2025 NFL Draft fantasy football impact: Winners, best, worst fits
We’ve expected Cam Ward to be the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it’s also time to analyze the rest of the skill position picks. Most importantly, what do these draft picks mean for fantasy football? Which rookies will make immediate impacts? Are they dynasty stashes? Will veterans see their values affected? I have your answers with all the fantasy football impacts.
Heads Up: Live updates for NFL Draft winners and losers for fantasy football are the first two nights (through the third round). Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) will come in groups, and the final NFL Draft grades will be published after the draft.
Heads Up #2: If you want pre-draft scouting reports on my Top 85 players with fantasy comps, check it out here (and bookmark it for reference all year).
Heads Up #3: Fantasy football rankings update! Can’t wait? New seasonal and dynasty ranks are coming Sunday!
NFL Draft Round 1
Cam Ward, QB, Titans: Not only does Ward give the Titans the best quarterback they’ve seen since peak Ryan Tannehill, but also the addition of Tyler Lockett gives Ward two top-notch veteran wideouts. Add in a productive backfield and Ward’s rushing potential, and I have Ward in play for a Top 15 fantasy finish. The risk with Ward is that he’s Sam Howell, but even a Kyler Murray 2024-type season would not only have Ward pushing QB1 status, it would also be a big win for Calvin Ridley, Lockett and tight end Chig Okonkwo. Ridley was WR27 overall and outside the Top 40 in FPPG, but with Ward, he could get back to WR2 status, and Lockett can rebound into WR3/4 territory.
Travis Hunter, WR, Jaguars: Assuming the Jaguars use Hunter as a full-time wideout, he’s in the conversation as the best fantasy rookie wideout. We’re talking Top 20 potential in his first year. Trevor Lawrence might finally break through with the duo of Brian Thomas and Hunter, making him a solid mid-QB2 gamble for that breakout season. If the Jaguars use Hunter as a part-time wideout, it obviously adds risk. Though, as long as Hunter sees 50% or more of the offensive snaps, he’ll be in the WR4 boom/bust conversation. Thomas’ value doesn’t take much of a hit, but this dampens the Brenton Strange breakout.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders: It didn’t matter if Jeanty went to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, he was going to be an immediate Top 10 RB in fantasy and even push for the Top 5. An Ezekiel Elliott type rookie season is in play, and in case you don’t remember, Elliott nearly hit 2,000 total yards with 16 touchdowns and a No. 2 finish. Of course, that’s best-case, but Bijan Robinson’s “disappointing” rookie season (over 1,400 total yards and RB9 finish) is likely the floor. Jeanty is worth a late first round pick in redraft and is the 1.01 in dynasty rookie only drafts.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers: An obvious win for Bryce Young, but it’s a loss for Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker Year 2 breakouts. McMillan has all the makings of a Drake London, and he’s immediately the Panthers No. 1 WR, but in fantasy, he’s more of a WR2/3 with some risk. Adam Thielen returns and has an undeniable connection with Young. Legette flashed and Coker has a high ceiling, but both will fight to be the No. 3 option — and hopeful Year 3 breakouts if/when Thielen is done. It’s also cold water for the Ja’Tavion Sanders break out. McMillan should help Young continue his late-season success, which puts Young in the mid-upper QB2 group, as a great late-round flier and SuperFlex No. 2 QB.
Colston Loveland, TE, Bears: A tight end with Zach Ertz/Pat Freiermuth upside, Loveland is more of a 2026 fantasy football target than as a rookie. Cole Kmet is still around — for now — and while Keenan Allen is gone, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze (breakout alert) will be Caleb Williams’ top options. While Ben Johnson helped turn Sam LaPorta into a rookie stud, LaPorta saw a much higher target share than Loveland will… again, until 2026. Loveland should be in the TE1 conversation in his second season.
