Draft Betting Sites
Find our expert reviews of reputable and regulated Draft NFL betting sites. Each bookmaker has been thoroughly checked by our team with real money account.
Line shopping for competitive draft betting odds is crucial for any smart punter but security, market diversity, and withdrawal speed are just as important. The good news is there is no need for you to undertake any painstaking research on your own. SportingPedia has shortlisted 10 of the best online bookies for draft betting.
Draft Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
---|---|---|
1xBit | 2,600 | 3.5 ⭐ |
20Bet | 660 | 3.1 ⭐ |
XBet | 9 | 2.2 ⭐ |
Everygame | 48 | 1.7 ⭐ |
MyBookie | 639 | 1.5 ⭐ |
Betsson | 190 | 1.5 ⭐ |
Bovada | 956 | 1.4 ⭐ |
Bethard | 115 | 1.3 ⭐ |
888sport | 2,317 | 1.2 ⭐ |
BetWinner | 319 | 1.2 ⭐ |
Comparison of Draft Betting Sites
Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1xBit | Baseball, Football, eSports, Horse Racing, Rugby, Soccer, and 40+ other sports | 0.01 mBTC20.00 mETH9.16 mLTC | 0.21 mBTC | Varies based on account currency | Up to 7 BTC and | 40x on single and 1 mBTC min. | Yes | No official license |
888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • €30 Free Bet on First Bet | Free bets must be fully wagered | Yes | UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) |
Bovada | American Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | • $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank Transfer | • $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETH | $0.50 | • 75% Welcom Crypto Bonus up to $750 | 5x deposit + bonus (both types of Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Union of the Comoros |
BetWinner | Ice Hockey, Esports, Football, Basketball, Baseball, American Football, and 40+ other sports | $/€1 | $/€1.50 | $0.30/€0.20 | 100% first deposit bonus | Minimum deposit requirement $1.50; Wager 5 times the bonus amount in accumulator bets (100% first deposit bonus | Yes | Curacao (#8048/JAZ)) |
MyBookie | Football, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, and 30+ sports | $20 | • P2P - $100 • Bitcoin - $20• Cards - 45 | $2 | • 100% up to | • 10x rollover • 1x rollover | Yes | Curacao |
Bethard | Football, Tennis, Esports, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | N/A | 100% Bonus up to €50 | 15x deposit + bonus with min. odds 1.90 | Yes | MGA (#MGA/B2C/908/2021) |
20Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100 | • 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Curaçao (#8048/JAZ2017-067) |
Everygame | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, and 10+ other sports | $10 | $100 - $150 | $1 | • 50% Sign-up Bonus up to $200 | • 8x deposit + bonus amount at min. odds of -200 (1.5) (Sign-up Bonus) | Yes | No official license information |
Betsson | Cricket, Baseball,Basketball, Soccer, and 30 other sports | €10 | €20 | €0.10 | Welcome Package: €100 Bonus Daily Acca Insurance: €15 cashback | 8x the bonus at min. No WR on Acca | Yes | Malta Gaming Authority Swedish Gambling Danish Gambling |
XBet | Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MMA, Motor Sports, and 25+ other sports | • $45 - MasterCard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2Person | • $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25) | $1 | • 50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200 | • Min $50 Deposit; 1x Playthrough (50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200) | Yes | Curacao |
Top 10 NFL Draft Betting Sites
1xBit
Min Deposit0.01 mBTC20.00 mETH9.16 mLTCMin Withdrawal0.21 mBTCWithdrawal Time10 to 30 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support-en@1x-bit.com security@1x-bit.com Phone: N/A- One of the best crypto sportsbooks on the web
- Responsive customer support
- Massive coverage of American football
- In-play markets with good odds
- Multi-live feature
- Downloadable apps for iOS and Android devices
This crypto-friendly sportsbook ticks all the boxes when it comes to delivering a premium online betting experience. As one of the first crypto-exclusive betting sites on the web, 1xBit knows what it takes to keep punters satisfied. The sportsbook has got it all, from highly functional native apps for iOS and Android to sharp odds and lightning-fast, fee-free withdrawals.
