Top 200 Value Based Rankings

Chase bounced back in a massive way in 2024, finishing as the overall WR1 in both total points and per-game average. He racked up 127 receptions on 171 targets for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, once again showcasing why he belongs in the elite tier of fantasy receivers. From an efficiency standpoint, Chase was as good as ever. Among 88 qualified receivers, he finished 8th in yards per route run, 12th in YAC per reception, and 11th in targeted QB rating—a testament to both his own talent and his chemistry with Joe Burrow. He was dominant at all levels of the field and continued to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. With the Bengals returning one of the league’s most potent passing attacks and Chase still firmly in his prime, there’s no reason to overthink this one. He’s an elite fantasy WR1 and one of the safest high-end first-round picks on the board in 2025.

Barkley finished as the fantasy RB1 in 2024, racking up 2,005 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns while averaging 21.2 half-PPR points per game. He was the engine of the Eagles’ offense, handling a massive workload with little competition for touches. With Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith still in place, the unit remains dangerous and should continue to generate scoring opportunities. Barkley’s elite volume and goal-line role make him one of the safest picks in fantasy, and if the offense takes a step forward in 2025, he has a real shot to repeat as the overall RB1.

McCaffrey is coming off a lost 2024 season, playing in just four games and finishing as the RB30 on a per-game basis after battling a PCL sprain and a nagging Achilles issue. Now 29 years old with 20 missed games over the last three seasons, durability is a legitimate concern. That said, his ceiling remains unmatched when he’s healthy—just two years ago, he was the overall RB1 and outscored the RB2 (Raheem Mostert) by more than 100 half-PPR points. He participated fully in 49ers minicamp and appears on track for a full workload heading into 2025. San Francisco’s offense is still loaded with playmakers and remains one of the most efficient scoring units in the league. If McCaffrey can stay on the field, he still has league-winning upside. The risk is higher than in years past, but so is the potential reward—he’s a high-variance RB1 with overall RB1 in his range of outcomes.

After an injury-shortened 2023, Jefferson returned to form in 2024, finishing as the overall WR2 in both total points and per-game average. Jefferson racked up 108 receptions on 158 targets for 1,591 yards and 10 touchdowns, serving once again as the centerpiece of Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He continued to dominate efficiency metrics, finishing 7th in yards per route run among 88 qualified receivers. His route-running, separation, and body control remain elite, and the only real question mark entering 2025 is the quarterback change. J.J. McCarthy will likely face growing pains, but “In Kevin O’Connell We Trust”—this is still one of the more receiver- and quarterback-friendly systems in the league. With elite volume, proven talent, and a coaching staff that knows how to feed its alpha, Jefferson remains a top-two fantasy receiver and a safe first-round pick.

Achane followed up his electric rookie season with another strong campaign in 2024, finishing as the fantasy RB7 overall and RB11 on a per-game basis. He handled 281 touches for 1,499 total yards and 12 touchdowns, carving out a huge role in Miami’s high-powered offense. His 78 receptions on 87 targets made him one of the most valuable backs in PPR and half-PPR formats--he lead all running backs in receptions and was 10th in yards per route run (1.45) at his position. While his explosive playmaking remained a calling card, Achane's underlying rushing efficiency wasn’t elite. Among 46 running backs with at least 100 carries, he ranked 18th in yards before contact per attempt, 26th in yards after contact per attempt, and 41st in broken tackle rate. That said, Mike McDaniel continues to scheme him into space, and Achane’s game-breaking speed and pass-catching role give him one of the highest ceilings among RB1s. As long as he stays healthy, he’s a weekly difference-maker with top-five upside, especially in formats that reward receptions.

Henry rushed for nearly 2,000 yards (1,921), and scored 18 total touchdowns. He should continue to defy Father Time, at least for one more season, probably more. He looked great last year, posting the highest yards after contact per attempt (2.8), the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt (3.1) and the most broken tackles per attempt (0.13). He also posted the highest run grade (93.5) at PFF.

After finishing as the WR6 in his breakout rookie campaign, Nacua delivered another strong season in 2024, finishing WR23 overall but WR6 on a per-game basis. He once again proved to be a monster in advanced metrics—1st in yards per route run and 14th in YAC per reception (among 110 qualified receivers). With Cooper Kupp finally out of the picture, Davante Adams steps in, but Nacua is already entrenched as a target hog in Sean McVay’s offense. There’s continuity with Matthew Stafford under center and no major red flags in terms of usage or efficiency. Nacua should be considered a midrange WR1 with weekly top-5 upside, especially in PPR formats.

Irving finished RB16 on the year, so uninformed drafters may view him as a fantasy RB2, but he’s a clear, rock-solid RB1 in my book thanks to his productivity after the first month of the season. He started seeing more touches in Week 6, and from that point on, he was the fantasy RB8. He had the fourth-highest PFF rush grade in that span, and was fifth in yards after contact per attempt on the season. HC Todd Bowles told The Athletic that he “expects greatness” and that Irving’s “opportunities are likely to increase substantially.” He’s a baller and has a great future ahead of him.

Bowers had a terrific rookie campaign, finishing with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns on a whopping 153 targets. The stars aligned early, with Davante Adams traded away and Michael Mayer missing significant time, clearing the runway for Bowers to immediately become the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack. He handled the volume with ease, showcasing the athleticism and route-running prowess that made him a generational tight end prospect coming out of Georgia. With Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews now in the twilight of their careers, Bowers enters 2025 with a strong case to be the fantasy TE1. He offers elite volume, consistency, and a high floor typically reserved for top-tier wideouts. The arrival of Geno Smith should also provide a boost in quarterback play, potentially improving Bowers' efficiency after a solid (but not spectacular) rookie-season catch rate of 73.2%. In a thinning elite tight end landscape, Bowers stands out as a weekly advantage and should be a second-round pick in most formats. In TE-premium, he's a surefire first-rounder.

Taylor enters his age-26 season still firmly in his prime, but durability remains a concern—he’s missed 16 games over the last three years. In 2024, he played 14 games and finished as the fantasy RB14, but was RB8 on a per-game basis, racking up 1,567 total yards and 12 touchdowns on 321 touches. While he hasn’t been much of a receiving threat the last two seasons (just 1.5 catches per game), he showed pass-catching upside early in his career (76 receptions across his first two seasons), and his receiving role could grow if Daniel Jones wins the starting job. Last season, Jones targeted running backs on 13.5% of his throws compared to just 7.8% for Anthony Richardson over the past two seasons. Taylor was efficient before contact (6th out of 46 qualified backs) but struggled to create after it, ranking 36th in yards after contact per attempt and 35th in broken tackle rate. That could be a function of injury, usage, or offensive design, but it’s something to monitor. Taylor is a strong bet for 300+ touches again in 2025 and remains a midrange RB1 with top-five upside if he can stay on the field and see a bump in receiving usage.

After a slow start to his career, London finally delivered on his first-round draft pedigree, finishing as the WR9 in 2024. The third-year breakout was fueled in part by a promising connection with rookie quarterback Michael Penix, who targeted London on an outrageous 39.1% of his pass attempts. London turned those looks into 22 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns in just under three games of action. While his YAC per reception (80th among 110 qualified receivers) leaves something to be desired, London’s route-running chops are undeniable—he ranked 12th in yards per route run, a key indicator of individual efficiency. With Penix under center and the Falcons’ offense trending upward, London looks like a locked-in WR1 with room to climb.

