When it comes to oddsmakers around the country, Michigan star quarterback JJ McCarthy seems to be a near lock to surprisingly be selected in the top five of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Round 1 of the highly anticipated NFL Draft is finally here. The 2024 edition of the event kicks off tonight and there has been a massive amount of speculation about what will happen in the top 15. This year’s class has five QBs with the potential to be taken in the opening round and eight teams in need of future franchise signal callers.
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Beyond teams like the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders being linked to trades to move into the top five, there has been a lot of discussion about the pecking order of the top QBs available. USC’s Caleb Williams is viewed as the best of the best, with fellow Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels a close second. After that it gets interesting.
North Carolina’s Drake Maye has a ton of upside but he is also seen as a player not quite ready to be a starter in year one. After that, veteran quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy have built a lot of momentum in recent weeks, and the Michigan star in particular has quickly risen up many draft boards.
Vikings have the strongest odds to take JJ McCarthy in Round 1, followed by the Patriots
It seems that speculation and the various rumors have had a major impact on NFL Draft oddsmakers. On Thursday morning it was revealed that JJ McCarthy is now a -250 betting favorite to go in the top five of Round 1. However, it is unclear what pick in the first five he will be.
When it comes to the top five, Williams is favored to go No. 1, Daniels is the popular choice to go No. 2, then Maye at No. 3, Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. is likely to go No. 4, and LSU receiver Malik Nabers is expected to go fifth. But the New England Patriots (No. 3), Arizona Cardinals (No. 4), and Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5) are all seen as teams that are willing to trade out of their picks in Round 1.
As for the team’s oddsmakers believe will select the 2023 national champion, the Vikings have the best odds at +170, the Patriots are next at +200, followed by the Giants with +500 odds, the Broncos at +900, the Raiders at +1300, and lastly the Commanders making a shocking decision to take him at No. 2 overall with +1600 odds.
