5 days Ago
The 2025 NFL Draft is nearly here, and Dane Brugler’s The Beast is out, so now I can drop my column on the best rookies for fantasy football. As always, my goal is to help decipher the fantasy potential. This year, I had even more fun with mashup comparisons (Geno Burrow and Kyler Powell, for example).
Like my wife says with my mixing cereals, energy drinks, candy and more...
maybe I went too far? I’m sure you’ll let me know, but as a reminder, I put the players into tiers, and landing spots will always influence values. Advertisement Each “profile” gives an idea of the fantasy production to expect. A lot of the comps will go hand-in-hand with the player’s profile, but not every single one is flawless.
So, don’t get overly hung up on a rookie-pro comparison if it isn’t “perfect.” It’s a loose comparison, and the potential numbers matter most. Tiers have players listed alphabetically, so the order within tiers doesn’t reflect a ranking.
The landing spot is going to affect everyone drafted, which is why you should tune in to The Athletic ’s live fantasy coverage during the first two nights of the NFL Draft. I’ll be there providing fantasy insights and the impact of the players’ drafted situations. On Day 3, I’ll provide updated breakdowns throughout the day.
After that, my “2025 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings “and “Rookie-only Rankings” will drop, as will my updated “2025 Fantasy Football Overall Rankings.” 2025 NFL DRAFT ROOKIE RANKINGS Quarterbacks | Running backs | Receivers | Tight ends Quarterbacks Profile: Good ball placement and arm; smart, consistent passer. But has a longer throwing motion and takes too many sacks.
Fantasy outlook: Sanders falls into the Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, Geno Smith category. He needs significant passing numbers to achieve QB1 status and has a high-level completion percentage but the propensity to take sacks. Think Geno Burrow.
Profile: Elusive, extends plays, rushing upside, quick arm. But makes inconsistent throws and risky choices. Fantasy outlook: Ward has a rushing ceiling like Josh Allen or early Kyler Murray, making him a Top 5 candidate.
But he also comes with a Sam Howell floor, which could make Ward a backup or even a bust. Kyler Howell. Profile: Good-not-great arm, nice placement, rushing potential.
Misses the target too often, especially under pressure, with a mediocre deep ball. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: Dart is Daniel Jones-esque, with all the upside, rushing talent and flaws. Profile: Elite runner, nice downfield throwing, extends plays even in the pocket.
Inaccurate throws, inconsistent read progression, misses too many targets. Fantasy outlook: Jayden Daniels’ rookie season might be Milroe’s peak, and it might take a few years for him to get there. A Marcus Mariota-like career-backup role could be more likely, with the possibility that he never becomes a starter.
Jayden Mariota. Profile: Has NFL touch, sees the field well and throws to open receivers. But he’s had several injuries, his arm is solid but not great, and he can struggle with poor decisions.
Fantasy outlook: He will have to pass a lot to reach the Top 10, putting him in a Sam Darnold category with all the potential talent and risk. I will provide more coverage on the following quarterbacks if they land in a surprising spot that comes with opportunity. Will Howard (Ohio State): Given Howard’s rushing and run-pass option (RPO) potential, he could find his way to Kenny Pickett mid-low QB2 value, even with his mechanics and anticipation concerns.
Kyle McCord (Syracuse): McCord has the release and arm you want from an NFL quarterback, but questionable decisions and lack of rushing talent make him a likely SuperFlex-only option. Dillon Gabriel (Oregon): Gabriel’s rushing upside and arm could get him a few years of production, but his tendency to rifle throws like Colin Kaepernick means he’s a SuperFlex dynasty gamble, especially as an older prospect. Riley Leonard (Notre Dame): He’s like Will Howard with a lesser arm, but he’s better at decision-making and placement.
So, he still has mid-low QB2 potential. Tyler Shough (Louisville): The oldest QB prospect in a while, Shough has the athleticism and arm to surprise, but he makes too many poor choices. He’s a worthy SuperFlex dynasty lottery ticket who could bring mid-QB2 value.
Running backs Profile: Strong, gets extra yards, quick, fast when changing directions and a good receiver. Gets impatient, particularly with seeing the field, which also leads to taking on too many tacklers. Fantasy outlook: His peak could be what we want Breece Hall to be, which is more likely than a Zach Charbonnet situation.
