Draft Betting Sites
| Updated: Find our expert reviews of reputable, regulated NFL draft betting sites. Each bookmaker has been thoroughly vetted by our team using a real-money account.
Line shopping for competitive draft betting odds is crucial for any savvy bettor, but security, market diversity, and withdrawal speed are just as important. The good news is that you do not need to conduct any painstaking research on your own. SportingPedia has shortlisted ten of the best online sportsbooks for draft betting.
Draft Betting Sites Ranked by Trustpilot Rating
| Sportsbook | Reviews | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 20Bet | 1,000 | 3.6 ⭐ |
| 1xBit | 2,575 | 3.2 ⭐ |
| Everygame | 80 | 2.9 ⭐ |
| XBet | 19 | 2.9 ⭐ |
| Bovada | 1,326 | 1.6 ⭐ |
| BetWinner | 551 | 1.3 ⭐ |
| Betsson | 205 | 1.3 ⭐ |
| 888sport | 2,464 | 1.1 ⭐ |
| Bethard | 134 | 1.1 ⭐ |
| MyBookie | N/A |
Comparison of Draft Betting Sites
| Sportsbook | Sports on Offer | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Min Bet | Bonuses | Bonus Wagering Requirements | In-Play Betting | Licenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBit | Baseball, Football, eSports, Horse Racing, Rugby, Soccer, and 40+other sports | 0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTC | 0.21 mBTC | Varies based on accountcurrency | Up to 7 BTC and | 40x on single and 0,1 mBTC min. deposit | Yes | Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan (ALSI-202409027-FI2) |
| 888sport | Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, American Football, and 20+ other sports | $/€10 | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | Deposit and bet €10 and get €30 in Free Bets on First Bet |
| Yes |
|
| Bovada | American Football, Baseball, Soccer, Basketball, and 20+ other sports | •$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin Lightning | •$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank Wire | $0.50 | • 75% Welcome Crypto Bonus up to $750 | 5x deposit + bonus (both types of Welcome Bonus) | Yes | The Union of the Comoros |
| BetWinner | Ice Hockey, Esports, Football, Basketball, Baseball, American Football, and 40+ other sports | $/€1 | $/€1.50 | $0.30/€0.20 | 100% first deposit bonus | Minimum deposit requirement $1.50; Wager 5 times the bonus amount in accumulator bets (100% first deposit bonus | Yes | Curacao (#8048/JAZ)) |
| MyBookie | Football, Golf, Basketball, Tennis, Soccer, and 30+ sports | • $20 - cryptocurrencies; • $45 - cards; $100 - P2P | • Bitcoin - $25; • Other methods: $100 | $2 ($100 for wagers placed over the phone) | • 100% up to $1,000 on 1st crypto deposits | • 10x rollover for 100% crypto bonus • 1x rollover for 100% refund bonus | Yes | No official license information |
| Bethard | Football, Tennis, Esports, Basketball, and 30+ other sports | • MiFinity - €20; Other methods - €10 | €10 | €0.10 | 100% up to €50 | • Requires a minimum deposit of €20 | Yes | • Malta Gaming Authority (#MGA/B2C/908/2021) |
| 20Bet | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Table Tennis, Ice Hockey, and 30+ other sports | • $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other Methods | $/€10 | $/€0.10 | • 100% Welcome Bonus up to $/€100 | • 5x bonus amount on accumulator bets at odds of 2.0 or higher (Welcome Bonus) | Yes | Curaçao Gaming Authority (OGL/2024/590/0758) |
| Everygame | Football, Tennis, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Golf, and 17+ other sports | $6 - $20 | $100 - $150 | $1 | • 50% Sign-up Bonus up to $200, bonus code WELCOME200 | • 12x deposit + bonus amount at min. odds of -200 (1.5) (Sign-up Bonus) | Yes | No official license information |
| Betsson | Cricket, Baseball,Basketball, Soccer, and 30 other sports | $/€10 | $/€20 | €0.10 | Welcome Package: €100 Bonus Daily Acca Insurance: €15 cashback, up to 3 times a day (€45 in total) | Welcome Package: 8x the bonus (odds of 1.80), 1x the net win for free bets at min (odds of 1.50) No WR on Acca Insurance | Yes |
|
| XBet | Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MMA, Motor Sports, and 16 other sports | • $45 - Mastercard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2Person | • $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25) | $2 ($100 for telephone bets) | • 50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200 | • Min $50 Deposit; 10x Playthrough (50% Credit Card Welcome Bonus up to $200) | Yes | Costa Rica |
Top 10 NFL Draft Betting Sites
1xBit
Min Deposit0.01 mBTC; 20 mETH; 10 mLTCMin Withdrawal0.21 mBTCWithdrawal TimeFew minutes to 1 hoursDeposit Methods
SponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support-en@1x-bit.com, security@1x-bit.com, Phone: N/A
- One of the best crypto sportsbooks online
- Responsive customer support
- Extensive coverage of American football
- In-play markets with competitive odds
- Multi-live feature
- Downloadable apps for iOS and Android
This crypto-friendly sportsbook ticks every box when it comes to delivering a premium online betting experience. As one of the first crypto-exclusive betting sites on the web, 1xBit knows what it takes to keep bettors satisfied. The sportsbook offers it all, from highly functional native apps for iOS and Android to sharp odds and lightning-fast, fee-free withdrawals.