On top of these merits, 1xBit facilitates betting on almost all sports one can imagine. Punters can group sporting events by country or filter them by time and date. Niche sports like floorball, padel, kabaddi, and pesapallo are decently represented here to the benefit of customers who prefer off-the-wall markets.
The sportsbook does incredibly well on the gridiron front, ensuring an immense versatility of markets for fans of the sport. The NFL section boasts the greatest market variety but odds are available for other leagues such as the CFL and the NCAAF.
Additionally, you can punt on indoor football games from the Indoor Football League (IFL) and the National Arena League (NAL), which comprises US franchises from the East Coast. As for draft betting, market availability depends on the time of year. Regardless, you are guaranteed to find draft markets with the approach of the Player Selection Meeting.
888sport
Bet Now ReviewLicensesUKGC (#039028-R-319297-012) MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018) Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets and Rapid Transfer - 2-3 days• Visa and ApplePay - up to 6 days• Wire transfer - 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@888sport.com Phone: N/A- A trusted, globally-recognized betting brand
- In operation since 2008
- Winner of over 50 international awards
- Intuitive UI
- A huge range of wagers and sports to bet on
- Tons of options for NFL outright betting
Part of the hugely popular 888 Holdings, 888sport went online in 2008 and quickly gained traction in the online betting community. Punters worldwide strongly favor this sportsbook as it offers a varied assortment of sports and betting lines to keep them engaged.
Registered users will benefit from a highly dynamic betting experience in a regulated environment, appealing odds, and full cross-compatibility. The sportsbook boasts a user-friendly interface and is home to thousands of sports, novelty, and political betting markets.
In-play betting opportunities are available around the clock at 888sport, with hundreds of markets on offer each day. Users can customize their experience by adjusting the odds format and selecting their preferred appearance mode (dark or light). Customers can create their own bets and combine different markets for a single event via the popular Bet Builder feature.
This well-established bookmaker leaves bettors spoiled for choice, offering them a healthy range of markets for over 30 sports. Gridiron football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and tennis are all on the menu. Underutilized sports are decently covered here, including the likes of surfing, darts, and badminton.
NFL events receive the most coverage, but lines for NCAAF, FBS, and CFL are available as well. The sportsbook provides a versatile selection of outrights, including division and conference outright winner, offensive and defensive rookie of the year, and most passing yards during the regular season.
Bovada
Min Deposit• $10 - Crypto, Player Transfer, MatchPay• $20 - Bank Cards• $50 - Direct Bank TransferMin Withdrawal• $10 - Voucher, MatchPay• $250 - Check by Courier• $1,500 - Bank Wire• $10 - All crypto except USDT and ETH• $50 - USDT and ETHWithdrawal Time• Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour• Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: service@bovada.lv Phone: N/A- In business for more than 10 years
- Takes action from the USA
- Over 700 NFL markets
- A decent range of cryptos
- Multiple options for prop bettors
- Crypto withdrawals within 24 hours
Live since 2011, Bovada has consolidated its position as the topmost online betting site for punters from the United States. The bookie boasts a rich selection of pre-match wagering options, coming strong with over 30 sports. Live betting is another specialty of Bovada where you can find solid lines with responsive live odds for a variety of in-play markets.
Punters face numerous betting options for sports like beach volleyball, golf, cricket, baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball, among others. NFL fans will be pleased to learn we found over 730 markets under the football tab while we were reviewing the sportsbook.
Bovada impresses with a particularly solid selection of props, offering options like To Make Playoffs, Stage of Elimination, Regular Season Wins, and Comeback Player of the Year. Those who follow collegiate football can bet on events from the regular season or experiment with props like the Heisman Trophy Winner.