Tyler Warren, TE, Colts: Another tight end, and another situation that ruins our hopes for a Top 10 rookie performance. Warren fills a need with the Colts, but whether it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones under center, Warren would be no better than third in the passing game, and you could argue fourth after the backfield. Josh Downs, Michael Pittman and Jonathan Taylor will command too many targets (and total touches for Taylor) that Warren would be lucky to see 75+ targets in his rookie year. Great addition for the Colts team, poor landing spot for fantasy purposes. We could end up seeing a Day 2 tight end with more 2025 value than Loveland and Warren.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers: For fantasy, we’re frustrated. This is a great real-life addition, and for when Mike Evans is done, we can get truly excited for Egbuka and his ability. He’s one of the best — and most consistent — wideouts in the draft, but he’ll be behind Evans and Chris Godwin … oh, and if the Jalen McMillan fun wasn’t buried enough from Godwin’s return, Egbuka’s arrival turns it into ash and throws it into the sea. This is at least a plus for Baker Mayfield, as he has another terrific weapon and replacement plan for when Evans is gone. Egbuka is a WR5 with Top 30 upside if Evans or Godwin misses time, and he’s still a first-round rookie dynasty pick.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers: Yes! Hampton is off the board … to share a backfield with Najee Harris. The NFL Draft is drunk with ruining our fantasy fun this year. Hampton is a premier backup for fantasy with real RB1 upside, if he gets the lead due to a Harris injury, or in 2026 when the job is his. Harris takes a hit from his potential bellcow work (easily clearing 300 touches) as Hampton is too talented not to get a decent share. Sigh for now, but big yay for 2026 — and of course, a potential yay if Harris struggles with the Chargers, leading to a Hampton takeover.
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers: Aaron Rodgers is steaming, somewhere. The Packers take Golden, a wideout with great speed with a Jeremy Maclin upside but Nelson Agholor concerns. Given the number of wideout options already in Green Bay, the latter is a legit concern, as Golden could struggle to see consistent targets. Nevertheless, we’ve seen the potential with Christian Watson in this offense, and Golden, if he immediately pushes for a top-two role, could carry WR3 value with up-and-down performances. This is a high-risk, high-reward pick, both for the Packers and fantasy, but dynasty managers can be more aggressive than redraft ones.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Giants: As I mentioned in my pre-draft piece, this is too funny, as I said Dart has all the upside, all the concerns, and all the similarities to Daniel Jones. Of course, with the rushing upside, that brings QB1 potential, and he does have a terrific No. 1 WR in Malik Nabers. The Giants don’t need him to start immediately with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, but for fantasy, you hope that Dart can beat out both. It’s more likely this QB room is Wilson’s to start, and Dart’s at some point, even the second-half of this year. In SuperFlex dynasty, Dart is worth a mid-late, first-round gamble, but the floor is what happened to Daniel Jones.
NFL Draft Round 2
Jayden Higgins, WR, Texans: Higgins is a go-to weapon for 50/50 balls and red-zone targets. He’ll immediately step in as the No. 2 option with Christian Kirk inside. Of course, there is risk that Higgins struggles to separate too often and is the No. 3 behind Kirk, who can play outside, as we know. Assuming Higgins nabs that No. 2 role, and C.J. Stroud bounces back, Higgins has immediate WR3/4 upside with some touchdown reliance. He’s a fringe first-round pick in rookie-only drafts. This is also a win for Stroud’s bounce-back chances.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns: More fantasy excitement! We’ve seen Jerome Ford provide RB2 numbers as the lead in Cleveland, and now, Judkins steps in as a likely bellcow for the Browns. Drawing my smashup comparison to Jordan Mason meets Brian Robinson, Judkins can handle a heavy workload and be a top-end RB2 as a rookie. Additionally, Judkins is a mid-first round pick in rookie drafts thanks to this landing spot.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots: The Patriots were in the market, and this is a great “buy.” Henderson takes off like those spring-loaded Hot Wheels launchers. Henderson is also a good receiver, good blocker and slips through tackles. He has RB1 potential even on a lesser workload, similar to James Cook with the Bills last year. The ceiling is terrific, and you can argue he’s a better pick than Judkins in redraft and dynasty, albeit a bit riskier. This is a major downgrade for Rhamondre Stevenson, obviously.
