Betting on the NFL Draft: How to Have Fun and Profit on Draft Night
The NFL Draft isn’t just for die-hard football fans and team executives—it’s become one of the most entertaining and unique betting events of the year. Unlike traditional games, the draft offers a fresh kind of action that rewards research, timing, and a little intuition.
From betting on which player goes No. 1 overall to how many offensive linemen are selected in Round 1, the possibilities are wide open.
Let’s break down the most popular types of NFL Draft bets—and how to approach them for both fun and profit.
Popular NFL Draft Betting Markets
Here are some of the most common—and entertaining—ways to bet on the NFL Draft:
1. First Player at Each Position
Will Shedeur Sanders be the first quarterback off the board tonight? Will a surprise corner jump up draft boards? Will Abdul Carter fall in the draft? These types of bets focus on which player will be the first taken at each position, and they often offer plus-money opportunities for bettors willing to zig where the market zags.
2. Team to Draft a Specific Position
You can wager on what position each team will select with their first pick—perfect for fans who follow team needs and beat writer rumors. If you know a team’s roster inside and out, this is a great place to capitalize. If you think the Browns are taking a quarterback, this is the market for you!
3. Total Players Drafted by Position
For example: How many QBs will go in Round 1? The total might be set at 3.5, and you decide if that number is too high or too low. These bets are all about reading the trends and evaluating draft class depth.
4. Exact Player to Team
Some books will allow you to bet on specific players going to specific teams. These markets typically feature longer odds but offer great value if you’re locked in on rumors or have a strong hunch.
5. Draft Position Over/Unders
Each top prospect will have an over/under draft slot. If you think a player’s stock is rising or falling based on recent news, these markets can offer edge—especially as steam moves lines in the days leading up to draft night.
Why It’s More Than Just a Guessing Game
While the draft can be unpredictable, it’s far from a coin flip. Mock drafts, insider reports, combine results, and team interviews all provide meaningful information that can help you place sharp bets.
Staying up-to-date on draft rumors, understanding team needs, and timing your bets (especially before major news breaks) is where the real edge lies.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Fun—But It Can Be Profitable Too
At its core, betting on the NFL Draft should be fun. But with the right research and strategy, it can also be a profitable endeavor. It’s one of the few betting events where the most dialed-in fans have just as much of a shot at beating the book as the pros.
So load up the mocks, follow the buzz, and remember—the edge is real, but so is the entertainment.
Happy Drafting.