Team Fit: No one from this draft will overtake Nico Collins as
the alpha in this passing game, but the arrival of Higgins gives
Houston another big-bodied receiver with some of the best hands
in the draft. Initially, Higgins should be considered the favorite
to be Houston's primary X with Christian Kirk likely locked into
the slot. Long-term, Higgins could emerge as the primary slot
since it is debatable whether he has the strength to hold up on
the perimeter long-term. It makes even more sense if Tank Dell
can make it back by 2026.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Higgins should be given
the first crack to be the Z receiver in three-wide sets, but he
will have a hard time being relevant in fantasy early in 2025
unless Collins or Kirk gets hurt. Thus, he has a shot to be an
upside WR5.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex
leagues, Higgins will likely slip into the early part of the second
round. In one-quarterback formats, the case can be made for him
to go around 1.12, although he will more than likely fall in the
2.01-04 range.
Team Fit: The Browns have their new thumper, as Judkins' arrival
likely means Nick Chubb will not return. Judkins timed well at
the Combine, but it would be a mistake to believe he can make
Cleveland forget about Chubb. With that said, he runs about as
angry and violently as anyone in this draft class. He is a volume
back through and through, as the fact that he ran for 1,000 yards
and accounted for at least 16 touchdowns in each of his three
college seasons would attest. He is capable in the passing game,
but he will probably need to work in tandem with another back
(Jerome Ford?) who is more trusted as a blocker for at least his
rookie season.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Judkins should take
over the early-down role in training camp and has a shot to be
featured if he earns the coaching staff's trust in pass pro. More
than likely, he will lose some - if not most - of the passing-down
work to Ford in 2025. Since Cleveland projects to be a mediocre
offense again this year, Judkins should be considered a RB3/flex
option.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts?
Judkins warrants a pick in the 1.06-1.08 range in one-quarterback
leagues and should go a pick or two after that in superflex formats.
Team Fit: New HC Mike Vrabel tried to go thunder-and-lightning
with his backfield in his final year with the Titans when Tennessee
drafted Tyjae Spears to pair with Derrick Henry. He will attempt
to do likewise here with Rhamondre Stevenson and Henderson, although
Stevenson is no Henry and Henderson is probably a slightly better
version of Spears. The fit is a great one for the Patriots' plan
to make Drake Maye feel as comfortable as possible. Not only is
Henderson an explosive runner and receiver, but he is also the
best pass protection back in this draft. The fit is also great
for Henderson since he will not be needed to carry the load. At
200 pounds, it is probably best for his long-term viability to
see 12-13 touches per game as opposed to 16-18.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Henderson should immediately
secure most of the work on passing downs and handle roughly 8-10
carries each week, which should be enough to put him squarely
in the RB3/flex conversation.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Much like
Judkins, Henderson warrants a pick in the 1.06-1.08 range in superflex
and one-quarterback leagues. Since he is so explosive and will
likely push for 40-plus catches somewhat regularly, he could go
earlier than his Ohio State teammate in some drafts.
Team Fit:Caleb Williams has no excuses after this weekend. Chicago
fixed the interior offensive line in March and is giving him every
weapon imaginable in April. The fear with selecting Burden for
most teams was taking the risk that he could develop into a good
route-runner. With the Bears, he will have all the time he needs
to work on that part of his game since D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze
figure to do most of the heavy lifting. In the meantime, the Bears
figure to use him the same way he was utilized at Missouri: as
a schemed-touch player who can work his magic after the catch.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Burden is so electric
after the catch that he will occasionally win a week for his fantasy
managers, but Chicago has amassed so much talent on offense that
it will be difficult for him to be a consistent fantasy option.
That makes him a questionable WR4 or a decent WR5 in redraft.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? As noted
above, there is too much target competition to justify Burden
going before the late part of the first round in superflex and
one-quarterback leagues. The 2.01 is about the earliest he should
come off the board.