Luther Burden, WR, Bears: Terrific talent, terrible landing spot … for the wideouts, but it’s amazing for Caleb Williams. Burden feels like if you took Garrett Wilson, Julian Edelman and Randall Cobb, and smashed together their best traits. No wideout is a guarantee, and again for fantasy, this is actually more of a conundrum, as Burden could be the third option behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Burden could also leap Odunze and take the No. 2 role. Honestly, he has the ability to be the best Bears wideout. This adds risk to Moore for lost targets and not seeing the rebound managers wanted, and it adds the concern that Odunze doesn’t break out if he stumbles early, opening to door for Burden. I’d be willing to take the cheaper option of Odunze or Burden in redraft and Burden as a late-first in dynasty.
Tyler Shough, QB, Saints: Shough’s a good athlete who can add rushing upside in fantasy. He showed enough, particularly in making quick decisions, to start immediately. His age is a concern (almost a year older than Michael Penix), and pressure can rattle him, which can lead to turnovers. If Derek Carr isn’t ready, Shough can start in Week 1, but he would still be just a mid-low QB2, and in dynasty SuperFlex, you could argue he pushes the first round if you’re a QB-needy team.
Mason Taylor, TE, Jets: Taylor has some of the best hands in the draft among tight ends, and there is a clear path to the starting role for the Jets. With Justin Fields at quarterback, the passing game is more muted, but Taylor is in play for the third-most targets behind Garrett Wilson and the backfield (RBs combined). That makes Taylor a worthy TE2 gamble, who could provide numbers similar to Austin Hooper’s better seasons. In dynasty, a second-round pick is in play for tight-end needy teams.
Terrance Ferguson, TE, Rams: Ferguson has some fantasy potential, even as a rookie, even with Davante Adams replacing Cooper Kupp. The Rams are not only a pass-happy team, but Sean McVay also likes to involve the tight end. Tyler Higbee averaged 5.4 targets per game from 2019-23, and Ferguson can move around the line, runs clean routes and has Mike Gesicki meets Theo Johnson vibes. Ferguson is likely more of a fantasy target in his second year, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see him grow into a fringe TE1 option in the second-half of 2025.
Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seahawks: This is an interesting landing spot, as Noah Fant hasn’t lived up to his pre-draft potential. The Seahawks have Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, but the No. 3 role is open to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Fant and backup options. Arroyo has Jonnu Smith 2024-like potential. As with most tight ends, it usually takes a year, if not two, but Arroyo could surprise and should make noise for fantasy managers in 2026.
Tre Harris, WR, Chargers: Harris is a big play waiting to happen with the downfield ability of Alec Pierce but the reliability of a Romeo Doubs. Harris can step in immediately as the No. 2 option ahead of Mike Williams and Quentin Johnston. If so, even in a run-heavy offense, Harris can provide WR4 value, albeit with the up-and-down weeks. The good news is that those “up” weeks can carry Top-20 value, making the ride more palatable. In dynasty, Harris is in the late-first-round conversation.
Jack Bech, WR, Raiders: I love Bech’s game, as you can argue he has the best routes/hands combination for all wideouts in draft. Bech can get downfield in a big slot style, which means he’s the favorite to step in and start alongside Jakobi Meyers as Geno Smith’s top receivers … well, wideouts. Brock Bowers is Smith’s top “receiving option,” but Bech has WR4/5 potential as a rookie, and he can push for the Top 25 at wideout once he surpasses (or replaces) Meyers.
RJ Harvey, RB, Broncos: Sean Payton gets his running back, and you can see why he likes Harvey given the explosiveness and receiving upside. This is a *Payton RB* if there ever was one in this draft. Harvey can be the Broncos lead, and while he won’t be a bellcow, Harvey can replicate the fit of Alvin Kamara with the Saints. I’m not saying Harvey is a Top 5-10 RB, but he’s an enticing RB2 from Day 1 and mid-first rounder in dynasty.
NFL Draft Round 3
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Browns: Fannin is a stud with some eyebrow-raising numbers, but for fantasy, he unfortunately falls into a “wait for Year 2” spot. David Njoku is the clear choice … for now, as he’s a UFA in 2026. That allows Fannin to learn and adapt to the NFL, which he can do in time for his second season. Fannin’s route work, hands and ability to get open — even deep — brings peak Jared Cook-like appeal. That means Fannin can be a TE1, and a Top 10 yearly finish is in play.
