NFL Draft Predictions for Pittsburgh Panthers: DL Kancey & RB Abanikanda

By most objective measures, the Pitt Panthers had a very good 2022 season. They finished the season ranked within the AP Top 25 Poll, won the Sun Bowl 37-35 over UCLA and finished with a 9-4 overall record.

Two major components of that success – DT Calijah Kancey & RB Israel Abanikanda – will be heading to the NFL as a part of the 2023 NFL Draft Class.

Here, we’ll discuss our top Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions and explain how you can qualify for a DraftKings Sportsbook new-user promo worth $150.

PITTSBURGH NFL DRAFT PREDICTION: Calijah Kancey First Round Draft Pick (-210) at DraftKings Sportsbook

If you’re itching to get in on the 2023 NFL Draft betting action, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook and sign up for an account by clicking this link. No promo code is required – instead, you’ll need to sign up using a link from this article to qualify.

Once you’ve registered using the link above, make a deposit of at least $5 and bet at least $5 on any pre-game money line market. Once you do so, you’ll be rewarded with $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins. You can then use those bonus bets to bet on the 2023 NFL Draft, or any other market you’d like.

Calijah Kancey & Israel Abanikanda NFL Draft Predictions

Two Pittsburgh players in particular earn a spot among our top Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions: Calijah Kancey and Israel Abanikanda. Kancey is projected to go at some point in the first round, with several teams likely in the market for his services.

On the other hand, running back Israel Abanikanda is flying a bit under the radar, at least at DraftKings.

Abanikanda tied for the NCAA lead in rushing touchdowns last season (20); however, his profile isn’t just stats. He also scored the fifth-highest NFL Athleticism Score of 2023-class RBs, which contributed to his fifth-highest overall score at his position.

Still, DraftKings does not list Abanikanda among the candidates to be one of the first two running backs selected. We believe Abanikanda is better than several players who currently have betting odds posted, so keep an eye on the market. 

If they add Abanikanda, it will likely be at a very friendly price. While we agree that he is a long shot to be one of the first two running backs off the board, it’s certainly possible – if his odds get posted and are attractive enough, it’s worth taking a flyer on.

NFL Draft Best Bet for Pitt Defensive Tackle Kancey

Our top Pittsburgh NFL Draft prediction is for DT Calijah Kancey to be one of the players selected in the first round. While he is not thought of as a likely candidate to be one of the first players selected, Kancey is almost a lock to be selected on the first day of the draft.

In the NFL, there is no shortage of teams looking to bolster their defensive line, and the past few seasons have served as proof of the importance of a deep and talented defensive front.

Beyond the plethora of potential suitors, Kancey has more than enough talent to be taken in the first round. Kancey received the second-highest NFL Production Score (77), the highest NFL Athleticism Score (98), and the second-highest Overall Score (84) among defensive tackles. His 6.39 prospect grade projects that he will likely be a plus-quality starter in the NFL.

All of this goes to say – something would have to change between now and draft day for Kancey to slip into the second round. He has the talent, he has the measurables and he has the interest: there’s no reason for him not to go in round 1.

As a result, we think his -210 betting odds to be selected in the first round – though not the most attractive line ever – provides excellent value to bettors. It is this value that earns this bet a place among our top Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions.

If you’re liking our Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions and want to back them yourself, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook and register for an account by clicking on this link. Once you register, make a deposit of at least $5 and place a bet of at least $5 on any pre-game money line, you’ll earn $150 in bonus bet credits if your qualifying wager wins.

You can then use those credits to wager on the 2023 NFL Draft, worry-free. Hurry over and register if you want to take advantage of this offer because it will only run for a limited time.

NFL Draft Best Bet for Pitt Running Back Abanikanda

Unfortunately, DraftKings Sportsbook has not yet posted a bet market that includes Abanikanda. Still, we think Abanikanda has the talent and physical ability to be a solid tailback in the NFL.

As a conservative estimate, we’d project Abanikanda to be among the first 10-15 running backs to be selected. That number could be cut significantly if a team is looking for an athletic back with a certified nose for the end zone.

There’s a world where Abanikanda is one of the first seven or eight running backs selected, though we don’t think that’s overly likely. Instead, we project Abanikanda to be drafted somewhere in the fourth-sixth round range.

If you want to bet on our Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions, head over to DraftKings Sportsbook and sign up for an account by clicking this link. No promo code is required – just use a link from this article to register for an account to qualify.

Once you register, make a deposit of at least $5, and place a bet of at least $5 on any pre-game money line, you’ll be eligible to earn $150 in bonus bet credits if your bet wins.

How to Use Your $150 in Bonus Bets From the DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code Offer to Bet on the NFL Draft

Once you qualify for DraftKings’ $150 bonus bet offer, it’s easy to use your bonus bet credits to bet at the sportsbook. First, select the market you’d like to wager on and add it to your bet slip. 

Then, open the bet slip – there, your bonus bet credits will be listed, allowing you to choose the one you’d like to have applied to your wager. Once the wager is applied, review your bet and press submit. You can monitor the bet’s progress in your sportsbook account.

Hurry over and register for DraftKings Sportsbook by clicking this link if you want to be eligible for this DraftKings new-user promo. By signing up using a link from this article, making a $5+ deposit, and placing a $5+ bet on any pre-game money line, you’ll qualify to earn $150 in bonus bet credits if your first bet wins. Act quickly before the offer ends, as it will only run for a short time.

Latest 2023 NFL Draft Betting Odds via DraftKings

Here are some of the latest 2023 NFL Draft betting odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook:

• Number 1 Draft Pick: Bryce Young (-1600), CJ Stroud (+800), Anthony Richardson (+1500), Will Levis (+4000), Will Anderson (+15000)
• Number 2 Draft Pick: Will Anderson (+160), Tyree Wilson (+250), CJ Stroud (+275), Will Levis (+300), Jalen Carter (+1500), Bryce Young (+1600), Anthony Richardson (+2000), Bijan Robinson (+10000)
• Anthony Richardson Draft Pick: Over 4.5 (-360), Under 4.5 (+280)
• Hendon Hooker Draft Pick: Over 31.5 (-130), Under 31.5 (+100)
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba Draft Pick: Over 12.5 (-340), Under 12.5 (+260)

This barely scratches the surface of all the different 2023 NFL Draft-related betting markets you’ll find on DraftKings Sportsbook. If you want to check out the odds for yourself or back one of our Pittsburgh NFL Draft predictions, head over to DraftKings and create an account by clicking this link.

By doing so, you’ll qualify to earn $150 in bonus bets after you make a $5+ deposit and bet $5+ on any pre-game money line. You can then use those bonus credits to bet on the NFL Draft. Hurry over and register, because the promotion will only last a short while longer.

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.