Team Fit: With Derek Carr (shoulder) uncertain to play in 2025,
New Orleans needed to add a quarterback to compete with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Shough is perhaps the most fundamentally
sound passer available in the draft and probably the most pro-ready
of the top prospects at the position. Unfortunately, he is also
a lot like the men he will be competing against - a flawed pocket
passer. He is also an older prospect (25 years old). The worst
part of his profile was how he performed when pressured and how
he reacted to it. (Per PFF, he was a 42.3 percent passer under
pressure in 2024.) That could be a problem with the Saints, who
still need to fix their offensive line despite investing a first-round
pick in Kelvin Banks Jr. Despite these flaws, Shough will enter
training camp as the favorite to start - pending Carr's status.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? The odds are strong
that Shough will open the season as the Saints' starter, especially
if Carr is released or needs to undergo season-ending surgery.
With that said, Shough lacks the mobility to be worth rostering
in most leagues.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? As a quarterback
who could start in Week 1, there is a case to be made for Shough
going in Round 1 in superflex leagues. (I would not recommend
it, however.) He could/should go as late as the third or fourth
round in one-quarterback formats.
Team Fit: New York let Tyler Conklin go in free agency and replaced
him with Stone Smartt, so the Jets figured to address tight end
early in the draft. Taylor is the son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor
and does not face much competition outside of Jeremy Ruckert to
become an immediate starter. While he is a bit stiff as a runner,
it does not mean he lacks in fluidity or athleticism. His best
quality right now might be his hands (one drop on 55 catches and
79 targets in 2024). Taylor is not a great blocker right now -
that may be the role Ruckert occupies in 12 personnel - and may
not be able to work in-line as a rookie, but that should come
in time.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Taylor could easily
be New York's Week 1 starter, but it is difficult to imagine the
Jets throwing the ball often enough to make anyone outside of
Garrett Wilson worthy of fantasy consideration most weeks.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Taylor lacks
the upside of Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, but he does not
lack fantasy upside. He should come off the board in the early
part of the third round in superflex and one-quarterback leagues.
Team Fit: The Rams' ongoing search to find Tyler Higbee's eventual
successor continues. It is questionable if they needed to address
that now, but HC Sean McVay appears to be quite taken with Ferguson,
comparing parts of his game to Chris Cooley and Travis Kelce.
Ferguson tested out very well at the Combine and is a better blocker
than he has been given credit for this spring. Perhaps the best
part of his profile was what he did after the catch in 2024 (his
9.0 YAC was the best in the country by a tight end with at least
30 targets). There is a decent chance Ferguson overtakes Higbee
by midseason (or at least begins to split snaps with him).
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? It is hard to make a
case for Ferguson in redraft immediately, especially if Higbee
enters the season healthy. Ferguson feels more like a long-term
investment for the Rams that will bear more fruit in 2026.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? There does
not appear to be a clear path to a steady dose of snaps for Ferguson
in 2025. With that said, McVay's belief in him alone makes him
a great stash and solid selection in the early third round of
rookie drafts.
Team Fit: Arroyo was not a need pick with Noah Fant and A.J. Barner around, but no one should be surprised if he ends up being
the long-term answer at the position. Arroyo is one of the few
tight end prospects who creates separation easily with his speed
and changes direction easily for a 250-pounder, which is one reason
why he is a threat after the catch. His recovery from ACL surgery
over parts of two seasons might be the only reason why he was
not being considered a first-round pick. Arroyo may end up becoming
a good blocker down the road, but the reason he was drafted where
he was is that he is an elite athlete who can stretch the field.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? While Arroyo may have
the most upside in Seattle's tight end room, he would need to
have a mind-blowing camp and preseason to leave Fant and Barner
in the dust. As a result, Arroyo should begin the season on waivers
in most leagues.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? It will
likely take Fant being traded before Arroyo has a realistic chance
to be a full-time player. He should come off the board just ahead
of Mason Taylor in the late second or early part of the third
round in superflex and one-quarterback leagues.
Team Fit: Harris joins a depth chart that has Ladd McConkey and
a bunch of question marks at receiver. While he shares some similarities
with Quentin Johnston in the sense that he does his best work
after the catch, Harris is different in that he made his mark
at Ole Miss with his success in contested-catch situations downfield.
