Online sportsbook BetDSI has released odds regarding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Among the candidates are four quarterbacks and a running back. While USC signal caller Sam Darnold leads the pack, Penn State rusher Saquon Barkley is gaining steam. Let's break down who likely will be the first star NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls on April 26.
Sam Darnold, USC quarterback: +175
Josh Rosen, UCLA quarterback: +285
Saquon Barkley, Penn State running back: +425
Josh Allen, Wyoming quarterback: +650
Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma quarterback: +1000
The Field (any other player): +500
With the 0-16 Cleveland Browns on the clock, there are plenty of holes to fill on both sides of the ball, especially on offense. Give the Browns' brass credit for taking a long, hard look at DeShone Kizer in 2017. The Notre Dame rookie quarterback played all 16 games but tossed 11 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, averaging 181 passing yards a game.
The Browns will undoubtedly be looking for a savior behind center. But is Darnold or Josh Rosen the answer? Considering their recent failures finding a suitable QB -- hello, Johnny Football! -- Barkley seems the safer bet at No. 1.
Complicating matters is the Browns also own the first round's fourth pick. Do the Browns trade their first pick in hopes Barkley remains on the board at No. 4? Do the New York Jets, who have quarterback woes of their own, try to trade up and tab Darnold or perhaps Josh Rosen?
The Giants, possessor of the second overall pick, are indicating Eli Manning will once again be starting for Big Blue in 2018, but likely hope to find his successor in this quarterback-rich draft. But New York has backfield problems of its own and might want to trade up to pounce on Barkley, who is not only a bruising back but legit receiving threat, as well.
And where's the love for Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield, who showed the most pocket poise of all the quarterbacks? At best, Mayfield is projected as a mid-first-rounder, which is a bit surprising. Wyoming's Josh Allen could potentially go No. 1 also, but has lost some draft buzz over the last month. He could regain it with a strong combine showing.
My best guess is that the quarterbacks cancel each other out, and Barkley is taken No. 1 by the Browns. If any team is going to wheel and deal for Cleveland's first selection, it's gotta be for Barkley.
Written by Storm Gifford
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