The sportsbook supports both English and Spanish. Registrants can process payments to and from their accounts via various cryptocurrencies, cards, and bank transfers, with minimum deposits starting at $10. The only downside is you may incur additional fees with certain deposit and withdrawal methods. However, the processing costs are all clearly outlined in the payment section.
BetWinner
Min Deposit$/€1Min Withdrawal$/€1.50Withdrawal Time• Bank cards - Instant to 7 business days • MoneyGO, Kcell, Activ, Beeline, VouWallet - 15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: info-en@betwinner.com (general queries), complaints@betwinner.com (complaints), accounting@betwinner.com (finances) Phone: +442045772772- 6 odds formats
- Full and short market view
- Supports over 45 languages
- Thousands of markets each day
- A comprehensive in-game betting experience
- Over 400,000 active customers
Established in 2018, Betwinner is relatively new on the online betting scene but has already racked up over 400,000 satisfied customers from around the globe. It is among the fastest-growing online sportsbooks and rightfully so. It offers a wide range of betting markets, dozens of languages and currencies, and many flexible payment options.
Bettors can move funds to and from their balance via numerous cryptocurrencies, online banking processors, and virtual wallets. Minimum withdrawals go as low as $1.50. The operator does not impose a ceiling on the maximum winnings punters can cash out.
At Betwinner, you can find over a thousand events daily across a variety of major sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, golf, and football. The choice is satisfactory when it comes to less popular sports, with ski jumping, water polo, floorball, and curling all receiving decent coverage.
The NFL tab features hundreds of markets but punters can easily find their way around via the search bar. Filtering the events by date is also possible. The sportsbook takes action on other leagues like the CFL, IFL, and NAL. Betting on collegiate events is yet another option. As for the odds, we found them to be sharper than those we have seen at some rival sportsbooks.
MyBookie
Min Deposit$20Min Withdrawal• P2P - $100 • Bitcoin - $20• Cards - 45Withdrawal Time• Bitcoin - 24 hours• Bank Wire - 5 to 7business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive chat: YesEmail: help@mybookie.agPhone: 844-866-BETS (2387)- Robust sports betting software
- Excellent in-game betting experience
- Allows registrations from the US
- Tons of markets year-round
- Competitive lines for all major US leagues
- Fast, commission-free payouts
MyBookie is an easy-to-use betting site whose primary goal is to make sports betting more accessible and straightforward. Licensed by the Government of Curacao, the site provides soft odds and betting lines for just about every sport you can imagine. The brand is one of the biggest players in the offshore gambling industry, embracing punters from most countries, including the United States.
The company specializes in delivering the latest Vegas-style odds for major leagues like the MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC, MLS, and NFL. The lobby facilitates smooth and quick navigation, with individual tabs for the featured, upcoming, and live events. Users conveniently have all top bets at a glance.
The NFL section is loaded with plentiful betting options, offering half and quarter lines, multiple player props, totals, championship, division, and playoff odds. NCAA football lines are available as well.
As for payments, MyBookie’s cashier combines traditional banking options like Visa and Mastercard with cryptocurrencies like Litecoin and Bitcoin. We suggest you opt for the cryptos as they offer greater flexibility and allow for commission-free transactions.
Crypto withdrawals take up to 24 hours compared to other supported methods that require between 5 and 7 business days. The help section features an extensive guide on how to get started to the benefit of punters who lack experience with decentralized currencies.
Bethard
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Credit/Debit Cards - 2-5 days• E-wallets - Up to 24 hours• Trustly - Up to 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@bethard.com Phone: N/A- Reputable bookie licensed in Malta
- Available in 8 languages
- Supports fantasy sports betting
- Generous pre-match and in-play odds
- A user-friendly bet slip
- 31 sports disciplines
Bethard has been around for over a decade, operating with a license granted by the Malta Gaming Authority. It offers a wholesome range of products, including casino games, live betting, and pre-match betting at consistently great odds. The sportsbook runs on a world-leading wagering platform, courtesy of SBTech.
