Another draft, another WR for the Eagles in the first round? Odds are with it
This would be the third straight year for the Eagles picking a receiver in the first round. It's only been done by the 2003-05 Detroit Lions. That didn't work out well.
Last year, oddsmakers correctly predicted the Eagles would select a wide receiver with their first pick. Depending on what sportsbook you shop at, the consensus is pointing that way again in 2022.
DraftKings
Wide receiver +200
Defensive lineman/edge, defensive back +225
Offensive lineman +550
Linebacker +750
» READ MORE: 2022 NFL draft: Rating 16 potential first-round targets for the Eagles
FanDuel
Defensive lineman +250
Wide receiver +300
Cornerback +340
Offensive lineman +600
Mockery of mock drafts
Before betting on this year’s draft, here are a few things to consider.
Pennsylvania gaming regulators do not permit betting on the NFL draft at any of the state’s legal sportsbooks. However, you can wager on the draft in New Jersey.
The Eagles are one of eight teams with multiple first-round picks. That’s the highest number of teams with multiple first-rounders ever. The previous high was six.
The only other team to draft wideouts in three consecutive drafts was the 2003-05 Detroit Lions. It didn’t work out for them.
Placing live bets on the draft may be enticing. But the books will be several picks behind. For example, if the first pick is on the clock you will probably be able to get live action on picks No. 4 or No. 5.
» READ MORE: Mock NFL draft: The Eagles aren’t trying to win, again, and that will influence their strategy
Odds on Eagles’ first pick
Let’s size up Eagles writers’ mock drafts with projections at BetMGM.
Jeff McLane
Jordan Davis (DT, Georgia in a trade with the Commanders to move up to No. 11). Davis Over 14.5 +165/Under 14.5 -200
Josh Tolentino
Garrett Wilson (WR, 1st Rd., No. 15). Wilson Over 9.5 -110/Under 9.5 -120
Jermaine Johnson (Edge, 1st Rd., No. 18). Johnson Oner 9.5 +165/Under 9.5 -225
Marcus Hayes
Hayes has the Eagles getting Davis at No. 15.
Drake London (WR 1st Rd, No. 18). London Over/Under 10.5 at FanDuel.
Philly’s NFL draft
This year’s draft is being held in Las Vegas at the Draft Theater located behind the Linq and adjacent to Caesars Forum. Former ESPN SportsCenter anchor and NFL draft host Trey Wingo, now the chief trends officer for Caesars Sportsbook, will be there creating content for Caesars social networks and commenting on picks.
Philadelphia hosted the first outdoor draft in 2017 and, according to Wingo, it was the best one to date. He recalled sitting on the stage at the Art Museum with commissioner Roger Goodell who looked out at the crowd of over 150,000 people and said, “I do believe the NFL draft has outgrown an indoor venue.”
“It was really the launch of this traveling circus,” said Wingo. “It all started because of the success the draft had in Philly.”
Wingo called the 2017 draft “perfectly Philly.” There was a man holding up a sign that just said “boo.” Before the Eagles made their third-round pick on Friday night around midnight, the crowd burst out into a rendition of “Fly Eagles Fly.” And, there was more than the Eagles fight song in the air.
“None of us would have passed a drug test after. The contact high from the crowd was incredible,” said Wingo.
Bankroll breaks ground with big plans
Bankroll celebrated its groundbreaking on April 27. Founder Paul Martino said the space at 1910 Chestnut St. will be a “world class, luxury sports bar experience unlike anything anyone has ever seen.”
Stephen Starr is one of the investors and will run restaurant operations. Bankroll will not have any sports betting kiosks. With over 92% of all bets placed online, it doesn’t have to. It’s expected to open sometime in the fall.
Katie Kohler is the Managing Editor at Play Pennsylvania where she writes about sports betting and casinos.