Breece Charbonnet. Advertisement Profile: Nearly impossible to bring down one-on-one, full-field speed, great receiver. Elusiveness good, just not elite, and is sometimes too move-happy.
Fantasy outlook: Any critiques are nitpicking, as Jeanty should immediately be a Top 10 RB with similarities to Bijan Robinson and Ezekiel Elliott, who like Jeanty, didn’t need to be elite elusive. Let’s go with Bijan Elliott. Profile: Like those Hot Wheels spring launchers, once he goes, he rockets off and slips through tacklers.
He’s a good receiver. Doesn’t always see off-script lanes or opportunities, questions of if better as a timeshare. Fantasy outlook: James Cook, even with 241 touches, was Top 10, but it may take that kind of situation if Henderson is capped as the explosive lead of a share.
There is a risk that he’s more like Tyjae Spears. Let Tyjae Cook. Profile: Power up the middle, always fights for yards, tough to tackle.
Would rather push the line than cut outside, won’t make defenders miss, can take a bit to hit full speed, limited receiver. Fantasy outlook: He’s a mix of Tyler Allgeier (and maybe a little Jordan Howard). He’ll likely be in a limited backup role or the lead with a heavily used pass-catching option, making Johnson a TD-reliant RB2.
Tyler Howard. Sounds like an actor. Profile: Good initial burst/step, strong throughout, reliable receiver.
Trent Richardson’s vision at times (even running into, and trying to push, his offensive linemen), more of a “go get it” runner and won’t create many misses. Fantasy outlook: Judkins reminds me of Brian Robinson mixed with Jordan Mason, with RB2 value possible as the tough timeshare lead but with the risk of backup value. Brian Mason.
Advertisement Profile: Rarely tackled at first attempt, good speed and movement, picks his way through a defense. Lacks elite burst or top speed, limited as a receiver. Fantasy outlook: He’s a Jerome Ford, Chris Carson type with RB2 value capped by limited receiving work.
Jerome Carson. Profile: Nice option as a rusher or receiver, elusive with nice cuts, sees lanes and evades tacklers. Top-end speed average, can get legs cut, pass protection a concern for timeshare situation.
Fantasy outlook: Neal is similar to James Robinson (Jaguars) with some Lamar Miller (a testament to possibly being best as an RB2 in a shared backfield). Lamar Robinson. Profile: Gets up to speed with ease and varies that speed extremely well, great cuts and underrated receiving potential.
Smaller in size, needs to evade tacklers as he won’t break many tackles. Ball security improvement is needed. Fantasy outlook: Sampson’s a smaller Rachaad White with some Justice Hill.
If he’s more like White and a lead back, volume would likely offset fewer yards per carry, and he’d push for a Top 15 finish. But a timeshare is likely, and he may even be an RB3 change-of-pace/receiver. Justice White.
Profile: Tough as nails from first to last snap, fights through tackles, nice receiving ability. More lean to his moves (doesn’t cut, moves more like a skier or motorcyclist around turns) than elusiveness, takes on way too much contact. Fantasy outlook: He’s like Najee Harris mixed with Josh Jacobs, and those are peaks, as Skattebo could fall into the Cam Akers category.
But let’s stay positive and go with Najee Jacobs over Najee Akers. Profile: Great (and former) receiver, great agility and moves, but still smart in following blockers. Lacks the tackle-breaking ability and patience to always let lanes and plays develop.
Advertisement Fantasy outlook: He’s like Rachaad White in 2024 but more effective per touch. He could also be Austin Ekeler in his lower-production seasons, which is still good. Rachaad Ekeler.
Profile: Quickness with the ball and through his moves. His burst after a move is quicker than many players’ initial burst. Great receiver, home-run speed.
Lacks strength through tackles and in pass protection. Fantasy Outlook: His ceiling is what we hoped for Keaton Mitchell or 2018 Tarik Cohen. Keaton Cohen.
RB Jaydon Blue at Texas Pro Day: 5087, 195 4.38/2.59/1.
50 29 1/2 VJ 10’3′′ BJ — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) March 29, 2025 Profile: Good cuts while maintaining speed, weaves through defenders, good vision, great second gear. Lacks tackle-breaking ability, can struggle between tackles, adequate (not great) initial burst. Fantasy outlook: He could be an RB2 on the right team, but this year’s loaded class likely puts Etienne in a tough spot.
