- Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers could pick offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (+2200) or J.C. Latham (+2800) at No. 5 overall
- Character concerns could cause Malik Nabers to slide down the board to No. 8 overall (+2500)
- The 2024 NFL Draft will take place in Detroit, Michigan between Thursday, April 25 and Saturday, April 27
Every year, a consensus forms around which players teams will select in the NFL Draft. But it’s important to remember that even the most accurate mock drafters correctly forecast less than half of the 32 first-round picks. That’s why going against consensus and taking long shots is often the best way to make money betting on the 2024 NFL Draft.
Before we look at how picks No. 5 through No. 8 might unfold this year, be sure to check out the top betting sites for NFL football.
NFL Draft – No. 5 Overall Pick
Best Bet: J.C. Latham (+2800)
The Chargers are expected to take either receiver Malik Nabers (+175) or Marvin Harrison Jr. (+275) at No. 5 overall, but the latter is favored to go to the Cardinals at No. 4. Many also expect Los Angeles to be a trade-down candidate, putting Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy (+400) in play for a QB needy team.
However, what if NFL teams aren’t as high on one of the three quarterbacks (Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Jayden Daniels) forecasted to go in the top 5? If no trade materializes, Jim Harbaugh is known to prioritize the offensive line in team building. With the Bolts already set at left tackle with Rashawn Slater, Taliese Fuaga (+2200) and J.C. Latham (+2800) would be ideal bulldozers on the right side.
#Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said with all the quarterbacks it’s like having the first overall pick for his team pic.twitter.com/7YRrUCwLzc
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 5, 2024
NFL Draft – No. 6 Overall Pick
Best Bet: Rome Odunze (+450)
Character concerns have surfaced about LSU speedster Malik Nabers (+150), the favorite at No. 6 to New York. The Giants ownership could be hesitant to bring Nabers to the Big Apple given their recent experience with Odell Beckham Jr.
Even if that isn’t the case, Rome Odunze (+450) might be a better fit for Brian Daboll’s offense as a prototypical X receiver. His character and work ethic are flawless and he’s actually higher on Daniel Jeremiah’s board.
NFL Draft – No. 7 Overall Pick
Best Bet: Olu Fashanu (+700)
Joe Alt (-120) is the chalk pick to go to Tennessee at No. 7. Yet, the behemoth left tackle might not be the best scheme fit for new offensive line coach Bill Callahan. And recent comments from draftniks such as Greg Cosell and Lance Zierlein indicate that the media could be overrating the Notre Dame product.
So, what if the Titans instead nabbed Penn State left tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu (+700) to protect Will Levis’ blindside?
LSU WR Malik Nabers has been called a “high maintenance” prospect who could struggle in a big city, per @TonyPauline
“There are off-the-field questions Nabers has had to answer to during the draft process, and teams must feel comfortable with those answers if they’re going to… pic.twitter.com/lMtC6xa263
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 7, 2024
NFL Draft – No. 8 Overall Pick
Best Bet: Malik Nabers (+2500)
Dallas Turner (+170) is the consensus top defensive player on the board. However, rumors have surfaced that Atlanta prefers UCLA’s Lalatu Lafu (+800) over the Alabama edge rusher. If that’s true, the Falcons may prefer to trade down with a WR-needy club looking to jump ahead of the Bears and Jets at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively.
While the “high maintenance” Nabers may drop a few spots, plenty of teams will be chomping at the bit to trade up and secure a generational pass catching prospect at No. 8 overall.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
