NFL Draft LB Odds: Will Any Linebacker Be Picked In Round 1?

Once the premier position on defense, the linebacker is no longer a premium position. Instead, defenses operate around their ability to get pressure with edge rushers. However, having a leader at linebacker seriously changes the calculus of the game. As the linebacking position changes into a Swiss Army Knife capable of blitzing and covering slot receivers, so too changes the ideal prospect. In 2024, odds are we don't see a LB selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Top players at the position this year include Michigan's Junior Colson, Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper, and Ohio State's Tommy Eichenberg.

NFL Draft LB odds: First Linebacker drafted

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How to bet on first LB drafted

When searching your preferred sportsbook for a full slate of NFL Draft odds, find the tab labeled “First Pick By Position” or something similar. Here you should be able to select “First LB Drafted” to find the site’s offerings. From there, you can find the odds for some of the top linebackers to be drafted.

Teams in need of help at linebacker:

• Seahawks (No. 16)
• Eagles (No. 22)
• Cowboys (No. 24)
• Bills (No. 28)

NFL Draft: LB Prospects

• Junior Colson, Michigan
• Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
• Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
• Payton Wilson, NC State
• Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson

NFL Draft LB history

Here is a list of the first linebackers taken in each NFL Draft going back to 2010.

NFL Draft betting strategy and trends

When it comes to betting on the NFL Draft, it's important to think predictively. Whether or not your evaluation of Player X being better than Player Y is inconsequential if NFL executives don't feel the same. Even draft analysts' rundown of certain players or their thoughts on the direction defenses should go at linebacker don't matter if whoever's picking doesn't agree.

Last season, Jack Campbell was the lone "true" linebacker taken in the first round. Will Anderson was selected third overall – some outlets listed him at LB – but he's more of an edge rusher/outside backer. Be sure to check which books classify which players at LB to make sure you're making a sound bet. This position can be ambiguous, unlike more clear-cut positions like offensive line or quarterback.

More NFL Draft betting guides

• QB Draft Class
• RB Draft Class
• WR Draft Class
• TE Draft Class
• OL Draft Class
• DL Draft Class
• LB Draft Class
• CB Draft Class
• SAF Draft Class