The Pittsburgh Steelers have the highest odds according to multiple websites when it comes to being the favorite to select Malik Willis, but now they're the odds-on favorite for their first selection to be a quarterback according to OddsChecker.
Today Oddschecker released their Complete Pick by Pick NFL Draft Betting Preview which featured the top odds for each team's first selection. And there are only two teams listed with the quarterback position as their top betting option. The Steelers, and the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are actually given the same odds to select a quarterback, and a wide receiver at +210. The Steelers are at -125, meaning the odds makers believe that it's a safer bet that the Steelers will select a quarterback than the Saints.
This year’s NFL Draft is one of the most unpredictable in a long time. There’s no consensus opinion about any players, or positions, or even rounds that prospects could go in. With everything so up in the air, oddsmakers are here to try to ground things a little bit. To do that, here’s a look at the positions that oddsmakers expect NFL teams to focus on with their first draft pick.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars - Defensive Line -1500
2. Detroit Lions - Defensive Line -430
3. Houston Texans - Offensive Line +125 / Cornerback +125
4. New York Jets - Defensive Line +125
5. New York Giants - Offensive Line -125
6. Carolina Panthers - Offensive Line -105 / Quarterback -105
8. Atlanta Falcons - Wide Receiver -125
9. Seattle Seahawks - Offensive Line +190
11. Washington Commanders - Wide Receiver +145
12. Minnesota Vikings - Cornerback -125
14. Baltimore Ravens - Defensive Line +190
15. Philadelphia Eagles - Defensive Line +250
17. Los Angeles Chargers - Offensive Line +125
21. New England Patriots - Cornerback +250
22. Green Bay Packers - Wide Receiver -170
23. Arizona Cardinals - Wide Receiver +300 / Defensive Line +300
24. Dallas Cowboys - Offensive Line -125
25. Buffalo Bills - Cornerback +200
26. Tennessee Titans - Offensive Line +210
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Offensive Line +145
29. Kansas City Chiefs - Wide Receiver -105
31. Cincinnati Bengals - Offensive Line EVEN
38. Chicago Bears - Wide Receiver +210
40. Denver Broncos - Linebacker +340
42. Indianapolis Colts - Offensive Line +170
44. Cleveland Browns - Defensive Line +190
86. Las Vegas Raiders - Cornerback +210
102. Miami Dolphins - Offensive Line +210
104. Los Angeles Rams - Offensive or Defensive Line +250 / Cornerback +250
By looking at these odds it sure looks like by the time the Steelers pick there isn't going to be much left in terms of defensive lineman. But one of the top cornerbacks could fall down the list judging by these odds. I know a lot of Steelers fans would love to see Derek Stingley Jr, or Trent McDuffie in black and gold.
Regardless all signs keep pointing towards the marriage of the Steelers and a new quarterback via the draft. Mike Tomlin, and Kevin Colbert have put in the work, but it will come down to whether they believe any of these guys can be the NEXT guy.
