posted May 16, 2008 at 12:21 EST in NFL Free Picks

The 2008 NFL Draft was the first year that no wide-receiver was taken in the first round. Does that mean that none of these guys are any good? Not really. But if a physical freak like Calvin Johnson can’t explode on to the scene as a rookie in a Mike Martz pass-first offense, then who can really? The general learning curve for the wide receiver in the NFL is a three year span.

That being said, who has the biggest chance of impacting their new team in the upcoming sports betting season? We here at Betus online sportsbook are here to shed some light on some draft sleepers which could help your online betting dollars blossom in the props and futures we offer in the sportsbook.

James Hardy (Indiana) – Buffalo Bills

Hardy is a huge target for Trent Edwards. The Bills’ offense was hopeless in the passing game last year, and Hardy might rectify that problem in a hurry. He’s nearly 6-foot-6…but that’s about it. He lacks ideal speed and is a sloppy route runner. He’s also playing in the AFC East, a division where he’ll have to deal with the dangerous secondary’s of the Patriots and Jets. Hardy could be a dynamite threat in man-coverage because of his size. At the very least, he’ll release Lee Evans who may finally enjoy a career year with Edwards and the Bills.

Bills Winning AFC Championship: +4500 (Why not? We loved them last year!)

Devin Thomas (Michigan State) – Washington Redskins

Thomas is dangerous after he gets the ball in his hands, which isn’t a problem because he has sensational hands. Jason Campbell needs runners on shorter routes, and Thomas is an ideal compliment to Santana Moss. The Redskins passing game was miserable last season because of the growing pains of J-Cam. But with Thomas adding a dangerous after-the-catch threat to the Skins passing game, Thomas could benefit some of the Skins betting backers in the very near future. The kid has astounding potential

Redskins Winning NFC Championship: +1600 (Division is too tough overall)

DeSean Jackson (California) – Philadelphia Flyers

Knock him for size all you want, but this “Steve Smith” in the making has all the tools to be the receiving threat that Philadelphia desperately needs. At Cal, Jackson was an impossible guy to cover. His lack of bulk is a concern, but the Eagles betting faithful can rest assured that DeSean will be the receiving savior they have so desperately wanted. No offense to Freddie Mitchell.

Eagles Winning NFC Championship: +750 (Decent value…but it is Philly…)

Dexter Jackson (Appalachian St.) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finally, the Michael Clayton experiment is over! Even if they do run Clayton at the flanker position, Dexter Jackson has the potential to be a great slot receiver. He’s small, but he’s fast as lightning. With a veteran speedster, Joey Galloway, showing him the ropes and a stern coach, Jon Gruden, encouraging him to become the wideout they desperately need, Jackson is in a great situation. If you have any doubts of what he’s capable of, just ask Michigan how good he is…

Bucs Winning NFC Championship: +1400 (Great value bet!)

Limas Sweed (Texas) – Pittsburgh Steelers

Don’t even get me started on how great this pick was. I’m so angry that the Steelers got Sweed that I could vomit with rage. With Ward, Sweed and Holmes forming a terrorizing trio, the Steelers have become an offensive juggernaut overnight. That’s a good thing considering their defense is falling apart at the seems.

Steelers Winning AFC Championship: +1200 (I’m getting angry)

Lavelle Hawkins (California) – Tennessee Titans

My good buddy is a Titans fan. When they drafted Chris Henry he was irate. When they took Lavelle Hawkins in the third…well, at least he paid for the gas so we could take him to the hospital for breaking his hand after slamming it into the wall.

Titans Winning AFC Championship: +2000 (yikes)

Mario Manningham (Michigan) – New York Giants

The Giants got a gift when Manningham dropped to them in the third round. Honestly, smoking dope is “bad” and all, but Manningham is a sick threat. He’ll have to contend with the oft-injured Plaxico Burress, and the surging Steve Smith, but if Manningham clicks in any way in this offense, the Giants may have just found another, dangerous offensive weapon in an offense already loaded with them (Jacobs, Bradshaw, Plax, Smith, Toomer, Boss…need I go on?).

Giants Winning NFC Championship: +700 (Still have to get past Cowboys)

Bet the NFL Draft at BetUS sportsbook, where we have the best selection of NFL Draft propositions available. And check out the futures/props section, for our futures on the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball and more! At BetUS Sportsbook, you may not be a #1 pick, but you could become a #1 picker!