The 2022 NFL Draft is weeks away, and this is usually where we have a firm idea of who is going in the first round. There are always surprises, but most experts can accurately predict the first handful of picks and give a rough projection for the rest of the first round. This year, no one knows what will happen after the first pick.
One thing is for certain, though. This class has plenty of wide receivers, and some of the best teams need depth at the position. Even though we’ve seen plenty of superstars drafted over the past two years at receiver, many teams are still looking to find answers at receiver. Two teams traded away two of the best receivers in the NFL, and some teams lack a verified WR1 on the roster.
The supply and demand are both there, but how many receivers will go in the first round? BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review) has the over/under at 5.5, but is that a fair value? Here is where we currently stand in the receiver market.
First Round Locks
These players are all but guaranteed to go in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Unless a scandal or injury happens over the next two weeks, these stars will hear their names called on the first night.
Drake London has a chance of being the first receiver drafted, but he will definitely be gone by Day 1. He has a strong size profile that sets him apart, and he can make contested catches in the red zone.
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Garrett Wilson is also a candidate for WR1. He has agility and speed, and he is more well-rounded than the other candidates. Coming out of Ohio State, he’s faced off against some of the best corners in college football during his time with the Buckeyes.
Jameson Williams would have a case for WR1 before the ACL tear, but he will probably still go in the first round. He is the fastest player, and teams like the Patriots, Packers, and Chiefs should not let him fall to the second round.
Other Candidates
Saying Chris Olave is not a lock for the first round is out of an abundance of caution. He should easily go in the first 32 picks, but teams may prioritize other needs.
Treylon Burks was seen as WR1 before the NFL Combine. His lackluster performance may bump him down the big board, but he should still be seen as a first-rounder. He played better than his NFL Combine numbers showed, and the tape will keep him in the first round.
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We are already at five players, and there are still candidates to go in the first round. Christian Watson had an insane NFL Combine performance that put him in the discussion. Jahan Dotson and George Pickens are unique talents, and John Metchie played well as a WR2 for Alabama. Skyy Moore brings athleticism, and even David Bell will add value.
However, most of these players will go on Day 2. Out of all of these names, Watson or Dotson remains the most likely to go in the first round. That will determine how this bet plays out, and I see a team like the Chiefs or Packers adding a player late in the first round to hit six receivers on Day 1.
What’s The Right Bet?
The way I see it, you can feel comfortable with five players going in the first round. At least 12 teams should consider taking a receiver in the first round, and half of them likely will. I think that at least one team will fall in love with Watson’s athleticism or Dotson’s tape. That will bring the total to 6 players, making this a prediction for the over.
I don’t love the value of the bet, but I still believe that it is more likely to see at least six wide receivers go than it is to see five or fewer.
NFL Pick: Over 5.5 Wide Receivers In the First Round (-190) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
