Top-60 Dynasty Rookie Rankings (2025)

Top-60 Dynasty Rookie Rankings (2025)

It’s officially my favorite time of year—NFL Draft season. We’re just days away from getting to see where these players that we have endlessly debated for weeks (and months) will end up. Not long after that will be our 2025 dynasty rookie drafts. Of course, landing spots and capital during the actual NFL Draft will play a major role in where these players fall in our final rankings, but it’s important to understand who these guys are before we have that final piece of information. I have been constantly updating my 2025 dynasty rookie rankings at Yards Per Fantasy throughout the pre-draft process, but this is my time to actually put some context and analysis behind each player in my top-60.

I hope you enjoy. If you want even more on these rookies, check out our FREE rookie draft guide! Then I want to hear your opinions on these players, so join us on Discord and let’s discuss! I’ll see you on the other side.

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Ashton Jeanty is the most natural runner in college football. He runs with good patience and vision with incredible contact balance and change of direction. He’s a fluid runner with exceptional agility, strength, quickness, and a low-center of gravity that allows him to avoid tacklers in a number of ways. Jeanty does a great job of setting up and following his blockers to find the crease in a defense. He then utilizes his burst and acceleration to quickly get up to the next level with the speed to house it.

When the blocking isn’t so clean, Jeanty still does a great job navigating through traffic. And when you do get hands on him, Jeanty has a full arsenal of tackle-breaking techniques plus the leg drive to ensure he always falls forward and captures every last blade of grass.

While long runs were routine for Jeanty at the college level, they may not be as frequent in the NFL. He certainly has the requisite speed to create chunk plays, but he may not have the next level gear to run away from some of the faster defensive backs. 

In the passing game, Jeanty has reliable hands and can be a weapon as a receiver. He was highly productive as an option out of the backfield during his sophomore season. NFL teams will appreciate his three-down versatility, especially if he is able to make progress in pass protection. The willingness is there, the technique just needs refining.

Speaking of the NFL, Jeanty’s game will translate very well to the next level. He will thrive as a dual-threat back who can handle a full bell-cow role. He will have success in multiple different schemes but would be especially dominant on outside zone concepts where he can utilize his exceptional footwork, vision, decisiveness, and burst.

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton is a hard-nosed between-the-tackles runner who wins with size, strength, and power. He’s at his best when he’s running north and south, putting him in prime position to lower the boom on any defenders that stand in his way. His initial burst and explosion help him get through the initial run lane and onto the next level. Once in the open field, Hampton won’t threaten anyone with his moves, but he will surely lower the boom and is guaranteed a violent finish to the run. His speed is enough to rip off some long runs but he’s just as likely to get caught from behind as he is to house it.

Hampton is a decisive runner with good vision and the ability to quickly identify the open lanes and accelerate through it before you know it. His physicality, power, and contact balance make him an ideal choice in short-yardage and goal line situations. He operated mostly from a shotgun formation at North Carolina but his downhill running style should translate well to a behind center alignment as well.

In the passing game, Hampton provides a reliable check-down option with sure hands and some juice after the catch. Perhaps he could expand his route tree further at the next level but it wasn’t something he was asked to do much beyond the simple stuff at UNC despite what his career receiving totals might suggest.

There are few negatives on the Omarion Hampton profile. His long speed is underwhelming compared to some of his classmates but it’s good enough to be able to pick up some chunk plays in the NFL. His lateral agility is lacking but he makes up for it with an aggressive downhill running style. And his open-field creativity is non-existent but defenders will still have to think about whether or not they want to endure the boom that he is sure to deliver.

Overall, Hampton will translate well to a quality between-the-tackles runner at the NFL level. He will be a great fit in an offense that runs a lot of gap and inside zone concepts. He has proven to be effective from both a shotgun alignment as well as a more traditional behind the center formation. He will appeal to teams in search of a back who runs hard and finishes even harder. He will certainly bring some physicality to an offense and be a guy they can lean on to make plays in the red zone, win in short yardage, and close out games in the fourth quarter against a tired defense. Hampton will easily command 250+ touches as a team’s featured back. His reliability in the passing game will be an added value.

3. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins is a complete running back who can make an impact in a variety of ways. Between the tackles, he is patient with good vision, quick feet, and the burst to get through the hole to the next level. He has the speed to kick it outside, turn the corner and accelerate for a long gain. When confronted with tacklers, Judkins has no problem squaring up, lowering his shoulder and using his power, size, and strength to run through anybody. However, he also has the moves to make would-be tacklers miss in the open field. Judkins does an excellent job working through traffic and navigating his way to the next level. He runs hard while routinely falling forward and gaining additional yardage after contact.

In the passing game, Judkins’ production was underwhelming in all three seasons, but he proved to be a more than capable pass catcher when given the opportunity. He has good hands and is a reliable option on check-downs and screens, as well as some of the more expansive routes. He can even be found lining up out wide or in the slot from time to time. We could see his role as a receiver expand at the next level.

Speaking of the next level, Judkins projects as a starting NFL running back who can make an impact on all three downs. His athleticism, size, and overall skill set will translate perfectly to a featured role. Judkins is scheme versatile and can fill multiple roles within a backfield. If an offense wants to establish physicality and power football, Judkins can be that guy. If they’re looking for some speed and burst with open field elusiveness, Judkins can be that guy. If they want a guy who doesn’t need to come off the field on third downs or in short yardage or in the red zone, Judkins can be that guy. He even showed us that he can be effective in a split backfield at Ohio State after being the bell-cow for two years at Ole Miss. Whatever a team is looking for at the running back position, Judkins will fit the bill.

4. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson is a dynamic running back who adds value in all phases of an offense. He’s an explosive runner between the tackles but especially thrives on outside runs. His speed and acceleration allow him to get to the edge or to the second level of a defense very quickly. He’s fast enough to not only break off long runs, but to finish them in the end zone. Henderson’s lateral agility is especially impressive. He can make cuts on a dime and without losing speed. While that makes him dangerous on stretch runs and other outside concepts, Henderson runs well between the tackles, too. He can run downhill, north and south, and can finish runs with power and aggression. Henderson is slippery in the open field, where defenders will just fall off him for no apparent reason.

In the passing game, Henderson offers a ton of upside. He showed good hands at Ohio State and has the athleticism and open-field explosiveness to make him an obvious candidate to develop into a dynamic receiver. However, Henderson’s route tree was mostly limited to check downs, swings, and other short stuff within five yards of the line of scrimmage. There were few times where he was asked to run more extensive downfield routes. When he did, though, he looked like a natural—so there is certainly room to grow in this area. He has the potential to develop into a dangerous weapon in the receiving game.

Perhaps most encouraging about his three-down potential, is his pass blocking ability. Henderson is one of the best pass protectors to come out of college in recent years. He has no hesitation to mix it up with blitzing linebackers, defensive backs, or even bigger linemen. He has the technique down and the strength to hold up. This is something NFL teams will value a ton. It will not only get him drafted sooner, but it will earn him the trust of his coaches right away. He won’t have any issue carving out a three-down role in the NFL from day one.

And speaking of earning the trust of NFL coaches, Henderson has superb ball security. He didn’t fumble a single time during his college career, on 667 touches. 

The only major question mark on the TreVeyon Henderson profile is his durability. Can he hold up for a full season as a workhorse back? Henderson never reached 200 carries in a season and he batted injuries in both 2022 and 2023 before the team brought in a backfield mate that help him stay fresh for the entire 2024 season. 

Still, TreVeyon Henderson projects as a starting NFL running back who will make plays on all three downs. He’s an explosive runner who can score from anywhere on the field, but will also get down and dirty between the tackles with power and grit. He will be a fit in any rushing scheme, given his versatility and combination of speed, physicality, lateral agility, and acceleration. He won’t be the most creative runner in traffic or be the toughest guy to tackle, but his instincts and overall athleticism make him a dangerous threat to any defense. Henderson will work well in a split backfield where he’s the top guy in a rotation. He’ll be an asset on third downs with the upside to develop into one of the better passing downs backs in football.

5. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Tetairoa McMillan is a prototypical alpha X-receiver who enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the best wide receivers in the class. He wins with size and physicality while possessing surprising lateral agility and quickness for a player of his size. He’s a fluid route runner who can line up anywhere in the formation and can run the entire route tree. McMillan does an excellent job of tracking the ball in the air while utilizing his size to box out defenders and meet the ball at its highest point. He has excellent body control and field awareness with the strong hands to win in traffic, along the sideline, or in contested situations. There is no ball he can’t come down with. That will make him especially dangerous in the red zone or on back-shoulder throws.

Once he has the ball in his hands, the job isn’t done. McMillan is an aggressive runner after the catch, utilizing his size, strength, speed, and quickness to create additional yardage after almost every reception.

