick 23
Drake Jackson LB USC • JR • 6'3" / 254 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Arizona
PROSPECT RNK 72nd
POSITION RNK 8th Jackson being back in the first round will come as a surprise to many. My biggest question with him is whether or not the weight fluctuation is a problem or a byproduct of him doing what is asked of him. If it is the latter, then I am buying that stock. He has great size and the ability to bend around the edge. USC did not use him to his potential and any team that asks him to focus on working upfield will reap the rewards of its investment. He has 34-inch arms and only recently turned 21.
Round 1 - Pick 24
Zion Johnson OL BOSTON COLLEGE • SR • 6'3" / 312 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Dallas
PROSPECT RNK 33rd
POSITION RNK 7th Initially, I had Nakobe Dean in this spot for the Cowboys. The thunder-and-lightning combination of Micah Parsons and Dean excites me. However, from a roster-building standpoint, it would be easier to find linebackers on Day Two than it would be to find offensive linemen. The success of an offense begins with the offensive line so I want to ensure that unit is one of the best in the league.
Round 1 - Pick 25
Kyler Gordon CB WASHINGTON • SOPH • 6'0" / 194 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Buffalo
PROSPECT RNK 39th
POSITION RNK 7th As with Burks, people had expectations for Gordon at the NFL combine that were not met. The enthusiasm many had for him disappeared but the reaction was overblown. He was a solid performer that is no less of a player. Buffalo adds another cornerback opposite Tre White.
Round 1 - Pick 26
Kenyon Green OL TEXAS A&M • JR • 6'4" / 323 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Tennessee
PROSPECT RNK 27th
POSITION RNK 6th The running game is the bread and butter of Tennessee's offense. The Titans need a strong offensive line to be successful and Green certainly upgrades that unit following the loss of Rodger Saffold
.Round 1 - Pick 27
Jalen Pitre S BAYLOR • SR • 5'11" / 198 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Tampa Bay
PROSPECT RNK 37th
POSITION RNK 4th Tampa Bay has few needs for the upcoming season. Adding a defensive back with versatility and great instincts that lead him to being around the ball constantly is an easy decision for the Buccaneers. He can play in the slot or safety.
Round 1 - Pick 28
Devonte Wyatt DL GEORGIA • SR • 6'3" / 307 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Green Bay
PROSPECT RNK 28th
Green Bay upgrades the defensive line by selecting Wyatt. The Pack are creating bully ball with Kenny Clark, Jarran Reed, Dean Lowry and now Wyatt.
Miami Dolphins Round 1 - Pick 29
Boye Mafe DL MINNESOTA • SR • 6'4" / 265 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK 24th
POSITION RNK 3rdI love Mafe and believe that he is undersold in his ability to drop into coverage or seal the edge. Although an older prospect, he is a well-rounded player who will be able to step into that role vacated by Melvin Ingram.
Round 1 - Pick 30
Trent McDuffie CB WASHINGTON • SOPH • 5'11" / 193 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Kansas City
PROSPECT RNK 22nd
POSITION RNK 4thMcDuffie being available this late in the first round may come as a surprise to some but I do not think it is the stretch that the public is led to believe. NFL teams have guardrails to minimize risk and the Washington product's below-average arm length is not going to be everyone's cup of tea in the first round.
Round 1 - Pick 31
Logan Hall DL HOUSTON • JR • 6'6" / 282 LBS
PROJECTED TEAM Cincinnati
PROSPECT RNK 40th
POSITION RNK 5th Cincinnati cycled through its defensive line depth last season. I could see the Bengals wanting to keep that depth in the future. Hall adds a different dynamic as a long penetrator who can create pressure from the interior. The ability of Trey Hendrickson, Sam Hubbard and Hall spreads the protection thin.
From Los Angeles Rams Round 1 - Pick 32
Lewis Cine S GEORGIA • JR • 6'2" / 199 LBS