McBride followed up his 2023 breakout with another highly productive season, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards in Year 3. While he only scored two touchdowns—bringing his career total to just six on 292 receptions—his elite target share and efficiency keep him firmly in the top tier of fantasy tight ends. He finished third among all tight ends in yards per route run (2.14), just ahead of Brock Bowers, and continues to operate as Kyler Murray’s most trusted target in the Cardinals' passing game. Arizona still lacks serious firepower at wide receiver, which solidifies McBride’s weekly usage. While the lack of touchdowns is frustrating, he’s essentially functioning as a high-floor WR2 from the tight end slot in half- and full-PPR formats. The hope is that positive regression hits in the red zone, and if it does, he has the potential to finish as the overall TE1.

Jackson was the overall QB1 last season after a QB3 finish in 2023. He was the QB5 on a per-game basis in an injury-shortened 2022, and was the QB8 on a per-game basis in an injury-shortened 2021. And that’s the only concern with Jackson–his tendency to get nicked up, though he has only missed one game in the last two seasons. All of the key pieces are back–Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and Isaiah Likely–and the Ravens added DeAndre Hopkins to help move the chains. Jackson should have another elite season.

Kittle is coming off an overall TE1 season and will benefit from the absence of Deebo Samuel. Over the past two seasons, when Samuel has been out, Kittle has averaged 5.4-78-0.47 on 6.6 targets per game (in 17 games) versus 3.6-57-0.43 on 5.1 targets per game (in 14 games). That’s the difference between an overall TE1 season and a midrange TE1 finish. The primary concern with Kittle is age/durability, but he’s only missed six games in the last three seasons, and he’s posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 25 touchdown catches in his last three seasons. Thus far, he has shown no signs of slowing down. He averaged an eye-popping 2.62 yards per route run last season and was third in YAC/rec (6.6).

Higgins played 12 games last season on the franchise tag and made the most of it, finishing as the WR18 overall and WR3 on a per-game basis. He set a career high with 9.1 targets per game (previous best: 7.9 in 2021) and parlayed that volume into his most productive season yet. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception said 2024 “may have been his best campaign as a pro,” and the Bengals clearly agreed, rewarding him with a long-term deal in March. Higgins finished 26th in yards per route run—solid WR2 territory—but his YAC/reception rank (86th out of 110 qualified receivers) underscores his more traditional, downfield possession role. That said, he doesn’t need YAC to win. He wins with size, physicality, and high-value targets from one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He’s finally locked into the Bengals’ long-term plans and should remain a high-volume WR2 with weekly WR1 upside in 2025.

Hampton was the second running back off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft, landing with the Chargers late in the first round. Historically, that’s a promising signal—since 2010, running backs drafted in the back half of the first round who played at least 14 games have averaged 234 touches for 1,160 total yards and 6.7 touchdowns as rookies. The Chargers also signed Najee Harris, so a committee could emerge, but Hampton—armed with first-round draft capital and superior athletic traits—has the inside track to lead the backfield in touches. His closest comp on Player Profiler is Jonathan Taylor, and it’s easy to see why: 4.46 speed, a 94th percentile speed score, and 91st percentile burst. He also earned the 7th-highest PFF rushing grade in this year’s class, and he showed three-down capability with 38 catches for 373 yards and two scores as a junior. With head coach Jim Harbaugh expected to continue to lean on the run game, Hampton could push for 260+ touches as a rookie. If he seizes goal-line work and maintains a passing-game role, he’ll offer midrange RB2 value right away—with room for more if Harris fades into a complementary role.

Wilson finally broke through in 2024, finishing as the WR10 after a WR30 campaign the year before. He managed the jump despite playing with a diminished version of Aaron Rodgers for most of the season, which makes his breakout all the more impressive. Wilson caught 96 passes for 1,242 yards and seven touchdowns on 157 targets. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception called Wilson “one of the best separators in the NFL,” and expects big things from new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Harmon notes that if Engstrand brings over the design philosophy from Detroit, “Wilson’s deployment is going to get a profound and much-needed shift.” That could lead to even better efficiency, especially if new quarterback Justin Fields is able to replicate the rapport he had with D.J. Moore in Chicago (92 yards and 0.67 touchdowns per game in 12 contests with Fields). Fields may not be a prolific passer, but he's shown the ability to support a true WR1 — and Wilson certainly fits the bill.

Walker has been productive when healthy, finishing as the fantasy RB20 in 2023 (RB18 on a per-game basis) and RB26 in 2024 despite missing time—he was RB14 on a per-game basis last season. Health has been an issue, though, as he's missed 10 games over his first three years. His rushing efficiency was a mixed bag in 2024. Among 46 running backs with at least 100 carries, Walker ranked just 42nd in yards before contact per attempt and 30th in yards after contact, but he was 13th in broken tackles per attempt and earned the third-highest rushing grade at PFF. He continues to show strong vision and elusiveness, even if the Seahawks' offensive line doesn't always open consistent lanes. He caught a career-high 46 passes last season, so his role seems to be growing in the passing game.

My top quarterback target in last year’s fantasy drafts didn’t disappoint, finishing QB4 after being drafted in the QB10-QB12 range all summer. This year, he’ll have another weapon to throw to thanks to the Commanders’ trade for Deebo Samuel. The Commanders also drafted Jaylin Lane in the fourth round to shore up the team’s WR depth.

Hurts finished as the fantasy QB6 but missed most of Week 16 and all of Week 17. His 22.2 points per game in his 14 non-injury games would have been the fourth-highest average, just ahead of Jayden Daniels. With Saquon Barkley in tow, the Eagles were more run-oriented in 2024, and Hurts’s pass attempts dropped from 31.6 per game in 2023 to 25.5 last year. If his pass attempts remain that low, he will have a tough time challenging Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen for an overall QB1 finish, especially with Barkley keeping his rushing touchdowns in check. He’s still a rock-solid, high-end QB1 even if his ceiling isn’t as high these days.

Evans posted his 11th straight 1,000-yard season in 2024, finishing as the WR11 overall and WR9 on a per-game basis. He was the WR4 the year prior, and despite turning 32 in August, he’s shown virtually no signs of decline—he finished 5th among 110 qualified receivers in yards per route run. Evans continues to win with physicality, contested catch ability, and elite route nuance, and he remains the focal point of a passing attack led by a rejuvenated Baker Mayfield. While Father Time is always lurking, Evans’ continued dominance suggests he’s not ready to hand over the keys just yet. His age may scare off some drafters, but he’s been one of the most reliable fantasy receivers over the last decade. As long as he and Mayfield stay healthy, Evans should remain a weekly WR1/WR2 option in 2025.

