It's officially NFL Draft week. With just a few more sleeps until Thursday evening's festivities, draft boards and projections are starting to lock in. Betting odds could change over the next few days, but have been relatively stable for about a week.
As of Sunday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook's listed odds for the position of the first Los Angeles Chargers player taken in the draft are as follows:
Betting odds foreshadow Chargers' first-round pick
While no position has become a minus favorite, +135 is a decently healthy lead for DL/EDGE. Considering the possibility that Michigan's Kenneth Grant is on the board in addition to the six or seven edge rushers that might go in the first round, it's easy to understand why. The Chargers also have a hole to patch up at edgerusher with the departure of Joey Bosa to Buffalo.
Pass catcher is also easy to understand, hence why both wide receiver and tight end selections are at +450.
Outside of Tetairoa McMillan and maybe one other receiver out of the top five, the Chargers should have a fair selection of weapons there. Tight end comes into the conversation if Michigan's Colston Loveland falls.
NFL insider Benjamin Allbright tweeted that there are medical concerns with Loveland. Back in January, Loveland underwent shoulder surgery after playing through the 2024 season with a dislocation.
Running back and cornerback are less likely, but perhaps possible if the value is right for Los Angeles. If Omarion Hampton falls down draft boards, he could certainly be the selection.
Michigan's Will Johnson is also a name to watch if medicals make teams concerned. Perhaps Texas CB Jahdae Barron could be under consideration if teams in front of Los Angeles have trouble seeing him play outside corner as opposed to nickel.
Linebacker and safety feel off the board. The team has established enough depth on the roster to the point where it's hard to see a pick used on a player like Malaki Starks or Jihaad Campbell. Obviously, quarterback is not going to be the team's first-round selection.
After losing Poona Ford to the team they share SoFi stadium with back in March, defensive tackle feels like it's the position most in play prior to Thursday night.