Punters at Bethard will benefit from mobile compatibility, useful features like the early cash out, and thousands of markets across 31 spors disciplines. They can have a flutter on anything their hearts desire, from soccer, basketball, and gridiron football to rugby and chess.
The sportsbook keeps them informed with an up-to-the-minute information panel that contains detailed statistics and match results. The in-play, upcoming, and highlighted events are posted under individual tabs for easier access. Fantasy sports and esports are also listed among the available options.
Sports fans looking for some action on gridiron football will not be disappointed by what Bethard has to offer. We spotted over 1,300 markers in the NFL section alone. Lines are offered for just about any game that takes place during the season, along with over/under totals and point spreads.
Few sportsbooks can outcompete Bethard when it comes to outrights. The sportsbook takes bets on dozens of outright markets, including Winless Season, Perfect Season, Regular Season Lowest Score, Elimination Stage, and Player Receptions.
20Bet
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - 12 hours• Cryptos - 24 hours•Credit/debit cards - 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A- Plenty of events and betting markets
- 36 language options
- Accepts USD, EUR, and CAD
- Very low minimum stakes ($0.10)
- 24/7 live chat
- A massive range of deposit and withdrawal methods
Created by a team of passionate sports wagering fans, 20Bet is a young sportsbook that began taking bets in the fall of 2020. The website is highly optimized for in-browser use on portable devices. Native apps for iOS and Android are also available for free download.
The sportsbook supports a broad selection of markets and bet types, including singles, parlays, system, and chain bets. It has close to 40 sports disciplines, ranging from alpine skiing and Gaelic hurling to fan favorites like ice hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and American football.
Some would say the interface is somewhat simplistic but this does not take away from the sportsbook’s appeal in our opinion. On the contrary, it helps with navigation and furthers the betting efficiency. Punters can sort the available events by popularity, in alphabetical order, or by country.
Since 20Bet is home to an international customer base, it caters to bettors with 6 odds formats. You can adjust the format of odds expression from the settings menu that sits right above your bet slip.
The sportsbook provides an abundance of options to football bettors and offers action for all major leagues, including the NFL, NCAAF, and CFL. Punters keen on prop betting have lots to be excited about at 20Bet, having a choice of dozens of prop markets.
Everygame
Min Deposit$10Min Withdrawal$100 - $150Withdrawal Time* Bitcoin and ecoPayz - 48 hours* Checks (the US only) - 5 business days* Bank wires - up to 15 business days* SEPA - up to 4 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: bet@everygame.eu Phone: Scheduled calls only- Pays out $50 million in winnings each month
- Sharp odds on worldwide events
- One of the first bookies to go online
- Clean and orderly design
- Detailed game results for all major sports
- Ideal for rookie punters
Everygame is a premium gambling platform committed to delivering high-quality casino gaming and sports betting. The sportsbook has been on the forefront for over 25 years and was previously known as Intertops. It takes bets from more than 180 countries, even from the United States.
The site shines when it comes to versatility as it offers more than 5,000 betting markets each day. Everygame is the go-to spot for fans of all major sports, including tennis, soccer, boxing, baseball, horse racing, basketball, and football. You can even have a flutter on the stock market and non-sporting events like the US and South African lotteries.
Apart from pre-match markets, those who join Everygame can enjoy betting on dozens of in-running events each day. You can explore the in-play section in two modes, overview and multi-view. Whatever your preference may be, you are guaranteed to enjoy your stay at Everygame.
As for gridiron football, the sportsbook has lots to offer in this department. The coverage of NCAA, CFL, and NFL is outstanding as fans can pick from numerous preseason and regular season lines, season and player prompts, and futures. All in all, football action is available year-round at Everygame.