Expectations were sky high for Harrison heading into his rookie campaign, but he finished as the WR32 in total points and WR43 on a per-game basis. While the box score didn’t reflect the fantasy breakout many predicted, Matt Harmon of Reception Perception believes Harrison “had a good rookie season,” citing route nuance and technical polish that didn’t always translate due to schematic and quarterback limitations. Harmon added that for Harrison to take the next step, the Cardinals need to “mix up his deployment,” while Harrison himself needs to improve “in tight coverage and working back to the quarterback.” The advanced data backs up that assessment. Among 88 qualified receivers, Harrison ranked 66th in contested catch rate, 81st in YAC per reception, and 44th in yards per route run. He caught 62 of 114 targets for 885 yards and 8 touchdowns—solid numbers, but underwhelming given his pedigree and opportunity. With a full offseason under his belt, a year of NFL experience, and the hope of improved quarterback play, Harrison should be positioned for a Year 2 leap. He remains a high-end talent who profiles as the team’s long-term WR1, but his 2025 fantasy value hinges on whether Arizona can create a more dynamic passing attack to unlock his ceiling.

After four straight years with 1,000+ yards and five or fewer touchdowns, McLaurin finally delivered a true breakout season--82 catches, 1,096 yards, and 13 touchdowns--finishing as the WR6 overall thanks in large part to Jayden Daniels’ impressive rookie campaign. On a per-game basis, he was the WR16, so he did benefit from playing a full slate. McLaurin finished 30th (of 112 qualifiers) in yards per route run, and while that’s not elite, it’s a solid mark for a player who has long produced despite questionable quarterback play. Turning 30 in September, McLaurin could see his target share squeezed a bit with Deebo Samuel joining the fold, but his biggest obstacle might be his contract situation. He said he’s “pretty frustrated” with the lack of progress in negotiations and that “it’s hard to see me stepping on the field” without progress towards a new deal. If things get resolved, McLaurin should slot in as a low-end WR2 with upside, assuming the offense keeps humming.

Conner continues to produce at a high level, finishing as the fantasy RB10 in 2024 after an RB15 per-game finish the year prior. Now entering his age-30 season, he’s still getting it done with outstanding efficiency—among 46 qualified backs, he ranked 9th in yards after contact per attempt, 5th in broken tackles per attempt, and earned the 8th-highest rushing grade at PFF. Despite his physical running style, he’s showing no signs of slowing down just yet. That said, the Cardinals may be preparing to ease his workload. Rookie Trey Benson is waiting in the wings, and head coach Jonathan Gannon recently said, “If [Trey] takes the necessary jump from Year 1 to Year 2, I think we have two starting backs.” That could signal a shift toward more of a timeshare in 2025, especially with Conner entering a more injury-prone phase of his career. Conner’s still a strong, tackle-breaking runner in an offense that looked improved with Kyler Murray back under center. He’s best viewed as a mid-range RB2 with some RB1 weeks in his range, though his age and Benson’s presence add some risk to his season-long volume.

LaPorta’s steep decline in targets per game (7.1 to 5.2) in his second season was surprising, as Jameson Williams (91 targets) took over as the team’s No. 2 target. LaPorta will likely settle in as a perennial top 5 fantasy tight end, but perhaps lacks the overall TE1 target upside with a healthy Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the mix. Among tight ends, he finished 11th in YAC/rec and 12th in yards per route run, so the efficiency was there. He finished strong, seeing at least six targets in his final eight games and was the TE5 in that span. Hopefully, we’ll look back on his early-season struggles as just a blip in his career as a fantasy producer.

Burrow was the fantasy QB3 last season after an injury-shortened QB23 finish the year before. He was the QB4 in 2022 and the QB6 in 2021, so he has a history of midrange QB1 finishes. The defense isn’t particularly good and the Bengals re-signed Tee Higgins, so Burrow has all of his weapons back. I’m expecting another strong season from Burrow and Co.

Flowers followed up his WR27 rookie campaign with a WR22 finish in his second season, continuing to show steady growth as Lamar Jackson’s top wideout. He finished 16th in yards per route run and 17th in YAC/rec, solidifying his role as a high-efficiency playmaker in a Baltimore offense that doesn't always lean pass-heavy but remains productive through the air. Flowers has proven capable of earning targets and creating after the catch, though he still profiles best as a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3 heading into 2025. With no major additions to the Ravens' receiving corps and another year of continuity in the offense, Flowers offers a high floor in PPR formats, even if the ceiling remains limited in a run-oriented system.

Javonte Williams is gone, so the Broncos headed into the Draft with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime as their top two running backs. Running back was clearly the priority, and despite the J.K. Dobbins signing, Harvey is the slight favorite to lead the backfield, given the second-round draft capital the Broncos used to acquire him. He is 88th percentile or higher in Burst Score, Speed Score, and 40-yard speed (4.40) per Player Profiler. "When you look at the running skill set, it was, 'wow,' and explosive runs, all of those things," HC Sean Payton said of Harvey following the draft. "I know the question is, ‘Is he a three-down back?’" Payton said. "Well, he’s going to play on third down, but he could play on third down where the tight end is in protection opposite. There’s a lot we can do relative to really suit his strengths.” Payton went on to invoke Darren Sproles’ name, referencing how he deployed the diminutive Sproles in pass protection. (Sproles had the eighth-most PPR points from 2011 to 2013, playing for Payton. What I’m getting at is that it’s a good thing that Payton is comparing Harvey to Sproles.) As for Dobbins, he has a career 5.2 YPC–4.6 last year–and is a much better pass-blocker than Harvey, so the veteran is a threat to Harvey’s snaps on all three downs.

The Patriots used the No. 38 overall pick on Henderson, and that kind of early second-round draft capital strongly suggests they view him as more than just a change-of-pace back. Since 2010, second-round running backs who played at least 14 games have averaged 188 touches for 931 total yards and 5.4 touchdowns as rookies—production well within Henderson’s range if he can carve out a consistent role. New GM Eliot Wolf called him “a three-down back and a really good complement,” which doesn’t clarify much, but it’s notable considering Rhamondre Stevenson has averaged just 3.91 yards per carry over the last two seasons. Henderson offers another gear—he ran a 4.43 with an 81st percentile speed score and 91st percentile burst score per Player Profiler—and he ranked 4th in PFF rushing grade in this year’s draft class. Chad Graff of The Athletic wrote that Henderson “might be the most exciting player for Patriots fans to watch in camp” and that “it’s frankly astounding how quickly he gets to top speed.” If that explosiveness translates early, he could quickly leapfrog Stevenson and push for lead-back duties. For now, Henderson profiles as a high-end, upside RB3 with the potential to be a weekly RB2 if he grabs the top spot in what should be an improving offense.

Rice picked up right where he left off in 2023, starting the 2024 season on a tear with 7-103, 5-75-1, and 12-110-1 lines before tearing his right LCL just four snaps into Week 4. Setting aside that injury-shortened game, he has averaged 5.4 catches for 64.5 yards and 0.47 touchdowns on 6.9 targets per game in his career—solid WR2 production. Through three full games last season, he was on a 164-target pace. That workload may be harder to come by in 2025. Xavier Worthy didn’t really emerge until after Rice’s injury, and the rookie’s speed could force a more even distribution of targets. Rice is reportedly fully healthy but is facing a multi-game suspension (per Adam Schefter) after pleading guilty to two third-degree felonies. He was sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days in jail. Depending on how far his ADP falls, Rice could become a value since he’s already shown he can produce at a high level in this offense.

