NFL Draft best bets: Who will be the first defensive player drafted?

The 2023 NFL Draft begins Thursday night with 31 player selections being made in the 1st round. While a quarterback will be selected No. 1 overall and as many as 4 could go in the 1st 10 picks, many consider the best players in the draft to be on the defensive side of the ball. Below, I analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's draft odds for NFL prospects and tab who will be the first defensive player drafted - just part of SportsbookWire's many expert picks and predictions among our NFL best bets.

Two pass rushers, 2 conerbacks and a defensive tackle are all expected to be selected in the top 10. The 1st defensive player could be selected as high as the No. 2 overall pick.