Where there is opportunity for growth, is against physical defenders. McMillan doesn’t always create the separation we’re used to seeing from him when he can’t out-physical his cover guy with pure size and strength. That starts at the line on his release and is true at the top of his routes as well.

In the NFL, McMillan projects as a team’s No. 1 option who will command volume. Offenses will utilize his versatility to create mismatches both on the outside and as a big slot. He will dominate in the red zone and be a guy his quarterback can rely on in any situation. He has the size, athletic traits, and overall skill set to be a true difference maker at the next level.

6. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Kaleb Johnson is a big back who wins with size, great vision, and contact balance. He is patient enough behind the line of scrimmage to let his blocks unfold, while being decisive enough to hit the open lane when it opens. At that point, he bursts through the hole into the second level with impressive acceleration and explosion. Once into the open field with a head of steam, Johnson is difficult to bring down with one tackler. He uses his size and strength to power through arm tackles with ease, always finishing runs moving forward.

Johnson was fun to watch behind that exceptional offensive line at Iowa. He was so in sync with the blocking scheme and seemed to consistently break through for chunk gains. Johnson is a reliable guy in short-yardage as well. His strength, power, and leg drive allow him to push the pile and gain the necessary yardage to convert at an impressive rate.

Kaleb Johnson was a big-time producer in his final college season. He checked all of the production-based boxes in 2024 and proved he is more than capable of handling a heavy workload. In fact, I am confident he can manage far beyond the 262 touches he received as a junior.

Where Johnson lacks is in his ability to run away from defenders in the open field. Don’t get me wrong, he is good for plenty of big gains but after the initial burst of speed through the line, Johnson is missing that next gear to finish the job. Instead, he’s often caught from behind short of the end zone. 

In the passing game, Johnson is a serviceable receiver out of the backfield. He has good hands but was used as more of a reliable check down option than an active weapon. His route tree was extremely limited at Iowa and unlikely to expand a great deal at the NFL level.

With that said, Johnson projects as a workhorse back in the league. He will be the thunder to a running mate’s lightning. He will run with efficiency between the tackles and be a go-to option in short yardage and goal line situations. Johnson won’t be a guy who dances behind the line of scrimmage or tries to bounce too many runs outside. He will run within the scheme, follow his blockers, choose the correct lane, and finish the runs with power. Teams will appreciate his experience in a pro-style rushing scheme. He will especially draw the interest of offenses that utilize a lot of zone concepts where he can maximize his combination of vision, balance, and power. He can be a plug-and-play day one starter, ready to carry the load.

7. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka is a physical slot receiver whose game should translate well to a productive role in the NFL. Egbuka is a nuanced route runner who is smooth getting in and out of his breaks. He creates easy separation with incredible quickness, lateral agility, and change-of-direction. Egbuka is explosive off the line and has enough speed to make defenses respect the possibility that he’ll continue to run vertically. He’ll use that to his advantage and break off the route at the perfect moment. Egbuka tracks the ball well in the air and has reliable hands to make plays for his quarterback. The play isn’t over once he has the ball in his hands, though. Egbuka is excellent at creating additional yardage after the catch. He is a playmaker in the open field, a skill that he translated into becoming a productive kick returner during his time at Ohio State.

The Buckeyes used Egbuka primarily from the slot and he’ll likely do the same in the NFL. He has no hesitation to work over the middle of the field and take the hits that come along with it. He’s very comfortable in traffic and can run the full route tree from the slot. His effectiveness on the outside is hindered by a limited catch radius and subpar contested catch win rate. He doesn’t utilize his size and wingspan to its full extent when in those difficult one-one-one situations. Lining him up against a physical defender along the boundary is not the way to get the most out of Egbuka’s skill set.

Instead, NFL offenses will utilize him as a reliable chain-mover from the slot. He’ll be the guy quarterbacks turn to on third downs and must-have situations. He’ll fit great in an offense that runs a lot of 11-personnel and likes to use the quick passing game to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers. They’ll set up Egbuka to catch the ball underneath and turn up field and become that YAC monster. He won’t be much of a deep threat, but Egbuka will thrive in the short and intermediate areas. He will be where his quarterback needs him to be, when he needs him to be there. That’s a valuable asset to almost any offense in today’s timing and rhythm-based NFL.

8. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

The 2024 Mackey Award winner, Tyler Warren is a big athletic tight end who has the versatility to line up in-line, out wide, or in the slot. He’s a matchup nightmare for linebackers, both in terms of route running and athleticism as well as his ball skills and ability to dominate the catch point. Warren will live in the short and intermediate areas of the field with the ability to stretch the defense vertically down the seams on occasion as well. 

Warren is a quality route runner who uses every bit of athletic traits to win in a variety of different ways. He has quick feet and smooth breaks. He has speed, he has size, and he has natural skill. Warren’s ball skills and soft hands make him look like a natural. 

As a blocker, Warren has the size, strength, and physical toughness to get it done. He’s a guy that doesn’t have to come off the field in running situations which not only makes him more valuable from an offensive perspective, but it also makes things more challenging for a defense to properly match up against. 

We have seen a number of tight ends come into the NFL and make an immediate impact in recent seasons. Tyler Warren has a great chance to continue that trend. He has all the tools to not only be a weapon to an offense as early as the 2025 season, but he can become one of the better tight ends in football within the next few years.

9. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri

Luther Burden is a versatile slot receiver who thrives at creating after the catch. He bursts off the line to create quick separation—often in the short areas of the field—then gets to work as a YAC machine. Not only is he fast and shifty, but Burden will use his strength and contact balance to easily run through arm tackles. He will make an undisciplined and poor tackling defense pay and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. That includes in the kicking game, where Burden can be a team’s primary punt returner utilizing those same skills to put pressure on an opponent’s coverage team.

Burden can open vertically from time to time as well. He knows how to create separation, tracks the ball well, and has natural hands. He’s been known to make some pretty spectacular catches down the field and win in contested situations. 

Where he does struggle is getting off physical press coverage on the outside. Burden can be a viable option along the boundary, but the separation is not nearly as consistent when a defender can get his hands on him and use the sideline. Burden will also need to expand his route tree and route quality if he’s to become a complete receiver at the next level. 

Projecting to the NFL level, Burden is looking like a primary slot receiver who can move around the formation and win on all three levels, but will spend the majority of his time in the short areas of the field. That will allow him to get open quickly and do what he does best—eat up yards after the catch. Coaches will design ways to get him the football, including jet sweeps, screens, drag routes, etc. He will be a guy who is often put in motion before the snap to keep defenses on their toes and to avoid press coverage. Quarterbacks will enjoy his quick separation, reliable hands, and his ability to make the tough grabs. 

If Burden can improve his route running and expand his tree, he could become one of the best weapons from this class. In the meantime, he will provide a complementary skill set for a team looking to add a playmaker to their offense.

10. Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado

Travis Hunter is the most unique prospect I’ve come across since I started doing this five years ago. Not only is he a true two-way player which is unheard of at this level of football, he is elite at both positions. There will be NFL teams and draft scouts who have him ranked as the top player at both wide receiver and cornerback. For our purposes, though, I am going to focus on the wide receiver side of things.

Travis Hunter is swimming in athleticism. He has it across the board—speed, athleticism, quickness, explosion, change-of-direction, etc. He is also incredibly smart with a high football IQ which allows him to identify coverages like a quarterback and have full field and situational awareness. His understanding of the game is obvious, as is his ability to manipulate defenders to consistently win at the top of his routes. His experience on the defensive side is invaluable to his play as a wideout. 

Hunter is a quality route runner who creates immediate separation with his combination of speed, quickness, and acceleration. His footwork and agility help him win in short areas while his explosiveness and speed make him a threat to get open vertically. Hunter displays incredible ball skills and ball tracking ability and he has the body control, flexibility, and hands to make the most difficult catches. 

After the catch, Hunter uses those same skills to turn a short pass into a long gain. He runs away from defenders with ease and has the moves and instincts to make anyone miss in the open field. 

Where there is room to grow is in his route tree. While he appears to have the ability to expand his arsenal, there are many route concepts Hunter wasn’t asked to run at Colorado. He also has difficulty with physical press coverage which may be in part due to his thin frame and underwhelming play strength.

Overall, though, Travis Hunter is a well-rounded wide receiver prospect whose game will translate well to the NFL level. He projects as a versatile Z-receiver who can move around the formation and win on all three levels. It will be interesting to see if he continues to play on both sides of the football and how much. Hopefully for our purposes he will commit to the wide receiver position and be the high-end fantasy producer we know he can become.

11. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Matthew Golden is a versatile wide receiver who can line up out wide as well as kick inside to the slot. He has the speed and explosion to make plays vertically, plus the route running and quick separation to work the short and intermediate areas of the field. He’s a good route runner with a diverse array of routes in his arsenal. He has no fear operating in the middle of the field and actually thrives in traffic and in contested catch situations. Golden is excellent at tracking the football and he has the hands and body control to make the difficult catches look easy. He has the tools to gain a few additional yards after the catch as well.

At the line, Golden will utilize multiple different release packages throughout a game, keeping cornerbacks on their toes and creating that quick separation. He then uses his quickness and burst, plus detailed route running to get open for his quarterback. 

Golden’s skills translate to the kicking game as well, where he’s had success going all the way back to his high school days. He combined for more than 700 return yards with two touchdowns during his three year college career. That’s something NFL teams will appreciate when they’re making their decisions on draft weekend.

Speaking of the NFL, Matthew Golden projects as a complimentary weapon at the next level. He will compete for a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 wide receiver job. His versatility to line up at any position and to fill any receiver role in an offense will certainly give him a leg up. He’ll be a guy who takes snaps in the slot, at Z, and even at X. He’ll be used in motion before the snap, he’ll catch screen passes, long passes, short passes, etc. 

Golden may never be a mega-producer or a true WR1, but he will certainly add a ton of value to an NFL team.  However, we have to be cautious as fantasy gamers. His role may not fully translate to reliable high-end fantasy production. He wasn’t exactly the most productive player at the college level, after all. He could be a rotational player who is great for his real life team but not our fantasy teams. With that said, some analysts are going to push him high up the dynasty rankings anyway. Just be careful not to draft him too early.

12. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Colston Loveland is a hyper-athletic receiving option at the tight end position. He has excellent speed, impressive lateral agility, and exceptional hands. Loveland can run the full route tree as a true three-level threat from the tight end position. He’s a consistent separator and a constant mismatch for opposing defenses to deal with. Loveland presents his quarterback with a big target with a massive catch radius. He has the ball skills of a wide receiver when working down the field. 

Loveland is lacking in overall play strength and is a bit undersized. He won’t be much of a blocker but is capable when asked to do so. Instead, Loveland’s game will be built around his playmaking ability as a pass catcher. He will be a top receiving option in his offense and will command targets from in-line, the slot, and along the boundary.

13. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

Jaylin Noel is an explosive slot receiver who runs precise routes and creates consistent separation. He has quick feet and incredible short-area burst and quickness that help him win on just about every route. He has the speed to win vertically and to separate from defenders after the catch. Noel has excellent body control to adjust to any throw with an impressive catch radius for a guy of his stature. He possesses the toughness to take the hits that come with working the middle of the field as much as he does.

In the NFL, Jaylin Noel projects as a playmaking slot receiver who is versatile and athletic enough to line up out wide at Z as well. He’ll be a complimentary weapon who can run just about any route on the route tree. Teams will appreciate his detailed route running, his ability to create consistent separation, and his explosive tendencies. In addition to the mismatches he creates on offense, Jaylin Noel will also provide value on special teams as a guy with extensive experience as both a kick and punt returner.

14. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Elic Ayomanor is a big, strong, powerful wide receiver who wins with strength and aggression. He out-duels defenders with his physicality and bully mentality. Ayomanor presents a big target for his quarterback, winning on the perimeter and down the field. He’ll use a variety of release tactics to create separation off the line while hand fighting throughout the route and taking advantage of his large frame to win at the catch point. He tracks the ball well in the air and knows how to position himself to out-race the defender to the catch. Ayomanor has enough speed to get open vertically and to get up field after the catch.

Stanford used Ayomanor mostly on the perimeter with a focus on vertical patterns, hitches, and drags, with the occasional double-move mixed in. In fact, more than half of his routes were go’s and hitches, according to TruMedia (via the33rdTeam). That’s about what we can expect from him at the NFL level, at least until he develops his route tree further. He showed enough to think he can add to his repertoire and even slide into a big slot role from time to time. Though, I do expect he will be predominantly used along the boundary. NFL teams will appreciate his physical nature and his sense of urgency throughout the play—both as a receiver and as a blocker in the run game. He will wear out defenders with his play style and competitiveness.

Ayomanor projects as a team’s No. 2 or 3 receiver who will man the X while presenting a big-play threat on the outside. Defenses will be forced to respect his impressive combination of speed and physicality in all phases of the game. If he is able to expand his route tree and develop into a more complete receiver, Ayomanor would really unlock his ceiling. No matter what happens, though, he will absolutely be a guy who will garner looks in the red zone. He will even earn his way on the field with his enthusiastic and effective run blocking. That will get him on the field early—and that’s step one on the road to developing into a productive player.

15. Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

Jayden Higgins is a big wide receiver, standing at 6-4, 214 lbs. He’s a smooth route runner who utilizes his size and physicality to his advantage. He’s a great tracker of the football with excellent body control and a massive catch radius. Higgins uses his quickness off the line of scrimmage to create early separation. He’s especially effective in the short and intermediate areas of the field but has the tools to make plays vertically on occasion as well. Higgins has outstanding ball skills and strong hands which help him consistently win in contested catch situations. 

He could be even better in those situations if he were to play the football more aggressively at the catch point. There have been occasions where Higgins will let the ball come to him, rather than meeting it at its highest point, which will sometimes result in the defensive back being able to make a play on the football. He also lacks the overall explosive athleticism to be a true X receiver out wide. Moving him into the slot at times instead will help maximize his skill set. 

In the NFL, Jayden Higgins projects as a versatile receiver who can line up out wide as well as operate in a big slot role. He will bring a big-bodied presence to an offense in need of some physicality at the receiver position. He may not be the true X that his body type suggests, but Higgins can become a high-volume target and a consistent presence in the intermediate area of the field.

16. Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

Tre Harris is a big perimeter wide receiver with the size/speed combination to be a vertical playmaker. Harris dominates down the field, creating consistent separation on vertical patterns while tracking the ball well and attacking it in the air. He then uses that threat of the big play to break-off routes and find easy space underneath on slant and hitch routes. Harris is low-key good after the catch as well, utilizing his size and speed to grind out additional yards. 

At the line of scrimmage, Harris displays an impressive initial burst off the line when given space to work. However, he needs to develop a wider variety of release packages to win against tight man coverage and not be so predictable. It doesn’t help, either, that his route tree was so limited at Ole Miss. Harris wasn’t asked to do much outside of go’s, slants, and hitches. While he was effective in doing so, he will need to grow a few more branches on his route tree if he’s going to be a well-rounded wide receiver at the NFL level. 

That will be a tough ask given his underwhelming lateral quickness and agility. Harris doesn’t operate well on the short and intermediate routes that require tight angles to the inside or outside. That will make it tough for teams to move him inside as a big slot to get him away from press coverage or to draw up some of those “easy” targets that help fill out the stat sheet.

Unfortunately, for a guy of his size, Harris was also underwhelming in contested catch situations during his college career. He routinely had a low contested catch success rate relative to what you’d expect from a bigger receiver.

In the NFL, Harris projects as a starting outside wide receiver. Teams will deploy him as their go-to vertical threat while taking advantage of the cushion he receives to target him on some easy routes underneath. He will begin his career as a big-play threat who will be reliant on hitting the downfield plays for most of his production. However, with some development in his route running and route packages, Harris can become a true starting X-receiver as a team’s No. 2 option.

17. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tuten is a big-play running back with the requisite size to be a workhorse in the NFL. He’s a slashing back who displays incredible speed and explosion. He gets up to his top gear very quickly and can turn any carry into a long touchdown. Tuten has excellent short-area quickness and burst and has the lateral agility to change direction on a dime. He’s not the most elusive in the open field and has average contact balance, but Tuten is always a threat to a defense thanks to hard running style, speed, and lower body strength.

Tuten has the ability to be effective running north and south, but was oftentimes deployed with the idea of stretching the defense horizontally at Virginia Tech. In fact, there were many times when Tuten would begin a play lined up out wide or in the slot and motion his way back in to take a handoff while already on the run. It was an effective way to not only test the edges of the defense, but to take advantage of Tuten’s elite speed.

In the passing game, Tuten had a productive career as a receiver, but he was mostly limited to simple routes like check-downs, swings, screens, etc. In fact, he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in 2024. He had also struggled with drops prior to his senior season. He dropped nine passes between 2022 and 2023. 

Where Tuten struggles, is in short yardage situations. He’s certainly tough enough to mix it up between the tackles and he can handle to contact, but without a head of steam behind him, the power and ability to move the pile just aren’t there. He also displayed questionable vision at times and was inconsistent at breaking tackles in the open field. He’s not terrible in any of these areas, but the power, contact balance, elusiveness, and vision are average at best. Tuten also battled with ball security issues throughout his career. On top of the drop issues, fumbled nine times during his two seasons at Virginia Tech. That’s something he will absolutely have to clean up if NFL coaches are ever going to trust him in a significant role.

