Most predictions for the 2023 NFL Draft have the same two or three players vying to be the No. 1 overall pick.
But an unexpected player turned heads in Las Vegas at the Caesars Sportsbook. The New York Post reported Thursday that Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson has rocketed up the odds board in the past week.
According to the Post, on Feb. 16 Richardson had 80/1 odds to be the No. 1 overall pick. Later that same day, his odds dropped to 50/1. Those odds have continued to improve. Wednesday, Richardson’s odds went from 20/1 to 15/1, then to 10/1, and finally to 8/1.
Those changing odds reflect that bettors found Richardson a great bargain at 80/1 or 25/1 or whatever. There’s always a chance a team will do the unexpected when it comes to the draft, especially when a quarterback is involved. Think 2017, when Mitch Trubisky went No. 2 overall, ahead of Patrick Mahomes (No. 10 overall) and Deshaun Watson (No. 12 overall).
The sportsbook told The Post that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young remains “far and above the most bet on player to go No. 1.” He is also commanding the most big-money bets. Caesars reports that 16 bettors have wagered $1,000 or more for Young to go No. 1. Kentucky’s Will Levis has garnered the second-most bets, eight, in that category, while no one has placed that kind of money on Richardson yet.
Most mock drafts have Richardson falling somewhere between the 7th and 15th picks in the first round. However, CBS Sports released a mock draft Thursday that had the Indianapolis Colts trading up with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick and selecting … yes, Richardson. As CBS Sports noted, “Richardson has similarities to Jalen Hurts and All-Pro upside.”
