NFL

2025 NFL Draft: QB Cam Ward Receives Post-Combine Top No. 1 Overall Pick Odds

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published04 Mar 2025

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Cam Ward sets up for a throw.

With the prospects’ initial poking and prodding, testing and analyzing, interviewing and investigations at the NFL Scouting Combine completed, the pre-draft work appears to be intensifying. 

The drama certainly will continue building until the draft kicks off April 24. Most league insiders expect the upcoming draft to possess a dearth of quarterback depth. Still, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Cam Ward (-225) as the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall in Green Bay, Wisc. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (+1500) drew the fourth-best odds despite not carrying “can’t miss” prospect status. 

The Tennessee Titans possess the top pick and selecting edge Abdul Carter, who was listed with the second-best odds (+185), could make sense, considering they need help up and down the roster. Carter was considered a “safer” pick, but will his foot injury derail his chances? WR/DB Travis Hunter (+1100) ranked third. 

NFL Combine QBs Show Off Skills 

At the combine, Ward and Sanders elected not to compete in the on-field throwing drills. 

The other QBs in the class may be considered worthy of a 1-1 selection, but, among those who participated, Brady Cook and Jaxson Dart impressed competing against each other in the first group. 

Cook, a former Missouri standout, displayed an ability to hit receivers on throws to all three levels. He also deserved credit for electing to participate in agility and speed drills. 

Dart confirmed to scouts and team executives that the former Mississippi starter can play at the next level. His mechanics were smooth and he connected on several deep passes. 

 2025 NFL Draft No. 1 Overall Pick 

Here is a look at the top player odds to become the NFL Draft’s No. 1 overall pick in April:

Player 2025 NFL Draft No. Overall Pick Odds
Cam Ward -200
Abdul Carter +185
Travis Hunter +950
Shedeur Sanders +1200
Jaxon Dart +7500
Mykel Williams +7500
Mason Graham +7500
Shemar Stewart +7500
Kelvin Banks Jr. +12000
Will Campbell +12000
James Pearce Jr. +12000
Jalon Walker +12000
Tetairoa McMillan  +15000
Will Johnson +15000
Jalen Milroe  +15000
Michael McDowell  +15000
Ashton Jeanty  +15000

*-Odds current at time of publication