Beyond these advantages, 1xBit allows wagering on almost every sport you can imagine. Bettors can group sporting events by country or filter them by time and date. Niche sports like floorball, padel, kabaddi, and pesapallo are also represented, which benefits customers who prefer more off-the-wall markets.
The sportsbook excels on the gridiron front, delivering a wide variety of markets for football fans. The NFL section offers the most options, but odds are also posted for leagues such as the CFL and NCAAF.
You can also bet on indoor football games from the Indoor Football League (IFL) and the National Arena League (NAL), which features US franchises from the East Coast. Availability for draft betting depends on the time of year, but you are sure to find markets as the Player Selection Meeting approaches.
888sport
Bet Now Review
Licenses- UKGC (#039028-R-319297-012)
- MGA (#MGA/CRP/543/2018)
- Government of Gibraltar (#112 and #113)
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• Visa and Apple Pay: up to 6 days • E-wallets and Rapid Transfer: 2-3 days • Wire transfer: 5-8 daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsNational Football League (NFL), Dundalk Football Club, Cardiff City FCContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes; Email: support@888sport.com; Phone: N/A- A trusted, globally recognized betting brand
- In operation since 2008
- Winner of over 50 international awards
- Intuitive UI
- A huge range of sports and betting options
- Plenty of options for NFL outright betting
Part of the renowned 888 Holdings group, 888sport went online in 2008 and quickly gained traction in the betting community. Bettors worldwide favor this sportsbook because it offers a varied assortment of sports and betting lines to keep them engaged.
Registered users enjoy a highly dynamic betting experience in a regulated environment, competitive odds, and full cross-compatibility. The platform features a user-friendly interface and hosts thousands of sports, novelty, and political markets.
In-play betting opportunities are available around the clock at 888sport, with hundreds of markets offered each day. Users can tailor the interface by adjusting the odds format and selecting a dark or light appearance mode. Customers can also create their own bets and combine different markets for a single event via the popular Bet Builder feature.
This well-established bookmaker leaves bettors spoiled for choice, providing a healthy range of markets for more than 30 sports. Gridiron football, baseball, basketball, soccer, golf, and tennis are all represented. Less prominent sports like surfing, darts, and badminton are covered, too.
NFL events receive the most coverage, but lines for NCAAF, FBS, and CFL are available as well. The sportsbook carries a versatile range of outrights, including division and conference winners, offensive and defensive rookie of the year, and most passing yards during the regular season.
Bovada
Min Deposit•$10 - MatchPay; •$20 - card payments; •$50 - Direct Bank Transfer; •0.0001 BTC - Bitcoin; •0.001 BCH - Bitcoin Cash; •0.2827 BSV - Bitcoin SV; •0.01 LTC - Litecoin; •0.002 ETH - Ethereum; •5 USDT - USD Tether; •0.0002 BCL - Bitcoin LightningMin Withdrawal•$75 - Bitcoin; •$10 - MatchPay, Voucher, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Bitcoin Lightning; •$50 - Ethereum, USD Tether; •$250 - Check by Courier; •$1,500 - Bank WireWithdrawal Time• Bitcoin - Up to 24 hours • Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Tether, and Litecoin - Up to 1 hour • Check by Courier - Approximately 10-15 Business Days • Bank Wire - Approximately 10-15 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact Details•Live Chat: Yes •Email: service@bovada.lv •Phone: N/A- In business for more than 10 years
- Accepts wagers from the USA
- Over 700 NFL markets
- A solid range of cryptocurrencies
- Extensive options for prop bettors
- Crypto withdrawals within 24 hours
Live since 2011, Bovada has cemented its position as one of the leading online betting sites for bettors from the United States. The bookie boasts a rich selection of pre-match wagering options, covering over 30 sports. Live betting is another specialty of Bovada, where you can find solid lines and responsive live odds across a variety of in-play markets.
