The Best Prop Bets for the 2023 NFL Draft

Dan Favale
By , Updated on: Apr 9, 2024 08:00 PM
The Best Prop Bets for the 2023 NFL Draft

Ready or not, here comes the 2023 NFL draft. And it's bringing a handful of ultra-intriguing betting opportunities along for the ride.

Don't worry. Our best 2023 NFL prop bets are en route. But first, here's everything you need to know about this year's prospect pageant:

  • What: First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft
  • Date: Thursday, April 27
  • Time: 8 p.m. EST 
  • Where: Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri

For all the true NFL draft sickos out there, Rounds 2 and 3 will take place on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. EST. Meanwhile, Rounds 4 through 7 will go down on Saturday, April 29, at 12 p.m. est. For our purposes, you needn't concern yourself with any of the later rounds. Our NFL draft prop picks are limited to the first round only. And with that, let's get started by looking at the latest betting odds on the 2023 NFL draft that cover how many quarterbacks, running backs and tight ends will be selected in the first round:

Total Players Selected in First RoundBetOnlineBovadaBetUS
Over 4.5 QBs-190-200-190
Under 4.5 QBs+145+165+155
Over 1.5 RBs-155-155-150
Under 1.5 RBs+115+110+110
Over 3.5 WRs-120-115-120
Under 3.5 WRs-120-115-120
Over 3.5 TEs+200+200+195
Under 3.5 TEs-300-295-310

Definitely make sure you're double-checking these NFL online betting odds right up until you actually place your wager. Our 2023 NFL draft betting odds are accurate as of Tuesday, April 25. Linemakers will end up making adjustments prior to the first pick getting made on Thursday, April 27, at around 8 p.m. EST.

Keeping track of any changes to the 2023 NFL draft betting lines is a breeze if you're in business with a trustworthy sportsbook. We're here to make sure that's exactly what you do. Our reviews of the top online sportsbooks have all the information you'll ever need to single out the best betting sites for the NFL currently on the market.

Without further delay, let's dive into our best 2023 NFL prop betting predictions.

How Many Quarterbacks Will Go in the First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

As a refresher, here are the latest lines on the number of quarterbacks to be selected in the first round:

  • Over 4.5 (-190)
  • Under 4.5 (+145)

We basically know two quarterbacks are going in the top five: Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. What happens thereafter is more of a mystery.

The latest ESPN mock draft has Anthony Richardson (to Las Vegas) and Will Levis (to Tennessee) going in the top 12. That brings the total to four. Some believe Hendon Hooker could go to Minnesota at No. 23, because QB1 Kirk Cousins is hitting free agency after next season. We'd still bet against a Vikings team with win-now aspirations burning a first on what will be a backup QB for one year and potentially beyond. Go with the under.

OSB Prediction: Under 4.5 QBs (+145)

Under 4.5 QBs To be selected in the first round of the NFL draft
+145
BetOnline

How Many Running Backs will be Selected in the First Round This Year?

Below you can see the latest lines on the number of running backs to be selected in the first round:

  • Over 1.5 (-155)
  • Under 1.5 (+115)

This feels like a stab-in-the-dark line. Bijan Robinson is the only running back that feels like a lock to go in the first round. After him, there are no guarantees. Given how teams are reticent to invest in RB1s these days, we'll once again take the under.

OSB Prediction: Under 1.5 (+115)

Under 1.5 RBs To be selected in the first round of the NFL draft
+115
BetOnline

How Many Wide Receivers Will be Taken in the First Round of the 2023 NFL Draft?

These are the latest lines on the number of wide receivers to be selected in the first round:

  • Over 3.5 (-120)
  • Under 3.5 (-120)

Four running backs are coming off the board in ESPN's latest insider mock draft, with another two getting drafted early in the second round. This is an easy "over" pick for us.

OSB Prediction: Over 3.5 (-120)

Over 3.5 WRs To be selected in the first round of the NFL draft
-120
BetOnline

Will Any Tight Ends be Grabbed in the First Round?

Check out the latest lines on the number of tight ends to be selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft:

  • Over 3.5 (+200)
  • Under 3.5 (-200)

This one's a no-brainer. NFL draft experts have rated only two tight ends as first-round locks. 

With so many talented defensive ends and linebackers available and not enough Super Bowl contenders looking for immediate offensive bumps, we'd be surprised if more than three tight ends come off the board.

OSB Prediction: Under 3.5 (-200)

Under 3.5 TEs To be selected in the first round of the NFL draft
-200
BetOnline

Who Will be Draft Second Overall in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Bryce Young (-1200) is effectively a lock to go No. 1 overall. Here are the odds on who will be selected second in the 2023 NFL draft: 

  • Tyree Wilson (+110)
  • Will Levis (+250)
  • Will Anderson Jr. (+340)
  • CJ Stroud (+700)
  • Anthony Richardson (+4000)
  • Jalen Carter (+7500)

Tyree Wilson or Will Anderson Jr. are the best bets to go in this spot. The Houston Texans, owners of the No. 2 pick, are rebuilding and still desperately need to inject their defense with talented ball pressure. 

Bettors clearly think that Wilson will be that choice. That seems like it has more to do with the link to The Lone Star State than anything else. Wilson is coming out of Texas Tech, and hometown prospects do tend to curry favor among wistful gamblers—especially when they play positions of need.

For our money, though, we prefer Anderson. He is more explosive and a little younger, making him the more sensible pick for a Texans franchise still trying to figure themselves out. Regardless of what you do, though, we'd recommend steering clear of Will Levis to go second overall. If Houston opts to take a quarterback at No. 2, it's almost certainly because the Carolina Panthers passed on Bryce Young at No. 1.

OSB Prediction: Will Anderson Jr. (+340)

Will Anderson Jr. To be selected second overall in the 2023 NFL draft
+340
BetOnline

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your NFL betting:

Meet the author

Dan Favale

Dan Favale leverages over 12 years of sports journalism expertise in his role as New York staff writer. He provides in-depth analysis across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, tennis, NASCAR, college basketball, and sports betting. Dan co-hosts the popular Hardwood Knocks NBA podc...

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