LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and Ohio State defensive end Chase Young are expected to lead the way as the top two players picked when the NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday night. Buckeyes cornerback Jeffrey Okudah is then the favourite to go third overall, sitting at +150 on those 2020 NFL Draft odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
But while football fans might be kept waiting for draft night intrigue, the unusual virtual nature of the 2020 NFL Draft could offer its fair share of surprises. That has inspired oddsmakers to publish a wide variety of exotic prop bets covering all the action as players and team executives meet from the comfort of their home offices and living rooms.
With people across North America observing social-distancing measures, close human contact has been rare in recent weeks. That is not expected to stop this year’s top pick from celebrating with a hug, though, with the odds of him hugging his Mom first listed at a short +125 at online betting sites.
Hearing your name called at the NFL Draft is definitely cause for celebration, but the prospects in this year’s draft are still expected to keep things low key. That has resulted in the odds of any draftee popping champagne getting pegged at a longshot +500, while the odds of a player being caught on camera enjoying a beer are set at +250.
Social distancing also puts limits on the number of people who will be on hand to celebrate with a draftee. Many American states are currently under shelter-in-place orders, which include restrictions on large gatherings. However, the odds of a gathering of OVER 9.5 people in one room being shown on Thursday sit at a short -160.
Such large gatherings do not include pet cats and dogs, which are expected to be well represented on Thursday’s TV broadcast. With players and team executives connecting from home, the odds of at least one cat making it on camera sit at -120 odds, and a winning wager on OVER 3.5 dogs being seen will pay off at +100 on those NFL odds.
While the mood for this year’s NFL Draft is casual, concern for the security of the event is a very serious affair. The odds of at least one player experiencing technical difficulties sit at a short -500. However, the evening is otherwise expected to take place without a hitch, with the odds of a player or team executive losing power sitting at a lengthy +600, and the possibility of a draft spot being moved back due to a missed pick listed at just +550
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