Pollard was the fantasy RB21 last season. He did benefit from the absence of Tyjae Spears, who missed a few games. Pollard’s workload increased from 16.4 touches per game with Spears to 24.2 touches in the five games that Spears missed. The arrival of Cam Ward should help the Titans’ offense and, in turn, Pollard’s touchdown prospects. He looks more like a low-end RB2 than his midrange RB3 ADP would indicate.

Ridley followed up a WR24 season with the Jaguars in 2023 by finishing WR29 with the Titans last year, a respectable but unspectacular showing given the volatility in Tennessee's offense. He now enters his second season with the team as the clear favorite for WR1 duties. Despite the additions of Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, Ridley faces minimal target competition, and he should benefit from the arrival of rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who brings much-needed juice to the passing game. Ridley posted an above-average 35th-place finish (among 112 qualifiers) in yards per route run and continues to be a reliable technician, though his YAC/rec numbers were middling. He’s unlikely to regain the elite form he showed in Atlanta a few years ago, but with a projected uptick in passing efficiency and volume, he’s a solid WR3 with WR2 upside in 2025 drafts.

Pacheco just couldn’t get it going after returning from a fractured fibula early in the season. He averaged just 35 rush yards on 9.8 carries post-injury and ultimately was playing behind Kareem Hunt in the Chiefs’ postseason run. I would normally not worry too much about Pacheco’s production immediately after a nasty leg injury, but the Chiefs re-signed Hunt and acquired Elijah Mitchell, so I’m certainly worried about Pacheco’s prospects of regaining the lead back role in Kansas City. Andy Reid said that he “looks tremendous” as camp opened, which is a good sign. In his 16 games prior to his injury, he averaged 18.1 touches for 85.5 yards and 0.63 touchdowns, or midrange RB2 numbers.

Mayfield rounds out the Top 6, which is not something I ever thought I’d be saying after his career began to go sideways in his fourth season. But he has finished QB5 and QB9 the last two seasons, has one of the best receiving corps–Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton–in the league, and he can run a little bit (378 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns last season). My only concern is that he’s on his third offensive coordinator in three years, but new OC Josh Grizzard was promoted from within and was the pass game coordinator last season. Mayfield should post midrange QB1 numbers once again.

Waddle took a step back in 2024, averaging just 4.1 catches for 58 yards and 0.20 touchdowns on 5.3 targets in 10 games with Tua Tagovailoa—production that landed him in WR4 territory on a per-game basis. That’s a far cry from the high-end WR2 output he posted in 2022-23, when he averaged 4.8 catches for 79 yards and 0.44 touchdowns in 27 games with Tagovailoa. The question heading into 2025 is whether Waddle can recapture that earlier chemistry. His talent remains undeniable, but the Dolphins’ passing game cooled off last season, and with Tyreek Hill recovering from offseason surgeries, defenses may focus more attention on Waddle. He has the skill set to bounce back, but fantasy managers drafting him as a WR3 are betting on a return to form that’s no longer guaranteed.

The warning signs were there in 2023, and they materialized in 2024. Kelce posted career-lows in receiving yards, touchdowns, YAC per reception, and yards per route run—clear indicators that age may finally be catching up to the future Hall of Famer. Even so, Kelce still finished as the TE6 overall and was the TE8 on a per-game basis, so while the days of him lapping the field at the position may be over, he remains a viable low-end TE1. With Rashee Rice back and Xavier Worthy emerging, there’s more competition for targets than in recent years, but Kelce still plays in a high-functioning offense with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. He’s no longer a positional cheat code, but he’s a solid veteran option for those who wait until the middle rounds to draft a tight end.

Hockenson returned from ACL/MCL surgery in Week 9 and was a serviceable but uninspiring fantasy option the rest of the way. In 10 games played, he failed to find the end zone and averaged just 7.1 half-PPR points per game, a midrange TE2 pace. That’s a far cry from his 2023 output (95 catches for 960 yards), and it remains to be seen if he can return to that level post-injury. The good news: He plays in a strong Kevin O’Connell offense, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy appears ready to run the show. The volume should be there, but whether Hockenson can capitalize hinges on his ability to recapture his pre-injury explosiveness and red zone involvement. He has top-5 upside, but with a TE5 ADP, there’s not a ton of value baked in—making him a slightly risky pick for drafters hoping for a full bounce-back.

Over the past two seasons, Mahomes has finished QB7 (2023) and QB10 (2024) after three straight top-4 finishes in 2020-22. He seems to be settling into midrange QB1 territory, but we know he has overall QB1 upside. Rashee Rice is back, which helps, especially given the apparent decline of Mahomes’ go-to target, Travis Kelce. Xavier Worthy is a weapon, and Hollywood Brown rounds out a good starting receiving unit. Mahomes’ touchdown percentage and passing volume are both down relative to his fantasy hayday, and that’s not a recipe for an elite-level finish.

After a disappointing start, Jerry Jeudy became a consistent producer starting in Week 8 and finished the season as the fantasy WR12, though his WR26 per-game ranking tells a more tempered story. His best stretch came with Jameis Winston under center, averaging 80 yards per game in that span. Jeudy’s outlook hinges on the quarterback situation. Kenny Pickett appears to be the favorite to start, which could limit Jeudy’s ceiling in an otherwise solid offensive environment. His underlying metrics—middle of the pack in both YAC per reception and yards per route run—don’t scream production, but his strong finish last year shows what he's capable of with competent quarterback play. He profiles as a high-end WR3 with some volatility baked in.

Montgomery continues to be a reliable fantasy option in Detroit’s high-powered offense, finishing as the RB17 in 2024 despite missing three games—he was the RB13 on a per-game basis. That followed a strong 2023 campaign where he finished RB14 overall and RB8 in per-game scoring. As Jahmyr Gibbs' role grew, Montgomery’s touches dipped slightly from 16.8 per game in 2023 to 15.8 in 2024, but he made up for it with a larger receiving role—jumping from 16 receptions to 36 year-over-year. Efficiency-wise, he remains a tough, physical runner: he ranked 36th in yards before contact but 15th in yards after contact and 4th in broken tackles per attempt. His 16th-place PFF rushing grade was solid, reinforcing his reputation as an above-average grinder who can get the tough yards and score touchdowns. Montgomery’s weekly upside is somewhat TD-dependent, but his consistent workload and role near the goal line make him a dependable RB2, even as Gibbs becomes the flashier fantasy asset. If Gibbs were to get injured, Monty would have top-five upside.

Robinson finished as the RB21 last season, but his week-to-week workload largely hinged on Austin Ekeler’s availability. In five games without Ekeler, Robinson averaged 18.4 touches per game—strong RB2 volume. In the nine games they played together, that number dropped to 12.8 touches, pushing Robinson into low-end FLEX territory most weeks. Durability is another concern—he’s missed 10 games over his first three seasons, and his bruising running style hasn’t exactly helped his longevity. With Deebo Samuel now in the mix and potentially siphoning off a handful of carries on gadget plays, Robinson’s weekly ceiling is even more capped in what could be a crowded, unpredictable backfield. Unless Ekeler goes down again, Robinson profiles as a low-ceiling, touchdown-dependent RB3. He’s a viable depth piece in best ball or deeper formats, but tough to trust for consistent starting value in traditional leagues.