He has Devin Singletary/Kenneth Gainwell value where he shares work and hits his ceiling with an injury in front of him. He’s likely Devin Gainwell. Profile: Good all-around elusiveness, speed and strength.
Lacks game-breaking, long speed, hesitates a bit too often with mediocre tackle-breaking. Fantasy outlook: He likely falls into a timeshare role, and since he has some pass-catching potential, he could be a David Montgomery type. However, both the good and bad will dictate whether that’s pushing RB2 value or in the RB4 range, as it will be dependent on team and volume.
Profile: Good speed for his size (6-1, 226 pounds), also a good receiver, strong through contact. Footwork not the cleanest — can dance, trip himself up, takes a bit to get going, leading to fewer changes of direction. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: At his best, he could surprise as a Latavius Murray RB2, but he’s more likely Jamaal Williams in non-Lions years.
Jamaal Murray ...
wait. Profile: Top-level burst, slippery, evades tacklers, receiving upside. Can overthink behind the line and make unnecessary moves, speed is not elite for his size, obvious pass-blocking limitations.
Fantasy outlook: I heard someone say he’s like Duke Johnson, which probably had Ian Hartitz streaking, but there’s a mix of J.D. McKissic, too.
Both had RB2 ceilings with the concern of RB3/4 value, particularly in half- or full-PPR formats. Duke McKissic. Profile: Good patience and smarts to let blocking and lanes develop.
Tacklers struggle to bring him down; he will push defenders. Not a ton of moves or elusiveness, limited as a receiver. Even though strong, he can struggle with pass protection.
Fantasy outlook: Remember that one really good Zac Stacy season? That’s Monangai’s ceiling, but his floor is Zack Moss timeshare RB3/4. Zac(k) Stacy — haha. Profile: Nice speed and quickness for someone 6-0, 217 pounds, cuts between blocks and away from tacklers.
Tall runner, taken down too easily for his size, with mediocre short-area burst. Fantasy outlook: His ceiling in the right scheme could be Carlos Hyde, and his floor is Cam Akers or Marlon Mack. Carlos Mack.
Profile: Good speed (burst and top gear), good at getting outside/edge, and, in space, a great athlete. Hesitates to run through small gaps, needs to avoid strong tacklers. Pass protection is a concern, especially if he’s in a timeshare Fantasy outlook: Tuten brings to mind Rico Dowdle and D’Andre Swift, but the 1,000-1,200 total yards version of Swift could be the peak, and 2023 Dowdle, the floor.
You choose — Rico Swift or D’Andre Dowdle. They both sound cool. Advertisement Profile: Smart, vision for lanes and moves, receiving upside, nice explosiveness.
Lacks power in blocking and tackle-breaking and can get move happy. Fantasy outlook: He has some attributes of Kyren Williams and some of Sincere McCormick. I see something in between for Bentley, making him the perfect smashup of Kyren McCormick and a likely RB4/5 stash with hopes for Years 2 or 3.
Profile: Good elusiveness with lateral agility, great burst, good hands. Missing elite speed, limited RB routes, lacks power. Fantasy outlook: I could see James as part of a timeshare with RB3 value, but he needs to improve as a receiver, putting him in the Jerome Ford or Tony Pollard conversation.
Tony Ford sounds like a politician — bleh. Jerome Pollard it is. Profile: Threat as a receiver or runner (even a passer), weaves through the defense, good burst.
Doesn’t have high-end breakaway speed, struggles to shake tacklers, competition-level concern. Fantasy outlook: Larison’s a later-career Alvin Kamara and Darrell Henderson Jr. mix, so he could be an RB2 on the right team, but it will likely take a year or two (or three).
Darrell Kamara. Profile: Very nice cuts, with patience and acceleration to get through lanes and holes, terrific ball security. Not elusive or extremely powerful, lacks top speed and is older.
Fantasy outlook: He’s another back with Tyjae Spears value, or he could be a Brandon Bolden-like committee piece. Brandon Spears. Profile: One of the better “power” backs in the draft, with surprising quickness and good vision.