Bettors have numerous options on sports like beach volleyball, golf, cricket, baseball, soccer, tennis, and basketball, among others. NFL fans will be pleased to learn that we found over 730 markets under the football tab during our review.
Bovada impresses with a particularly solid selection of props, offering markets such as To Make Playoffs, Stage of Elimination, Regular Season Wins, and Comeback Player of the Year. Those who follow college football can wager on regular-season events or explore props like the Heisman Trophy Winner.
The sportsbook supports both English and Spanish. Registrants can process payments to and from their accounts via various cryptocurrencies, cards, and bank transfers, with minimum deposits starting at $10. The only downside is that you may incur additional fees with certain deposit and withdrawal methods, although all costs are clearly outlined in the payment section.
BetWinner
Min Deposit$/€1Min Withdrawal$/€1.50Withdrawal Time• Bank cards - Instant to 7 business days• MoneyGO, Kcell, Activ, Beeline, VouWallet - 15 minutesDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: info-en@betwinner.com (general queries), complaints@betwinner.com (complaints), accounting@betwinner.com (finances) Phone: +442045772772- 6 odds formats
- Full and compact market views
- Supports over 45 languages
- Thousands of markets each day
- Comprehensive in-play betting experience
- Over 400,000 active customers
Established in 2018, Betwinner is relatively new on the online betting scene, yet it has already attracted over 400,000 satisfied customers from around the globe. As one of the fastest-growing sportsbooks, it offers a wide range of betting markets, dozens of languages and currencies, along with flexible payment options.
Bettors can move funds to and from their balances via numerous cryptocurrencies, online banking processors, and virtual wallets. Minimum withdrawals start at just $1.50, and the operator does not impose a ceiling on the maximum winnings bettors can cash out.
At Betwinner, you will find over a thousand events daily across major sports like soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis, golf, and football. Less popular sports such as ski jumping, water polo, floorball, and curling also receive decent coverage.
The NFL tab features hundreds of markets, but bettors can easily find their way around via the search bar. You can also filter events by date. The sportsbook offers lines for other leagues like the CFL, IFL, and NAL, and collegiate events are covered as well. In our tests, the odds proved to be sharper than those at several rival sportsbooks.
MyBookie
Min Deposit• $20 - cryptocurrencies; • $45 - cards; $100 - P2PMin Withdrawal• Bitcoin - $25; • Other methods: $100Withdrawal Time• Bitcoin - 24 hours; • Bank Wire - 5 to 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive chat: Yes;Email: help@mybookie.ag;Phone: 844-866-BETS (2387)- Robust sports betting software
- Excellent in-play betting experience
- Accepts registrations from the US
- Tons of markets year-round
- Competitive lines for all major US leagues
- Fast, commission-free payouts
MyBookie is an easy-to-use betting site whose primary goal is to make sports wagering more accessible and straightforward. Licensed by the Government of Curacao, the site provides soft odds and lines for just about every sport you can imagine. The brand is one of the biggest players in the offshore gambling industry, welcoming bettors from most countries, including the United States.
The company specializes in delivering the latest Vegas-style odds for major leagues like the MLB, NBA, NHL, UFC, MLS, and NFL. The lobby facilitates smooth navigation, with individual tabs for featured, upcoming, and live events, so users have all top bets at a glance.
The NFL section is packed with betting options, offering half- and quarter-lines, multiple player props, totals, championship, division, and playoff odds. NCAA football lines are available as well.
When it comes to payments, MyBookie’s cashier combines traditional banking options like Visa and Mastercard with cryptocurrencies such as Litecoin and Bitcoin. We recommend using crypto, as it provides greater flexibility and commission-free transactions.
Crypto withdrawals take up to 24 hours, whereas other supported methods require between five and seven business days. The help section includes an extensive guide on getting started, which benefits bettors who lack experience with decentralized currencies.
