The excitement surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is palpable, especially for fantasy football enthusiasts eager to learn about the incoming talent. ESPN Fantasy Football analysts Liz Loza and Matt Bowen shared their insights on skill position players selected in the first three rounds of the draft. Additionally, Mike Clay provided projections for these promising rookies, while Stephania Bell highlighted key injury concerns that could impact player performances this upcoming season.

Among the intriguing questions raised were whether Cam Ward could become a reliable starter in fantasy leagues during his rookie year and what expectations could be set for other emerging talents like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkinsall part of a notably strong class of running backs. Furthermore, attention was drawn to the dual-threat player Travis Hunter, who is anticipated to make a significant impact among this years rookie wide receivers. Tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are also in the spotlight, as they aim to replicate the success that Brock Bowers achieved last season.

Now is a crucial time for fantasy football enthusiasts to begin strategizing for the 2025 season as these insights and projections will greatly influence drafting decisions.

Round 2 Projections

Mike Clays 2025 projections for various players are intriguing:

  • Higgins: Standing tall at 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds, Higgins boasts the flexibility to play both on the perimeter and in the slot. With eight red zone touchdown grabs last season, he's a strong addition to the Texans' lineup, expected to fill in flexibly, especially with Tank Dell recovering from a knee injury. Clay projects him to secure 82 targets, catching 55 passes for 686 yards and four touchdowns over 15 games.
  • Quinshon Judkins: Anticipated to make a substantial impact as a rookie with the Cleveland Browns, Judkins is characterized as a hard runner, adept at short-yardage situations. He is projected to carry the ball 191 times for 838 yards with five touchdowns, alongside 53 targets that should yield 41 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown.
  • TreVeyon Henderson: This slashing running back possesses big-play potential and effective pass-catching abilities. Projected to share the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson in New England, Henderson is expected to record 178 carries for 777 yards and four touchdowns, along with 36 targets yielding 28 receptions for 207 yards and a touchdown.
  • Burden: Known for his agility and burst, Burden experienced a drop in production in 2024 but is set to fill a significant role in Ben Johnson's offense. His projections suggest 62 receptions for 687 yards and four touchdowns.

Round 1 Highlights

As the draft unfolded, several standout players emerged:

  • Cam Ward: Ward is noted for his strong arm and mobility, making him a solid fit for the Titans. Projections suggest hell make a significant impact with 307 completions for 3,469 yards and 19 touchdowns over 15 games.
  • Travis Hunter: This dual-threat player not only won the Chuck Bednarik Award but also the Fred Biletnikoff Award. He is expected to play a crucial role in Jacksonville, contributing as a flex option with WR2 upside.
  • Ashton Jeanty: Hailing from Boise State, Jeanty enters a lead role in the Raiders backfield, with projections indicating he could produce RB1 numbers with 236 carries for 1,087 yards and eight touchdowns.
  • Matthew Golden: The Packers selected Golden, who brings exceptional speed and ball-tracking ability, contributing to the offensive strategies of Matt LaFleur. His projections show promise for 100 targets and six touchdowns in his rookie season.

As the NFL prepares for the 2025 season, the fantasy football landscape remains as dynamic as ever. With the rookie class stepping into significant roles, players like Judkins and Jeanty are expected to not only contribute on the field but also to become essential picks in fantasy drafts. Analysts continue to stress the importance of keeping an eye on injury updates and player performances in the lead-up to the season, ensuring that fantasy managers are well-prepared to make the most of their rosters.