Betsson
ReviewLicensesMalta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)Min Deposit€10Min Withdrawal€20Withdrawal TimeBank Transfer: 2 to7 daysCards: 2 to 5 daysE-Wallets: Up to 24hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsAtletico NacionalInter MilanOFI CretePremier PadelContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300- A world-class sportsbook with multiple licenses
- Live stream calendar
- Bet Builder feature for combination bets
- Early cash out and live scores
- 24/7 support via live chat, email, and callback
- A nice assortment of secure payment methods
Betsson is an award-winning gambling operator with more than 50 years of industry experience. The brand has multiple trophies on its rack, including one for Socially Responsible Sportsbook of the Year from the 2021 SBC Awards. Recognized worldwide for its trustworthiness, Betsson caters to bettors from over 120 countries.
The operator is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, including Malta, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, Argentina, and Kenya. The Betsson sportsbook ensures a pleasurable betting experience for all punters regardless of how they prefer to wager. The sportsbook takes action on approximately 30 disciplines, so you are bound to find markets to your liking.
There is outstanding coverage of all big sporting events, from the UEFA Champions League and the FIBA World Cup to the Super Bowl and Wimbledon. All major leagues from the United States are extensively covered, including the NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, UFC, and NFL.
Apart from the standard lines, spreads, and totals, NFL fans can have a pick from dozens of outright markets. The early cash out feature is available for most lines on preseason and regular season events, allowing you to settle your bets before a game is over. Other useful features registered customers can take advantage of include the Bet Builder, live streaming, statistics, and live scores.
XBet
Min Deposit• $45 - MasterCard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2PersonMin Withdrawal• $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25)Withdrawal TimeFor customers with verified accounts - within 48 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Contact Us Form Phone: 1-855-219-5809- Supports 10 cryptocurrencies
- Easy-to-use cashier
- Charges fees on bank transfer and echeck withdrawals
- Prop Builder feature
- Lines for 30 major and secondary sports
- Racebook for thoroughbred and harness horse-race wagering
Xbet is a US-friendly online bookie that boasts an intuitive interface, highly responsive customer support, and a solid selection of promotional incentives. This is a full-fledged betting site that takes action on a wide range of pre-match and in-game events across more than 30 sports. A dedicated racebook is also on offer for those looking to punt on major harness and thoroughbred horse races.
The Curacao-licensed bookie posts lines for gridiron football, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, basketball, hockey, and baseball, among others. Secondary sports are covered as well but the odds are shorter than those for the major leagues and competitions. Plenty of action is available for the CFL, NCAAF, and NFL.
Fans of the sport can enjoy a flutter on popular markets like halves, quarters, and team total points. Those looking to experiment with more advanced bets face a variety of player props and futures, including Final Standings, Coach of the Year, Super Bowl Winner, and To Make the Playoffs.
The Xbet sportsbook is quick and simple to use both on desktop and mobile devices. Here you can punt with security and confidence as the site uses advanced 256-bit encryption to protect you and your sensitive data.
The only black mark against Xbet is that withdrawals with fiat payment methods incur rather hefty processing fees. We recommend you go for one of the supported cryptocurrencies to avoid paying extra.
NFL Draft Betting Overview
NFL draft betting is the ideal opportunity for punters looking for some action during the league’s offseason. Held annually in late spring, this is one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar, along with the Super Bowl. Also known as the Player Selection Meeting, it is the league’s principal source of player recruitment, allowing each team to bring fresh talent to its roster.
Whether you are a complete novice to draft betting or a seasoned punter looking for some pointers, this is the right page for you if you plan on joining the draft action. SportingPedia has compiled a complete guide on draft betting that aims to prepare you for the next big player recruitment in the NFL. Our experts have got you covered with valuable tips and information on how to pick the best sportsbooks for draft betting.
The NFL Drafting Rules and Procedure Explained
Order of Draft Selection
The selection order depends on each franchise’s win/loss record during the previous season. Whether or not the teams have made it to the playoffs is also taken into account. The selection order is reversed.
Not counting any trades between the franchises, the team that finished with the worst record in the previous season gets to pick first during each selection round. And vice versa, the Super Bowl champions are the last to select drafts during the rounds.
