After a few surprise picks occur in the NFL Draft, it sets off a domino effect that inevitably leaves mock drafts as useful as paperweights.
This year's draft is anticipated to be one of the most volatile in recent years with all of the uncertainty looming among the top prospects.
Expecting the unexpected can be used as a tool to cash some longshot tickets. Below, I review the best low-risk, high-reward bets that could leave you looking smarter than every NFL Draft analyst out there.
Jets Select Ahmad Gardner No. 4 & Drake London No. 10 (+1600)
Despite the edge rushers going at the top of the draft, the Jets will have their chance to take the best defensive player in Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner. The shutdown cornerback from Cincinnati didn't give up a touchdown in his entire collegiate career.
Gardner has been nothing but impressive throughout the draft process, and New York will lock in a franchise cornerback of the future.
The Jets have been aggressive this offseason in search of a top-notch receiver. After Tyreke Hill chose Miami over New York, the Jets will turn to the draft to find their guy.
The run on receivers is expected to start with the Atlanta Falcons at the eighth pick, as they'are rumored to be eyeing Garrett Wilson.
With Jameson Williams coming off his torn ACL, the Jets will ultimately go with Drake London. London will provide Zach Wilson with a 6-foot-4 weapon that will immediately help the second-year quarterback.
"Nearly 1,100 yards in just eight games last year" 😯
Drake London has what it takes to be the best receiver in this year's draft. pic.twitter.com/mPIbmzlbEg
— ESPN (@espn) April 21, 2022
As the passing game has become more prominent in the NFL, the Jets may look to lock in their cornerback and wide receiver of the future.
At odds of +1600, there's value in backing that combination.
Detroit Lions to Draft Kenny Pickett (+2000)
The demand for quarterbacks in this year’s draft is high. But the supply is short given the mediocre talent in this class. Many teams may opt to wait for next year's draft class, which will be highlighted by Ohio State's CJ Stroud and Alabama's Bryce Young.
Lions quarterback coach Mark Brunell attended Pickett’s Pro Day at Pittsburgh. And now the team is scheduled to meet with Pickett the day before the draft.
Pitt QB Kenny Pickett will also be visiting the #Lions on Wednesday, per @TomPelissero. Plenty of due dillience on the QBs. https://t.co/RLRpdavlab
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2022
Detroit has plenty of holes to fill, so it’s unlikely it uses the second overall selection on a quarterback. But with picks 32 and 34, the Lions have some trading capital if they’re eyeing a quarterback.
Detroit is the third favorite on the odds board at +350 to select Malik Willis. They're worth a play at 20-1 to take the second quarterback prospect in the draft.
Treylon Burks To Go 16th (+2000)
New Orleans owns the 16th and 19th pick in this year's NFL Draft.
The Saints return a top-five scoring defense for the second season in a row but are in desperate need of weapons to help rejuvenate the offense.
A wave of wide receivers is expected to start going off the board as we approach the eighth pick in this year’s draft. The Saints will likely sit tight and wait to see who remains among the deep receiving class.
The most likely top prospect appears to be Treylon Burks out of Arkansas.
Burks met with the Saints in early April and has the prototypical size the franchise is looking for. He would complement Michael Thomas well, giving the team one of the most physical receiver tandems in the league.
With odds of +2000, it's worth taking a shot that he’s the best wide receiver remaining at 16.
It also doesn’t hurt that Peter King had Treylon Burks mocked to go to the Saints at 16.
