Way-too-Early NFL Draft Odds for 2021 Suggest Huge Bounceback for OSU

Oklahoma State was one of only nine major conference schools to have been completely shut out of the 2020 NFL Draft. But do not panic: There will be a major market correction for OSU in 2021.

According to way-too-early NFL Draft odds for next year from SportsBettingDime.com, both Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace are considered to be contenders to be taken No. 1 at their respective positions, and thus in the mix to be first-rounders come next April. Here’s a look at those odds at the receiver spot, where Wallace is fifth behind two Alabama receivers and a few others.

Odds of first WR taken in 2021 draft

Ja’Marr Chase (LSU) +100
DeVonta Smith (Alabama) +400
Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) +400
Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) +700
Tylan Wallace (OSU) +700
Rondale Moore (Purdue) +800
Justyn Ross (Clemson) +1200
Amon-Ra St. Brown (USC) +2000

Now to the running backs. Whoo boy. Chuba is +300 to be the first running back off the board behind Travis Etienne and Najee Harris.

Odds of first RB taken in 2021 draft

Travis Etienne (Clemson) -125
Najee Harris (Alabama) +150
Chuba Hubbard (OSU) +300
Kylin Hill (Mississippi State) +450

If these results hold true — and if they fall similarly in line with the results of the 2020 NFL Draft — it’d be excellent news for both Tylan and Chuba. The fifth WR taken in the 2020 draft was Justin Jefferson, who was taken in the first round at No. 22 overall. The third RB taken in the 2020 draft was Jonathan Taylor, who was taken in the second round at No. 41 overall.

In reality, those odds suggest both will be late-first rounders or early second-rounders; wide receiver was especially deep this year, and running back next year is especially good at the top. After both kicked the can down the NFL road for another go-round at OSU, I’m sure they’d take that projection in a heartbeat.

OSU will also have a chance to send several players into the mid to late rounds, with Calvin Bundage, Amen Ogbongbemiga and Rodarius Williams, among others, also eligible for the draft next year and likely in the mix to be selected.