Tracy finished as the RB28 in 2024, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He didn’t take over as the Giants’ lead back until Week 5, and from that point forward, he was the fantasy RB14—delivering strong RB2 value for much of the season. His speed and vision made an early impact, and he ranked 9th among 47 qualified backs in yards before contact per attempt, a credit to both his burst and the offensive line. He didn't break many tackles or generate many yards after contact, however. The cracks started to show down the stretch. From Week 12 to Week 18, Tracy averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and while his receiving work propped up his value during that span, that role could be in jeopardy. The Giants added Cam Skattebo, a dual-threat back who trailed only Ashton Jeanty in PFF’s collegiate rushing grade and has already drawn praise as the team’s most talented receiving option out of the backfield. Tracy enters 2025 as the presumptive starter, and beat writer Jordan Raanan confirmed that it is “100%” the case, but Skattebo looms as a serious threat to his workload. Tracy is a viable RB3/FLEX for now, but his grip on the job isn’t as firm as his 2024 finish might suggest.

Nix finished QB9 on the season, but after a rough start, he was the fantasy QB5 from Week 5 on. He has dual-threat ability and scored at least 16.1 fantasy points in 10 of his last 13 games. “Good” rookie quarterbacks tend to regress a bit in year two–fantasy points drop on average by 6.3%– but the Broncos added Evan Engram in free agency and two receiving weapons–second-round RB RJ Harvey and third-round WR Pat Bryant–in the Draft, and that could offset a sophomore regression.

Engram finished with 47 catches for 365 yards and one touchdown while missing eight games with hamstring and shoulder injuries. His 40.6 yards per game were the second-lowest of his career, but not far off his career average (45.6). His 5.2 receptions per game were his third-highest, so naturally his aDOT and yards per reception were relatively low. Tight ends tend to age well, and this is a great landing spot for Engram due to the Broncos' lack of proven pass-catchers and an up-and-coming quarterback, Bo Nix. (This signing is one more reason to target Nix as a rock-solid QB1.)

Prior to missing the second half of the season with a concussion, Olave had his ups and downs, gaining 80+ yards in four of his six healthy games while failing to reach 12 yards in the other two games. In those six healthy games and in 2023, Olave has averaged 5.3 receptions for 68 yards and 0.27 touchdowns, which are high-end WR2 numbers. But that was with the competent Derek Carr at quarterback–the Saints are now looking at starting rookie Tyler Shough, so Olave’s upside depends on how quickly Shough can get up to NFL speed. Olave’s concussion history also gives me pause, since he has five known concussions since 2020.

Diggs is 31 and coming off a torn ACL that cost him half of the 2024 season. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 62.0 yards per game, his lowest average since his third season in the league, but he was still on pace for his seventh straight 1,000-yard season had he played the full 17 games. Five months after his injury, he is reportedly ahead of schedule and is on track to be ready for the start of the season, which is key for his potential fantasy value. I'm not too alarmed by his 2024 numbers since he was joining a new team (Texans) in a lesser role, but his decline from 2022 (89.3 yards per game) to 2023 (69.6) was significant. As he enters his 11th-season, he's expected to continue a fairly steep drop off per Ryan Heath's excellent Age Curves Study. The one thing working in Diggs' favor, however, is the lack of target competition in New England. Hunter Henry and Demario Douglas led the Patriots with 66 catches apiece, so Diggs should see all the targets he can handle if he can still get open and can hold off rookie Kyle Williams. Per ESPN's Open Score, Diggs was as good (83) last year as he was in 2022 (83). It doesn't hurt that he'll have the up-and-coming Drake Maye throwing the ball, either. Diggs raised some eyebrows this offseason when video leaked of him on a boat holding a bag of pink powder was leaked, so that’s a situation to monitor.

Pearsall had an interesting rookie season, to say the least. He suffered a gunshot wound in early September, so he missed the first six games of the season. Once he returned, he immediately saw playing time in Weeks 7-8 since Jauan Jennings was sidelined for both games and Brandon Aiyuk missed the second game. With Aiyuk out, and both Jennings and Deebo Samuel active from Week 10 to Week 17, Pearsall saw a 64% snap share and had a couple of good games–4-73-1 against the Bucs and 8-141-1 against the Lions–but also posted three goose eggs and failed to crest 40 yards receiving in the other three games in that span. With Samuel out Week 18, Pearsall posted 6-69-1 on eight targets alongside Jennings, who posted 7-52 on 10 targets. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception wrote that Pearsall’s rookie season was “incredibly encouraging” and the final four games were “outright awesome.” Pearsall has a chance to carve out a large role in an offense that will need him to produce, especially early in the season. Aiyuk is likely to miss a few games, at least, as he recovers from a torn ACL/MCL in October, so Pearsall should see all the snaps he can handle in September.

Downs missed three games last season and finished as the WR38 on a per-game basis, but his outlook for 2025 is far more intriguing than his recent production suggests. He ranked 18th in yards per route run and 23rd in yards after catch per reception—both strong indicators of underlying talent. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception called him “a near superstar player” who offers far more than the typical slot receiver. Harmon believes Downs has the potential to be the focal point of the Colts' passing attack, similar to how the Lions center their offense around Amon-Ra St. Brown. While the quarterback situation remains murky—Anthony Richardson’s health and Daniel Jones’s performance are both question marks—the team should at least have a functional passing game, and Downs’s role is locked in. If it's Jones, we've seen him feed a lesser player, Wan'Dale Robinson, plenty of targets. Downs is being drafted as a low-end WR4, but his route-running prowess and potential target share make him arguably the best upside bet in that range.

Mason posted the No. 20 PFF rush grade this year, was 16th in yards after contact per attempt, and 14th in broken tackles per attempt. Prior to Christian McCaffrey's return, he averaged 18.3 carries for 95.3 yards (5.21 yards per carry) and 0.43 touchdowns. He was the fantasy RB9 in that span. After the trade to Minnesota, Mason will likely form a 1-2 punch with Aaron Jones and could eventually take over as Minnesota's lead back if/when Jones moves on. Mason is a great target for Zero RB drafters given his 9th/10th-round ADP and upside if anything were to happen to the somewhat injury-prone Jones.

He finished TE8 in his second season and is primed for another leap in production if he can earn a larger role in the offense. But that’s the problem with drafting Packer receivers–Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love spread the ball around so much it’s tough to count on anyone in a given week. But Kraft led the position in yards after contact and broken tackles per catch, so he’s got the talent to join the top 5. He should finish TE8 again at a minimum, barring injury. LaFleur agrees, saying, “if there’s an area we gotta do a better job on, I would say featuring the tight end.”

Charbonnet remains one of the most intriguing Zero RB targets in 2025 drafts. He’s shown high-end RB1 upside when given the chance—in eight games over the past two seasons where he saw extended run, he averaged 18.5 touches for 95 total yards and 0.88 touchdowns. That’s elite production if (or more likely, when) Kenneth Walker misses time. Walker has already missed 10 games in his first three seasons, so it’s a good bet Charbonnet will get a few usable starts even if Walker stays relatively healthy. The Seahawks want to "establish the run," according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com, and that philosophy could translate into a more balanced workload even when Walker is active. Charbonnet’s passing-game chops gives him standalone RB3/FLEX appeal, especially in favorable matchups. As a ninth- or tenth-round pick in most formats, he’s a great stash with plug-and-play upside. If Walker misses any time, Charbonnet becomes an instant RB1 candidate in a run-committed offense.

