Big Swing in Packers’ First-Round NFL Draft Odds

With the NFL Draft just hours away, there was a significant change in the first-pick projection for the Green Bay Packers.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Apr 27, 2023 11:05 AM EDT

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Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Who needs to draft a receiver or tight end in the first round when you’ve got Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre throwing the football?

With the trade of Rodgers to the New York Jets this week, the Packers are set to embark on a new era with Jordan Love at quarterback. Could this be the year in which they draft a receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002 or a tight end for the first time since 2000?

That’s the belief, at least based on new NFL Draft odds at FanDuel Sportsbook that include some significant changes.

Armed with the 13th pick of the draft, tight end is the betting favorite to be the position for Green Bay’s first selection at +170. Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer, an every-down presence, and Utah’s Dalton Kincaid, a superb receiving threat whose back problem shouldn’t be an issue, are potential No. 1 picks.

Receiver has the second-shortest odds at +230. If he’s on the board, Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be worthy of breaking the two-decade drought.

Defensive line (which includes edge/3-4 outside linebacker) is +300. Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness, if he’s still available at No. 13, might be too good to pass up.

Offensive lineman – at least one from the group of Ohio State’s Paris Johnson, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski, Tennessee’s Darnell Wright and Georgia’s Broderick Jones should be available – is +430. Cornerback (+1100), safety (+4000), quarterback (+5000), off-the-ball linebacker (+5000) and running back (+7500) are distant choices.

When news of the Rodgers trade broke on Monday, defensive line (including edge) and receiver were the co-favorites at +200, with tight end +340 and offensive line +450. Prior to that, defensive line (including edge) was the betting favorite at +200. That was followed by receiver, tight end and offensive line jumbled together at +300.

Green Bay remains the team favored to select Smith-Njigba at FanDuel. The Packers are +230 – right between the +210 and +250 from earlier in the week. The Houston Texans, who pick 12th, are +340. The New England Patriots, who pick 14th, are +650. The Jets with Rodgers are +1000.

Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer is the favorite to be the first tight end selected. The Dallas Cowboys are the favorite to make it happen at +420, with the Packers right behind at +500.

Of note, here are some over/unders on draft slot: Skoronski, 10.5; Smith-Njigba, 12.5; Jones, 14.5; Mayer, 21.5; Kincaid, 24.5;

At SI Sportsbook, defensive line (including edge) remains the favorite to be Green Bay’s first choice.