At the onset of preparation for the NFL Draft Odds is an inescapable fact. Caleb Williams is the prohibitive favorite to be taken first in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears traded QB Justin Fields last month to set the stage for taking Williams at the top overall pick. Williams is the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner as QB of the USC Trojans. Previously, he started his college career with the Oklahoma Sooners. But when OU head coach Lincoln Riley bolted for USC, Williams followed him to Los Angeles.
2024 NFL Draft
| Date: | Thursday, April 25, 2024 – Saturday, April 27, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Campus Martius Park, Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
2024 NFL Draft Player Taken First Odds at SBG
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | -8000 |
| Jayden Daniels | +2500 |
| Drake Maye | +3000 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr | +6000 |
| JJ McCarthy | +10000 |
Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears – A Fit?
Certainly, Caleb Williams is a talented QB. But in his final season at USC some flaws were apparent. Williams was more careless than in past sports betting seasons. Of course, Williams did not have a strong supporting cast. Thus, Williams was forced to carry the burden for the Trojans. But legitimate questions remain as to if he is an upgrade from Justin Fields. Ironically, Fields suffered from an even worse supporting cast. Chicago wasted Fields’s talents and let his first two seasons go to waste.
Of great concern to Williams is the possibility of joining a poorly run organization. Chicago has eaten up the careers of numerous quarterbacks. And what was done to Fields was pure malpractice. So why would Williams want to go to Chicago? Could there be a trade in which another market gets the top pick? Overall, that is unlikely now that Fields is gone.
Jayden Daniels Rocks 2023 Heisman Trophy and Loaded Package
Last year, Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy as the QB of the LSU Tigers. Daniels looked a lot better than Caleb Williams. The reigning Heisman winner exploded as a dual-threat NFL Draft betting star. Specifically, he brings elite athleticism and big-play passing flair. Still, Daniels needs a little time to improve his zip and accuracy. But his natural skills give him great upside. He can become what Lamar Jackson is in the new Ravens offense.
Drake Maye – The Unheralded QB
Overall, North Carolina’s Drake Maye could be the most underrated player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye has a nice combination of accuracy and athleticism reminiscent of Commanders QB Sam Howell. Of Course, Howell is another former Tar Heel. Maye is a much better passer with a more ideal frame to handle pressure at a higher level. Hence, in the long run, May could offer significantly more value than Daniels or Williams.
Marvin Harrison Jr – The Prototype Receiver
First in the wide receiver position is Marvin Harrison Jr of Ohio State. Harrison has the size and speed of a classic No. 1 outside receiver. Additionally, Harrison has even more physical upside than his Hall-of-Fame father. Consider he would have a strong case to go ahead of Caleb Williams if the Bears weren’t leaning toward QB.
JJ McCarthy – Does He Translate to NFL
JJ McCarthy indeed led the Michigan Wolverines to the 2023-24 national championship. And his college coach, Jim Harbaugh (now HC of the LA Chargers) is relentlessly touting him. But legitimate questions remain about whether his college skills translate to the pros.