While NFL owners and players wonder how long it will take for the notoriously glacial moving federal court system to bring the game back on the field, NFL betting fans are wondering if the recently concluded draft will have any immediate wagering impact on this year's season...if there is one.
Certainly, if operators of sportsbooks are impressed with the allotment of collegiate talent into the pro ranks, their future book odds don't reflect that. In fact, after three days and 254 players, future book prices haven't changed much, if at all. But that doesn't mean that some teams didn't help themselves in the draft, a reality that should be reflected not only on the gridiron but at the betting windows as the season progresses.
While opinions vary from "expert" to "expert," most draft aficionados feel that the Texans, Lions, Falcons, Saints Packers, Cardinals, Colts, Chiefs and Bills probably made picks which could yield immediate dividends this season, something that not only will interest those NFL betting practitioners who dabble in futures (including those who find value in over/under regular season wins) but game-to-game gamblers, as well.
The Texas used their first five selections to address their dreadful defense, which will get a facelift in Wade Phillips' 3-4 alignment. That should help Houston, which at 30/1 is in the middle of the pack in terms of futures, aim for a playoff spot this season.
Good luck running on Detroit which selected Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley to join a line that already includes 2010 defensive rookie of the year Ndamukong Suh and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch. Look for the Lions, who began the year at 60/1 to win Super Bowl XLVI, to become a fashionable dark horse pick of some in the contentious NFC North.
By many accounts, Atlanta gave away far too much (picks 29, 59 and 124, as well as a first and a fourth round pick next year) to Cleveland to move up 22 places to select WR Julio Jones. That might hurt the Falcons in the future but for this year, Atlanta gets a deep threat for quarterback Matt Ryan.
Getting a solid pass rusher and the draft's best overall running back in the first round only helped a Saints team that is just one year removed from a Super Bowl championship. The addition of RB Mark Ingram frees up Reggie Bush for other roles.
The Super Bowl champion Packers put a smile on the face of QB Aaron Rodgers by using their first two picks on an offensive tackle and a wide receiver. The WR, Kentucky's Randall Cobb, also can help in the return game.
If, as expected, the Cardinals get Mark Bulger in free agency, then their decision to pass on a QB and take "can't-miss" cornerback Patrick Peterson, will look very wise, indeed.
Indianapolis needed to protect franchise quarterback Peyton Manning and may have taken two big steps in doing that by using the team's first two picks on offensive linemen. The Colts had only five draft choices but helped themselves by getting two immediate starters.
Some feel that Kansas City, a surprise winner in the AFC West Division last year, may have reached with first round pick Jonathan Baldwin, a speedy receiver with some personal baggage, but the Chiefs needed someone to complement Dwayne Bowe.
Buffalo may have chosen the centerpiece for the team's defense in anchor Marcel Dareus and the next three selections were on defense, too, an area where the Bills clearly need to improve to become a factor in the AFC East.
Interestingly, while most teams drafted for offense or defense, the Chargers seemed to have selected players who can help them on special teams. Who can blame them? Last season, with four blocked and one deflected punts, a punt returned for a touchdown and three kickoffs brought backs for TDs, San Diego had the worst special teams in NFL history. The Chargers, who were 9-7, could win four or five more games this season if their draft picks, of which five are expected to contribute on special teams, make a significant impact on that unit. After all, the difference between 9-7 and no post-season and 12-4 and a first round bye, often is not just three games but three big plays.
As always, it will take a few years to determine which teams really made wise decisions and which wasted a chance to improve. But without the luxury of time, NFL betting fans will have to hope that their assessments and assumptions are correct this season.
This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering college football betting and sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com
