The 2020 NFL Draft is just under a year away, but already odds are being posted on who the No. 1 pick will be. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook released lines for the draft, and Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is the overwhelming favorite at 1/2.
Two more quarterbacks are next. Oregon’s Justin Herbert and Jake Fromm of Georgia are at 6/1. Ohio State Defensive end Chase Young is at 10/1.
But it should be a quarterback-rich class. This year there was not a glut of quality signal callers. Kyler Murray of Oklahoma went No. 1, then the New York Giants surprised many by taking Daniel Jones of Duke at No. 6. Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins, who was believed to be going to the Giants, instead fell to No. 15 to Washington.
Jeff Sherman, VP of risk management for Westgate SuperBook, told ESPN.com that with the draft being held in Las Vegas next year, they wanted to post the odds early.
“With the draft in Las Vegas next year, we wanted to get a head start and carry the momentum from the recent draft,†Sherman said. “The first overall selection prop bridges our college and pro football menus, and the closer to the draft next year, we will add a multitude of wagering options.”
Tough Act to Follow
If any city has the ability to trump the widely successful draft in Nashville, it would be Sin City. With the Raiders set to play in Las Vegas for the 2020 season, and the amount of hotel space on both the Strip and Downtown, it will be tough to figure out where the center will be, though NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said it will probably be held on the Strip.
“The NFL Draft is one of the most-anticipated events of the year and we are excited to take it to Las Vegas,” Goodell said. “We look forward to working with the Raiders, Las Vegas officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to create an unforgettable week-long celebration of football for our fans, the incoming prospects and partners.”
Raiders owner Mark Davis said he can’t wait for the festivities to be in his team’s new city.
“The Raiders are very excited for Las Vegas and are proud to help host the 2020 NFL Draft,” said Raiders owner Mark Davis. “Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world and will provide a tremendous experience for the NFL and its fans.”
Nashville proved to be a very popular host. More than 600,000 people attended the draft over the three days, easily eclipsing the 250,000 who came to watch two years ago in Philadelphia.
Talent Should Drive Popularity
Next year’s draft will have several players that should provide intrigue. In addition to the quarterbacks, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy of Alabama, and Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown will generate some pre-draft hype.
While Tagovailoa is the clear favorite, Herbert could supplant him as the No. 1 pick. The Oregon junior could have left early for this year’s draft and been a top 5 pick, but instead chose to return to the Ducks for his senior season.
ESPN analyst Desmond Howard said Herbert could be the top pick in 2020.
“The quarterback from Oregon, Justin Herbert is 6-foot-6, athletic and can make all the throws,†Howard said. “He would have been the top pick in this draft.”
