2021 NFL Draft position totals: Wide receivers gaining traction
One of the most popular markets to bet during the NFL draft is Round 1 position totals. The objective is simple: Oddsmakers set a number on how many prospects at a certain position (quarterback, running back, etc.) will be off the board in the first round, and bettors choose the over or under.
Here, we'll dive into the various positions offered.
Wide receivers - 5.5
Over: +100
Under: -120
Locks: Ja'Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle
All the talk's been centered around the top-tier receivers, but the back half of Round 1 is an absolute gold mine for value. Elijah Moore, Rashod Bateman, Kadarius Toney, Terrace Marshall, and Rondale Moore are all solid consolation prizes for franchises selecting a bit later.
The over is the play in this category.
Running backs - 1.5
Over: +215
Under: -265
Locks: None
Nobody wants a running back in the first round. Only five have gone off the board the last three years combined, and four of them were at pick No. 24 or later.
Alabama's Najee Harris is favored to be the first running back selected Thursday. His draft spot is currently 25.5, with the over priced at -140.
Unless a team falls in love with another back such as Travis Etienne or Javonte Williams, the under's a safe bet.
Offensive linemen - 6
Over: -220
Under: +175
Locks: Penei Sewell, Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-Tucker
Christian Darrisaw and Teven Jenkins are more than likely coming off the board, too, meaning one more offensive linemen gets over bettors to at least a push.
Jalen Mayfield, Landon Dickerson, and Samuel Cosmi are all first-round candidates who can nudge this one past the total.
Linebackers - 4.5
Over: +130
Under: -160
Locks: Micah Parsons, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
There's loads of uncertainty surrounding the linebacker position ahead of Thursday. Jamin Davis and Zaven Collins are trending up, but Azeez Ojulari - who's in and out of the first round in updated mocks - could be the deciding factor.
Cornerbacks - 4.5
Over: -130
Under: +100
Locks: Patrick Surtain II, Jaycee Horn, Caleb Farley, Greg Newsome
The over looks like a nice play on paper with four virtual locks to go Round 1, but does the fifth corner get there? There are plenty of candidates - Asante Samuel Jr., Kelvin Joseph, and Tyson Campbell - but no one is etched in stone to go Thursday.
Defensive linemen - 3.5
Over: -170
Under: +140
Locks: Kwity Paye, Gregory Rousseau, Jaelen Phillips
The edge rushers will need to carry the load here because the crop of interior linemen is a bit weak. Over bettors should be in good shape considering the premium that teams place on players who can get after the quarterback.
Joe Tryon or Jayson Oweh could potentially be the fourth off the board Thursday.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.