Los Angeles could see him as a natural replacement for Josh Palmer, although he brings more to the table. The problem with
Harris is that so much with him is a projection; three routes
accounted for roughly 60 percent of his targets and one of those
three was a screen. Harris will likely begin 2025 competing with
Johnston and playing behind Mike Williams, but his run-after-catch
ability could be his ticket to serve as McConkey's complement
by midseason.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Williams should be considered
the favorite to be Herbert's top perimeter receiver, but Harris'
ability after the catch gives him a chance. Considering Harris
is the one handpicked receiver by this regime (not including McConkey)
on the roster, he will probably get the nod over Johnston or Williams
if the competition is close. That makes him worthy of WR5 consideration.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Harris has
no chance to overtake McConkey, but he does have a chance to be
a strong red zone option for Justin Herbert. He is worth rolling
the dice on in the middle of the second round in superflex and
one-quarterback leagues as a result.
Team Fit: There may not be a better fit of player and coach than
this one. Las Vegas will want to run the ball and play physically
under new HC Pete Carroll and OC Chip Kelly. Bech will help the
Raiders do that with his commitment as a blocker, but he offers
so much more. He also offers surprising upside as a receiver,
drawing legitimate comps of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Anquan
Boldin with his play style. He recorded a 1.6 percent drop rate
in 2024 and a 2.9 percent drop rate over his career at LSU and
TCU, so he is dependable. His biggest issue has been durability.
Bech should serve as a starter immediately in Vegas and allow
the Raiders to use Jakobi Meyers out of the slot as often as they
want.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? The problem with Bech
being considered the next Kupp or Nacua is that Geno Smith is
not Matthew Stafford. What Bech does have is a clear path to a
starting job. At the moment, he should be drafted as a WR5 but
with WR4 upside.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Bech will
likely come off the board in the middle part of Round 2 in superflex
and one-quarterback leagues. With that said, he is as good of
a bet as any Day 2 receiver to play a Round 1 pick.
Team Fit: Harvey plays a lot like Jaylen Warren, which makes
him an interesting addition to the Denver backfield. With only
Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime to compete with, the UCF product
should be considered the favorite to lead the Broncos' backfield
in 2025. Harvey runs with power, rarely goes down on ankle tackles
and has proven to be a weapon as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
He is also explosive, as 21.6 percent of his runs went for 10-plus
yards over the last two seasons. Asking him to be a featured back
might be a bit much, however, since he needs to correct his ball
security and blocking issues. With that said, his big-play ability
will be appreciated in Denver.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Harvey's status as a
second-round selection who was handpicked by HC Sean Payton likely
guarantees he will be a starter. Given Denver's reluctance to
overuse McLaughlin and Estime's inability to take advantage of
his opportunities last year, Harvey will have a chance to become
a workhorse. He may be drafted as a RB3/flex, but he has RB2 upside.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex
and one-quarterback leagues, Harvey warrants a selection in the
late first round given the likelihood he will be the lead back
in Denver.
Team Fit: Fannin makes for an interesting fit in part because
he is a "movable chess piece" that comes in a small
tight end or fullback's body. Since Cleveland has yet to re-sign
Elijah Moore, there is a chance the Browns are eyeing Fannin as
a part-time slot option in addition to being a mismatch weapon
when they want to use 12 personnel. At the very least, the Bowling
Green product should be a capable fill-in for David Njoku when
he misses time, although HC Kevin Stefanski likely has more in
mind for him than that. The Browns could easily see Fannin as
their version of Isaiah Likely, making him the favorite to lighten
Njoku's workload as he enters his age-29 season.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Unless fantasy managers
hear that Fannin has locked down primary slot duties in camp (which
seems unlikely), Fannin will not have much fantasy value until
Njoku misses time. As such, Fannin can be avoided in most leagues.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex
and one-quarterback leagues, Fannin is unlikely to be selected
before the middle to last part of the third round.
