As the 2022 NFL Draft picture sharpens into focus, Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson is looking more and more like the No. 1 overall pick. After that, though, the draft is shaping up to have a wild betting market.
Anything can happen at No. 2 overall, which currently belongs to the Detroit Lions. Let's dive into the prospects and odds.
Odds to Be Drafted No. 2 Overall
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Aidan Hutchinson | +200 |
| Travon Walker | +250 |
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | +350 |
| Malik Willis | +500 |
| Ahmad Gardner | +1400 |
| Ikem Ekwonu | +2000 |
| Evan Neal | +2000 |
| Derek Stingley Jr. | +2500 |
| Kyle Hamilton | +2500 |
| Kenny Pickett | +5000 |
| Jermaine Johnson | +5000 |
| Charles Cross | +7500 |
| Matt Corral | +10000 |
| Sam Howell | +10000 |
Odds via FanDuel as of April 14.
Evan Neal and Ikem Ekwonu are good examples of players who flew up draft boards early in the process. The late bloomer, however, is Travon Walker (+250).
Walker only posted 9.5 sacks in three seasons at Georgia, but the 6-foot-5, 270-pound defensive end's physical tools — along with his unreal Combine, which saw him rip off a 4.51 40-yard dash and 35.5-inch vertical — have slowly vaulted him into conversation for top pick.
Hutchinson's the chalk (-250) to go No. 1, followed by Walker (+350), then a steep drop-off to Neal (+1200) and Ekwonu (+1200).
No matter how you slice it, the Lions could use defensive production. They were bottom five last year in sacks (30), tackles for loss (58) and forced fumbles (10).
And although it's a weak quarterback class, Malik Willis (+500) is gaining traction as a realistic option at No. 2. The former Liberty standout's currently the chalk for first quarterback drafted (-165), ahead of Kenny Pickett (+145).
Malik Willis (QB) launching the 55 yard completion with pressure in his face pic.twitter.com/WMADFebvy6
— NFL Prospect Clips (@NflProspectClip) April 8, 2022
The final prospect worth mentioning is Ahmad Gardner, who has shifted from +2500 to +1400 for No. 2 overall pick in the last 24 hours.
For reference, he's priced at +350 in this market at DraftKings.
Gardner, who's also a heavy favorite to be the first cornerback drafted (-400), didn't allow a single touchdown in coverage over three years at Cincinnati, spanning more than 1,000 defensive snaps.
After measuring well and posting solid workout scores, including a 4.41-yard dash, Gardner's seemingly left Derek Stingley Jr. in the dust.
"Sauce" has already visited with the Lions and was projected second to Detroit in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock.