Draft Slots Order
Franchises that failed to make it to the playoffs are allocated draft slots 1 through 20. The order of draft selection depends on the regular season’s standings. The worst-performing franchise is the first to select drafts, whereas the team with the highest score is assigned the twentieth slot.
The franchises that made it to the playoffs are allocated slots 21 through 32. The selection order is based on the teams’ performance during the previous year’s postseason as follows:
- Slots 21 through 24 are reserved for the four franchises disqualified during the wild card round.
- Slots 25 through 28 are taken by the four franchises disqualified during the divisional round.
- The two losing clubs in the conference championships are slotted in the 29th and 30th places.
- The franchise that ended up losing the last Super Bowl is allocated the 31st pick.
- Finally, the Super Bowl winner gets the 32nd and last draft pick during each selection round.
Tiebreaking Rules
Tiebreaker rules apply whenever several franchises end up finishing the previous season with the same record. Strength of schedule (SoS) is the primary factor taken into account, i.e. the relative difficulty of a given franchise’s schedule compared to that of its rival teams. The franchise that has recorded the worst winning percentage during its schedule receives the higher draft pick.
Things get more complicated when the teams have the same SoS record, in which case conference and divisional tiebreaking rules apply. If these rules also fail to break the tie, the following factors are taken into consideration – head-to-head winning percentage (if applicable), strength of victory (SoV), cumulative net points, and net touchdowns. A coin flip is used as a last resort when breaking ties.
Drafting Process and Timing
The annual draft unfolds over the course of three days, typically Thursday to Saturday in late April or early May. Each franchise is granted 10 minutes to have a pick during the first round. The decision time is shortened to 7 minutes per team during the second round, 5 minutes for rounds three through six, and 4 minutes for the seventh and final round.
If a club fails to reach a draft decision within the designated time, it gets to pick again but only after the next franchise on the clock has submitted its selection. In such cases, the first franchise risks having the player it was considering “stolen” by the team with the later pick.
Player Draft Eligibility
The League works closely with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and researches the backgrounds of thousands of college players every year. Players should have graduated from high school at least three years before the draft to become eligible for selection.
According to the official NFL rules, a player is also draftable if they have used up their college eligibility before the next college football season commences. It follows that all senior students who have participated in four seasons of college football are eligible for drafting.
The vast majority of NFL recruits have played football in US colleges, although some have been occasionally drafted from Canadian universities. With that said, a player is not necessarily required to attend college to become draft-eligible. Few have been recruited from other football leagues, mainly from the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the German Football League (GFL).
Compensatory Selections
Apart from the picks during the seven rounds, each franchise in the NFL is entitled to one compensatory selection for a total of 32 compensatory picks. The purpose is to fill the empty spots of the free agents that have joined other franchises after their contracts have expired.
The compensatory selections are picked toward the end of rounds three through seven. The League’s Management Council uses a special proprietary formula for the compensatory picks. The formula takes into account the salaries of the free agents, the time they have spent on the field, and their postseason accolades.
NFL Draft Bets and Markets
First Draft Pick Overall
This is the most straightforward way to punt on the NFL Draft. Here you are wagering on which player you think will get selected first in the draft. The oddsmakers set the lines on a broad field of players, ranking them based on capability and value. The lines for the First Pick Overall market typically look like those in the example below.
Player Odds of Becoming the 1st Pick at 2023 NFL Draft C. J. Stroud +225 Bryce Young +250 Will Anderson +275 Anthony Richardson +1500 Bryan Bresee +2000 Paris Johnson +2000 The greater the number, the lower the probability of the respective player becoming the first pick. Looking at the lines above, the quarterback of the Ohio State Buckeyes C.J. Stroud has the best chance of getting picked first, according to the oddsmakers.
Team’s First Drafted Player
This market is just as simple as the First Overall Pick. The only difference is you try to predict which player will be drafted first to a particular team. This is a great betting option for fans of specific teams, say the Rams or the Bucs.