Kyle Williams, WR, Patriots: Williams is your prototypical downfield threat in the making of a Marquez Valdes-Scantling (shorter though) and Zay Jones. If Williams is a top-three wideout for the Patriots, that could bring rollercoaster WR5 value or that same inconsistency as a WR3 if he’s a top-two option. Either way, this is another win for Drake Maye, who desperately needed receiving options.
Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Lions: TeSlaa can run free — away from and past corners, plus slip into space — even though he could use some route refinement. There is potential here with TeSlaa possibly pushing to start alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown in Year 2, especially with NFL Network’s Albert Breer citing sources who believe Jameson Williams may not receive a new contract given wideout being “a draft need” per those sources. TeSlaa in that Williams role would be a nice WR4, making him a solid late-round flier in redraft and good Round 2 pick in dynasty.
Pat Bryant, WR, Broncos: Bryant is a strong receiver, providing his team with a 50/50 winner, big plays and potential red zone target. The concerns are his route speed and struggles with man coverage, so he likely profiles as a best-case Cedric Tillman type in fantasy as a WR4. As with many other wideouts in this range, that will come with some Top 20 weeks and plenty of WR5/6 outputs.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans: Noel gets open quickly and easily with concerns of being overpowered by tough corners. Nevertheless, Noel has a mix of Randall Cobb and Rondale Moore to his game, which puts him in the position to replace Christian Kirk, whether by injury or in 2026 when Kirk hits free agency. Noel teams back up with Iowa State teammate, Higgins, this time in Houston. Higgins is still the favorite to be the No. 2, but if Tank Dell can’t return to form in 2026, Noel can provide WR5 value with a weekly high ceiling as the Texans No. 3 wideout.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Steelers: He’s a better version of Tyler Allgeier for me, so add the best of Jordan Howard, and you have a good idea what Johnson can bring. Johnson has plenty of power and fight, but he’s a bit limited as a receiver. It’s the Steelers though, and Johnson steps right into the Najee Harris void, keeping Jaylen Warren in his timeshare role. That makes Johnson an RB2 and keeps Warren as an RB3 with upside for more, depending on the matchup and game script. Johnson is also worth a late-first-round dynasty pick.
Savion Williams, WR, Packers: There have been a lot of comparisons to Cordarrelle Patterson, and I said that undercuts his receiving upside a bit, as Williams is a lot like Curtis Samuel. No matter what, Williams can be a weapon for the Packers and fantasy managers with the added rushing potential. The issue for fantasy is that he’s buried — for now — and will look to make a significant impact in Year 2 and beyond. Williams’ ability means he could be a high-upside and floor WR3, again with time.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Seahawks: There is a supremely high ceiling with Milroe. We’re talking about Jayden Daniels rushing upside, maybe even Lamar Jackson — 1,000 rushing yards are in play. I think the touchdown potential is a bit higher than Jackson, though, hence the Daniels inclusion. Obviously, there is major risk too, as Milroe needs to develop as a passer. This is a good spot, as he won’t be forced to start and has weapons if/when he does. Let’s not dismiss the possibility that Sam Darnold looks like late-2024 Darnold more than his breakout self for much of the year. If Milroe is even a league-average passer, he will put up Top 10 fantasy numbers thanks to his rushing upside, and his ceiling is Top 5. Nevertheless, we may never see it happen. That’s the rub.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Browns: Forget the Shedeur Sanders shock, if you can. Gabriel also has rushing upside, but he can rifle passes and lacks touch similar to Colin Kaepernick. Gabriel is a bit of an older prospect too, but once again, rushing upside will trump plenty in fantasy, and Gabriel is worthy of being a Round 3 dynasty pick and even a Round 2 gamble in SuperFlex. Like Milroe though, the risk is never becoming an NFL starter, so if you’re solid at QB, you can look elsewhere.
Tai Felton, WR, Vikings: Fast! Gets up to speed quickly, maintains it through routes, big plays aplenty, but has some contested catch concerns. There are some Xavier Worthy similarities, but Felton will struggle to reach Worthy’s value behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Felton is likely a weekly Hail Mary gamble with the Vikings, who could easily give you 10+ points or a goose egg. However, if Jefferson or Addison ever missed time, Felton would have WR3 upside as the No. 2. Felton is likely off the redraft radar but a solid Round 3 dynasty pick given his upside if ever a full-time starter.
