Panthers Draft 2022: Betting primer for Carolina’s big weekend
By Dean Jones
What are the betting odds indicating where the Carolina Panthers are concerned with the 2022 NFL Draft now in clear sight?
The Carolina Panthers are now getting set for one of their most important drafts in recent memory. This year’s showcase takes place in Las Vegas, which is probably fitting when one considers just how much drama and entertainment there will be throughout what is sure to be a volatile and unpredictable weekend.
Carolina’s needs are pretty obvious. They are going to emerge from the next few weeks with a new quarterback to provide an upgrade or competition for Sam Darnold and the opportunity to select an elite left tackle is another tempting proposition that will be hard to overlook.
The Panthers have done a good job at keeping everyone guessing as to what their formal conclusion will be. Something that was vital to general manager Scott Fitterer with only one selection in the first 136 after trades for Darnold and cornerback C.J. Henderson.
It’s going to be a selection process not to miss for fans. We took a look at WynnBET’s latest odds to examine the latest odds and how they might impact the Panthers during the 2022 NFL Draft.
Which player will go No. 1 overall?
There is a growing belief that Travon Walker will be the first prospect taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 1 overall. The Georgia product now has odds of -300 (bet $300 to win $100) to end up in the AFC South, with fellow defensive end Aidan Hutchinson next on the list at +180 (bet $100 to win $180).
This is good news for the Panthers if they want to draft a premier left tackle at No. 6. However, if the Jaguars go with Ikem Ekwonu, who has odds of +800 (bet $100 to win $800), then it complicates matters considerably.
Which player will go No. 2 overall?
Hutchinson is the clear favorite to remain in Michigan and go to the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall with odds of -220 (bet $220 to win $100). Walker is in the second spot at +350 and another stud defensive end, Kayvon Thibodeaux, has yet to be ruled out entirely at +400.
Perhaps a lively outside to keep an eye on is quarterback Malik Willis, which would be a bombshell in no uncertain terms. Anyone who thinks this is possible can get enticing odds of +800.
Are the Carolina Panthers favorites to draft Kenny Pickett?
In short, yes they are.
Whether those in power will eventually pull the trigger to land Kenny Pickett is another matter entirely.
WynnBET currently has the Panthers at +175 to take Pickett (bet $100 to win $175). Not exactly the odds-on that Walker is to go to Jacksonville, but pretty short nonetheless with the close ties to Pittsburgh that team owner David Tepper has as an alma mater.
This would fracture Carolina’s loyal fanbase. So the organization needs to be absolutely convinced Pickett is the guy.
How likely are the Carolina Panthers to draft Malik Willis?
Perhaps no quarterback has more upside than Willis entering the league this year. There is a charisma to his play that is matched by some intangibles normally associated with elite performers at the next level, although asking the Liberty product to start right away would be pushing things given his flaws with processing and overall decision-making.
This might not be the best landing spot for Willis, in all honesty. But that won’t stop the Panthers from taking him if they feel like he can become the heir apparent to his role model, Cam Newton.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are favorites to land Willis at +125 (bet $100 to win $125). Carolina is next on the list at +300, with the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks both possessing odds of +400 right now.
Make your picks on WynnBET now.
Must Read. Carolina Panthers 7-round 2022 mock draft decided by computer simulation. light