Struggles to get outside and even prefers to push inside when not available. He needs receiving development (converted LB recruit). Advertisement Fantasy outlook: Even without improving as a receiver, Mullings could be a fringe RB2 as the power lead, especially with goal-line work.
Think LeGarrette Blount or Tank Bigsby. Tank Blount (LeGarrette Bigsby is just too long). Profile: Has great quickness, burst, top-end speed, good receiver.
Strength through the line, breaking tackles and even receiving (in tight coverage) are concerns. Fantasy outlook: He needs the pass-catching role in an offense that consistently uses him and is a Theo Riddick or Nyheim Hines type. Theo Hines.
Profile: Elite speed, can stretch the edge or slice through the defense, terrific receiver. Despite speed and cuts, Yarns doesn’t elude enough tackles (or break many), won’t be a workhorse. Fantasy outlook: He has some similarities to Smith, with a Justice Hill, Riddick, McKissic role.
He is Bursty McThirdowner. Profile: Bounces off tacklers and stays upright, lets plays develop, good hands. Can wait too long for holes and blocking, lacks top speed for huge plays and has more dump-off receptions than routes.
Fantasy outlook: Brooks has the upside of Chase Brown, but as much as we love Brown, there has been talk of the Bengals adding a significant piece in the draft, giving Brooks a little of Kimani Vidal. We want more and don’t get it. Chase Vidal.
Profile: Great initial burst, can get the edge and turn upfield, good receiver. Runs into contact too often, doesn’t shed many tacklers. Fantasy outlook: Edwards feels like a lesser version of David Johnson, but he’s not as “lesser” as Wayne Gallman.
Edwards’ ceiling is probably a 75/25 mix of those. Wayne Johnson or, almost, The Rock. Profile: Real good at finding windows/space to run, good cuts through the gaps and traffic.
He’s mostly one-cut and not extremely elusive, can try to do too much with too many moves. Not much of a tackle breaker. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: Michael Carter’s upside hope applies to Hunter.
It’s more likely that Hunter ends up in the back half of a timeshare, but he could surprise with Chase Edmonds’ RB2/3 value if asked to provide mid-teen touches. Michael Edmonds. Profile: Can dominate short-yard and goal-line carries, has good speed for his size, good receiver.
But drops a few too many and lacks some escapability. Despite his size, he doesn’t seem like a bell cow. Fantasy outlook: He has some Clyde Edwards-Helaire to his game if CEH was a great finisher.
He also has the downside of a Myles Gaskin. Myles Helaire. Profile: Great at evading tacklers, nice burst and speed, including good second gear.
Not powerful, can get taken down by arm tackles, pass protection could limit receiving use which is a key value component. Fantasy outlook: Devontae Booker’s peak of 800-900 combined yards could be in play for Parrish, or he could end up resembling Samaje Perine — he flashes, leaving us wanting more. Samaje Booker.
Wide Receivers Profile: Elite at finding space, creating yards (YAC), tracking and elusiveness (in routes and YAC). Shows some inconsistency in routes, but that’s more about his focus. He has more short-to-intermediate than downfield speed and is a weapon there.
Fantasy outlook: Some say he’s like Randall Cobb, but how about some Garrett Wilson with a splash of Julian Edelman? No matter what, a Top 15 finish is in play with a solid WR3 floor. Julian Cobbson. Profile: Rocketship off the line and all over the field, elite hands and tracking, terrific speed manipulation.
Size leads to press coverage struggles, incomplete route tree, sometimes bails early on routes when he isn’t needed. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: If we knew Hunter would only be a wideout, he’d be in the No. 1 WR conversation.
He could be DeVonta Smith-Njigba. Profile: Great size and catch radius, can play any wideout position, smooth for his size, power at the catch point and gets YAC. Nitpicking time: OK speed, route crispness lacks at times, could fight off corners’ arms/hands more frequently.
Fantasy outlook: I say Drake London, and everyone says Drake London. Like London, the landing spot could cap McMillan’s immediate impact, but McMillan has WR1 upside with what should be a WR3 floor. Profile: Great smooth speed, major YAC threat, dangerous inside and out.
Struggles versus strong corners/press, can run into (zone) coverage. Fantasy outlook: Another Deebo Samuel, anyone? I’m talking about Deebo’s 1,100- to 1,200-yard seasons, but that’s still pushing backend WR1. Of course, the concern is Bond having a limited Samuel or 2024 Jaylen Waddle season.
