The 2009 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching and as the Detroit Lions step up to the podium to make the first selection this Saturday, there is a lot of speculation as to how the chips will fall.NFL Draft betting will be our first, unofficial taste of football betting since the Super Bowl so it should be a fun event.
The first question of the day is whether or not the Detroit Lions have settled on Matthew Stafford. One of the first NFL Draft odds we see posted is “who will draft the former Georgia stud quarterback?”
There is some speculation that the Lions are already negotiating with the quarterback but there are also plenty of trade winds swirling, suggesting that the Lions might be willing to move down in the draft.
If the Lions are stuck at No. 1, they do have some other options outside of quarterback. Fans are clamoring for the team to draft Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry but, after acquiring Julian Peterson in the offseason, the Lions aren’t likely to go down that road.
Look for the Lions to stick with Stafford and give their franchise a new face.
If Stafford comes off the board at No. 1, expect USC’s quarterback Mark Sanchez to become the second-hottest commodity.
While the draft is deep at running back, offensive tackle and defensive back, there is a real drought on quarterbacks.
Sanchez is the second-best option at the position and he will be a very sought-after asset. NFL Draft betting experts predict he could go as early as the top five. The Seattle Seahawks are interested, potentially as an heir apparent to Matt Hasselbeck, while the Cleveland Browns could also use a fresh start at quarterback.
Further down, the San Francisco 49ers seem like a good shoe-in for the California boy, if he falls that far, and the unusual suspect is the Washington Redskins, who have been seen courting Sanchez on several occasions. They currently sit at No.13 but might be interested in moving up.
As usual, NFL Draft betting handicappers are wondering what the Oakland Raiders might be up to with the seventh pick overall in the draft. It’s likely that they will aim to get JaMarcus Russell a weapon, but will it be Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree or Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin?
While Crabtree is the player who is rated higher on most boards, Raiders owner Al Davis loves his speed and could pull a big surprise by drafting Maclin ahead of Crabtree.
There’s a lot of suspense building in the top 10 so make sure you’re paying attention this Saturday at 12:00 PM ET as the 2009 NFL Draft gets underway.
