NFL Football Draft Betting – Who Improves on Draft Day?

[Shame About Ray]

With the 2008 NFL Draft upon us, teams are tirelessly working out pick scenarios and fans are clamoring for any information on who to bet on and who will be their next hometown hero. But who will improve their chances at the Vince Lombardi Trophy the most after Sunday has concluded?

The position needs across the league this year are quite varying. And while a monster first-round pick may not be the one thing that gets a cellar-dwelling team to the Super Bowl, it could at least get them to the playoffs – and we know anything can happen there (see Eli Manning).

What teams this year have the best chance to make a splash in the draft and get back to the promised land? Here’s two teams from both the AFC and NFC that you should bet on if they make smart, sensible moves come Saturday.

AFC West: Denver Broncos

Denver finished last year 7-9 and drafts #12. Picking up an OT like Boise State’s Ryan Clady with their first pick would provide some much-needed protection for Jay Cutler. Matt Lepsis retired in the offseason, so either Clady or Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams could fill that void. If they balk at that position look for them to go for defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer (North Carolina).

Odds are good that the Broncos might snag a running back in the second round. So look for Felix Jones (Arkansas) or Kevin Smith (Central Florida). If that’s not the choice, they could use a linebacker such as Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo or Penn State’s Dan Connor.

AFC East: New York Jets

The Jets performed sort of like a one-winged prop plane last year, so they’ll be picking high. At #6 overall, a defensive end like Ohio State’s Vernon Gholston or Virginia’s Chris Long are good bets. Couple that pick with a solid WR in the second round like Early Doucet (LSU) or James Hardy (Indiana), and the Jets could be flying high once again.

NFC North: Detroit Lions

The Lions desperately need offensive lineman to protect Jon Kitna, but no one ever knows what Matt Millen will do to make his team worse. Picking 15th, the Lions are said to be looking hard at running back Rashard Mendenhall from Illinois. Pittsburgh’s Jeff Otah is the sleeper pick here.

With their second round selection, should address another need like linebacker – Mayo, Connor or Virigina Tech’s Xavier Adibi would make sense. But remember, of course, you can never rule out wide receivers with this GM…

NFC South: New Orleans Saints

The Saints are in desperate need of help on defense and at tight end, so USC linebacker Keith Rivers or Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie are safe bets with the #9 overall selection. Purdue’s Dustin Keller would make the most sense in the second round, giving Drew Brees another target on offense and a solid blocker.

Though the draft is often a crapshoot, smart coaches and general managers can make some serious improvements. Placing bets on any of these teams after draft success this weekend just may ensure that you rake in the cash come Super Bowl Sunday.

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