Fantasy Winners and Losers
NFL Draft Round 4
Chimere Dike, WR, Titans: Martavis Bryant meets Michael Gallup. Nice speed, big play upside, added weapon for Cam Ward. Dike (pronounced DK) likely peaks as a WR4/5 weekly boom/bust option.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jaguars: Terrific speed and tested great, but I see more of a D’Andre Swift meets Rico Dowdle. Yes, if he peaked to the best years of that duo, Tuten would be an RB2. My concern is a timeshare and and falling well short of his ceiling, and now we have a potential committee for fantasy. If Tuten shares with just Travis Etienne, he could be an RB3/4.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants: Tough as nails with no fear to run through tacklers with the makings of Najee Harris. This is a loss for Tyrone Tracy, and more so, Devin Singletary. Skattebo should be the lead with mid-low RB2 value, pushing Tracy into a timeshare, reliant on the passing game for RB3/4 value. Singletary is the main backup now.
Dont’e Thornton, WR, Raiders: Big-play machine (averaged 21.9 YPR in his college career!). He can be a WR3/4 with a high ceiling and low floor, but he would need to climb the Raiders depth chart and contend for the top wideout targets, as Brock Bowers will always be a top-two option.
Arian Smith, WR, Jets: Can be the Jets’ version of Rashid Shaheed. Similar to Thornton (and Shaheed), Smith would need to be a top-two wideout option in order to carry WR4 value, and that would be volatile.
Trevor Etienne, RB, Panthers: Lacking elite athletic ability, but Etienne has the football skills to be a Kenneth Gainwell or Devin Singletary. That makes this landing spot intriguing, as Jonathon Brooks is out until 2026, and with another injury, Brooks has a non-zero chance of never being the same. Etienne could jump Rico Dowdle as the backup to Chuba Hubbard, and if Hubbard got hurt, there is RB2 potential.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Rams: Nice one-cut runner who is good at finding space and lanes, Hunter has a chance to push Blake Corum as Kyren Williams’ backup. That would make Hunter a top-end backup in fantasy, as he would have Top 20 value as the Rams lead RB.
Woody Marks, RB, Texans: Nice cuts and patience, but Marks isn’t overly powerful or explosive. Nevertheless, Marks can leapfrog Dameon Pierce for the No. 2 role behind Joe Mixon, and if Mixon missed time, Marks could provide RB2 value with some volume reliance.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Titans: Chig Okonkwo is on notice, as it’s a new regime, and Helm is a real YAC threat with Isaiah Likely potential. Just imagine Likely on a team where he’s the main tight end option. Yea, we’re talking Top 20 potential as a rookie — if Helm takes over — with TE1 upside in Year 2 and beyond.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Browns: Sampson can be a perfect complement to Quinshon Judkins. Sampson has James White and/or Justice Hill fantasy upside, which would provide RB3/4 value in half and full PPR leagues, peaking as a fringe RB2 if injuries led to Sampson seeing mid-teen touches.
Jaylin Lane, WR, Commanders: Very fast with plenty of ability after the catch, Lane provides Jayden Daniels with another weapon. For fantasy, it’s a tough road for Lane given his limitations (size, etc.), as his peak could be a WR4 in the old Tyler Boyd (Bengals version) mold.
Jalen Royals, WR, Chiefs: Can’t believe this happened, as I drew comparisons to Sammy Watkins. So, lock Royals into every Week 1 lineup you can find! Jokes aside, Royals is a good dynasty stash, as it’s the Chiefs, and there is always Top 40 upside if any wideout is a top-two option on the team.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Titans: The Titans are loading up on weapons for Cam Ward, and continuing to refine the offense to Brian Callahan’s liking. Ayomanor drew attention from his performance against Travis Hunter, scoring three times and nearly posting 300 yards. Ayomanor can be a version of Robert Woods meets Michael Gallup in fantasy, but that’s in future years, as he’ll initially be behind Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett while competing with Chimere Dike and others for snaps.