Deebo Waddle — the good and bad. Profile: Immediate go-to and trustworthy option, extremely smart, finds space and works coverage with ease. Average top-end, deep speed and lesser explosiveness/burst.
Fantasy outlook: Egbuka’s a thicker Jarvis Landry and shorter Keenan Allen. Let’s go with Keenan Landry, with inconsistent weekly WR2/3 value and a touch of volume-reliant risk. Profile: You might have heard he’s fast, quick in and out of routes, yet has a nice smoothness to his game.
Speed can show up more downfield than on short routes, especially if he’s not “locked in.” Routes — especially against physical corners — need improvement. Fantasy outlook: He has the risk of Nelson Agholor with the ceiling of Jeremy Maclin, making Golden a potential WR2 or WR4.
Nelson Maclin. Source: Texas WR Matthew Golden has accepted an invitation to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. Golden in the conversation to be the first WR drafted.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 7, 2025 Profile: Great hands and body control, winning 50/50 balls, clean routes. Speed is lacking, which shows up out of breaks and when stacking corners. Big plays are limited due to those issues.
Fantasy outlook: Ayomanor has some Michael Gallup-ness to him if he were very reliable. He’s like a James Jones/Robert Woods type. He’ll likely be a very good WR3.
A strong offense and a good landing spot could boost him to WR2 territory. Robert Gallup. Advertisement Profile: Some of the best hands, NFL-level route running, terrific big slot but can play outside.
Can get jammed early/at the line of scrimmage, adequate but not great speed. Fantasy outlook: You’re thinking Adam Thielen, aren’t you? Funny, going back further, I think Jordy Nelson, but with the risk of K.J.
Osborn. K.Jordy Thielen.
Profile: Quick speed to get the first step on the corner, big YAC threat with that speed, maintains speed out of breaks. Better at breaking man than finding zone space (can run through it), but can also lose 50/50 balls. Fantasy outlook: How do you feel about Xavier Worthy? That’s the ceiling for Felton (Top 20), but as seen with this style of receiver, the risk of a Darius Slayton result is in play (WR5), so Xavier Slayton.
Profile: Big play waiting to happen, nice deep routes, reliable hands. Short-area quickness and routes lacking, despite build will struggle versus press coverage. Fantasy outlook: Harris is a little Romeo Doubs and a little Alec Pierce.
He’s a WR3 in the right offense, but a WR4/5 finish is possible. Romeo Pierce. Profile: Go-to option for contested situations and in the red zone, gives his QB good windows, smooth for being 6-4, 214 pounds.
Can get handsy with coverage, lacks top speed, tight/press coverage can frustrate him. Fantasy outlook: He has a Marvin Jones/Donte Moncrief feel to his game, so he’s a boom/bust WR3 on the right team or a WR5 weekly gamble. Marvin Moncrief.
Profile: Did you blink? He’s gone. He has that speed out of breaks and after the catch, clean routes. Size is an obvious concern, can get bumped off routes and the catch point.
Fantasy outlook: Johnson’s a smaller Kadarius Toney, which includes manufacturing touches, but he could peak as a Tank Dell type. Tank Toney, with more risk than most in this tier. Advertisement Profile: Can free himself with route work, finding space or manipulating defenders.
Good quickness. Can get tied up with defenders, lacks top speed, concern for slot only. Fantasy outlook: Similar hope and risk of a Rondale Moore with Randall Cobb-ness, but that good version being in the right situation.
.. Rondale Cobb.
Profile: Nice play strength, and he won’t back down. Runs good routes and finds space, highly reliable hands. His speed is limited, especially downfield.
Catch radius and hands on the smaller end. Fantasy outlook: He could have Tyler Boyd production at his best but is a bit more volume-reliant, like Jamison Crowder. His speed is still a concern.
Tyler Crowder. No! Boyd Crowder. You better have caught that reference! Profile: Strong body and hands, great at finding space and good at fighting man coverage.
Route and speed are OK, not great. Allows too much tight coverage at the catch point. Fantasy outlook: At his best, he could be what a healthy Sammy Watkins could have been, so always play the Royals in Week 1 (iykyk).