Bethard
Bet Now ReviewLicenses• Malta Gaming Authority (#MGA/B2C/908/2021) • Irish Revenue Commissioners (1018155) • Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)Min Deposit• MiFinity - €20; Other methods - €10Min Withdrawal€10Withdrawal Time• Credit/debit cards - 2 to 4 days; • E-wallets - Instant; • Trustly - Instant; • Local bank transfers - Up to 1 dayDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: support@bethard.com Phone: N/A- Reputable bookie licensed in Malta
- Available in 8 languages
- Supports fantasy sports betting
- Generous pre-match and in-play odds
- User-friendly bet slip
- 31 sports disciplines
Bethard has been around for more than a decade, operating under a license granted by the Malta Gaming Authority. It offers a comprehensive range of products, including casino games, live betting, and pre-match betting at consistently great odds. The sportsbook runs on a world-leading wagering platform powered by SBTech.
Bettors at Bethard benefit from mobile compatibility, useful features like early cash out, and thousands of markets across 31 sports disciplines. They can wager on anything their hearts desire, from soccer, basketball, and gridiron football to rugby and chess.
The sportsbook keeps customers informed with an up-to-the-minute information panel that contains detailed statistics and match results. The in-play, upcoming, and highlighted events are posted under individual tabs for easier access. Fantasy sports and esports are also available.
Sports fans seeking gridiron action will not be disappointed by Bethard’s offering. We spotted more than 1,300 markets in the NFL section alone. Lines are posted for virtually every game throughout the season, along with over/under totals and point spreads.
Few sportsbooks can outcompete Bethard on outrights. The brand takes bets on dozens of outright markets, including Winless Season, Perfect Season, Regular Season Lowest Score, Elimination Stage, and Player Receptions.
20Bet
Min Deposit• $21 - Bitcoin; • $10 - Other MethodsMin Withdrawal$/€10Withdrawal Time• E-wallets - 12 hours • Cryptos - 24 hours • Credit/debit cards - 7 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes email: support@20bet.com Phone: N/A- Plenty of events and betting markets
- 36 language options
- Accepts USD, EUR, and CAD
- Very low minimum stakes (from $0.10)
- 24/7 live chat
- A wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods
Created by a team of passionate sports fans, 20Bet is a young sportsbook that began taking bets in the fall of 2020. The website is highly optimized for in-browser use on portable devices, and native apps for iOS and Android are available for free download.
The sportsbook supports a broad selection of markets and bet types, including singles, parlays, system, and chain bets. It offers close to 40 sports disciplines, ranging from alpine skiing and Gaelic hurling to fan favorites like ice hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, and American football.
Some might say the interface is somewhat simplistic, but we believe this aids navigation and improves betting efficiency. Bettors can sort events by popularity, alphabetically, or by country.
Because 20Bet serves an international customer base, it caters to bettors with six odds formats. You can adjust the display format from the settings menu located directly above your bet slip.
The sportsbook provides an abundance of options for football bettors, offering action on all major leagues, including the NFL, NCAAF, and CFL. Bettors interested in props have plenty to be excited about, with dozens of markets on offer.
Everygame
Min Deposit$6 - $20Min Withdrawal$100 - $150Withdrawal Time* Bitcoin and ecoPayz - 48 hours* Checks (the US only) - 5 business days* Bank wires - up to 15 business days* SEPA - up to 4 business daysDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Email: bet@everygame.eu Phone: Scheduled calls only- Pays out $50 million in winnings each month
- Sharp odds on worldwide events
- One of the first bookies to go online
- Clean and orderly design
- Detailed results for all major sports
- Ideal for rookie bettors
Everygame is a premium gambling platform committed to delivering high-quality casino gaming and sports betting. The sportsbook has been at the forefront for over 25 years and was previously known as Intertops. It accepts bets from more than 180 countries, including the United States.
The site shines in versatility, offering more than 5,000 betting markets each day. Everygame is the go-to spot for fans of all major sports, including tennis, soccer, boxing, baseball, horse racing, basketball, and football. You can even place bets on the stock market and non-sporting events like the US and South African lotteries.
In addition to pre-match markets, members can wager on dozens of in-running events each day. The in-play section can be viewed in overview or multi-view mode, depending on your preference.