Speaking of the NFL, Bhayshul Tuten projects as a complementary playmaker in a zone-heavy offense. He will be a great fit for a team looking to add an explosive athlete to its backfield without having to use a premium draft pick to do it. His quickness, explosion, and elite combination of speed and acceleration would pair perfectly with a big powerful backfield mate.

18. Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

Brashard Smith played just one season of running back in college after spending his first three as a reserve wide receiver for the Miami Hurricanes. He looked like a natural out of the backfield, utilizing his impressive combination of speed, acceleration, and quickness to become an instant playmaker for the SMU Mustangs. Smith is slippery with the ball in his hands. He deploys a variety of moves to evade tacklers in the open field and in close quarters. Once he sees daylight, Smith is a real threat to take the run all the way to the end zone. He is incredibly explosive and he runs in the 4.3s. 

Where Smith will be most impactful, though, is in the passing game. Naturally, as a former wide receiver, Smith possesses above average receiving skills for the running back position. He has good hands, excellent ball skills, and the ability to run any route from the backfield. He will also line up in the slot or out wide and run real wide receiver routes. Smith is a mismatch for any linebacker tasked with covering him one-on-one. NFL teams will find that extremely valuable in today’s game and it could get him drafted much earlier than anyone expects. 

Where Smith is lacking is in short yardage situations. He simply doesn’t have the size, lower body strength, or power to move a pile and grind out tough yards. He also shows some hesitation behind the line of scrimmage, something that might just be a product of inexperience at the position. 

Still, Brashard Smith projects as an NFL team’s primary receiving back. He’ll be a nightmare for defenses to match up against in the passing game while also providing explosive play upside as a runner. He’s incredibly elusive, twitchy, and explosive. He has elite speed with natural instincts as a ball carrier. Smith may be limited to a rotational/passing downs role but he absolutely has the upside to develop into a true playmaking weapon at the NFL level.

19. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

Cam Skattebo is a big physical runner who runs with a high sense of urgency and aggression on every carry. He consistently finishes runs with violence while displaying elite contact balance to bounce off tacklers like a real life pinball. Skattebo has good vision to quickly identify the open lanes. He has excellent footwork in the backfield to navigate through traffic and onto the next level. While Skattebo reaches his top gear quickly, he’s certainly no threat to break off long runs with pure speed. Once he’s in the open field, he needs to rely on his strength and contact balance to keep the run alive because he’s not going to out run anyone.

In the passing game, Skattebo racked up the production in 2024. He has good hands and is a tough tackle in space. His route tree is mostly limited to check-downs and screens, but Skattebo does well to maximize every touch. And he did catch the occasional downfield pass and looked like a natural doing it, so perhaps there’s room to expand this area of his game moving forward.

Where he really needs to focus on improving, though, is his ball security. Skattebo fumbled 10 times over his last three seasons. He’s going to have a hard time earning the trust of NFL coaches if he doesn’t clean that up.

Projecting to the NFL, Cam Skattebo will fit well into a rotational backfield where he serves as the primary short-yardage and red zone back. He is extremely effective in those situations, utilizing his power and strength to consistently move piles and gain the necessary yardage. He will also serve well as a team’s “closer”—where he can wear down a defense in the second half while protecting a lead. NFL teams are going to appreciate his high energy and bruising running style while being able to add value to all three downs.

20. RJ Harvey, RB, UCF

RJ Harvey is undersized from a height perspective, but he’s got a compact frame and low center of gravity at 5-7, 207 lbs. Harvey is a between the tackles runner who grinds out yards and wears down defenses. He has excellent contact balance to pair with 4.4 speed. 

Harvey flashes playmaking ability with a bunch of breakaway runs.  He is relatively new to the position after beginning his college career as a quarterback. But he has shown he has the natural ability to be an NFL running back. 

In the passing game, RJ Harvey has good hands and can make some plays out in space. He’s mostly a check-down option, but he has some experience running more extensive routes from the backfield. However, Harvey won’t be able to be a true three-down back in the NFL unless he makes considerable improvements in pass protection.

Harvey projects as a backup running back with developmental traits in the NFL. He will be best between the tackles where he can take advantage of his contact balance and lower body strength to grind out yards. 

21. Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee

Dylan Sampson is an overall athletic running back who wins with speed and explosion. He finds the open lanes with his great vision and patience and is able to bounce off tacklers with exceptional contact balance. He gains yards after contact with regularity while smoothly shifting gears from lateral runner to a north-south bullet with a knack for breaking off long runs. Sampson is extremely explosive once he finds a lane with the speed to house it at any time. He runs with surprisingly effective power for a back of his size. He doesn’t go down easily and he’s been known to move a pile on occasion. 

In the passing game, Dylan Sampson displays good hands and the explosiveness to make plays after the catch. He has the upside to develop into a greater role as a pass catcher than he held at the college level. 

In the NFL, Sampson projects as a versatile, well-rounded running back who can effectively contribute in all phases of the offense. He’s explosive between the tackles with the speed and lateral quickness to bounce it outside. He has the power to win in short yardage and goal line situations, even at his size. NFL teams will appreciate his versatility and playmaking upside. He will likely be deployed in a split backfield alongside a bigger, bruising style runner. But make no mistake, Sampson is capable of carrying the load when called upon as he showed in his final season at Tennessee. 

22. Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Devin Neal is a versatile running back who wins with short area speed, burst, and acceleration. He’s a slasher with the build of a power back. He might not run you over like most other 215 pounders, but he’s incredibly difficult to bring down in space. Neal uses his quick footwork, agility, and natural instincts to make tacklers miss with ease. He’s a patient runner with good vision and great change of direction ability. Once he identifies a lane, he puts his foot in the ground and goes. That’s when he’s most exciting. His short bursts of speed, acceleration, and explosion are almost unmatched. He will then creatively work his way to the next level and use his contact balance to keep the play alive through multiple tackle attempts.

Once he makes it into the secondary, Neal has enough speed to create chunk plays. However, he does get caught from behind more often than not. The next level breakaway speed just isn’t there. In short yardage, Neal won’t always be the most effective option at the NFL level. We could see him subbed out for bigger backs at the goal line. He has the frame to do it, but he’s lacking in effective play strength and power to routinely convert on those opportunities.

In the passing game, Neal was productive enough at Kansas to think he can add some value there in the NFL as well. However, he did have some drop issues at times and will need to improve in pass protection if he’s going to stay on the field for all three downs. Instead, we’re likely to see a guy who can (and will) catch a number of passes will typically be subbed out in obvious passing situations. Still, Neal will be able to get his share of targets on early down screens, swings, and check-downs. If he were somehow able to develop this area of his game, though, he would bring a lot of upside as a receiver given his athleticism and open field elusiveness.

Projecting to the NFL, Neal will likely begin his career as a high-end change-of-pace back or RB2. He’ll be a versatile player in terms of what he can do on the field, as well as the schemes he can operate in.

23. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Cam Ward is built like your prototypical big-armed quarterback. He has good size and all the arm talent to be a high-end NFL quarterback. He throws a nice deep ball with a good combination of velocity and touch. He can also fit the ball into windows that a lot of other quarterbacks can’t. Ward shouldn’t be considered a dual-threat quarterback, but he has enough speed to be a tactical scrambler and move the chains a few times per game. He does a good job of moving out of the pocket and keeping plays alive when needed.

Where there is room to grow is on the mental side. Ward’s processing time and decision making are not going to impress anyone. He needs to do a better job of identifying coverages and reacting to them. Ward too often tries to play hero ball and make throws he has no business trying to make. He has a hard time taking the check-down option over the big-play option. He will need to be more disciplined if he’s going to be an efficient NFL quarterback.

He certainly has the physical tools to make it happen. The upside is immense if he can reign in the gunslinger mentality just a bit.

24. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Shedeur Sanders is an all-around quality quarterback. He has requisite NFL arm talent, but is accurate with the football while possessing the poise and anticipation that you want from a professional quarterback. He’s excellent on schedule but questions still linger about his ability to create when plays break down and to make off-platform throws. Sanders doesn’t hesitate to stand in the pocket and deliver an accurate ball while getting hit. He’s composed inside the pocket and keeps his eyes down the field no matter what is going on around him. While most of his work will come from within the pocket, Sanders does have enough juice in his legs to get outside when needed.

Sanders has all of the tools necessary to be a successful starting quarterback and game manager at the next level. He will have a high completion percentage and his receivers will appreciate his ball placement skills. He won’t be a game changer or playmaker from the position, but he will get the job done. He will live in the QB13-20 range in fantasy football.

25. DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State

DJ Giddens is an all-purpose running back who has great natural instincts and is a difficult take-down in the open field. Giddens has impressive fluidity in his running style for a 6-1, 212-lb back. He’s a smooth runner who quickly bursts through open lanes and onto the second level of the defense. He has the contact balance and strength to bounce off tacklers with ease or to run through arm tackles once he has a head of steam. Once into the open field, Giddens will utilize a variety of different moves to make guys miss.

He won’t outrun everyone, but he has enough speed to break off chunk plays and make the occasional house call. And while Giddens displays impressive elusiveness and tackle-breaking once he gets going, he does struggle to break free of tacklers at or behind the line of scrimmage and before he gets that runway build up speed. He also tends to be a bit indecisive in the early stages of the run. If he doesn’t have a clear lane to run through, Giddens can become hesitant and open himself up to a negative play.

In the passing game, DJ Giddens has proven to be a viable option with playmaking upside. He’s had some drop issues, but otherwise can run a variety of routes out of the backfield—including swings, wheels, and angle routes. He’s also been seen lining up in the slot on occasion as well. Giddens will need to clean up his pass protection issues, however, if he’s going to become a true contributor on passing downs in the NFL. In fact, according to PFF, Giddens gave up three sacks in 2024 alone on limited pass pro snaps. With that said, he certainly has the frame to develop into an effective player in blitz pickup.

In the NFL, DJ Giddens projects as a running back who can add value on all three downs. He will likely begin his career as an RB2/3 or part of a committee backfield. While he can be an effective player, Giddens may lack the athletic profile to become a true No. 1 running back. With that said, he certainly has the natural instincts and elusiveness to be a real contributor. Giddens will operate best in a gap scheme that will allow him to quickly identify the running lanes and get into the open field. And that’s where he is at his best. Giddens’ open-field vision, contact balance, and frame make him a true threat at the second level. He will bounce off tacklers with ease as long as he has the chance to build up some momentum.

26. Ollie Gordon, RB, Oklahoma State

Ollie Gordon is a big running back with an incredible combination of size, strength, and overall athleticism. He is fast and explosive enough to create chunk plays while delivering the power and brute force to dominate between the tackles and in short yardage. Gordon displays good vision behind the line and he possesses the short-area burst to quickly get to the second level. And once he builds up that head of steam, good luck to anyone trying to tackle him. Gordon will bounce off tacklers with ease and finishes his runs with bad intentions. He’s a big, thick back who runs with a purpose. 

But he doesn’t just rely on brute strength to break tackles. Gordon has the moves to run around would-be tacklers and there are a few highlights of him even hurdling guys in the open field. Some of the moves and cuts that he makes should be illegal from a guy of his stature. 

Gordon adds some value in the passing as well. He was held to a limited route tree at Oklahoma State but he showed enough to think he can add a few branches at the next level. He will also be someone teams can trust in pass protection. Gordon utilizes his frame to its full advantage when squaring up with blitzing linebackers. Quarterbacks and coaches will appreciate this area of his game as much as any.

Where Gordon lacks is in true breakaway speed. Don’t get me wrong, he’s got enough juice to create explosive plays, he just can’t always finish it in the end zone before being tracked down. He also tends to get caught up in the trash when the blocking isn’t there. Gordon struggles to create on his own to find ways through traffic. He needs clean running lanes, otherwise he’s not getting very far.

In the NFL, Ollie Gordon projects as a workhorse running back who dominates with size, strength, and short-area explosiveness. He’s a violent runner who will strike fear in any defender squared up one-on-one. Whether he uses a juke, a stiff arm, or just runs right through you, Ollie Gordon is surely not getting brought down easily in the open field. He will be a force between the tackles and a guy who will consistently move the chains in short-yardage situations. He’ll make for a great goal line specialist. Gordon will add value on passing downs as both an outlet from the backfield and a trusted blocker in pass protection. 

He will be best deployed in a gap-centric running game that will allow him to work north-and-south rather than asking him to bounce out wide or cut laterally.

27. Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

Jalen Royals was a late-bloomer but he’s looked like a guy primed for a productive NFL over the last two years. Royals combines his quality route running with blazing speed to present a true three-level threat. He’s an instinctive player who has the versatility to line up in multiple positions across the formation. He gets up to speed quickly and consistently wins on vertical routes. He tracks the ball well and has the body control to adjust to the throw in the air and make difficult catches down the field. Royals is a good enough route runner to win in the short and intermediate areas of the field as well. He eats up zone coverage with ease, seemingly always knowing where the open lanes are going to be.

Royals is excellent after the catch, too. He bounces off tackle attempts and has the speed to outrun defenders in the open field. He’s a guy offenses will want to get the ball to at the NFL level. 

Where there is room for development is against physical coverage and press looks at the line. Royals can get knocked off his routes pretty easily when a bigger defensive back gets handsy. He is also inconsistent at the catch point when working in traffic, though he has been known to come down with his fair share of contested catches. NFL coaches will surely want to improve his sideline awareness on vertical routes as well. Royals doesn’t keep enough space between himself and the sideline to allow his quarterbacks to lead him away from the defense on go routes. Instead, he allows the cornerback to use the sideline to his advantage and Royals runs out room to make a play on the football. These are things that can be coached out of his game at the next level

Speaking of the next level, Jalen Royals projects as a playmaking possession wide receiver in the NFL. He will give offenses a versatile weapon that can move around the formation and win down the field as well as underneath. He’s going to earn some manufactured touches that will allow him to get into space and use his speed and elusiveness after the catch to create explosive plays. He will settle in nicely as a team’s starting Z receiver who can potentially add some value in the kicking game as well.

28. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami

Damien Martinez is a big bruising running back. He wins with good vision, power, and surprising agility to make quick cuts on his way to the open run lanes. He’s far from the fastest, but he reaches his top gear quickly which allows him to get to the second level of the defense for a few breakaway runs. Martinez showcases good footwork and lateral movement while working his way through traffic. He then uses his size and power to its full advantage when faced with a potential tackler one-on-one. He shows zero hesitation to lower his shoulder and blow a guy up. 

At that point, he gets back up to speed and is in search of his next victim. Martinez is almost impossible to bring down with a solo tackler. In fact, his highlight tape is filled with clips of him absolutely abusing both defensive backs and linebackers. Even when multiple guys get their hands on him, he will continue to drive his legs to grind out every last yard available. 

In the passing game, Martinez won’t be a dynamic route runner out of the backfield, but he certainly has the hands to be a useful check-down option. Once he catches it, Martinez then goes right back into beast mode—barreling through tacklers with a head of steam behind him, or even turning on the occasional juke move. 

Projecting to the NFL, Damien Martinez has the ability to become a team’s workhorse right away. However, he will likely land in a spot where he will have to compete for shared touches. Still, he will have the opportunity to earn a role as an early-down grinder and short yardage/goal line specialist. NFL teams will appreciate his violent running style and ability to wear down a defense. He’s the perfect type of running back to put in the game in the fourth quarter to grind out the clock and test the will of a tired opponent. 

Martinez experienced success in both zone and gap schemes during his college career so he should have no problem translating to the NFL. His north-south running style will pair perfectly with a speedy, slashing backfield mate.

29. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

Mason Taylor is a big tight end with versatility and exceptional athleticism. The son of NFL Hall-of-Famer Jason Taylor, Mason offers value as both a traditional in-line tight end, as well as a big slot. He can win at all three levels with good body control, strong hands, and yards-after-catch ability. Taylor routinely wins in contested situations thanks to a wide catch radius and toughness at the catch point. 

In the NFL, Mason Taylor projects as a guy who can add value in both the run game and as a receiver. He’ll offer a quality route runner and be a mismatch for opposing linebackers in coverage. His size, play strength, and blocking ability will help him develop into a true three-down tight end who can be useful in both phases. Oftentimes, that is the archetype that produces the best fantasy tight ends.

30. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Elijah Arroyo is a move tight end with a bunch of upside. He struggled with injuries during his college career but there’s a lot of juice left to squeeze out of his game. He has good size at 250 lbs with enough athleticism to be a difference maker at the position. Arroyo has a massive catch radius and the ball skills of a wide receiver. He’s an explosive player with the ball in his hands as a run-after-catch weapon. Arroyo is a smooth route runner who can create as much separation down the field as he does underneath. 

Arroyo will need to develop as a blocker if he’s going to become a true all-purpose tight end. For now, though, he projects as more of a big slot who will be used as a receiving weapon in a vertical passing attack.

31. Jarquez Hunter, RB, Auburn

Jarquez Hunter is an undersized running back who runs like he’s 225 lbs. He’s a between the tackles grinder with an aggressive mentality and violent finisher. He bounces off tacklers like a pinball and thwarts arm tackles with ease. He has the lower body strength and power to move piles in short-yardage and goal line situations.

