2025 NFL Draft No. 1 Pick Pre-Combine Odds & Predictions

The 2025 NFL Combine is coming up next weekend. The underwear Olympics can often have an impact on the NFL Draft betting odds, so before that happens, let’s take a look at the odds for who will be the No. 1 pick at this April’s 2025 NFL Draft.

There are four main possibilities the Tennessee Titans might select with the top pick. We’ll take a look at the odds and predict whether Brian Callahan and company will zig or zag—or if they’ll simply trade the pick away.

All odds provided by Sports Interaction.

2025 NFL Draft No. 1 Overall Pick Betting Odds

Outside Chance: Shedeur Sanders, QB (COL), Travis Hunter, CB/WR (COL)

Back in December, it seemed like the race to be the No. 1 pick would come down to a two-Buffalo race between Shedeur Sanders and do-it-all corner/wideout Travis Hunter. During the first two weeks of December, Sanders actually had minus odds to be taken 1st overall. Hunter was just behind him, with odds under +200.

However, following their butt-kicking at the hands of No. 17 BYU at the Alamo Bowl, the draft stocks of both of Colorado’s favorite sons plummeted. They now sit 3rd and 4th on the odds boards for most NFL sportsbooks, with Hunter offering +550 odds and Sanders offering +600. It’s clear that the final few weeks of both the NCAA and NFL seasons had an effect on this.

It’s likely that Sanders’ two-interception game against BYU contributed just as much as the Titans’ unlikely rise to the top of the draft order over the last few weeks thanks to a couple of upset wins by the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. At this point, it seems Sanders is not Tennessee’s preferred passer, so unless they trade the pick, Sanders won’t go No. 1.

If you start hearing rumblings about a veteran QB heading to Tennessee in free agency, Hunter could be a good value at these odds. However, we still believe Carter is the likely choice if the Titans sign a veteran QB and keep the top pick. So it’s best to steer clear of Sanders and Hunter unless you think the Raiders trade up to take Sanders.

The Favorites: Abdul Carter, Edge (PSU), Cam Ward, QB (MIA)

At this point, barring anything unforeseen, it seems the Titans are choosing between Miami Heisman candidate, QB Cam Ward, and Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter. Ward was the ACC Player of the Year, Carter was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. They’re both great options, and deserving of going No. 1 relative to their peers in this 2025 NFL Draft class.

Ward is not your classic dual threat, but he’s mobile enough.He’s good at extending plays with his legs, rather than tucking and running. Pocket discipline is something the scouts love about him. His improved processing speed and ability to stay cool in high-pressure moments are also big pluses for him. His only drawbacks are his deep ball accuracy and ball security when extending those plays.

Carter, meanwhile, stands 6’3” and 263 pounds of pure muscle. A man among men. A unanimous All-American in his senior year, Carter kind of came out of nowhere after just 4.5 sacks last year. He had 12.0 this year on pure athleticism. Meanwhile, he led the nation in tackles for loss, with 24, which means he can already play the run and the pass. The sky is the limit with this guy.

Cam Ward Seems Likely Decision Even With Trade

At -140 odds at most betting sites, Ward is still offering some value, and it might be time to pull the trigger. Once free agency opens up, Tennessee’s decisions will have a massive impact on these odds. Basically, it seems there are two possible decisions they could make, and they both end with Ward being selected 1st overall.

On the one hand, they could keep the pick. If they keep the pick, one would think that they are taking a QB, because the teams at No. 2 and No. 3, the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants, will do it if they don’t. If they keep the pick, they did their due diligence on Ward, and they believe he is their guy.

On the other hand, if they don’t love Ward, they will trade the pick for some added draft capital to either the Browns or Giants. Either would likely jump at the offer, just so that the other one doesn’t get the pick. In that case, both teams would be trading up to take Ward, not Carter. Tennessee would then go back to No. 2 or No. 3 and likely select Carter or Hunter. If you’re a betting man or woman, Ward at -140 is probably the best value you’re going to get.