Best prop bets for the NFL combine
Bettors might be paying a bit more attention to 40-yard dashes and bench press repetitions later this week at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine.
Prop bets are available to wager on as college prospects prepare for their workouts leading up to the NFL draft in April - Wonderlic test scores, three-cone times, you name it.
Here are our favorite bets:
Josh Jacobs: Over 4.5 seconds best 40-yard dash (-120)
A three-headed monster in the Alabama backfield last season featured a late surge by Jacobs, who could very well be the first player at his position taken off the board this spring. Jacobs might be limited in this drill, however, as reports surfaced Monday that the running back is dealing with a groin injury. Though it isn't considered a serious setback, it might restrict his mobility and dock a few tenths of a second on his 40.
Parris Campbell: Record fastest WR 40-yard dash (+125)
"You just want to get this guy the ball in space so he can make a play." It's an old adage that Campbell gave analysts an excuse to use every Saturday during his Ohio State career. His skill set as an overall receiver at the next level begs some questions, but his speed does not. We won't overplay the revenge angle here, but Campbell was displeased when he was left off a 2018 preseason list of fastest players in the country. With his ability to run a hand-timed 4.26, this is the chance to show off his best trait.
DK Metcalf: Under 4.5 seconds best 40-yard dash (-115)
A.J. Brown looked like the consensus No. 1 draft-eligible wide receiver in the class prior to the 2018 season. Two months out and he's not even the top product to be coming out of his program. That would be Metcalf, the Ole Miss star whose season ended prematurely following a neck injury. Don't let the 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame you; Metcalf is deceptively fast and can eat up space in a hurry. He's been timed in the mid-4.4s and should draw rave reviews during the combine for his freakish athleticism.
Elijah Holyfield: Over 22.5 bench press reps (-115)
Only four running backs at last year's combine put up more than 22 reps on the bench press in a group that averaged 17.1 over 29 participants. Holyfield figures to be one of those outliers this week. The Georgia product - who's also the son of former boxer Evander - is physically tantalizing. Much like Campbell's speed, Holyfield's strength won't be questioned this week.
Kendall Sheffield: Record fastest 40-yard dash (+120)
Sheffield might not flirt with John Ross's record time of 4.22 set in 2016, but the Buckeyes cornerback is the current chalk to blow away his position group with his 40 time. He was voted by some as the fastest player in college prior to 2018 and broke OSU's record in the 60-meter indoor dash. Instead of taking him to run the fastest time of any cornerback, pick him to lead the entire pack at plus-money.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.