NFL Draft odds: Jayden Daniels becomes favorite for 2nd overall pick
What’s this? There’s a new favorite to follow Caleb Williams in the NFL Draft. The money, as of this week, is going with Jayden Daniels.
Count on this argument going on for weeks. First, we start with the assumption that Williams, the former USC star and Heisman winner, will go to the Bears with the first pick. Williams went through his pro day in LA, Wednesday, with both Chicago GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus there to watch. Even Keenan Allen, the newest Bears receiver, was in attendance. Chicago traded Justin Fields to the Steelers last Saturday to make way for a new QB on the roster.
So the Commanders, you are on the clock. Washington also traded starting quarterback Sam Howell to Seattle to leave them a spot on the roster for a rookie QB. For the longest, North Carolina’s Drake Maye was the favorite to be the second name called out by Roger Goodell on NFL Draft day. But over at FanDuel.com, the odds now favor Daniels. Read along for why.
Jayden Daniels, LSU: -180
The odds for Daniels to go No. 2 shortened from +170 to -180 as of this week. Daniels has done nothing to really change them. His pro day is next week.
But what likely is happening is NFL Draft analysts are talking up Daniels’ playmaking abilities. Those skills are the reason he won the Heisman Trophy. Teams also seem to not be as concerned with his slender physique.
Drake Maye, North Carolina: +130
Nearly a month ago, Maye was a big favorite to go No. 2 by Williams in the NFL Draft. FanDuel listed his odds at -140. Meanwhile, Daniels started at +150. But we know all these odds are fluid.
Like Daniels, Maye will have his pro day next week. After that, there could be a swing in the odds, either way, or they will solidify. What won’t change is this. Maye has a strong arm and the classic NFL quarterback build.
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State: +1500
Consider Harrison a long shot for No. 2, although some analysts have him as the top prospect in the NFL Draft. But its a quarterbacks world, the receivers just live in it. A month ago, Harrisons odds were +1500.
Harrison had his pro day, Wednesday, at Ohio State. But he didn’t work out. Reports suggested that the receiver talked to nine teams at the NFL Combine and none of them said he needed to workout for them.
Caleb Williams, USC: +2800
If for some bizarre reason, Williams should not go No. 1, then surely he would not slip past the Commanders at No. 2. Or, if not the Commanders, some quarterback-desperate team would trade up for a slightly less expensive Williams.
A month ago, Williams showed up in the odds for No. 2. But he was at +1200. The money is speaking. While not the highest odds to go No. 2, Williams has to be considered one of the longest shots to end up here considering all of the trends.
J.J. McCarthy, Michigan: +3500
McCarthy is a hot name, zooming up the NFL Draft boards. There is some projection that the Vikings may be packaging some picks to move up in the draft to select McCarthy.
Keep in mind, despite being a hot name, no one is really talking about McCarthy at No. 2. The highest projection is fourth overall. A month ago, McCarthy was +3000.
Longer shots to go No. 2 in NFL Draft
Joe Alt Notre Dame: +5000
Rome Odunze, Washington: +20000
Malik Nabers, LSU: +20000
Brock Bowers, Georgia: +20000
J.C. Latham, Alabama: +20000
Dallas Turner, Alabama: +20000
Remember that the NFL Draft is set for April 25-27, going live from Detroit. It should be a rollicking time for the Lions fans. And the drama should be created at No. 2.