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Caveman’s NFL Draft Manifesto

Below is a selection of bets that I have found for the upcoming NFL draft. These range from likely plays that have been carefully researched above the odds long shots that make sense for teams. I will give a brief synopsis about why I like the bet and the best odds that I have found for each selection.


First Non-Quarterback Drafted, Kyle Pitts TE Florida $1.55 Bet365

Kyle Pitts is an elite blue-chip prospect. Pitts is my #2 player in this draft, and the only reason he will fall is that teams are valuing the Quarterback position ahead of him. With the top 3 picks almost certainly QB orientated, I have Pitts selected at #4 to the Atlanta Falcons. Now the Falcons could surprise everyone and take a quarterback, or they could trade out of the position with another team that covets one of the quarterbacks. If either of these happens, then the Bengals will almost certainly take Pitts as he both fills a need for them and is the top-rated prospect on their draft board. The Bengals have effectively come out and said their draft board has Pitts above Sewell and Chase.


First Running Back Drafted, Najee Harris RB Alabama $1.65 Topsport.

Three running backs could get drafted in the first round, but only one of them has a prototypical #1 RB running style and pedigree. Harris was brilliant last season at Alabama and has shown that he is just as capable of catching passes as he is taking handoffs. The unique trait that sets Harris apart from the other top running back prospects is his poise when pass blocking. This means Harris could be a three-down running back from week one this season. Several teams would love to have him on their roster, picking in the 18-24 range.


Rashod Bateman Draft Position, Under 28.5 $1.87 Sportsbet

Rashod Bateman is a very accomplished wide receiver who took a starring role in the college game. Bateman has excellent size, speed and strength and the traits to succeed in the NFL. Unlike many other wide receivers in this class, Bateman will be more suited to the outside than the slot, which should make him a sought-after commodity in the draft. Bateman had a terrific pro day and is currently flying up draft boards. There are plenty of teams that could draft him, but I can’t see him falling past the Ravens at #27, where he would be a perfect fit if still on the board.

First Wide Receiver, First Running Back, First Offensive lineman Drafted, Ja’Marr Chase, Najee Harris, Penei Sewell $2.00 Sportsbet “BEST BET”

This one is straight forward. All 3 of these players are the best prospect in their position in the draft and expected to be the first ones drafted. Chase is far and above the best wide receiver prospect in the draft and will be off the board no later than pick 6. Najee Harris was incredible at Alabama in both the ground and receiving games. There are several great fits for Harris who could potentially be the only running back drafted in the first round. Penei Sewell is predicted to go to the Bengals at pick 5, but if he does fall it won’t be far. The Lions, Panthers and Broncos at picks 7,8,9 have all expressed interest in him as their top offensive line prospect.


Position of first Ravens player drafted, Wide Receiver $2.70 Sportsbet

The Ravens have struggled at the wide receiver position for years, and they will need to address this if they want to have success in the playoffs this season. This position was lightly touched on in free agency with the addition of Sammy Watkins, but there are still plenty of gaps on the roster to be filled. Watkins doesn’t present a long-term solution at the position, and reinforcements will need to be found early. With the extra offensive linemen that project to be around at the end of the first round, it makes sense for them to use their first pick on a wideout. Alternatively, they could package their picks together to move up if there’s a pass-catcher they covet.


Team to draft Ja’Marr Chase, Miami Dolphins $2.75 Topsport

Ja’Marr Chase is a unique blue-chip talent that projects to be one of the best wide receivers in the league for the next decade. Chase showed at LSU that he is pro-ready with outstanding speed, route-running and catching ability. Chase fits a massive need for the Dolphins, who need to surround their young quarterback with weapons. The Dolphins, like most teams, have Kyle Pitts ahead of Chase on their draft board, but I see no way that Pitts gets past both the Falcons and Bengals.


3rd Overall Pick, Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State $3.75 Sportsbet

This pick is essentially a two-horse race between Trey Lance and Mac Jones. Currently, the bookies have Jones ahead, but I see the terrific value in Lance here. Lance was a star at a small school but came from a system with an excellent coaching staff and incredible Quarterback whisperer. Lance projects to have a better career with more upside and physical tools than Jones and is always hungry carrying the underdog tag. In comparison, Mac Jones was a 1-year starter at Alabama and doesn’t carry the physical traits that the league is now coveting. Trey Lance will have a better career between the two, although he is not as pro-ready as Jones. This shouldn’t matter for a team like the 49ers who have established signal-caller Jimmy Garropolo under centre this season. The 49ers can let Lance grow for a season and adapt to the pro game and be ready to take over year 2, similar to Patrick Mahomes. It’s been said that the scouting staff and front office prefer Lance, while coach Kyle Shanahan prefers Mac Jones. Either way, $3.75 shows the excellent value for this pick.