Jordan Watkins, WR, 49ers: There is always one Day 3 wideout I didn’t have as high as the team taking him, and Watkins is this year’s. Profiling as a slot receiver, Watkins is great at finding windows and space in the defense, but he can struggle outside and with physical coverage. It’s the 49ers, so Watkins is worth a dynasty stash given the fit in this offense and future potential.
NFL Draft Round 5
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Browns: We’ll find out more about the truth behind the slide, but Sanders was a Top 3 quarterback on everyone’s draft board. In fantasy, Sanders’ value will rely heavily on his arm with limited rushing, but there are Geno Smith and Jared Goff comparisons … and worries, stylistically. The Browns give Sanders a good chance to start in Year 1, even though he’s a Round 5 pick. Joe Flacco is merely a stopgap. If Sanders pushes to “prove people wrong,” his ability can provide mid-upper QB2 value in fantasy, particularly with the solid set of weapons in Cleveland.
Jordan James, RB, 49ers: Death. Taxes. 49ers taking a Day 3 RB. James has some Tony Pollard to his game, and for fantasy, it’s the 49ers and Kyle Shanahan. Isaac Guerendo is the guy behind Christian McCaffrey, but if James gets his chance to lead, he’d be a Top 20 RB.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Cowboys: Blue can be peak Tarik Cohen even if Javonte Williams bounces back to anything like he was before the injury. Williams still hasn’t looked the same, which opens the door to Blue leading the backfield, as Miles Sanders is the only other “threat.” Blue has RB2 upside as a rookie with a likely RB4 floor, since he should be the timeshare No. 2 option at worst.
DJ Giddens, RB, Colts: Good all-around ability and someone I likened to David Montgomery. Khalil Herbert is the current backup to Jonathan Taylor, and Giddens can push for the backup job. Given Taylor’s injury history, Giddens is an intriguing fantasy pick with RB2 potential.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Chargers: Good route work and ability in the short-to-intermediate area but not much of a downfield threat. Dynasty pick only, as a developmental wideout, who has WR3 peak potential in a lesser Keenan Allen mold.
Mitchell Evans, TE, Panthers: A bit overlooked due to Notre Dame’s lesser passing offense, Evans has some Dalton Schultz potential, though the wideout room is now deep, and Ja’Tavion Sanders is an athletic matchup problem.
Oronde Gadsden, TE, Chargers: This is a potentially fun landing spot for Gadsden, as Tyler Conklin is currently atop the depth chart. While Gadsden is a name to remember for future redraft seasons and decent dynasty pick, don’t forget that this isn’t the old Chargers. Look at the backfield, and remember that Gadsden will fight to be third-best in targets behind Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris, even if he hits. Gadsden has Kellen Winslow potential, but be careful not to overpay on his ceiling.
Tory Horton, WR, Seahawks: Good speed and burst for his size, Horton can be what fans wanted Chase Claypool to be. That brings WR4/5 boom/bust value, but like Claypool, Horton carries the risk of never hitting. He’s a fine Round 3 dynasty stash.
Jackson Hawes, TE, Bills: Very reliable receiver, but Hawes may be hurt in fantasy by his high blocking ability. More of a long shot to have value.
Robbie Ouzts, TE, Seahawks: Great blocker but as a receiver, more short-game weapon, which makes this pick feel mostly irrelevant for fantasy.
NFL Draft Round 6
- Ollie Gordon, RB, Dolphins: Good speed for size — could be Latavius Murray/Jamaal Williams type.
- Kyle McCord, QB, Eagles: Fantasy value — if ever starts — would rely on his arm, which is quality. Bo Nix without the rushing.
- Devin Neal, RB, Saints: I made comparisons to Lamar Miller and James Robinson, which presents an RB2 ceiling. Picks this late are rarely hits, but Neal is one to keep an eye on and stash even in redraft.
- Will Howard, QB, Steelers: This is a funny one to me because I said Howard could have “QB2, Kenny Pickett-like value.”
- Kalel Mullings, RB, Titans: One of the draft’s top “power” backs, Mullings’ best-case scenario would be a LeGarrette Blount role, which is an RB2 relying on touchdowns.