When it comes to gridiron football, the sportsbook has plenty to offer. Coverage of the NCAA, CFL, and NFL is outstanding, allowing fans to choose from numerous preseason and regular-season lines, player props, and futures. Football action is available year-round at Everygame.
Betsson
ReviewLicenses- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA/CRP/108/2004)
- Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA)
- Danish Gambling Authority (DGA)
Min Deposit$/€10Min Withdrawal$/€20Withdrawal TimeBank Transfer: 2 to7 days; Cards: 2 to 5 days; E-Wallets: Up to 24 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsAtletico Nacional, Inter Milan, Club Atlético Boca Juniors, Racing Club de AvellanedaContact DetailsLive Chat: YesEmail: support-en@betsson.comPhone: +356 2260 3300- A world-class sportsbook with multiple licenses
- Live stream calendar
- Bet Builder feature for combination bets
- Early cash out and live scores
- 24/7 support via live chat, email, and callback
- A wide assortment of secure payment methods
Betsson is an award-winning gambling operator with more than 50 years of industry experience. The brand has multiple trophies on its rack, including Socially Responsible Sportsbook of the Year at the 2021 SBC Awards. Recognized worldwide for its trustworthiness, Betsson caters to bettors from over 120 countries.
The operator holds licenses in several jurisdictions, including Malta, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, Ireland, Argentina, and Kenya. The Betsson sportsbook ensures a pleasurable betting experience for all bettors, no matter how they prefer to wager. It takes action on approximately 30 disciplines, so you are bound to find markets to your liking.
Coverage of major sporting events is outstanding, from the UEFA Champions League and the FIBA World Cup to the Super Bowl and Wimbledon. All major US leagues are extensively covered, including the NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, UFC, and NFL.
In addition to standard lines, spreads, and totals, NFL fans can choose from dozens of outright markets. The early cash out feature is available for most preseason and regular-season lines, allowing you to settle your bets before a game is over. Other useful features include the Bet Builder, live streaming, statistics, and live scores.
XBet
Min Deposit• $45 - Mastercard, VISA • $20 - Cryptocurrencies • $100 - Person2PersonMin Withdrawal• $100 - for all payment methods except Bitcoin ($25)Withdrawal TimeFor customers with verified accounts - within 48 hoursDeposit MethodsSponsorshipsN/AContact DetailsLive Chat: Yes Contact Us Form Phone: 1-855-219-5809- Supports 10 cryptocurrencies
- Easy-to-use cashier
- Charges fees on bank transfer and e-check withdrawals
- Prop Builder feature
- Lines for 30 major and secondary sports
- Racebook for thoroughbred and harness horse racing
Xbet is a US-friendly online sportsbook that boasts an intuitive interface, highly responsive customer support, and a solid selection of promotions. This is a full-fledged betting site that offers action on a wide range of pre-match and in-game events across more than 30 sports. A dedicated racebook is also available for those looking to bet on major harness and thoroughbred horse races.
The Curacao-licensed bookie posts lines for gridiron football, soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, basketball, hockey, and baseball, among others. Secondary sports are covered as well, although the odds are shorter than those for the major leagues and competitions. Plenty of action is available for the CFL, NCAAF, and NFL.
Football fans can bet on popular markets like halves, quarters, and team total points. Those seeking more advanced wagers have access to a variety of player props and futures, including Final Standings, Coach of the Year, Super Bowl Winner, and To Make the Playoffs.
The Xbet sportsbook is quick and simple to use on both desktop and mobile devices. Bettors can wager with confidence, as the site uses advanced 256-bit encryption to protect personal data.
The only drawback is that withdrawals via fiat methods incur rather hefty processing fees. We recommend choosing one of the supported cryptocurrencies to avoid paying extra.
NFL Draft Betting Overview
NFL draft betting is an ideal opportunity for bettors seeking action during the league’s offseason. Held annually in late spring, this is one of the most anticipated events on the NFL calendar, along with the Super Bowl. Also known as the Player Selection Meeting, it is the league’s principal source of player recruitment, allowing each team to bring fresh talent to its roster.
Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned bettor looking for pointers, this is the right page for you. SportingPedia has compiled a complete guide on draft betting that will prepare you for the next big player recruitment in the NFL. Our experts provide valuable tips and information on how to choose the best sportsbooks for draft betting.
The NFL Drafting Rules and Procedure Explained
The rules of drafting new players to the NFL have undergone various changes since the first draft took place in the mid-1930s. Under the current format, the draft consists of seven rounds. Each of the league’s 32 franchises is entitled to a single pick per round.
