Predictions for the first round of  the 2022 NFL Draft

Spring is in the air, as are a sea of boos for Roger Goodell. That can only mean one thing: it's NFL Draft Time!

Each year, 124 NCAA colleges hope to send a handful of players to fulfill their NFL dreams. This year’s NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday, April 28, and runs through Saturday, April 30. As this year’s batch of draftees await their phone calls, we're taking the time to look at the 2022 NFL Draft and see how we, too, can get our 2022 season off to a strong start. In searching for a wager or two, we found three interesting draft day prop bets that deserve your attention and a possible play. 

And the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft is . . .

The first overall pick (and currently getting all the money in Vegas) is between Aidan Hutchinson and Travon Walker. Their highlight films and praise have been all over on the NFL and ESPN Networks and an extensive list of football YouTube shows and podcasts. These two exceptional men have won every award in college and jump off the screen as the best players on the defensive line.

We are going to go with Hutchinson because Jacksonville flat-out needs him. The sportsbooks show the disparity in the betting line is huge. If you're betting on Aidan Hutchinson becoming the overall 1st pick of the 2022 NFL draft, you have to lay – 200 to win $100. If you go the other way and bet on Travon Walker, the betting line is +190. If you bet $100 on him to be the first overall pick and win, you will collect $190 plus you $100. 

As with every possible wager, the numbers tell a story and this one is no different.

Hutchinson finished his last season as a Wolverine and is graduating this year from the University of Michigan. Meanwhile, Walker is coming out for the draft after his junior year as a Bulldog for the University of Georgia. Aidan Hutchinson's record shows that there is a reason to stay in school for your fourth year: Hutchinson made a total of 155 tackles, 84 of which were solo tackles. By comparison, Walker made 65 total tackles in three years, with 34 of them being solos. Additionally, Hutchinson is already an award-winning player with a trophy case that includes Ted Hendricks, Lombardi, Lott IMPACT, and 2021 Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year awards, not to mention he's been a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. We say lay the – 200 and win 50% of your investment.

NFL Draft Values

The second free winner for the draft is the over / under on the total number of running backs being picked in the first round. The line is ½ at all of the top online sportsbooks. All we need is one running back picked to win. Last year, we had the same wager and won with Najee Harris being drafted #1 by the Steelers. There have been a total of four running backs selected in the first round over the past three drafts, with one in 2019 and 2020 and two last year.

After breaking down all 32 teams, the only team to really need a #1 running back is the Buffalo Bills, who hold the 25th overall pick. In the off-season, Buffalo signed Von Miller from the Rams. With him locked in for the next six years, Miller is expected to bring continuity, execution, and leadership into the Bills locker room and, by extension, onto the field. Miller helped lead Denver and LA to the Big Game and in the process won two Super Bowl rings. Buffalo clearly sees him being a large part in their journey to Arizona. With a star defensive player in tow, with six other free agents signed in the off season, Buffalo is ready to roll. The reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Iowa's Bryce Hall, would fit well with any team and would most likely start for Buffalo. The Bills are only missing a quality running back, to make the road to the Super Bowl go thru Buffalo. 

Our third wager for the draft is the over / under number of QBs drafted in the 1st round. The number is 2.5. With Baker Mayfield lurking out there, we will wait to see what happens these next 36 hours before plunking down our hard earned cash. It's hard to believe that three QBs won't be taken in the first round, despite the belief that this quarterback class is weak compared to prior years. Carolina, Washington, Detroit and Pittsburgh are all on the clock for a franchise QB. Pitt's Kenny Pickett and Liberty's Malik Willis are pretty much locks to go in the first round. The question is, with quality starting quarterbacks still available, will other teams reach out for a Matt Carroll, Sam Howell or Desmond Ridder? 

Howard Schwartz has been providing betting insights for over a decade on Facebook. Check out his social media group for more betting tips and NFL wagering advice.