The Houston Texans were the second-worst team in the NFL in 2022. But by drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson, the 2023 offensive and defensive rookies of the year, respectively, the Texans won the AFC South.
That signifies the importance of the NFL Draft. And finding key contributors at any point in the draft certainly plays a role in NFL odds as organizations have more cap space to work with and can put teams together more effectively.
Here’s a look at the NFL prospects which could most significantly impact futures odds.
Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is arguably the best wide receiver in this class.
The former Ohio State wide receiver was a two-time All-American in college. He caught 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022 and tallied 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns on 67 catches the following season.
And if Harrison lands in the right situation, he could unlock a team’s offense.
If he ends up with the Arizona Cardinals, he might not alter the landscape of the league. But if he goes to the Justin Herbert-led Chargers, which has the fifth overall pick, that could give them the offensive firepower under new head coach Jim Harbaugh to make a deep playoff run.
Harrison is currently the heavy favorite to go No. 4:
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: -250
- Malik Nabers: +900
- Jayden Daniels: +1400
- J.J. McCarthy: +1400
LSU QB Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, has the second-best betting odds to be the first-overall pick and is tied for the best odds to be drafted third overall. But there’s been rumors the Patriots might trade down from the third overall selection, and his impact on the league heavily depends which team he ends up at.
If he goes to a team like the Commanders or Patriots, he would likely be viewed as a developmental passer. He would be given time to iron out his game at the pro level considering those teams would face very little expectations. But if another playoff-ready team trades up for Daniels, that changes things.
The Giants and Vikings are a couple teams which have been in the playoffs within the last couple years and could be looking to draft a quarterback. Teams like that have the coaches and infrastructure to set Daniels up for success and make a run at the postseason.
Daniels has the second-shortest odds for the No. 3 pick:
- Drake Maye: +100
- Jayden Daniels: +150
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: +400
- J.J. McCarthy: +650
Alabama EDGE Dallas Turner
Dallas Turner is tied for the fifth-best betting odds to be drafted first overall at +15000. Even if he doesn’t go first overall, he could be a difference-maker for any defense.
Turner was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He totaled 10 sacks, 53 tackles, and 14.5 tackles for loss.
Like Anderson, another Alabama alumni, Turner could be the pass rusher a franchise badly needs. Fans have seen time and again how much pressuring opposing quarterbacks on a consistent basis can boost a team’s playoff potential.
And because of the demand for quarterbacks and wide receivers, Turner might drop a little bit. Maybe he falls all the way to the Jets at 10th overall, which could make that defense go from good to great as Aaron Rodgers plans to return from injury, or maybe a 2023 playoff team makes a move up for him as he falls to bolster its roster.
Under-the-Radar QBs
Austin Reed, Carter Bradley, and Davius Richard are potential hidden gems among the QBs in this year’s class.
LSU WR Malik Nabers
Similar to Harrison, Malik Nabers is an elite prospect at his position. But because he’s not widely viewed as the best receiver in this class, Nabers may end up slipping a bit during the NFL Draft.
Because of the number of quarterback-needy teams picking in the top five and teams potentially valuing other positions more, Nabers might end up going sixth overall or later. For example, Nabers has the second-best betting odds to go fifth overall behind offensive lineman Joe Alt of Notre Dame.
Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while earning All-American accolades. The year before, he tallied 1,017 yards and three touchdowns on 72 catches. His production in the SEC shows how excellent he can be in the NFL.
So if he does end up going outside of the top five, maybe the Bengals or even the Packers, teams which need help at receiver, would be willing to give up the draft capital to take Nabers.
Another former LSU wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, went fifth overall to the Bengals in 2021 and helped them reach the Super Bowl as a rookie. If Nabers goes to the right team, he could immediately be the best wideout on a squad contending for the playoffs.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr.
Michael Penix Jr.’s draft stock is interesting because he could very well end up dropping significantly, maybe even out of the first round like some media outlets believe will happen. Or maybe a team drafting in the back half of the first round will think highly enough of Penix to select him.
He certainly has the talent and resume to be picked early. Penix was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2023 after passing for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
The Seahawks are the betting favorites to draft Penix at +325, while the Vikings and Falcons are tied for second at +450. If he goes to Minnesota or Atlanta, either in the first round or later, he would have a chance to start early and would be surrounded by talent on the offensive side of the ball.
If Penix continues playing at a high level as he has in college, he could be a game-changer.
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