With the entire NFL Season nearing its end, it’s almost officially draft season. There’s no better place to start than with who the first overall pick will be. While Caleb Williams seems to be the heavy favorite as of January, very little is ever guaranteed in the NFL Draft. So much can change until the end of April. We still have the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, pro days, team interviews and so much more that could impact the draft process. In this article, we’ll dive into the leading favorites for who could become the No. 1 overall pick. All wagers and odds can be found at OHGamblers.
Best Odds to be the 2024 NFL Draft’s First Pick
1. Caleb Williams – Quarterback, USC
Coming in at No. 1, it’s none other than the favorite. As of January, the odds of Williams being selected first is at -1200. The former Heisman Winner had a bit of a down season compared to his Sophomore campaign but still maintains his talent and upside. The USC quarterback is best at making off-schedule plays when the pocket breaks down. He’s consistently shown elite-level arm talent and accuracy, although he can be prone to interceptions.
The only things teams could question about Williams is his lack of size at 6’1, 215 pounds and that he barely ever took snaps from under center. Whether the Chicago Bears remain at No. 1 or not, Williams has a good chance to be the top selection.
2. Drake Maye – Quarterback, North Carolina
Williams’ closest competitor for the top selection and title of best quarterback prospect is North Carolina’s Drake Maye. He’s been a highly coveted prospect ever since he took the reigns as a freshman. The former Tar Heel has the ideal physical measurements teams look for at 6’4, 230 pounds. Similar to Williams, Maye’s best season was his second year, where he threw for 4,321 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. His statistics decreased a bit this year, but his talent has remained.
Compared to Williams, he’s a more refined pocket passer and more NFL-ready. If a team falls in love with him, there’s a real chance they’d trade up to the top spot for him. His odds are currently +700.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver, Ohio State
The only non-quarterback on the list is one of the most dominant receiver prospects in recent memory. He both looks and plays the part. The junior Harrison has his father’s physical gifts at 6’4, 205 pounds. The junior is rumored to run a sub 4.4, which is incredible for someone his size. In his last two years at Ohio State, he combined for over 2,400 yards and a total of 29 touchdowns.
Harrison Jr. boasts a great catch radius with soft hands. He’s able to move quicker than most other receivers at his size. If he were able to declare for last year’s draft, there’s no doubt he would’ve been the first receiver off the board. Harrison Jr. currently sits at +1600 to go first overall. If the Bears decide they want to keep Justin Fields and the first overall pick, Harrison Jr. would most likely be the pick.
Main Image: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