Order of Draft Selection
The selection order depends on each franchise’s win/loss record during the previous season. Whether the teams reached the playoffs is also taken into account. The order is reversed.
Excluding any trades between franchises, the team that finished with the worst record in the previous season picks first in every round. Conversely, the Super Bowl champions make the final selection in each round.
Draft Slots Order
Franchises that failed to make it to the playoffs are allocated draft slots 1 through 20. The order of selection is based on the regular-season standings. The worst-performing franchise makes the first pick, whereas the team with the best record takes the twentieth slot.
The franchises that made it to the playoffs are allocated slots 21 through 32. The selection order is based on the teams’ performance during the previous year’s postseason as follows:
- Slots 21 through 24 are reserved for the four franchises disqualified during the wild card round.
- Slots 25 through 28 are taken by the four franchises disqualified during the divisional round.
- The two losing clubs in the conference championships are slotted in the 29th and 30th places.
- The franchise that ended up losing the last Super Bowl is allocated the 31st pick.
- Finally, the Super Bowl winner gets the 32nd and last draft pick during each selection round.
Tiebreaking Rules
Tiebreaker rules apply whenever several franchises finish the previous season with the same record. Strength of schedule (SoS) is the primary factor considered, that is, the relative difficulty of a franchise’s schedule compared with those of its rivals. The franchise that records the worst winning percentage during its schedule receives the higher draft pick.
Things become more complicated when the teams have the same SoS, in which case conference and divisional tiebreaking rules apply. If these rules still fail to break the tie, the following factors are considered: head-to-head winning percentage (if applicable), strength of victory (SoV), cumulative net points, and net touchdowns. A coin flip is used as a last resort when breaking ties.
Drafting Process and Timing
The annual draft unfolds over the course of three days, typically Thursday to Saturday in late April or early May. Each franchise is granted 10 minutes to make a pick during the first round. The decision time is shortened to 7 minutes per team during the second round, 5 minutes for rounds three through six, and 4 minutes for the seventh and final round.
If a club fails to reach a draft decision within the designated time, it gets to pick again, but only after the next franchise on the clock has submitted its selection. In such cases, the first franchise risks having the player it was considering “stolen” by the team with the later pick.
Player Draft Eligibility
The League works closely with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and researches the backgrounds of thousands of college players every year. Players should have graduated from high school at least three years before the draft to become eligible for selection.
According to the official NFL rules, a player is also draftable if they have used up their college eligibility before the next college football season commences. It follows that all senior students who have participated in four seasons of college football are eligible for drafting.
Although the vast majority of NFL recruits have played football in U.S. colleges, some have been drafted from Canadian universities. That said, a player is not required to attend college to become draft-eligible. A few have been recruited from other football leagues, mainly the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the German Football League (GFL).
Compensatory Selections
Apart from the picks during the seven rounds, each franchise in the NFL is entitled to one compensatory selection for a total of 32 compensatory picks. The purpose is to fill the void left by free agents who have joined other franchises after their contracts expired.
The compensatory selections are picked toward the end of rounds three through seven. The League’s Management Council uses a special proprietary formula for the compensatory picks. The formula takes into account the salaries of the free agents, the time they have spent on the field, and their postseason accolades.
NFL Draft Bets and Markets
Some online sportsbooks have already posted lines for the 2023 NFL Draft, offering a diverse range of betting markets to bettors seeking draft action. There are many ways to wager on this highly anticipated event, perhaps too many if you are a novice. Here are the most common markets for draft betting you will encounter at the sportsbooks on our shortlist.
First Draft Pick Overall
This is the most straightforward way to bet on the NFL Draft. Here you are wagering on which player you think will get selected first in the draft. The oddsmakers set the lines on a broad field of players, ranking them based on capability and value. The lines for the First Pick Overall market typically look like those in the example below.
Player Odds of Becoming the 1st Pick at 2023 NFL Draft C. J. Stroud +225 Bryce Young +250 Will Anderson +275 Anthony Richardson +1500 Bryan Bresee +2000 Paris Johnson +2000 The greater the number, the lower the probability of the respective player becoming the first pick. Looking at the lines above, the quarterback of the Ohio State Buckeyes C. J. Stroud has the best chance of getting picked first, according to the oddsmakers.