- Riley Leonard, QB, Colts: Will Howard with a lesser arm but better decisions and placement. Likely hits the practice squad and is a backup QB.
- Tahj Brooks, RB, Bengals: Chase Brown is safe. The Bengals added to the backfield, but only now in the sixth round, and with a running back who I thought had a lot of similarities to … Chase Brown. Brooks is a nice backup to remember if Brown ever gets hurt.
- Graham Mertz, QB, Texans: Mertz has a good arm and makes good decisions, but he struggles when pressured and takes too long to process windows/reads. Developmental pick.
- Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Vikings: Developmental tight end pick with some good athleticism and receiving ability.
- LaJohntay Wester, WR, Ravens: Slot receiver with speed, but limited size and in the Ray-Ray McCloud-type conversation.
- Jimmy Horn, WR, Panthers: A Wan’Dale Robinson/Scotty Miller type, which means it will be tough to get fantasy value.
- Tommy Mellott, WR, Raiders: Obvious developmental, long shot pick, as Mellott is converting from QB to WR.
- Cam Miller, QB, Raiders: Lottery ticket QB stash for the Raiders.
NFL Draft Round 7
- Thomas Fidone, TE, Giants: Nice hands and speed through his routes. Depth and developmental stash for Giants and dynasty leagues.
- Damien Martinez, RB, Seahawks: One of the running backs I compared Martinez to was Chris Carson, and now the Seahawks take him. Martinez is a nice stash in dynasty as Kenneth Walker is a free agent next year.
- Kurtis Rourke, QB, 49ers: Trying to hit on another Brock Purdy? Seems like a one-time thing, but it is Kyle Shanahan.
- Brashard Smith, RB, Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco is the lead, but he lost work to Kareem Hunt, even after Pacheco returned from injury. The Chiefs added Elijah Mitchell as well, but Smith has great speed and quickness with similarities to Theo Riddick. The Chiefs had Jerick McKinnon provide RB3 value not too long ago, and Smith could surprise and do the same.
- Quinn Ewers, QB, Dolphins: Decent landing spot, but interesting given Ewers’ history of injuries. Ewers has some Sam Darnold potential, but he needs to stay healthy and make better decisions, but the Dolphins can help his chances.
- Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears: D’Andre Swift is a winner, as the Bears didn’t dip into the RB pool until now, putting Monangai in contention with Roschon Johnson … at best. Monangai has some Zack Moss-ness, which means he can be an RB2 with the majority of touches, but he’d need to pass Johnson and wait for a Swift injury.
- Tez Johnson, WR, Buccaneers: Ultra fast. Ultra small. A real-life weapon, but Johnson will be lucky to have WR5 value as a home run play hope.
- LeQuint Allen, RB, Jaguars: Buried — for now, and possibly forever — but Allen brings a mix of Austin Ekeler and Rachaad White who could succeed in this offense if he reaches the No. 2 role in time.
- Phil Mafah, RB, Cowboys: One-cut, solid runner without a ton of elusiveness and wiggle. Could be the lead of a timeshare and RB3 if Mafah ever gets a share of the lead.
- Kaden Prather, WR, Bills: Rod Streater/Cedrick Wilson type, who is likely no more than a Hail Mary play (WR5/6) if he sticks.
- Caleb Lohner, TE, Broncos: Stumped the truck, and stumped me … and everyone. It’s Sean Payton though, so he probably did this merely for the fun of it.
- Konata Mumpfield, WR, Rams: I compared him to Sterling Shepard, and Mumpfield is dangerous after the catch. It’s the Rams, so he’s worth a dynasty stash.
- Dominic Lovett, WR, Lions: Slot receiver with NFL IQ and routes, but lacking speed for his size. Depth piece.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders: Good burst and straight speed. Not a ton of wiggle or elusiveness.
- Moliki Matavao, TE, Saints: Nice hands and great size/build. Not a major matchup problem in the passing game.
- Junior Bergen, WR, 49ers: Slot receiver with decent speed in all areas. Depth and development.
- Luke Lachey, TE, Texans: Tight End U will not be denied. Nice size but can struggle to play up to it at times, Lachey is an obvious depth piece/future hope at tight end.
(Photo of Cam Ward: Kirby Lee / Getty Images)
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