Goedert is entering his age-30 season, but that’s not a major concern for tight ends, who often age more gracefully than backs or receivers. The bigger issue is his health—he’s missed 15 games over the last three years. When on the field, however, he has consistently played at a low-end TE1 pace. Goedert believes that new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo will unlock more of his game, saying, “What he sees in me in different ways that he’s going to get me the ball I’m really excited for.” There’s reason for optimism: Goedert was second among tight ends in yards per route run and sixth in YAC per reception last year, which suggests he’s been underutilized in Philly’s offense and is capable of significantly more production if the volume rises. He’s a potential value in the middle rounds for drafters willing to bet on better health and a more prominent role.

Prescott finished as the fantasy QB4 in 2023, throwing for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. Last year, he left a couple of games early and only played eight total games, but he was on pace for 4,638 yards and 25.8 touchdowns. Those numbers would have made him a high-end QB2 type on a per-game basis. The Cowboys attempted the eighth-most passes in 2023 and were third last year. Since last year’s OC, Brian Schottenheimer, is now the head coach, I’m not expecting a huge sea change in the team’s offensive identity, especially since the team let Rico Dowdle walk and traded for George Pickens. Prescott being available as a midrange QB2 is a good example of the solid depth of the position this season.

Every fantasy discussion about Goff has to begin with his home/away splits. From 2023 to 2024, Jared Goff’s location splits were really stark: 21.3 fantasy points per game at home versus just 13.9 per game on the road. Those splits narrowed to 21.4 vs. 17.7 last season, so over the last two seasons he has averaged 21.5 at home versus 16.1 on the road. That’s basically the difference between Baker Mayfield (21.5) and Justin Herbert (16.1) last year, so it’s still pretty stark. Goff has 10 dome games in 2025, and his final six games are indoors. Start Goff at home, and start him in favorable (shaky defense) indoor road matchups. As Marcas Grant said on our pod last summer, “he’s an inside cat.” His ADP (QB10) is higher this year, so people are starting to recognize his fantasy value.

Call me a homer, but Love is a value as the QB17 off the board. He was the fantasy QB17 last year, and quarterback is deep, so I get the ADP, but he dealt with multiple injuries and still was QB13 on a per-game basis after finishing as the fantasy QB5 in 2023. Sure, the Packers are more run-heavy with Josh Jacobs in the offense, but the Packers drafted two receivers in the first three rounds, and that signals an emphasis on improving the passing game in 2025. Considering he was already the QB13 on a per-game basis last season, if he can improve from there and perhaps get back to his top-five production, he would be a massive value at his current ADP.

Skattebo lacks long speed, but he makes up for it with burst (89th percentile) and one of the most productive and well-rounded resumes in this year’s rookie class. He finished second only to Ashton Jeanty in PFF’s rushing grade and became the first FBS player since Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to post at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. SNY’s Connor Hughes called Skattebo “a very good receiver out of the backfield” and suggested he “might be the Giants’ most talented receiving back.” With rookie Tyrone Tracy struggling in pass protection, there’s a clear path for Skattebo to earn the third-down role right away—and if his rushing ability translates, he could push for early-down work, too. However, he has missed some time in camp with a hamstring injury and beat writer Jordan Raanan said that “100%” Tracy is the RB1. Tracy started strong last year but faded late, averaging just 3.5 YPC from Week 12 to Week 18, and much of his receiving value in that span may shift to Skattebo. He’ll likely begin the year as a rotational piece, but Skattebo has the three-down skill set to carve out a larger role in short order, despite the Giants’ intentions that Tracy remain the starter. He’s an intriguing late-round pick in PPR leagues, especially drafters using a Zero RB approach.

Herbert finished as the fantasy QB13 last season after a 13-game, QB16 finish the year before. (He was QB13 on a per-game basis in 2023.) So after a pretty hot start to his career, he has settled into low-end QB1/high-end QB2 territory and he plays for Jim Harbaugh, who likes to establish the run. His 29.6 pass attempts per game last season were well off his career average of 39.1, though he set a career high in yards per attempt (7.7). Daniel Popper (The Athletic) believes that the Chargers’ passing attack “felt stunted” last year due to a lack of vertical threats; “that will not be the case this year.” The Chargers added Tre’ Harris, Oronde Gadsen, and brought 30-year-old Mike Williams back.

Mooney showed some signs of life in 2024, averaging 4.1 receptions for 62 yards and 0.36 touchdowns in 14 games with Kirk Cousins under center—production that landed him squarely in the low-end WR3 conversation. But when Michael Penix Jr. took over in Weeks 16 and 17, Mooney's numbers dipped to 3.5 receptions for 60 yards and no touchdowns, more in line with WR5 output. That said, Penix did target Mooney on 17.7% of his attempts (11 of 62), which isn’t terrible usage for a new connection still finding its rhythm. Touchdown regression could help smooth things out—Mooney failed to score in either of those games, despite seeing a couple of red zone looks. If Penix proves competent and leans on Mooney more heavily as a trusted veteran, there's some upside here. For now, he profiles as a volatile WR4/WR5 option with a path to relevancy if the quarterback situation stabilizes.

Coleman flashed at times during his rookie season, finishing with 32 catches on 64 targets for 578 yards and 4 touchdowns in 13 games. That was good enough for a WR67 finish overall and WR55 on a per-game basis—not terrible for a Day 2 rookie, but not enough to crack starting lineups in most leagues. Coleman’s best trait was his run-after-catch ability. He finished 6th out of 88 qualified receivers in YAC per reception, showcasing surprising elusiveness and physicality with the ball in his hands. However, the rest of his profile was underwhelming—he ranked 75th in contested catch rate and 50th in yards per route run, and struggled to separate or make plays downfield consistently. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception noted that Buffalo used Coleman as a vertical X-receiver in his rookie year and “seem to believe that’s his long-term role,” but also questioned that projection: “There is just nothing in his Reception Perception prospect or rookie year profile that indicates that he will become a high-volume consistent starter in that spot.” Coleman remains an intriguing dynasty stash, but he’ll need a significant jump in efficiency or usage to matter in redraft formats.

White saw his role shrink in 2024 as rookie Bucky Irving carved out a bigger share of the Tampa backfield. After averaging 19.8 touches per game in 2023, White's post-bye workload was down to just 11.1 last season, producing 9.7 half-PPR points per game—low-end RB3 numbers. That usage could shrink even further in 2025. Head coach Todd Bowles told The Athletic that he “expects greatness” from Irving and that the second-year back’s “opportunities are likely to increase substantially.” To White’s credit, he still ran well in limited work. Among the 46 backs with at least 100 carries, he ranked 5th in yards after contact per attempt, though he was middling in yards before contact and near the bottom in broken tackles per attempt. With Irving on the rise and Tampa clearly preparing to lean on him more, White’s standalone value is fading. He’ll need an Irving injury to push for anything more than RB3/flex value in 2025.

