CJ Stroud No Longer Favored to Go #2 in NFL Draft Odds; Anthony Richardson Favored Over 4.5
- Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is the +800 second betting choice to go first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft
- However, Stroud also the +125 chalk to be selected third overall on draft day
- Florida QB Anthony Richardson is the +1500 third betting choice go first overall
CJ Stroud might be the first player chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft. Then again, if the Ohio State quarterback doesn’t go first overall, odds are that he won’t hear his name called until the third pick on draft day.
Stroud is being given +800 second odds in the betting market for the first overall selection. Alabama QB Bryce Young is the -1200 odds-on choice to be the first pick in the NFL Draft odds.
2023 Second Overall Pick NFL Draft Odds
| Players (School) | Odds |
|---|---|
| Will Anderson (Alabama) | +150 |
| Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech) | +230 |
| Will Levis (Kentucky) | +250 |
| CJ Stroud (Ohio State) | +275 |
| Bryce Young (Alabama) | -1000 |
| Jalen Carter (Georgia) | +1100 |
| Anthony Richardson (Florida) | +1800 |
| Bijan Robinson (Texas) | +10000 |
| Will McDonald IV (Iowa State) | +13000 |
| Paris Johnson (Ohio State) | +15000 |
| Christian Gonzalez (Oregon) | +15000 |
| Peter Skoronski (Northwestern) | +15000 |
| Devon Witherspoon (Illinois) | +15000 |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State) | +20000 |
| Myles Murphy (Clemson) | +20000 |
| Brian Branch (Alabama) | +20000 |
| Quentin Johnson (TCU) | +20000 |
| Zay Flowers (Boston College) | +20000 |
| Darnell Wright (Tennessee) | +20000 |
| Broderick Jones (Georgia) | +20000 |
| Tanner McKee (Stanford) | +20000 |
| Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) | +20000 |
At the same time, Stroud is the +125 chalk to be selected with the third overall pick. The betting line shortened significantly on Young after his meeting with the Carolina Panthers, who hold the first overall pick. Following that visit, Young canceled all scheduled visits with other NFL teams.
The NFL Draft is slated for 8:00pm ET on Thursday, April 27. It is being broadcast on the NFL Network. Odds as of April 21 at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Why Thinking Is Stroud Will Slide to Third
On the surface, it might seem to be odd that Stroud is the second betting choice to go at #1 but the favorite to be taken at #3. Here’s what’s creating that speculation.
Firstly, there are unsubstantiated rumors being floated in NFL circles that Stroud failed to show up for his appearance as an instructor at the famed Manning Passing Academy. This is leading to scuttlebutt about whether he has character issues. However, just as many football insiders are suggesting that it’s all a smokescreen and Stroud was never slated to appear at the Manning clinic.
Go ahead. Try to tear down C.J. Stroud if you want. It won’t work. It doesn’t matter where he gets drafted. He’s going to work. He’s going to grind. And he’s going to be successful. That’s who he is. That’s how he’s built. He’s CJ STROUD. pic.twitter.com/a8sz5mqrsw
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) April 20, 2023
Secondly, the Houston Texans are putting their own rumors into circulation that they’d be willing to deal the #2 overall pick. There’s also talk that the Texans, who also hold the #12 pick, will trade down and take Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker as their QB of the future.
Don’t fall for the talk. After Young goes to Carolina at #1, the Texans will taking Stroud, the best pure passer in this NFL Draft class, with the second overall selection.
Pick: CJ Stroud second overall (+275)
Richardson Remains Biggest Wild Card of NFL Draft
Florida QB Anthony Richardson is like the pineapple on pizza debate. He’s either loved or shunned. There’s no in between with him.
Some are infatuated with his bountiful offerings. Others prefer that he stay far away from getting his hands on the football and their team’s future.
There are still some mock drafts speculating that the multi-faceted Richardson could be a surprise first overall pick. At odds of +1500, he’s third in that betting market.
Anthony Richardson NFL Draft Over/Under Odds
| Selection | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 4.5 | -400 |
| Under 4.5 | +300 |
He’s also the seventh choice to go second overall (+1800), third to be #3 (+330), fourth to go at fourth overall (+450) and fourth to go fifth overall (+600). You can also get action him to go sixth (+1800, eighth), seventh (+1500, eighth), eighth (+3000, 11th), ninth (+3000, 13th), or 10th (+4000, 16th).
As well, you can play an over/under wager on Richardson’s ultimate landing place. The total is set at 4.5. The over displays odds of -400, while the under is a +300 long shot.
Will Anthony Richardson have an elite impact as a runner in year one?💨 pic.twitter.com/DdF9Bb57un
— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 20, 2023
Based on his combine results, Richardson is the most athletic QB in NFL history. His package of size, speed and arm strength are what excites NFL personnel folk. However, Richardson’s inability to avoid pressure and his poor reads that lead to turnovers make him a long-term project as an NFL starter.
That’s why he’ll slide on draft day. Look for the Seattle Seahawks to select Richardson as future heir to Geno Smith at fifth overall.
Pick: Anthony Richardson fifth overall (+600); Richardson over pick 4.5 (+300)
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An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