Hunter is not an explosive runner, nor is he much of a threat in the passing game. He won’t make anyone miss in the open field with elusiveness or creativity and he does have a tendency of running towards contact when it isn’t always necessary. However, he makes up for it with his physicality, good vision, and decisive running style. 

Jarquez Hunter has the ability to be a 15-20 touch guy but he will likely settle into a backup role at the NFL level. He will add a power element with toughness and a downhill running style to whichever backfield he ends up in.

32. Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State

Tory Horton wins on the perimeter with 4.41 speed, excellent ball-tracking, and the ability to routinely come down with contested catches. He had a very productive two-year stretch from 2022 to 2023 before an injury ended his 2024 season. Horton will spend most of his time at Z where he can avoid physical press coverage. His route tree will consist of mostly vertical patterns and hitches. Unless he expands his route tree further, Horton will be boxed in as a one-dimensional player who doesn’t move around the formation much and doesn’t provide a lot of variety to an offense. Still, he could settle in as a team’s WR3 and rotational starting Z.

33. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

Terrance Ferguson is an upper-percentile athlete at the tight end position. He runs a diverse array of routes, particularly thriving in the middle of the field. He has the speed and athleticism to push the ball up the field and win vertically. Ferguson has excellent body control and good ball skills to adjust to and attack the football in the air. 

In the run game, Ferguson doesn’t offer a ton as a blocker, though there is some room for growth here. Instead, he’ll be utilized as a receiving weapon. He will fit best in a vertical passing attack that allows him to maximize his athleticism down the seams and over the middle of the field. His speed and athleticism will create major mismatches.

34. Woody Marks, RB, USC

Woody Marks is best known for his receiving prowess from his time at both Mississippi State and USC. He set school records for receptions—both career and single season—and he finished with more than 250 career catches. He has natural hands and can run all the routes from the backfield. He has the speed and athleticism to create a true mismatch and routinely beat linebackers in coverage. Once he has the ball in his hands, Marks turns into a dynamic playmaker who will slip past defenders with ease. 

As a runner, Woody Marks displays good patience and footwork to navigate his way through open lanes and into the next level of the defense. Once he identifies the open hole, he will plant his foot in the ground and use his impressive burst and acceleration to explode through to the secondary. He has the speed to turn a chunk play into a long touchdown and the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. 

Where he is lacking is in power and overall play strength. Marks has the frame to be effective between the tackles and short yardage, but the lower body strength and leg drive just aren’t enough to be a true force in those situations. He also easily gets knocked off balance with arm tackles that many other backs would plow through with relative ease. We see some of these issues come up in pass protection as well. Marks is simply not good in pass pro. It’s not for a lack of will or effort, but he just doesn’t have the technique and physical strength to be effective in blocking blitzing linebackers and safeties. That’s especially concerning given the strength of his game is as a receiver. If he can’t be trusted in pass protection, it’s hard to envision him carving out a true role on passing downs. 

Still, Marks has plenty to offer to an NFL offense. He has the size and skill set to be an effective runner both between the tackles and on outside carries. He offers scheme versatility and the explosive ability to turn short gains into long plays. He will be a dual-threat running back who can be a true weapon in the receiving game. Offensive play callers will appreciate his versatility and not being a guy who tips off a defense by his presence on the field—meaning defenders will have to equally respect the threat of the run and the pass when Marks is out there.

That should get him drafted some time in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft with the expectation of whoever selects him to deploy him as a high-end RB2/change-of-pace guy who specializes as a receiver out of the backfield but offers more when needed.

35. Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Isaiah Bond is an explosive playmaking wide receiver. He wins with speed both before and after the catch. His elite acceleration allows him to reach his top gear almost instantly while his exceptional lateral quickness and agility makes him almost impossible to get hands on him in space. Bond does an excellent job creating separation on his routes. He does so on all three levels—short, intermediate, and deep. He uses a variety of release tactics to get off the line with ease and find some space for his quarterback to hit him. Bond uses his speed threat to not only get open vertically, but he uses it to his advantage to throttle down and work the underneath areas of the field as well. Bond’s route running prowess goes beyond his speed and stop-start ability. He is a genuinely good route runner who is creative and crafty. He runs a diverse route tree and can do it from anywhere in the formation. 

Once he has the ball in his hands, Bond uses those same athletic traits to gain additional yardage after the catch as one of the most elusiveness playmakers among the 2025 wide receiver class. That translates to manufactured looks as well. His offenses found multiple ways to get the ball in his hands—underneath routes in space, screens, jet sweeps, pop passes, end arounds, etc. 

It’s hard not to get excited about the potential of a player like Isaiah Bond when you watch him play. However, he certainly doesn’t come without questions. For one, Bond’s production profile is extremely underwhelming. He never reached 700 yards in any of his three seasons or had a dominator rating reach 20%. He should be commanding more opportunities but the numbers tell a different story. He’s also not a guy who is ever going to win with physicality. That’s at the line, during the route, and at the catch point. A strong defender who gets hands on Bond will be a problem for the young receiver. His limited catch radius will keep him from snagging some of the tougher out of frame targets and inaccurate passes.

Projecting to the NFL, Bond can become a team’s No. 2 or No. 3 in a timing based passing offense. He will fit well with a quarterback who is accurate and gets the ball out on time. Bond will provide NFL offenses with a versatile playmaker who can win on all three levels and provide some electricity with the ball in his hands. Not only will he create easy separation in the short and intermediate areas of the field, but Bond will act as a team’s top vertical threat as well. He can score from anywhere and that’s always a coveted trait in today’s NFL. He will be used from both the slot and out wide, and as a guy to put in motion before the snap. In the right offense with the right quarterback, there’s a real chance Bond garners more volume and high-percentage opportunities than he ever did in college. He certainly has the physical traits to become that guy.

36. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart was a three-year starter at Ole Miss with progressively better numbers year over year. He has the arm talent to make throws to all areas of the field. He’s tough and poised inside the pocket to make throws in the face of pressure. Though his accuracy does fall off when under duress. Dart works through his progressions well and is a good distributor of the football with accuracy and timing. He is athletic enough to scramble outside the pocket to make plays with his arm or to pick up a few yards as a runner. Sometimes he turns to his legs earlier than needed and before working through all of his options. Dart will need to improve his footwork in the pocket at the next level to become a more consistent thrower. 

In the NFL, Dart can be a quality distributor of the football. He’ll work well as a point guard in an offense with quality receiving options and a heavy play-action system. He can develop into a top-15/top-20 quarterback in the league with the right environment around him.

37. Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Jack Bech is a big possession wide receiver who wins with strength and physicality. Bech is excellent at tracking the football with outstanding ball skills and body control. He attacks the football at its highest point and has strong hands, resulting in many successful contested catch situations. Bech has the versatility to line up out wide or from the slot. He demonstrates toughness before, during, and after the catch, as well as in the run game. 

Where Bech is lacking is in speed and explosion to consistently threaten defenses vertically. Instead, he relies on his size and play strength to win outside. Even then, Bech tends to be vulnerable against physical press coverage that can slow him enough to keep him at bay.

In the NFL, Jack Bech projects as a complementary wide receiver who can get as high as WR2 on a depth chart with some development. He’ll be a reliable target who can move around the formation and consistently win at the catch point. Bech will eat up zone coverage with ease and be a tough tackle after the catch. He won’t necessarily be an explosive weapon but he’ll do enough to carve out a role for himself at the next level.

38. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

Harold Fannin Jr is a natural receiving tight end who was wildly productive at Bowling Green. Fannin is coming off a 1,555-yard 2024 season where he scored 11 total touchdowns and caught 117 passes. He’s a versatile weapon who has been known to take some carries in the run game as well. He contributes on screens, jet sweeps, direct snaps, as well as traditional receiver routes. Fannin will need to continue to develop his route running but he’s shown enough to think he can do that successfully at the next level. 

Fannin had a disappointing NFL Combine which could cap his ceiling at the next level if he’s a subpar athlete for the position. That’s especially true for a guy who doesn’t add a lot of value as a blocker. Fannin is undersized and lacks the play strength and technique to be an effective blocker in the run game. A one-dimensional tight end with below average athleticism will not survive in today’s game. 

In the NFL, Fannin projects as a guy who adds versatility and playmaking ability to an offense. He will move around the formation and add value to the passing game in a number of ways. He will spend little time in-line, instead lining up in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield.

39. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia

The younger brother of Travis Etienne, Trevor was an underwhelming producer at both Florida and Georgia. However, Etienne does possess some quality traits that could translate to the NFL. He has good vision, quick feet, and excellent short-area agility and quickness. He’s not overly elusive or dynamic, but he navigates well between the tackles for an undersized back and he has the speed to create chunk plays once he gets to the open field. 

