The smoky scene atop the 2023 NFL draft board just keeps getting smokier—even for oddsmakers.
As noted by Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network on Thursday afternoon, University of Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is now the new co-favorite—along with Ohio State University’s C.J. Stroud—to be taken with the first overall pick on April 27. The odds, which now stand at -110, are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook.
Stroud surged his way to the front of the order beginning the weekend of March 10—when the Panthers acquired the selection from the Chicago Bears. Carolina sent the ninth overall pick, 61st overall pick, a 2024 first-rounder, a 2025 second-rounder and wide receiver DJ Moore to Chicago in exchange for control of the queue.
Young’s jump could be a product of this past week’s comments from ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen. Mortensen, while analyzing the mock drafts of colleagues Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, said Young has always been the pick for the Panthers.
“I think I’ll quote Adam Schefter—who said this reminds him of when the 49ers moved up all the way to three, and it was intentional to draft Mac Jones,” he said on the recent episode if SportsCenter Special. “And then, changed their mind at the last minute and drafted Trey Lance, and that has not worked out for the 49ers. And I think the Panthers are on Bryce Young at the start and will stick with him when it’s time to turn in that card.”
Bringing up the second half of the FanDuel’s current odds for the pick are University of Florida’s Anthony Richardson (+1200) and University of Kentucky’s Will Levis (+5000).
