2025 NFL Draft Betting Odds: Will Cam Ward Or Abdul Carter Go First Overall?

Written By Mo Nuwwarah | Published at March 3, 2025
NFL draft odds

The NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, but not much has changed. One notable development appears to have happened at QB, though. Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward were once considered the clear top two, but the latter seems to have separated. NFL draft odds now have Ward as a firm favorite to come off the board before others at his position.

Let's examine how the combine may have affected NFL draft betting.

NFL Draft Latest Odds

Ward Or Carter? NFL Mocks, Markets Disagree

An interesting dichotomy has developed at the top of NFL draft predictions. The betting markets have tabbed Miami QB Cam Ward as the odds-on favorite. However, mock drafters have been pointing to Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter all offseason, and that doesn't appear to be changing yet.

Ward entered the scouting combine around -140 to go No. 1. After the combine, his consensus odds were -200, indicating he slightly boosted his chances. Note that Ward didn't throw or work out; he only interviewed with teams.

Carter, meanwhile, had some unfavorable medicals. He has a stress reaction in his foot, though it isn't expected to require surgery.

Still, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein released one of the first notable post-combine mocks on Monday. He kept Carter at the top of the board to Tennessee. Carter also tops the latest mocks from industry experts Daniel Jeremiah, Charlie Campbell, and Mel Kiper Jr.. However, all were released before the combine and the possible medical red flag.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler is a notable exception. His mock from January has Ward going first.

A quarterback has gone first overall in 20 of the past 27 drafts.

Holding the first pick, the Titans have a need at quarterback. However, this QB class isn't considered as strong as those in past years, so they may opt to trade the pick for extra draft capital. The Titans are only around -150 to make the first pick, a notable dip from Ward's No. 1 overall NFL draft odds.

Ward The Clear Top QB In NFL Draft Odds

One that appears to have cleared up is which QB will go first. According to multiple reports from the combine, Ward separated himself from Sanders.

Considering neither player worked out or threw, that likely means Ward had the better interviews.

DraftKings Sportsbook offers a market on which QB will be selected first. After entering the combine around -300, Ward has rocketed up to -700.

All indications are that Ward and then Sanders will win. Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Quinn Ewers appear to be jockeying for QB3 honors.

Armand Membou: A Name To Watch In OL Markets

This early in the process -- the draft begins April 24 in Green Bay -- bettors don't have a lot of markets at their disposal. The primary options are noted above: first overall pick, first QB, and team to make the first pick. More will appear in due time.

When offensive line betting odds open up, one name to watch for will be Missouri's Armand Membou. He appeared on everyone's "winners" lists from Indianapolis.

While measuring a bit short at 6-foot-4, Membou does meet the NFL's typical arm length requirement at 33 1/2 inches. His 9.82 RAS (relative athletic score) makes him an elite athlete.

In a class light on excellent tackle prospects, Membou may emerge as the favorite to be the first offensive lineman drafted.

Best Sportsbook Promos For NFL Draft Odds

Find the best sportsbook promos at the betting sites in your state below.

#
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Bet
1
BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
  • Regular odds boosts and promos
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2
DraftKings New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • High-quality iOS and Android apps
  • Very fast withdrawal times
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 3/15/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 3/8/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
3
Caesars Up to $250 Bonus Bet
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • High-quality iOS and Android apps
  • Very fast withdrawal times
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
4
Hard Rock Bet Double Your Winnings on Your First 10 Bets! $50 Max Bets
  • Only sportsbook legal in Florida
  • Hot Bets feature
  • Live NFL streaming
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in an Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. GAMBLING PROBLEM Arizona Customers: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or Text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Customers: Call 1-800-GAMBLER Indiana Customers: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT Tennessee Customers: Call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789
5
FanDuel Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
  • Offers one of the best same-game parlays
  • Highly rated mobile app
  • Impressive sports coverage
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
6
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash
  • Unique FanCash loyalty program
  • Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
  • Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, Home (MD), (800)-327-5050 or MA Gambling Helpline (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), or Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), If gambling is more than a game, free help is available . . . - NCDHHS Problem Gambling (NC). New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $100 in FanCash each day for your first 3 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 3 days begin the day you establish your account. FanCash rewards expire at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, including FanCash terms, apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.