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USATSI

We are about two weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft, and it's about time to begin considering where you will place your money. The NFL draft is quickly becoming somewhat of a betting holiday, since fans can get some quick action in the middle of the offseason. There are Over/Unders for a player's draft position, odds for which player at which position will be selected first and then of course, odds for who will be drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.

We have been tracking odds for the No. 1 overall pick over the past couple months, but now, Caesars Sportsbook has come out with what is virtually a mini mock draft. Caesars has odds out for which players will be selected with the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 overall picks, along with general odds for a player to be a top-five selection.

Below, we will break down how Caesars' odds predict the beginning of the draft shaking out, along with odds for the top five players to go at that specific pick.

No. 1 pick (Jaguars): Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson (-300)

Georgia DL Travon Walker (+350)
N.C. State OL Ikem Ekwonu (+1200)
Alabama OL Evan Neal (+1200)
Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (+2500)
Liberty QB Malik Willis (+2500)

Hutchinson has been the heavy favorite to be selected No. 1 overall for weeks now. There's not much reason to place a bet on him at -300 unless you can parlay it with something else, but Walker could be an intriguing bet if you're feeling bold. 

Dane Brugler of The Athletic reported last month that Walker is "a realistic possibility" to jump Hutchinson and land in Jacksonville. Walker dominated the NFL Scouting Combine, as his 4.51 40-yard dash time was the fastest for a player weighing at least 270 pounds since 1999, per PFF. Walker measured in at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds.

No. 2 pick (Lions): Georgia DL Travon Walker (+230)

Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson (+250)
Liberty QB Malik Willis (+450)
Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (+500)
Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton (+750)

It's a joke that has quickly gotten old for Lions fans, but Dan Campbell likes his kneecap biters. He also recently said he wants a "Day 1 starter" with the No. 2 overall pick -- and while some see that as a comment that doesn't mean anything, to me it says Detroit may not be considering a quarterback with its first pick. Hutchinson is likely a lock to go at No. 2 overall if the Jaguars pass on him, but that doesn't seem likely. Walker at plus money seems like a solid bet, but don't forget about Thibodeaux at +500. 

No. 3 pick (Texans): N.C. State OL Ikem Ekwonu (+180)

Alabama OL Evan Neal (+280)
Georgia DL Travon Walker (+550)
Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton (+750)
Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (+900)
Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner (+900)

Ekwonu is undoubtedly one of the best players in this draft, but I wonder if Neal at +280 would be a better bet at this spot.

No. 4 pick (Jets): Oregon DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (+225)

Cincinnati CB Ahmad Gardner (+350)
Georgia DL Travon Walker (+400)
Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson II (+430)
Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton (+1000)
Alabama OL Evan Neal (+1000)
N.C. State OL Ikem Ekwonu (+1000)

Last year, Robert Saleh used his first four picks with the Jets on the offensive side of the ball, so I'm convinced No. 4 overall will be a defensive player. Thibodeaux and Walker should be the favorites here in my mind, and I may take fliers on both. "Sauce" Gardner is a player many are mocking to the Jets, but with their second pick at No. 10 overall as opposed to this one. 

Odds of being a top-five pick

DL Travon Walker (-500)
OL Ikem Ekwonu (-300)
OL Evan Neal (-275)
DE Kayvon Thibodeaux (-125)
CB Ahmad Gardner (+130)
S Kyle Hamilton (+220)
OL Charles Cross (+250)
QB Malik Willis (+250)
DE Jermaine Johnson II (+325)
QB Kenny Pickett (+700)
WR Garrett wilson (+750)
WR Drake London (+750)
CB Derek Stingley Jr. (+1500)

The only number I love from the list above would have to be Thibodeaux at -125. Three of our five NFL draft experts have him going in the top five in their most recent mock drafts, and I do as well. A player I may throw a few bucks on to go in the top five is Stingley Jr. at +1500. He's considered to be one of the best players in the draft, but does have some injury issues. Still, maybe the Jets or New York Giants at No. 5 overall surprise us.