Shaheed was enjoying a breakout campaign as the fantasy WR20 through the first six weeks before suffering a meniscus injury that derailed his season. He should be ready for camp, but his boom-or-bust tendencies from 2024 remain a concern—he posted four games with at least 73 yards and three touchdowns, but also delivered a pair of clunkers with 11 yards or fewer. He offers added value as a threat in the running game, but the quarterback situation is murky and clearly a downgrade from last year, making it harder to trust Shaheed on a weekly basis. After finishing WR47 in 2023, he flashed a higher ceiling before the injury last year, but unless the Saints get more consistent quarterback play, he’s a volatile WR4 best suited for best ball or boom-needy lineups.

Trying to decipher the Jaguars’ backfield in 2024 was like reading tea leaves. Etienne opened the season as the starter, averaging 14.3 touches and a healthy 4.55 YPC through the first four games. But starting in Week 4, Tank Bigsby began to carve out a role, rushing for 90 yards against the Texans. He followed that with a breakout performance against the Colts in Week 5 (14 touches, 129 yards, 2 TDs) with Etienne active, and then dominated in Week 7 against the Patriots (26 carries, 118 yards, 2 TDs) while Etienne was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Bigsby ultimately averaged 4.6 yards per carry—nearly a full yard more than Etienne (3.7)—though Etienne maintained the passing-down role. The Jags also added Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of the draft, a superior athlete who adds yet another variable to this backfield. With Etienne healthy and still involved, and Tuten now in the mix, the Jaguars’ backfield could unfold in several ways.

Loveland was the first tight end off the board in April, going No. 10 overall to the Bears—a pick that signals serious intent to make him a key part of the passing game. He averaged 58.2 receiving yards per game as a junior at Michigan and brings 4.72 speed (72nd percentile speed score per Player Profiler) to a position that increasingly rewards athleticism. He’s currently recovering from AC joint surgery, but head coach Ben Johnson said he should be cleared "at some point" during training camp. Despite Cole Kmet's presence (47-474-4 in 2024), drafters aren’t concerned, targeting Loveland as a high-end TE2. Historically, first-round tight ends with full seasons under their belt have averaged 7.3 half-PPR points per game, which puts him squarely in the high-end TE2 conversation if the Bears’ offense takes a step forward. There’s some risk given the injury, Kmet's veteran presence, and rookie tight end learning curve, but Loveland is well-positioned for immediate production.

Blue enters the 2025 season in a three-headed backfield with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but he’s easily the most intriguing option of the trio. His 4.43 speed and 73rd percentile speed score (per Player Profiler) give him home-run potential that neither Williams nor Sanders can match at this point in their careers. While he ranked just 48th out of 67 qualified backs in PFF’s collegiate rushing grade last season, he stood out as a receiver, finishing 9th out of 64 in yards per route run. He’s not built to handle heavy volume between the tackles, but he doesn’t need to. Given the lackluster production and durability concerns of his backfield competition, Blue could carve out a valuable 10–12 touch-per-game role—especially in a pass-heavy, fast-paced Cowboys offense. He’s a high-upside late-round dart throw in PPR formats, with standalone FLEX value if the touches materialize early.

Benson flashed in limited work as a rookie, turning 63 carries into 291 yards (4.6 YPC) while posting above-average marks in both yards before and after contact per attempt. Though he played behind James Conner for most of the year, head coach Jonathan Gannon made waves this offseason by saying, “If (Trey Benson) takes the necessary jump from Year 1 to Year 2, I think we have two starting backs.” Gannon even referred to teams with “two '1s’,” suggesting a potential 1A/1B split with Conner in 2025. That’s big news, especially considering Conner is entering his age-30 season and the Cardinals may want to lighten his load to preserve his health. If Benson can seize a larger role, he could return weekly flex value and be a league-winner if Conner misses time. With a 12th-round ADP, Benson is one of the better late-round dart throws at the position and should be firmly on the radar of Zero RB drafters.

Last year, three quarterbacks drafted QB20 or later finished in the top 12: Baker Mayfield (QB21), Sam Darnold (QB31), and Bo Nix (QB23). They had a couple of things in common: 1) a strong offensive mind calling the plays, and 2) they can score fantasy points with their legs. Darnold (QB27) can run, but Klint Kubiak is not a certified offensive genius like, say, Kevin O’Connell, who coaxed a QB8 finish out of Darnold last season. That’s why I like QB19 J.J. McCarthy to meet or exceed his draft position. It’s pretty simple: In O’Connell we trust. McCarthy will run a bit and has a nice group of weapons, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones.

Lawrence missed half of the season due to AC joint injury and subsequent surgery. In his nine healthy games, he was the fantasy QB11, though he was the QB16 on a per-game basis since he didn’t have his bye in that span. He was the fantasy QB14 in 2023 with the QB19 per-game average, so he has settled into midrange QB2-type territory in the last couple of years after a QB8 finish in 2022. Christian Kirk and Evan Engram are gone, so Lawrence will be throwing to some new faces–Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown–along with a few familiar ones in Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange. He profiles as a mid- to low-end QB2 given the depth at the position.

Pitts has finished TE13 and TE14 the past two seasons, and while those are usable numbers in today’s tight end landscape, it’s hard to shake the sense that he’s being underutilized. His 2024 campaign was particularly frustrating—Michael Penix targeted him on just 9.5% of his pass attempts, a rate that trailed not just Drake London and Bijan Robinson, but also Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud. That doesn't bode well considering Kirk Cousins targeted Pitts more frequently (14.1%). Pitts remains a great athlete, but his role hasn’t evolved since his promising rookie season. With questions around quarterback consistency and a crowded target tree, he looks like a low-ceiling TE2 until we see a tangible shift in usage.

​​The Browns used the No. 36 overall pick on Judkins, signaling their confidence that he can be a foundational piece in their post-Nick Chubb backfield. Since 2010, second-round backs who’ve played at least 14 games have averaged 188 touches for 931 total yards and 5.4 touchdowns as rookies—numbers well within reach for Judkins given the opportunity in Cleveland. With Chubb no longer on the roster, the depth chart is wide open. The Browns also drafted Dylan Sampson in the fourth round, but Judkins’ superior draft capital and athletic profile (92nd percentile speed score, 94th percentile burst score) give him the clear edge heading into camp. He was 9th in PFF’s rushing grade among this year’s rookies and is already regarded as dependable in both pass-catching and pass protection, which should earn him early-down work with potential for more. Judkins could flirt with 250+ touches as a rookie in a run-heavy scheme. He’s a high-upside RB3 with the potential to rise quickly into RB2 territory if he wins the job outright. His July arrest for domestic violence may cause him to miss time, however.

Prior to the Draft, this looked like the perfect landing spot for Harris, who has averaged 319 touches per season and has never missed a game. However, the Chargers drafted Omarion Hampton in the first round, giving him the likely edge to lead this backfield in touches. Harris’s efficiency is nothing to write home about--4.0 yards per carry, 27th (out of 46) in yards after contact per attempt, 17th in broken tackles per attempt--but he is a solid dual-threat who can carry the load if necessary.