Team Fit: Williams lacks ideal size at 5-11 and 190 pounds, but
he brings a big-play element to a New England offense that desperately
needs it. Among pass-catchers with at least 11 targets behind
the line of scrimmage last season, he averaged an FBS-best 16.2
yards after the catch. He was credited with 21 missed tackles
forced as well. He also can stretch the field, which makes him
a near-perfect complement to Stefon Diggs. Williams' ability to
win on the perimeter should also allow Demario Douglas to continue
working out of the slot. There is also a distinct possibility
Williams wins the primary slot job, especially if New England
prefers Mack Hollins or Kayshon Boutte on the perimeter.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Williams could be relevant
in fantasy to begin the season, depending on Diggs' readiness
as he returns from his torn ACL. As far as the second half of
the season is concerned, New England's decision to make Williams
the slot or a perimeter receiver could keep him in the low-end
WR4 conversation.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex
and one-quarterback leagues, Williams warrants a pick as early
as the middle of the second round.
3.06 - WR Isaac TeSlaa, Lions
Team Fit: With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams secure
in their spots, TeSlaa will almost certainly be considered a developmental
pick with an eye on having him fill the role Tim Patrick occupied
last year. The most likely reason Detroit felt TeSlaa was worth
developing is that he is a bit of a size-speed freak at 6-4 and
214 pounds with 4.43 speed. Barring an injury to St. Brown and
Williams, however, it is hard to envision a scenario in which
TeSlaa becomes anything more than a part-time player for the Lions.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? TeSlaa has almost no
chance of being relevant in fantasy in 2025. Even if St. Brown
and/or Williams get hurt, he might be too raw right now to produce.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? TeSlaa is
an intriguing talent, but there is not much of a path for him
to contribute anytime soon. The earliest he is likely to come
off the board is the fourth round in most leagues.
3.10 - WR Pat Bryant, Broncos
Team Fit: Bryant is another big-bodied receiver (6-2, 204) joining
a roster that has a few of them in Courtland Sutton and Devaughn Vele. At his best, Bryant is winning in contested-catch situations
due in part to a 37.5-inch vertical. His biggest appeal to the
Broncos initially may be the fact he can bring it as a blocker.
What Bryant lacks is speed (4.61). At least for 2025, the Jacksonville
native appears to be insurance against an injury to Sutton and
Vele and a part-time red zone weapon.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Bryant would have to
beat out Vele to have a chance at much fantasy relevancy this
year. Even then, he would be third in the pecking order behind
Sutton and Evan Engram.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Bryant theoretically
has a shot to overtake Vele, but it is hard to make a case to
take him earlier than the late part of the third round in superflex
and one-quarterback leagues.
Team Fit: Houston decided to double-dip in the Iowa State receiving
pool and likely came away with their eventual replacement for
Christian Kirk, who is the player I compared Noel to in my profile.
Noel is insanely athletic but may not have the size to live on
the perimeter long-term. Thankfully, he may not have to work outside
very often if fellow Cyclone teammate Jayden Higgins proves himself
capable of being a perimeter receiver. Either way, Noel could
give this offense the same kind of jolt Tank Dell did when he
was healthy, which may have been their primary motivation for
drafting him. Between Kirk, Higgins and Noel, the Texans should
now have ample options to keep teams from committing too many
resources to Nico Collins.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Noel is good enough
to be the team's starting slot right away, but it will be a tall
order for him to overtake Kirk. With that said, the possibility
exists that he could beat out the veteran in camp. He is that
talented. Noel will probably go undrafted in most leagues, but
he needs to be on watch lists.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts?
Noel is worth consideration in the middle to late part of the
second round in superflex and one-quarterback leagues.
Team Fit: Excellent. Pittsburgh entered the weekend with only
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell likely to make the team at
running back. While Warren can pack a punch, the Steelers have
been reluctant to have him handle a heavy workload in three seasons,
opting to use him in more of a complementary role. Johnson is
not exactly a banger, but he proved in his final college season
that he could be a workhorse. Pittsburgh has traditionally been
a team that prefers to lean on one back and that should be the
expectation down the road for Johnson. Warren is too explosive
to be pushed aside and will probably set a career high in touches
in 2025, but Johnson should eventually step into the kind of workload
Najee Harris leaves behind while also providing more big-play
ability to the table than Harris did.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Johnson has a real chance
to be a fantasy RB2 right out of the gate. With that said, the
Steelers could easily have Warren handle lead-back duties for
half the season or longer. As a result, Johnson should be drafted
as a RB3/flex option.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? It may take
a bit of time for him to push Warren back into a complementary
role, but the reason he was selected was to replace Harris eventually.