Team’s First Drafted Player
This market is just as simple as the First Overall Pick. The only difference is you try to predict which player will be drafted first to a particular team. This is a great betting option for fans of specific teams, say the Rams or the Bucs.
When wagering on this market, it is important to consider the available players and the pick number of your favorite franchise. Another thing to contemplate is who your specific team could be targeting to improve its roster.
Position of Team’s First Drafted Player
This market entails betting on the exact position of the first player drafted by a specific franchise. It could be a quarterback, linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver, tackle, etc. Some of the factors you should keep in mind are the pick number of the respective franchise, the available players, and the aspects of the team’s play that need improvement.
For example, the Atlanta Falcons could use more depth on the defensive end, so it would make sense for them to pick a middle linebacker or a cornerback first. Many sportsbooks also offer markets for the position of the second draft pick for the franchises.
Team to Draft a Player
This is another straightforward market suitable for rookie football bettors. You are wagering on which franchise will recruit a given player. This is the ideal betting option for fans who follow specific college players and admire their style.
When wagering on this market, you should also keep an eye on the odds for the First Overall Pick. If a franchise has the seventh overall pick, for instance, it would be unlikely for them to get C. J. Stroud, the most valuable player in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Draft Proposition Bets (Props)
Props comprise a broad category of wagers on the possible top picks for quarterbacks and other team positions. These wagers offer great value but are more difficult to predict correctly. Prominent examples of draft props include:
- Quarterbacks taken in round one
- Defensive linemen taken in round one
- Team to use first pick on a wide receiver
- Team to use first pick on a linebacker
- First quarterback selected
Over/Under NFL Draft Wagers
With over/under bets, oddsmakers select a value for a given market and bettors must predict whether the final result will go over or under. For instance, you can bet on whether a given player will be picked over or under the specified draft position. Below is an example of an over/under line for Will Anderson, who currently plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide as an outside linebacker.
Will Anderson Draft Position 3.5 Line Over -110 Under -110 A wager on the over market will win if Anderson gets selected as the fourth pick or higher. Conversely, bets on the under market will pay out provided that the outside linebacker is drafted as the first, second, or third pick.
Interpreting NFL Draft Betting Odds
The lines for draft betting are typically set using the American format of odds expression, which makes calculating potential profits and losses incredibly straightforward. We will briefly go over this format to give you an idea of how to read draft betting odds.
| First Drafted Quarterback | |
|---|---|
| C. J. Stroud | -250 |
| Bryce Young | +200 |
| Anthony Richardson | +1500 |
Stroud is the clear favorite in the example above, so winning bets on him would return less than the amount wagered. Richardson is the longshot on this market, and a $100 wager on him could earn you $1,500 in total.
Related Topics
NFL Draft Betting FAQ
What is an NFL mock draft?
Mock drafts are simulated trials that reflect the expectations and opinions of football fans about how their favorite NFL franchises should look. Franchise executives carry out these trials to prepare for the actual draft. The simulations allow them to gauge public opinion and better assess the potential of eligible players. You can make mock picks for your favorite teams by using one of the many NFL draft simulators available on the internet.
Can I legally wager on the NFL Draft?
Draft betting is legal in many countries, including many U.S. states, but there are still some exceptions to the general rule. We recommend you consult the legislation of your specific jurisdiction to ensure you are not violating any laws. You also have to meet the minimum age requirements (18 or 21 years old) to legally wager on the NFL draft.
How can I wager responsibly at draft betting sites?
All sportsbooks we have shortlisted for you provide a range of responsible gambling tools to prevent bettors from overspending and help them keep their betting under control. Customers can set their own boundaries by imposing custom limits on their daily, weekly, and monthly deposits. Reality checks, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion are also available to online bettors.
Do college players who won the Heisman Trophy get picked first?
While Heisman winners are not always the first pick, they have a decent chance of being drafted during the first round. Out of 85 players who have won the prestigious trophy, 58 have been drafted in the first round. As many as 23 of them were picked as the first overall selection, while 39 were drafted in the top five selections.
Who was the first overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Travon Walker was drafted first overall during the 2022 Player Selection Meeting, held at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas from April 28 to April 30. Walker played as a defensive end at Georgia before the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him first overall as their new outside linebacker. Aidan Hutchinson was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions. The Houston Texans chose Louisiana’s Derek Stingley Jr. as the third overall pick.