Allgeier remains one of the most capable backups in the league and a high-end handcuff for fantasy purposes. While Bijan Robinson has proven to be durable, any missed time would immediately vault Allgeier into the RB1/RB2 conversation. He runs with toughness and consistency, finishing 10th in PFF’s rushing grade and posting strong underlying metrics: 6th (of 46 qualified backs) in yards after contact per attempt and 25th in yards before contact per attempt, though his tackle-breaking numbers (34th) weren’t as impressive. In a run-friendly offense helmed by rookie QB Michael Penix, Allgeier should still get some weekly run in a complementary role, but his real value lies in the contingency upside. He’s a must-have handcuff for Bijan drafters and a solid attrition pick in the double-digit rounds for Zero RB builds.

Tagovailoa averaged 17.2 in his 10 non-injury games, but left early and missed seven games thanks to another concussion and a late-season hip injury, so he finished as the fantasy QB20, which is actually pretty impressive considering he missed so much time. He finished QB10 in a full 2023 season, so his per-game production is typically low-end QB1. If he can stay healthy there will likely be some value to be had given his low-end QB2 ADP. That’s a big “if,” however, given that he’s missed 14 games in the last four years and could be one severe concussion away from retirement. That said, given his ADP, he could be a productive member of a quarterback-by-committee strategy.

Allen’s rookie year didn’t exactly move the needle—he turned 92 carries into 334 yards (3.6 YPC) and two touchdowns, while adding 19 catches for 148 yards and another score through the air. His advanced metrics backed up the surface stats: he was generally mediocre across the board, lacking the burst or tackle-breaking chops to stand out. Still, there’s reason for cautious optimism. The Jets reportedly want to model their offense after Ben Johnson’s scheme in Detroit, with Breece Hall in the Jahmyr Gibbs role and Allen handling the David Montgomery duties. If that plan sticks, Allen could find himself in a valuable early-down and goal-line role in what should be a more efficient offense in 2025. With an ADP in the RB50s, Allen offers intriguing upside if the Jets’ coaching staff follows through on their vision—and if he proves capable of handling the Montgomery role. In Hall’s lone missed game, Allen turned 15 touches into 81 total yards. He’s a worthwhile late-round flier with low-end RB2 potential if things break right.

Williams turned heads in the pre-draft process with his 4.40 speed and ability to generate yards after the catch. He backed it up with strong advanced metrics—he ranked 16th in yards per route run and 6th in YAC per reception—suggesting he can create on his own, not just capitalize on schemed touches. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception praised his “multi-layered separation skills with explosive potential as a YAC threat,” reinforcing the idea that Williams can win in multiple ways. He was a third-round pick, and while Day 2 receivers aren't guaranteed volume, there's a track record of success: the four third-rounders since 2010 who started at least 11 games as rookies averaged 50 catches for 711 yards and nearly six touchdowns—WR4 production. If Williams carves out a role early, he could reach that benchmark. At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Williams profiles as a versatile slot/outside option, and his main target competition—an aging Stefon Diggs and the undersized Demario Douglas—doesn’t present an insurmountable hurdle. If he starts the season in three-WR sets, he’ll be on the fantasy radar as a late-round flier with upside.

Freiermuth is being overlooked in early drafts despite a strong 2024 season where he caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven scores, finishing as the fantasy TE10. The Steelers added Jonnu Smith in the offseason, which has seemingly spooked drafters, but new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a history of utilizing multiple tight ends. Given the lack of depth in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps, it’s likely we’ll see plenty of “12” personnel with both Freiermuth and Smith on the field. Freiermuth has proven to be a reliable target with a nose for the end zone, something new QB Aaron Rodgers will appreciate. He’s not flashy, but he’s a solid mid-round option with weekly TE1 upside who is currently going at a TE2 discount.

Otton has steadily improved in each of his three seasons, culminating in a 47-600-4 campaign in 2024 that resulted in a TE13 finish. While he hasn't delivered any truly dominant stretches, he's carved out a consistent role in a solid offense led by Baker Mayfield, who has quietly played excellent football the past two years. Otton finished 18th in yards after catch per reception and 28th (out of 45 qualifying tight ends) in yards per route run, so while he’s not the most explosive option at the position, he’s efficient enough to maintain mid-range TE2 value with some weekly TE1 upside in favorable matchups.

Harris enters the league with some eye-popping advanced metrics: he posted the highest yards per route run in the 2025 draft class, ranked fourth in PFF receiving grade, and finished 14th in YAC/reception. Matt Harmon noted in Reception Perception that Harris “eats up man coverage like a top-level wideout,” though he’d like to “see his game expand” as Harris transitions to the pros. With Mike Williams retiring, Harris steps into a WR2 role behind Ladd McConkey in an offense with a strong quarterback and only mediocre target competition. The history of second-round rookie receivers suggests modest expectations: those who played at least 14 games have averaged a 42-574-4.2 line, or WR6 numbers. But if Harris starts every game—as expected—those averages jump to 56-783-6.2, which would make him a viable fantasy flex/WR4. Harris isn’t likely to supplant McConkey as the team’s top target, but if his college efficiency translates, he could provide sneaky value, especially in best ball formats where his big-play potential shines.

Ward will start immediately, but his fantasy expectations should be kept in check thanks to a so-so set of receiving weapons. Calvin Ridley is the headliner, and he’s solid, but when Van Jefferson is your WR2, you’re probably in trouble. (The team did add Tyler Lockett on draft day; he could play in two-receiver sets ahead of Jefferson.) Ward can run, and my rookie quarterback model projects him to rush for 15.0 yards per game. That’s about what Bo Nix (15.4 projected, 25.3 actual) and Bryce Young (14.9 projected, 15.8 actual) were projected for in their rookie seasons. If the Titans add another good weapon–Keenan Allen?–and Ward runs a bit more than expected, then he could push for high-end QB2/low-end QB1 numbers as a rookie. He’ll certainly be in the mix as an upside QB2-type in two-QB/superflex formats.

The 32-year-old Hopkins averaged a career-low 38.1 receiving yards per game. His yards per route run (1.71) was solid (but not great) for a receiver but it was Hopkins' lowest mark since 2016. He can still contribute as a possession receiver, but his days of elite fantasy WR1 (or even WR2) production are likely over, especially playing for the run-oriented Ravens.

Legette turned in disappointing production for a first-round rookie wideout, finishing as the WR64 despite playing in a Carolina offense desperate for playmakers. He saw a decent workload—81 targets—but managed just 49 catches for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 10.1 yards per reception ranked near the bottom among qualifying receivers, and there were few signs of week-to-week consistency. With Tetairoa McMillan arriving via the draft and Adam Thielen still hanging around, it’s hard to see Legette’s role expanding significantly in 2025. Even if the Panthers’ offense improves under new leadership, it looks like Legette is fighting for the WR3 role at best. He’s off the fantasy radar outside of deeper leagues and dynasty formats unless we see a major shift in usage or efficiency.

Rodgers finished as the fantasy QB16 last season, though he was the QB23 on a per-game basis (14.5 points per game). In his previous full season, with the Packers, he was the fantasy QB15 with the QB23 per-game average, so he’s settled into low-end QB2-type numbers on a weekly basis. He joins a Pittsburgh team that is short on playmakers in the passing game, though the Steelers did trade for both DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith. Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, and Roman Wilson round out the pass-catchers. Rodgers doesn’t have a history with any of these guys, the Steelers’ organization, or play-caller Arthur Smith, so it’s unlikely that this all combines to anything more than what we’ve seen from him in his last two full seasons.