Las Vegas releases updated 2022 NFL Draft odds with new No. 1 overall pick

Unlike the last four drafts, a quarterback is not likely to be the first prospect off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft. With the draft just three days away, Las Vegas has updated the odds for the No. 1 overall selection, choosing a new favorite to walk across the stage first.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the No. 1 pick for the second straight season, hoping to build a foundation that’ll lead them to success in the coming seasons. With the Urban Meyer era in the rearview, Jacksonville needs to hit big on its selection.

After taking quarterback Trevor Lawrence a year ago, some predict the Jags to go with Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker.

“Around the NFL, there’s talk about GM Trent Baalke, and his draft history with SF,” NFL Network’s Peter Schrager said. “Year after year, the 49ers took players with incredible physical traits over the top collegiate performers. That’s Travon Walker.” 

Walker has pushed out Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson from the top spot in the odds with less than a week to go before the draft in Indianapolis. Either defensive lineman would be the first non-quarterback to be selected first overall since Myles Garrett went first in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Here are the latest odds from Vegas on the players with the best chance at going No. 1 overall on Thursday night.

2022 NFL Draft: Favorites for No. 1 overall pick:

• Travon Walker, EDGE, Georgia (-155)
• Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan (+150)
• Ikem Ekwonu, OT, NC State (+600)
• Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (+1800)
• Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon (+1800)
• Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (+6600)
• Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh (+10000)
• Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame (+10000)
• Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (+10000)

Odds shift in Travon Walker’s favor

The buzz around Walker had been growing for some time. Top minds across the NFL landscape have pointed to the possibility of hearing his name called first for a number of reasons. NFL analyst Todd McShay broke down what he likes about the Bulldogs veteran.

“I think his best football is still ahead of him,” McShay said. “He’s got to learn how to use his hands a little bit more efficiently as a pass rusher and how to finish better, kind of gather himself because he left a lot of sacks on the field – only finished with 9.5 sacks in his career. He was the dynamite out on the defensive line just taking up blocks. I always say fishing with dynamite. He’s the dynamite that goes in and blows everything up.”

“He’s an exceptional defensive end when it comes to stopping the run. I think he’s gonna be at his best rushing the passer right away on the inside,” he continued. “The more time goes on and the more he works on his hands as a pass rusher, he’s gonna become a really good edge rusher too. I think the ceiling for him is extraordinarily high. He’s 6-(foot)-5, 272 pounds running 4.51 (40-yard dash) with 35.5-inch arms.”

Walker started all 15 games for Georgia last season, finishing with 37 tackles, six sacks with 7.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 36 quarterback hurries.