Profile: Has size and uses it well, wins 50/50 balls, great YAC, rushing potential. His production doesn’t match his ability, inconsistent receptions (drops, concentration), older. Fantasy outlook: Williams is a taller Curtis Samuel with better outside skill, or as everyone is saying, Cordarrelle Patterson, but I think that puts an unfair limit on his receiving upside.
Cordarrelle Samuel. Profile: Strong receiver, good at finding space, good at contested catches. Slow in routes, better against zone than man, struggles to get free.
Fantasy outlook: He’s Cedric Tillman-esque with some David Moore. In the best case, he is likely a touchdown-reliant WR4. Cedric Moore.
Profile: Short-to-midfield speed, good burst, YAC ability showed in return yards. Route tree incomplete, lets corners stick out of breaks, can lose battles to strong defenders. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: He has Jalin Hyatt’s hope and disappointment.
He could be a matchup-based WR4/5, or he could be a lot less. Profile: Good quickness and burst for his size, has downfield speed and ability and has YAC potential from breaking tackles. Struggles with parts of the route tree and getting free of coverage, has some durability concerns due to frame (and injury).
Fantasy outlook: We just saw a similar profile to Horton in Devontez Walker. A much leaner version of Chase Claypool presents hope for a 50/800/8 season, but an inconsistent Hail Mary WR4/5 play is the downside. Devontez Claypool.
Profile: Gets open easily and consistently, some intermediate game speed. Struggles to push deep speed, telegraphs some routes. Fantasy outlook: Hudson needs high volume to be more than a WR4/5.
He’s a Danny Amendola or Dede Westbrook type. Dede Amendola. Profile: Very fast, finds space easily, YAC potential.
Lacks power, bumped off routes, won’t get YAC from breaking tackles. Fantasy outlook: He could fall into a Tutu Atwell-like “weapon” role, which has its peak at WR4 value with a floor of irrelevance. Profile: Great tracking and routes, smart from his QB background, good hands.
Still working on downfield and route-release separation, questions of man coverage (level of competition and how much he’s seen). Fantasy outlook: He could falter like Tyler Johnson despite showing flashes or succeed in a Demarcus Robinson role, which would make him a WR5. Profile: Gets free with size and speed mix, plus route-running ability.
Inconsistent in contested catches and doesn’t accelerate downfield as much as you’d like, given his ability and athleticism. Fantasy outlook: Remember Rod Streater or, more recently, Cedrick Wilson? He’s a WR5/6 stash or maybe a weekly Hail Mary play on the right team. Cedrick Streater.
Advertisement Profile: Extremely athletic, can run by and away from corners, great hands. Routes are soft/rounded, stats don’t match the tape, telegraphs his speed a bit, allowing safeties to track. Fantasy outlook: He could have the production of Darnell Mooney in a bigger frame, like an Alshon Jeffery, but he doesn’t have that 1,100- to-1,400-yard ceiling and is more of a hopeful WR3.
Alshon Mooney. Profile: Big-play king (25.4 YPR last year and 21.
9 in his college career!), crazy speed for his size, wins contested balls. Even with size he’s still lean and can get bumped off routes. Needs more route development, including his breaks.
Fantasy outlook: Thornton’s a much taller Devery Henderson and has Ashley Lelie similarities with WR3/4 value on a good offense but a WR5/6 floor. Devery Lelie. Profile: Great hands, good tracking, and works on the fly when things break down.
Lacks speed and slows out of breaks. Fantasy outlook: He’s a little Chris Conley and a little Rashard Higgins. He could develop into a WR4 at his peak.
Rashard Conley. Profile: Strong through routes and after the catch, can be a go-to and red-zone weapon, big-play potential. Older, broke his foot and never returned to early college production.
He has lesser speed, including in/out of routes, which means he’s rarely able to run free. Fantasy outlook: He’s Riley Cooper-ish with some Robert Woods reliability. Riley Woods.
Profile: Smart at finding space, terrific routes, good hands. Lacks initial burst and doesn’t get free as often downfield, smaller sized. Fantasy outlook: White shares some similarities with Jalen McMillan, as he simply knows how to get free and find space.
However, his athleticism caps some potential, giving him WR4/5 value unless an injury presents the No. 2 role. Advertisement Profile: Prototypical downfield threat, good tracker and receiver.