When wagering on this market, it is important to consider the available players and the pick number of your favorite franchise. Another thing to contemplate is who your specific team could be targeting to improve its roster.
Position of Team’s First Drafted Player
This market entails betting on the exact position of the first player drafted by a specific franchise. It could be a quarterback, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver, tackle, etc. Some of the factors you should bear in mind are the pick number of the respective franchise, the available players, and which aspects of the team’s play bear improvement.
For example, the Atlanta Falcons could use more depth on the defensive end, so it would make sense for them to pick a middle linebacker or a cornerback first. Many sportsbooks also offer markets for the position of the second draft pick for the franchises.
Team to Draft a Player
This is another straightforward market suitable for rookie football bettors. You are wagering on which franchise will recruit a given player. This is the ideal betting option for fans who follow specific college players and admire their style.
When wagering on this market, you should also keep an eye on the odds for the First Overall Pick. If a franchise has the seventh overall pick, for instance, it would be unlikely for them to get C. J. Stroud, the most valuable player in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Draft Proposition Bets (Props)
Props comprise a broad category of wagers on the possible top picks for quarterbacks and other team positions. These wagers offer great value but are more difficult to predict correctly. Prominent examples of draft props include:
- Quarterbacks taken in round one
- Defensive linemen taken in round one
- Team to use first pick on a wide receiver
- Team to use first pick on a linebacker
- First quarterback selected
Over/Under NFL Draft Wagers
With over/under bets, oddsmakers select a value for a given market and punters must predict whether the final result would go above or below. For instance, you can bet on whether a given player will be picked over or under the specified draft position. Below is an example of an over/under line for Will Anderson, who currently plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide as an outside linebacker.
Will Anderson Draft Position 3.5 Line Over -110 Under -110 A wager on the over market will win if Anderson gets selected as the fourth pick or higher. Conversely, bets on the under market will pay out provided that the outside linebacker is drafted as the first, second, or third pick.
Interpreting NFL Draft Betting Odds
First Drafted Quarterback | |
---|---|
C. J. Stroud | -250 |
Bryce Young | +200 |
Anthony Richardson | +1500 |
Stroud is the clear favorite in the example above, so winning bets on him would return less than the amount wagered. Richardson is the longshot on this market and a $100 wager on him could earn you $1,500 in total.
Related Topics
NFL Draft Betting FAQ
What is an NFL mock draft?
Mock drafts are simulated trial drafts that reflect the expectations and opinions of football fans about how their favorite NFL franchises should look. Franchise executives carry out these trials to prepare for the actual draft. The simulations enable them to gain a perspective on the public opinion and better assess the profitability of eligible players. You can make mock picks for your favorite teams by using one of the many NFL draft simulators available on the internet.
Can I legally wager on the NFL Draft?
Draft betting is legal in many countries, including in many US states, but there are still some exceptions to the general rule. We recommend you consult with the legislation of your specific jurisdiction to ensure you are not violating any laws. You also have to cover the minimum age requirements (18 or 21 years old) to legally wager on the NFL draft.
How can I wager responsibly at draft betting sites?
All sportsbooks we have shortlisted for you provide a range of responsible gambling tools to prevent punters from overspending and help them keep their betting under control. Customers can set their own boundaries by imposing custom limits on their daily, weekly, and monthly deposits. Reality checks, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion are also at the disposal of online bettors.
Do college players who won the Heisman Trophy get picked first?
While Heisman winners are not necessarily always the first pick, they stand rather decent chances of being drafted during the first round. Out of 85 players who have won the prestigious trophy, 58 have been drafted in the first round. As many as 23 of them were picked as the first overall selection, while 39 were drafted in the top five selections.
Who was the first overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Travon Walker was drafted first overall during the 2022 Player Selection Meeting, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from April 28 to April 30. Walker played as a defensive end in Georgia before the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him first overall as their new outside linebacker. Aidan Hutchinson was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions. The Houston Texans chose Louisiana’s Derek Stringley Jr. as the third overall pick.