To begin with, there has been the age-old battle of opinion on whether offense or defense is more important. And that leads right into the 2020 NFL Draft. For this year’s NFL draft betting lines, the debate between offense and defense leans offense. LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow is touted as the first pick of the draft. Yet Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young is actually rated higher than Burrow and is expected to go second. Subsequently, there is an expected back and forth from offense and defense to carry the early first round.
2020 NFL Draft How First Round Offensive or Defensive Players Picked
| Date: | Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25 |
|---|---|
| 2020 NFL Draft TV Coverage: | NFL Network, ESPN, ABC |
| 2020 NFL Draft First Pick Odds Most Picks: | Offensive Players -250, Defensive Players +170 |
Offensive vs. Defensive Players Drafted in the First Round Analysis
Although more offensive players are favored to drafted than defensive players it’s not a lock. The wild card could prove to be team trades in the first round. To illuminate draft priorities and player rankings can be altered dramatically from a trade. Further, quality defensive players are not going to be a shortage issue with the offshore betting lines.
Early First Round Picks
What is most interesting about the first few picks of the 2020 NFL Draft is that three of the first four picks are likely do be defensive players. Following Burrow and Young is cornerback Jeff Okudah of Ohio State. Okudah is considered to be the ultimate shut down corner. Linebacker Isaiah Simmons of Clemson could go as high as fifth. And defensive linemen Derrick Brown of Auburn is another likely top ten certainties.
Offensive Linemen Could Sway Total
It follows that after the first few picks offensive linemen could be taken in bunches starting with Jedrick Wills Jr of Alabama. Additionally, Tristan Wirfs of Iowa and Mekhi Becton of Louisville are potential top ten picks. Andrew Thomas of Georgia is another offensive lineman that could go high with the NFL draft betting lines. Concurrently Josh Jones of Houston, Ezra Cleveland of Boise State and Cesar Ruiz of Michigan add to the Offensive line factor. In sum, if there is one position that can be the difference-maker for offensive players in the first round it could be offensive linemen.
Defensive Backs and Linebackers Could Spark the Underdog
Okudah leads a strong lineup of defensive backs that could tip the scales to a defensive player upset. Starting with AJ Terrell of Clemson, Jaylon Johnson of Utah and Trevon Diggs of Alabama is a coveted cadre. Noah Igbinoghene may of Auburn may also break-through in the first round.
In view of an impressive lineup of edge rushers and linebackers is there more hope for defensive totals. Young, Okudah, and Simmons will capture the most attention. Depth comes from players such as linebackers CJ Henderson of Florida, and Patrick Queen of LSU. Edge rushers Yetur Gross Matos of Penn State and Iowa’s AJ Epenesa can help stem the offensive tide.
The Deciding Factor
In view of offensive linemen, depth is the additional factor of wide receivers. CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma, Henry Ruggs III of Alabama, Jerry Jeudy of Alabama and Justin Jefferson of LSU could make the offensive side too much to overcome.
The Pick: To conclude, as good as the defensive lineup is the offense simply overwhelms in total mass numbers. Offensive players are the pick.