Etienne did find some impressive production as a receiver out of the backfield. He displayed reliable hands and efficiency in the passing game. In fact, Etienne managed to catch 62 of his 63 career targets with just one drop. With that said, though, Etienne was never asked to be overly creative or dynamic as a route runner. He was mostly used on simple stuff, but he proved to be a trustworthy option. 

Etienne projects as a secondary piece in an NFL backfield with upside to contribute in a passing downs role. He’ll benefit from a zone-based rushing scheme that allows him to stick to the things he does well. He won’t be the explosive playmaker that his brother has been in Jacksonville, but Trevor Etienne will be a steady slasher as an RB2 or RB3.

40. Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina

Raheim Sanders, who goes by “Rocket,” is a big running back who’s running style is a combination of a one-cut slasher and a downhill grinder. He runs with good vision and contact balance to consistently gain yards between the tackles. He’s big and physical with a ton of strength, but he also has the speed and burst to create long runs. Sanders lets that big-play ability dictate his decision making a bit too much at times, looking to create the long run when it’s not there. That can create some indecision early in the run.

Sanders is at his best working between the tackles, utilizing his size and strength to grind out yards while popping the occasional chunk play. He is a force to be reckoned with at the goal line and short yardage. It’s not very often he gets stood up in those situations.

In the passing game, Sanders provides value as a check down option. He won’t be a mismatch as a route runner, but Sanders is not a guy defenses want to let get out into space with a head of steam so a few dump-offs, screens, and swings to the big man can be an effective way to move the football. 

In the NFL, Raheim Sanders projects as a rotational running back who will provide some physicality to a backfield. He has the athleticism to be more than a grinder or short yardage guy. Offenses will appreciate his aggressive running style.

41. Tai Felton, WR, Maryland

Tai Felton is a playmaking wide receiver with a thin frame and a ton of athleticism. He’s a quality route runner in the short areas of the field with an impressive combination of speed and short-area burst and quickness. That not only helps him create separation on the route, but also gain a bunch of yardage after the catch as well. He won’t run through tacklers, per se, but he’s certainly creative with the ball in his hands to be a real YAC threat. 

Where Felton struggles is any time he is faced with physical play. He won’t have a lot of success beating tight press coverage and he is underwhelming in contested situations. Felton is submissive at the catch point when challenged. 

In the NFL, Tai Felton projects as a rotational player who will operate mostly from the slot. He will benefit from manufactured touches and short area targets that will allow him to get into space and create plays after the catch.

42. Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse

Oronde Gadsden began his college career as a wide receiver and you can tell. He’s become a pass-catching weapon from the tight end position with excellent body control and a huge catch radius. He’s a good route runner with the athleticism to be a matchup headache for opposing defenses. Gadsden attacks the football well and is dominant in contested catch situations. 

Gadsden was incredibly productive at Syracuse. He set the school record for receiving yards by a tight end in 2022, then broke the record for most receptions by the position in 2024.

Gasden doesn’t offer much as a blocker. Instead, he will play a role closer to a big slot receiver than a traditional in-line tight end in the NFL. He will dominate the seams and be a red zone weapon. 

43. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Jalen Milroe is the boom-bust quarterback of this draft. He has an incredibly high ceiling outcome with a huge arm and elite athleticism for the position. Milroe has a cannon arm and a quick release. He was a two-year starter at Alabama, rushing for over 500 yards in each, including a team-high 726 in 2024. He has speed for days and will be able to outrun even some of the fastest NFL defenders. 

The downside is he struggles with accuracy and decision-making. Milroe does not anticipate throws well and he struggles to put touch on the ball and vary his throw velocity. He does not throw receiver-friendly footballs, especially underneath. That can create drops, incompletions, and interceptions. His footwork and timing are a mess and will need to be coached hard in the NFL. 

With that said, the upside is undeniable. Some NFL coaching staff is going to be intrigued enough by the physical traits to take a chance on him and try to polish up his game. If they’re successful enough to make him a starting caliber quarterback, Milroe will be one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy football thanks to his rushing skills.

44. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State

Kyle Williams is a playmaking wide receiver who can beat teams with his speed vertically or after the catch. He will run past defenders in the blink of an eye while displaying excellent ball tracking ability down the field. He has good body control and does a great job adjusting to the football in the air. After the catch, Williams will turn up the field and become a real threat with elusiveness and burst. 

Williams will need to refine his route running and expand his route tree at the next level if he’s going to become a well-rounded receiving weapon. He does have the versatility to line up both out wide at Z or from the slot which will help him be more versatile and more difficult to defend. With some work, Williams could develop into a viable WR3 for an NFL team.

45. Ricky White III, WR, UNLV

Ricky White had a productive career at UNLV with more than 200 catches and over 3,000 receiving yards. He’s a versatile receiver with a thin frame. He was an excellent vertical separator in college but his 4.61 40-time suggests that may not translate as well to the next level. Still, he has good body control, adjusts to the football well, and has a wide catch radius. White will need to develop as a route runner, both in detail and variety, if he’s to carve out a consistent role in the NFL. He will play both the Z and slot positions as a WR3/WR4. He will also be a major contributor on special teams. He dominated on kick coverage units and blocked four punts in just 2024 alone.

46. Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

Jaydon Blue is an explosive player who relies on speed and overall athleticism. He’s dangerous in space with 4.38 wheels and impressive open-field elusiveness. He has super quick feet and excellent lateral agility. He is better on outside carries where he can lean on that speed and get to the edge and into space. Overall, though, Jaydon Blue is an extremely raw runner after minimal usage in college while spending two years backing up studs like Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Jonathon Brooks. 

Where he is at his best is in the receiving game. Blue threatens defense as a legitimate mismatch while running a wide array of routes both underneath and downfield. Once he has the ball in his hands in space—look out. There are still concerns in this area, however. Blue battled some drop issues with a 10% drop rate in 2024. He has also had fumble problems and is a liability in pass protection. He will need to clean up his game if he is going to develop into an impact player at the NFL level. 

Speaking of the NFL, Jaydon Blue projects as a change-of-pace satellite back who specializes as a pass-catcher. He will be a mismatch nightmare for opposing linebackers and a true weapon in the open field. As a runner, his lack of size and strength, plus poor vision between the tackles will make it difficult for him to carve out a meaningful role as a ball carrier. However, there is certainly room for Blue to improve his game as he enters the game relatively inexperienced. Whoever drafts him will be hoping he can develop and refine his game to the point where he can fully maximize his natural athletic traits.

47. LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, Syracuse

LeQuint Allen is a versatile running back who excels in the passing game. He has good hands, can run big boy routes, and is a force after the catch. Not only can Allen run the full route tree from the backfield, but he’s more than capable of lining up out wide or in the slot and running legitimate wide receiver routes. He rounds out his value by being one of the best pass protecting running backs in the class.

As a pure runner, LeQuint Allen is decisive with good vision, lateral agility, and acceleration. He looks like a wide receiver when he’s running. He runs upright which can throw off his leverage when taking on contact, especially given his height. He also lacks some explosiveness and creativity. And while Allen is undersized at just over 200 lbs, he has been largely successful in converting short yardage situations with a high level of consistency. 

In the NFL, LeQuint Allen projects as a guy who will compete for a role as a team’s primary passing downs back. He will add value as a receiver as well as in pass protection. Coaches will trust him to protect their quarterback as well as protect the football. Allen displayed excellent ball security at Syracuse, fumbling just one time on more than 600 career touches.

48. Marcus Yarns, RB, Delaware

Marcus Yarns was a two-year starter at Delaware, rushing for a combined 1,783 yards over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He runs with good patience and burst with the speed to rip off some long runs. He will make guys miss in the open field but he’s not much of a tackle breaker due to poor contact balance and undersized frame. 

In the passing game, Yarns presents good hands and route running. He can create mismatches against opposing linebackers. 

Yarns won’t offer much as an inside runner or in short yardage situations. He simply doesn’t have the size or play strength to hold up between the tackles.

Instead, Yarns projects as a change-of-pace back with receiving upside as a No. 3 running back in the NFL.

49. Tahj Brooks, RB, Texas Tech

Tahj Brooks is a workhorse running back who capped off his career at Texas Tech with back-to-back 1,500-yard rushing seasons. He’s the school’s all-time career leader in rush attempts and rushing yards.

Brooks has a low center of gravity with strong legs to create power and broken tackles. He has excellent lateral agility and contact balance and is elusive both in traffic and in the open field. He’s not the fastest or most explosive runner, but he will eat between the tackles and grind out tough yards.

In the passing game, Brooks has good enough hands to be a quality check-down option but that’s about as far as he will go in that facet of the game.

