Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, or Travis Hunter? Who Do the Bookies Think Will Be Selected First Overall

It's the front office that has taken center stage at present, with a number of trade rumours capturing the attention. 

Myles Garrett was the man making front-page news, demanding a trade from the Cleveland Browns before completing a shocking U-turn and penning the biggest non-QB contract in history. Then, the Los Angeles Rams decided they fancied the spotlight as they announced that superstar wide receiver Cooper Kupp - the man who won them the Super Bowl three years ago - would be leaving SoFi Stadium via free agency. 

All of that goes without mentioning the upcoming NFL Draft. The annual extravaganza will be getting underway on April 24th at Lambeau Field, home of the Packers. And there are plenty of talking points heading into the spectacle. 

The Titans Hold All the Cards 

The Tennessee Titans are scheduled to be at the top of the board, and given their dismal 3-14 record last season, they're in desperate need of a franchise-defining pick. Websites offering sports betting online make them a mighty +15000 outsider for the Lombardi next season, the joint longest odds of anybody. However, marquee selections have drastically altered the direction of a franchise in years gone by. Just look at the Washington Commanders with Jayden Daniels last season. 

Whether they stay at No. 1 and select a quarterback, solidify their defense with Carter, or even trade down could dramatically alter the outcome of the draft. Mock drafts suggest a trade is possible, as quarterback-starved teams like the New York Giants or Cleveland Browns eye the top pick. But who is it that the bookies expect to be selected in the coveted spot? 

Cam Ward

Cam Ward enters the draft as the -400 odds-on favorite to be the lucky man. His stellar season with the Miami Hurricanes saw him become a finalist for the Heisman trophy courtesy of his 40 touchdowns, and now he looks set for a big future in the professional ranks. 

The 22-year-old dazzled at the NFL Combine, pairing elite arm strength with mobility rarely seen in young quarterbacks. His adjusted completion rate of 76.5% further establishes him as a top-level talent. While some experts caution that Ward might not have been a top-three quarterback in last year’s draft class, the Titans’ glaring need for a franchise signal-caller keeps him firmly in the driver’s seat. 

Abdul Carter

If anyone can dethrone Ward, it’s Abdul Carter, the standout edge rusher from Penn State. The 21-year-old has seen his draft stock skyrocket, thanks to his performance as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous All-American. Teams in need of a disruptive defensive presence are salivating at his potential to deliver double-digit sacks as a rookie.  

Carter’s odds to go No. 1 were as high as +6500 months ago, but his versatility and dominating presence caused a dramatic shift. Now, he's the +200 second favourite, and he may well get the nod ahead of the aforementioned Ward. 

Travis Hunter

At +1200, Travis Hunter is the dark horse in this race, but don’t count him out just yet. The electric two-way star from Colorado was the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner and has proven he can excel on either side of the ball. On defense, he allowed a passer rating of just 39.9, while offensively, he dazzled with contested catches, proving his value as a pure athlete.  

The question for Hunter isn’t about talent but fit. Teams may struggle to determine how to deploy him effectively without limiting his growth. Additionally, no team picking at No. 1 in recent years has gambled on a player who isn’t a quarterback or edge rusher. Even so, Hunter’s game-breaking skills make him an engaging prospect for franchises willing to deploy him in unconventional ways.