Odds Now Heavily Favor Giants Taking Jedrick Wills Jr with 4th Pick in 2020 NFL Draft
- Jedrick Wills is a -167 favorite to be the New York Giants’ first pick in the 2020 NFL draft
- The Alabama tackle allowed just one sack in 29 collegiate starts
- Is Wills the G-Men’s most likely pick, or does another player present more value?
It won’t be long until the New York Giants are on the clock with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. If you believe the chatter in the New York media, offensive line is the position the G-Men will target, and sportsbooks seem to agree.
New York Giants First Pick in 2020 NFL Draft Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jedrick Wills Jr | -167 |
| Tristan Wirfs | +300 |
| Isaiah Simmons | +350 |
| Andrew Thomas | +700 |
| Derrick Brown | +1200 |
| Mekhi Becton | +1400 |
| Jeffrey Okudah | +2500 |
| Chase Young | +3300 |
| Justin Herbert | +5000 |
| Jerry Jeudy | +8000 |
| CeeDee Lamb | +8000 |
| Javon Kinlaw | +8000 |
| Henry Ruggs III | +8000 |
| K’Lavon Chaisson | +10000 |
| CJ Henderson | +10000 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | +50000 |
| Joe Burrow | +50000 |
Odds taken April 21
Alabama tackle Jedrick Wills Jr is the heavy favorite to be New York’s first selection on draft night, followed by Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs. Three weeks ago, the odds favored Louisville tackle Mekhi Becton to be the G-Men’s top choice, but his price has since been lengthened to +1400.
Wills or Wirfs?
Most NFL Draft analysts agree that Wills and Wirfs are the two most pro-ready offensive line products and the odds certainly reflect that. In addition to being the Giants’ top-two choices in the betting market, Wills and Wirfs have the shortest, and second shortest odds respectively to be the first offensive lineman drafted.
Both are exceptional athletes and both could slide right into the Giants starting line-up at right tackle, and potentially replace Nate Solder at left tackle in a few seasons. Wirfs was a state wrestling champion and became the first true freshman to start at tackle under the current Hawkeyes regime.
.@TristanWirfs74’s ridiculous athleticism was on full display at the #NFLCombine 💪😤 @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/eYaKaonjTF
— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2020
He’s expected by most to be a top-10 pick, but his production at Iowa wasn’t quite as jaw-dropping as what Wills did at Alabama. The 6-foot-4, 312 pounder is considered the best pure pass blocker in this draft class, and he posted Pro Football Focus’ second-highest run blocking grade last season in the SEC.
In a class full of freak athletes at the tackle position, Jedrick Wills looks like the freakiest after posting a 91.6 run-blocking grade this year. pic.twitter.com/nZGpZoJHoq
— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) January 2, 2020
He allowed just 11 pressure in 2019 and in his entire three-year collegiate career he gave up only a single sack. That kind of protection is exactly what the Giants are looking for to help expedite the progress of last year’s first round pick Daniel Jones.
Wills is Exactly What New York Needs
Almost every quarterback struggles under pressure, and Jones is no different. His offensive rating is 26 points lower when facing heat according to PFF, and his completion rate drops from 68.9% to 50%. Last season he was sacked 38 times in just 13 games and the G-Men ranked bottom-15 in both pass and run blocking metrics.
“I like to dominate people. It’s what I do. It’s what I live for.”
Meet @AlabamaFTBL OT Jedrick Wills Jr. @JWills73
📺: 2020 NFL Draft, April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/1EWzAiVxEw
— NFL (@NFL) April 18, 2020
Speaking of run blocking, a stud offensive lineman has to be music to Saquon Barkley’s ears. New York’s 2018 first round pick is looking to bounce back after an injury riddle 2019, and a tackle who can clear space like this will certainly help.
Just a video of Jedrick Wills simultaneously pancaking 2 guys pic.twitter.com/LONuuBEfPs
— Scout Kelley (@ScoutKelley) April 14, 2020
Also helping the Wills to New York buzz is the fact that the Crimson Tide’s former running backs coach is now with the Giants. Burton Burns has seen first hand what Wills is capable of and you have to think he’s singing his praises to whoever will listen.
Follow the Line Move
Three weeks ago, Wills was behind both Becton and Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons to be New York’s first choice, so pat yourself on the back if you grabbed him then at +350. He’s projected to land with the Giants in quite a few updated Mock Drafts, including our very own.
According to @JordanRaanan, there is buzz growing around the NFL that the #NYGiants will select RT Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) with the No. 4 overall pick.
How would you feel about a pick like that, Giants fans?! pic.twitter.com/hTJu4j8uNP
— Giants Nation (@GiantsNationNYC) April 15, 2020
He’s the best offensive line prospect and New York is desperate to upgrade that position. Of course the G-Men could trade out of the fourth pick jeopardizing their chances at landing Willis, but this is a perfect match and the Giants won’t be able to pass on a talent like this who can make an immediate impact.
Pick: Wills Jr (-167)
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