Brooks projects as a tough runner who will simply grind his way through defenses as a No. 2 or No. 3 in an NFL backfield. He will work best on inside carries as a downhill, straight-line runner. Brooks can certainly handle a heavy workload if ever called in from the bullpen for some relief duty.

50. Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers

Kyle Monangai ran for over 1,200 yards in each of his last two seasons at Rutgers. He’s a between the tackles runner with excellent lateral agility and contact balance. He makes guys miss in the open field and bounces off tacklers like a pinball. Monangai lacks the speed, acceleration, and burst to break off long runs and he won’t add much to the passing game, either. He projects as an early downs grinder who will settle in as a No. 3 running back on an NFL depth chart.

51. Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami

Xavier Restrepo is a volume slot receiver who is the University of Miami’s all-time leader in both single-season receptions as well as receptions in a career. He was also just the sixth receiver in school history to have a 1,000-yard season—and he did it twice. Restrepo can attribute much of his success over the last two years to his nuanced route running and ability to generate quick separation. He is explosive off the line and is smooth in and out of his breaks. He has incredible short-area quickness that allows him to create a consistent target for his quarterback. Restrepo is a reliable chain-mover with sticky hands and the toughness to grind out extra yards after the catch.

Restrepo lives in the slot, but he’s a threat to win on in-breaking routes, out-breaking routes, hitches, screens, and even the occasional vertical pattern. With the ball in his hands, Restrepo will fight with every blade of grass he can get. 

Where Restrepo falls short is in his natural athletic traits—particularly long speed. While he generates plenty of initial burst and lateral quickness, Restrepo isn’t threatening too many defenders with his long speed. He’s also going to struggle against physical defenders in tight coverage on the outside.

That’s why Xavier Restrepo projects as a pure slot receiver at the NFL level. He will thrive as a trusted chain mover who quarterbacks can turn to in must-have situations. He will win with quickness, detailed route-running, and good initial acceleration off the line of scrimmage. Restrepo plays above his size and displays incredible toughness that will help him succeed in the middle of the field. He will fit best on a team that uses a lot of 11-personnel and is in need of a physical slot receiver. Teams may even view him as a guy who can contribute on special teams which will only enhance his value on draft weekend.

52. Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon

The story of Tez Johnson starts and ends with his size (or lack thereof). He stands at just 5-9 and 156 lbs. And that certainly puts a cap on what he can do as a player. It limits his catch radius, it limits his success rate in contested catch situations, and it makes playing out wide almost impossible because he can’t hold up against any type of press or physical coverage. However, that doesn’t mean Tez Johnson can’t have success at the NFL level. He was, after all, very productive at the college level as a volume slot receiver in one of the nation’s best offenses. 

Where he wins is in route running and instincts with the ball in his hands. Johnson is often described as a “twitchy” receiver. He has quick feet and a ton of short-area quickness and burst. He consistently wins in the short and intermediate areas of the field while offering the ability to occasionally get open vertically on slot fades or up the seams as well. After the catch, Johnson is an instinctive runner with excellent open-field vision to find the open lanes in a defense. He has the speed and elusiveness to take advantage of any crease given to him. 

In the NFL, Tez Johnson projects as a slot receiver who will benefit from pre-snap motions and alignments that will allow him to get into space and avoid physical coverage. He will be best paired with a quarterback who’s playing style is more rhythm and timing based—a guy who likes to get the ball out quick and let his playmakers make plays. Johnson will be great on option routes, screens, and underneath crossers. He may not be the featured piece of an offense or receive the same volume he did in college, but Johnson can certainly make an impact and be a weapon in the right situation.

53. Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois

Pat Bryant is a versatile wide receiver who can line up in the slot or kick it outside. He’s excellent off the line of scrimmage with above average ball skills and body control to win down the field. Bryant is physical in his route and at the catch point. His route tree was mostly limited to vertical routes and crossers at Illinois. He will have to expand on that if he’s going to be a well-rounded player in the NFL, especially since he is lacking the speed to create consistent vertical separation at the next level. He has the tools to develop his game, it may just take some time for it to translate to a productive role. 

54. Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Gunnar Helm is an all-purpose tight end who had a productive career at Texas. He’s a quality route runner with good hands and ball skills. He works well in traffic and is comfortable operating in the middle of the field. He’s a reliable target who quarterbacks trust. Helm will operate primarily in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Despite a lack of explosive athleticism, Helm will add additional yards after the catch with some tough running. 

Helm provides three-down value and versatility as a quality blocker. He can operate comfortably as a traditional in-line tight end. He can develop into a low-end starter or high-end No. 2. 

55. Bru McCoy, WR, Tennessee

Bru McCoy is a vertical wide receiver who has the size and speed to win downfield. However, his route tree is limited beyond that and questions remain whether his game will translate to the NFL or not. In addition to his limited route tree, McCoy has below average ball skills and is underwhelming in contested situations. He makes up for it with his physical traits and massive catch radius. Once he has the ball in his hands, McCoy does a good job of getting up field and making guys miss for additional yardage. McCoy projects as a WR3 in the NFL who will operate along the boundary and focus mostly on vertical patterns. 

56. Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame

Mitchell Evans is an all-purpose tight end who led Notre Dame in receptions in both 2023 and 2024. That’s despite suffering an ACL injury midway through the 2023 season that also limited him early in 2024. Evans has good enough athleticism to be an effective receiver. He has the versatility to line up both in-line and from the slot. He will run most of his routes underneath while dabbling in the intermediate areas of the field as well. He has good ball skills and has been known to make some difficult catches in traffic. 

Evans is also an effective blocker in the run game with good size and strength. That will help him carve out a three-down role in the NFL as a team’s No. 2 tight end.

57. Savion Williams, WR, TCU

Savion Williams is a big-bodied receiver with exceptional speed and explosion. TCU used him all over the field. He took direct snaps in the backfield, he took goal line carries, he was a catch-and-run guy on screens and short passes, and he played a bit of traditional wide receiver as well. Williams carried the ball 52 times for 322 yards and six touchdowns in 2024. He is incredible with the ball in his hands as a runner or a YAC monster.

The problem is, these types of gadget players rarely pan out in the NFL. Offenses are just not creative enough to get the most out of them and defenses are too fast and smart to let it happen. So, in order to latch onto a real role at the next level, Savion Williams will need to develop some of his traditional wide receiver skills like route running and catching the football. He’s extremely raw with poor footwork, underwhelming ball tracking ability, and unreliable hands. 

Unless he makes major strides as a receiver or lands with an offensive play caller who will commit to creating a role for him, Williams is likely looking at a career as a gadget guy and special teams player. That won’t help us much in fantasy. Best case scenario, he’s the next Cordarrelle Patterson.

58. Jordan James, RB, Oregon

Jordan James graduated from Bucky Irving’s backup to Oregon’s starting running back in 2024. He started all 14 games and led the team with 1,267 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. 

James is a tough between the tackles runner who wins with physicality and aggression. He breaks through arm tackles with ease and has excellent lateral agility to help navigate his way through traffic. He will grind out the tough yards and wear down defenses. James needs to be more patient behind the line of scrimmage, however. He gets too antsy and runs himself into trouble rather than letting his blocks get set up.

In the NFL, James will compete for backup duties as a two-down grinder. He won’t be a threat to break off long runs, but he’ll do the dirty work.

59. Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

It was a long journey to the NFL for Tyler Shough—literally. He was in college so long that he began his career as Justin Herbert’s backup at Oregon. Shough played seven years across two schools, thanks in large part to a rash of injuries that held him to just 13 starts from 2021-2023. He bounced back with a productive 2024 season where he was finally able to start all 12 games. 

Shough is a talented athlete with the arm strength and accuracy to make all the throws. He has the size and measurables of a prototypical professional quarterback. He’s made some tough throws over his career—often making them look easy. The ball jumps off his hand with zip and accuracy. He has good release time and he can adjust his arm angles without losing accuracy. Shough can fit the ball into tight windows or crank up a pretty deep ball. He is athletic with some speed and he’s shown the ability to make plays off-script. 

Where Shough consistently struggles is against pressure. He will make poor decisions when he has a defender closing in on him. He lacks poise and mobility inside the pocket. 

Overall, Shough has a chance to become a middling starting quarterback in the NFL. He will benefit from heavy play action and rollouts to get him outside the pocket and out of the face of interior pressure while capitalizing on his athleticism.

60. Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan

A former linebacker, Kalel Mullings waited patiently for his opportunity for an increased role in the Michigan backfield and finally got it in 2024. He took advantage by leading the team with 948 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. 

Mullings is a big running back who runs with power and strength. He uses his size to break tackles and grind out the tough yards between the tackles. He has impressive lateral movement for his size but lacks creativity as a runner. He projects as a No. 3 running back in the NFL who will add power and a downhill running style to a backfield. He could work his way onto the field as a short yardage specialist.

 

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