He is worth considering late in the first round and would become
a solid value early in the second.
3.23 - WR Savion Williams, Packers
Team Fit: Green Bay's receiver room is almost bursting at the
seams at this point, which makes this an odd selection on the
surface. Most teams do not carry more than five receivers on game
day, so it will be an interesting challenge to find work for Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson (if/when he returns from a torn ACL). At any rate, teams
do not usually spend third-round picks on players who are projected
to be a fifth receiver. Thus, Green Bay will probably use him
in more of a returner/gadget role that could include everything
from Wildcat snaps to jet sweeps and any other way they can dream
up to scheme touches to a player.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Williams simply has
too much competition in front of him to see a regular role as
a receiver. Given how raw he is as a receiver, there is almost
no chance the gadget touches he gets will be consistent enough
to keep him on a redraft roster.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Williams
is worth betting on simply because he is such a unique talent
who could eventually be used like Deebo Samuel. However, he needs
to be drafted no earlier than the third round as a stash since
he is unlikely to see consistent offensive touches as a rookie
and may never become anything more than a gadget player.
Team Fit: Milroe may not put any immediate pressure on Sam Darnold,
but Seattle could easily get out of the latter's contract after
this season if new OC Klint Kubiak & Co. can develop one of
the more electric athletes the quarterback position has produced
lately. While there are obvious reasons why such a player was
available to the Seahawks at the end of the third round, the thing
that makes Milroe different from another athletic quarterback
such as Anthony Richardson is that Milroe has flashed the ability
to play well from the pocket. His biggest problem is poor footwork
and throwing fundamentals. If the Seahawks are willing to pour
up to two years into correcting these issues and are successful
in doing so, then Milroe will likely become the most feared quarterback
from this draft class.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? As long as Darnold stays
healthy and plays well, Milroe will likely see very little time
at quarterback outside of the occasional Wildcat or read-option
play. If Darnold falls on his face in Seattle, however, Milroe's
legs alone will make him a viable fantasy QB1.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Milroe is
a pure upside play, but one who is worth considering as the potential
(and eventual) QB1 in this class. He is worth taking as early
as the 2.01 in superflex leagues. In one-quarterback formats,
he is worth betting on at the end of Round 2 or the beginning
of Round 3. He should be stashed regardless of the format.
3.30 - QB Dillon Gabriel, Browns
Team Fit: Gabriel was likely viewed by the current regime to
be a great long-term NFL backup. Gabriel is one of the most productive
quarterbacks in college football history, but the odds are stacked
against him ever becoming a viable NFL starter due to size and
mobility concerns. (Think Kellen Moore during his playing days.)
He does profile as a great backup quarterback simply because he
does so many of the things smaller quarterbacks need to do to
hang around in the league. This relatively meager investment allows
Cleveland to use one of its two first-round picks next year to
select a more viable starting quarterback or move up to do so.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? As noted earlier, Gabriel
was likely drafted to be a long-term backup in Cleveland. Ignore
him in fantasy.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Gabriel
can be ignored in one-quarterback leagues. In superflex, he is
a low-upside pick in the third round or later.
3.38 - WR Tai Felton, Vikings
Team Fit: Felton joins a position group in Minnesota that is
already set at the first three spots. Justin Jefferson is among
the best players in the game, while Jordan Addison is a more-than-capable
complement. Jalen Nailor proved he was a capable starter last
year when he needed to fill in for Addison, which leaves Felton
likely battling Rondale Moore for WR4 duties. Felton may see a
bump in snaps if/when Addison serves his likely suspension, but
it is hard to see much of a path to playing time otherwise.
What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Felton could flirt with
some fantasy value if/when Addison is suspended, but that might
be about all the value he will muster in 2025.
Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Despite
not lacking talent or speed, Felton can probably be avoided until
the fourth or fifth round in superflex and one-quarterback leagues.
Doug Orth has written for FF Today since 2006 and been featured in USA Today's Fantasy Football Preview magazine since 2010. He hosted USA Today's hour-long, pre-kickoff fantasy football internet chat every Sunday in 2012-13 and appears as a guest analyst on a number of national sports radio shows, including Sirius XM's "Fantasy Drive". Doug is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association.
