The NFL Draft arrives this week, and for many sports bettors that means a unique opportunity to find value beyond traditional game wagers. Draft betting has grown in popularity in recent years, giving fans a chance to wager on player landing spots, team selections, and position totals.
While there may still be intrigue surrounding where Jeremiah Love lands, along with several player-specific markets, one of the more interesting options this year may be how many players at a certain position are selected in the first round. Those markets can often provide value when public attention is focused elsewhere.
One popular wager has been the over on 1.5 quarterbacks selected in the first round. That number has received heavy public action, but there is still uncertainty surrounding prospects such as Ty Simpson, who some believe could slide into the second round. With that market seeing plenty of movement already, some bettors may prefer to look elsewhere.
Running back is another difficult position to predict. Teams have often shown patience when drafting backs early unless a special talent is available, making that market less appealing for many.
That shifts attention to wide receivers, where the first-round total is currently set around 5 or 5.5 depending on the sportsbook. Given the NFL’s pass-heavy direction, this position continues to carry strong value in the draft. The over on first-round wide receivers has cashed in multiple recent years, including 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Several receivers are widely expected to hear their names called early, including Carnell Tate, Omar Cooper, Makai Lemon, and Jordan Tyson. If those names come off the board, bettors would likely need only one or two more receivers to reach the over.
Additional names generating first-round buzz include KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Germie Bernard, and Brenen Thompson.
As always, draft betting carries uncertainty, but for those looking at the board this week, wide receiver totals may be one of the most intriguing markets available.