NFL No. 1 Draft Pick Betting Trends: Cameron Ward Leads the Pack

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, BetMGM’s betting market has seen major shifts in the odds for the first overall pick. Cameron Ward has solidified himself as the overwhelming favorite, but Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders remain significant liabilities for sportsbooks, while Abdul Carter has been making moves since opening at +2200. Let’s break down the latest betting trends, line movement, and the biggest risks for sportsbooks heading into draft season. Who will the Tennessee Titans take?

NFL Draft Central

Rankings: QB | S | LB | OL | TE | RB | WR
  Mock Draft | Who Drafts Shedeur?

NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Odds Movement: Key Shifts in the Market

The most notable line adjustments from last week to the current odds are:

• Cameron Ward: -250 → -400 (Heavy favorite, strong betting confidence)
• Abdul Carter: +185 → +225 (Still in contention but slipping)

Ward’s odds have significantly shortened, making him the clear favorite for the No. 1 selection, while Carter has seen a slight drift. While Carter’s odds have moved greatly since opening, there is limited wagering on him. The Penn State product holds just 10.8% of tickets and 5.1% of the handle. 

BETMGM PROMO CODE – FIRST BET OFFER UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS

NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Most Popular Bets: Highest Ticket Percentage

The following players have received the most individual bets for the first overall pick:

• Travis Hunter +1800 – 29.2%
• Shedeur Sanders +2800 – 19.3%
• Cameron Ward – 16.3%

Hunter leads in ticket percentage, indicating that more bettors are taking a longshot chance on him despite his current odds. Sanders and Ward follow, showing strong interest from both the public and sharp bettors.

 Blitz the Books with SportsGrid’s 4- & 5-star NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Bets.

Where the Money Is: NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Highest Handle Percentage

The total amount of money wagered favors these top prospects:

• Cameron Ward – 64.5%
• Travis Hunter – 13.4%
• Shedeur Sanders – 11.6%

Ward dominates the handle percentage, with nearly two-thirds of all money bet on the first pick backing him. Though longshots, Hunter and Sanders still hold a significant market share.

 Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Biggest Liabilities

The three players causing the most exposure for sportsbooks are:

• Travis Hunter
• Cameron Ward
• Shedeur Sanders

Hunter and Sanders present significant risks due to high ticket percentages, meaning sportsbooks could take a substantial loss if either is selected first. Despite being the heavy favorite, Ward is also a major liability due to the sheer amount of money wagered on him.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Key Takeaways for Bettors

• Cameron Ward is the overwhelming favorite, with his odds shortening dramatically to -400, suggesting he is the likely first pick.
• Travis Hunter leads in ticket percentage, showing bettors are taking a chance on him as a longshot.
• Sportsbooks face the most exposure on Hunter and Ward, meaning they could take a major hit if an upset occurs.
• Abdul Carter is still in contention, but his odds have slightly lengthened.

With the draft just weeks away, expect more movement in the odds as teams finalize their decisions. Keep an eye on late shifts in betting trends, as sharp money may signal unexpected changes at the top of the draft board.