Better versus man than zone, particularly with routes. Fast corners with strength will frustrate him. Fantasy outlook: Williams is a shorter Marquez Valdes-Scantling or a Zay Jones, so boom/bust WR5.
ZayVS. Beaux Collins (Notre Dame): Michael Wilson potential and floor. Chimere Dike (Florida): Martavis Gallup (Martavis Bryant, Michael Gallup).
Jimmy Horn Jr. (Colorado): Wan’Dale Miller (Wan’Dale Robinson mixed with Scotty Miller). Elijhah Badger (Florida): Chrhistian Whihttington (Christian Kirk mixed with Jordan Whittington, plus that random extra “h” in the name.
.. yea, I’m drunk with mashups).
Konata Mumpfield (Pitt): Sterling Shepard, with WR3/4 value on the right team. Arian Smith (Georgia): Damiere Shaheed (Damiere Byrd, Rashid Shaheed). Jahdae Walker (Texas A&M): Quentin Johnston upside and risk.
Tight Ends Profile: Beats man and zone, great hands and routes. Blocking and YAC lacking, can lose focus in routes and finding space. Fantasy outlook: Loveland has some Pat Freiermuth to his game, but he could continue developing into Zach Ertz, which brings a Top 10 upside.
Pat Ertz. Profile: Elite hands, catches everything, good short or deep, shows his QB IQ in finding space. Short arms have been pointed out in blocking concerns, but they also are a part of his (mild) struggles with separation; he needs to be a bit stronger through linebacker/power contact.
Fantasy outlook: Warren will be a TE1, and he could do that in Year 1, but he’s not Brock Bowers. Think more Trey McBride, but McBride’s Year 2 could look like Warren’s first. Profile: Looks like a big wideout at times, can be a deep threat, finds space.
Several injuries, lacking route precision. Fantasy outlook: Given one year of production, Arroyo’s outlook relies on a lot of projecting, but he could be the peak Jonnu Smith of last year (or bad Jonnu for his career). Profile: Runs arguably the best routes for tight ends, regularly wins contested throws, reliable to move the chains.
Linebackers or tough safeties can be too physical for him, which can lead to him not being a main red-zone target. Advertisement Fantasy outlook: He has some Cade Otton-ness to his game, which means he’s a fringe TE1 or could be a constant mid-TE2 like Noah Fant. Profile: Nice routes, good receiving skills, wins 50/50 balls, can freelance.
Not super explosive or an elite athlete, several injuries, doesn’t get many YAC. Fantasy outlook: Evans feels a bit like Dalton Schultz, and he can be a backend TE1 in the right offense or a fill-in TE2 when needed. Profile: Reliable hands, good short-to-intermediate-to-deep, nice routes and has the ability to get open.
Gets deep plays due to getting open and lacks top-notch athleticism and explosiveness. Fantasy outlook: He’s a smaller Jared Cook with some Juwan Johnson. Juwanna Cook? Profile: Good speed, nice routes, adjusts to throws, can move around the line.
Won’t be a downfield threat, soft routes at times. Fantasy outlook: He feels like Theo Johnson from last year’s draft mixed with some Mike Gesicki. Theo Gesicki.
Profile: Converted wide receiver, and it shows. He attacks the ball, runs really good routes, tracks the ball well and adds YAC. Powerful defenders can bounce him around.
Lacks elite speed, hence the move to tight end. Fantasy outlook: He’s not quite Mark Andrews and might be more like Kellen Winslow, but Gadsden has Top 10 upside and should be a mid-TE2 at worst. Mark Winslow.
Profile: Good routes, YAC threat, can separate and find space consistently. So-so speed can limit being initial/primary read. There are blocking concerns if he’s going to be an every-down tight end.
Fantasy outlook: Isaiah Likely-like production is well within reach, and Likely with another team and 90+ targets would be a TE1. Profile: Some of the best hands, surprising athleticism for 6-5, 250, good YAC. Lacks high burst, including in/out of routes.
Not a ton of in-line tight end work. Fantasy outlook: He could fall into Austin Hooper territory and have fringe TE1 value or the low-end Hooper with mid-TE2 value as a matchup play. (Top photo of Shedeur Sanders: John E.
Moore / Getty Images).
