Our ESPN Fantasy Football analysts Liz Loza and Matt Bowen offer their analysis of each skill position player selected in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, and Mike Clay provides his projections for these incoming rookies. In addition, Stephania Bell highlights any injury concerns worth noting.
Will Cam Ward be worthy of starting in fantasy leagues during his rookie season? What should be expected from Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in this strong class of running backs? Will dual-threat player Travis Hunter make the biggest impression among this year’s rookie wide receivers? And are tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland poised to make a splash similar to what Brock Bowers did last season?
There’s no better time than now to start thinking about the 2025 fantasy football season.
Round 2
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 82 targets, 55 receptions, 686 yards, 4 TDs (15 games)
At 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, Higgins has the formation flex to play on the perimeter or align in the slot. He’s a natural hands-catcher who is strong at the catch point, and he displayed the body control to adjust and finish plays at Iowa State. Higgins had eight red zone touchdown grabs last season (second most in the nation), so he can bring scoring upside to the lineup, too. The Texans signed Christian Kirk in free agency, and we know Nico Collins is the top target for quarterback C.J. Stroud. But with Tank Dell recovering from a knee injury, Higgins will have opportunities to produce some WR3 weeks as a rookie, giving him value in redraft formats. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 191 carries, 838 yards, 5 TDs;
53 targets, 41 receptions, 298 yards, 1 TD (15 games)
Judkins is a hard runner who knows how to bring the thump. He’s got a nasty stiff arm that brutalized defenders during his college career at both Ole Miss and Ohio State. Judkins excels in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. In fact, he led the SEC with 15 rushing touchdowns in 2023. His numbers dipped in 2024, as he worked in tandem with TreVeyon Henderson. Still, Judkins figures to lead the Browns’ backfield, filling Nick Chubb‘s role (as much as one can) and stealing opportunities from Jerome Ford. Fantasy managers can expect RB2 numbers from the rookie. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 178 carries, 777 yards, 4 TDs;
36 targets, 28 receptions, 207 yards, 1 TD (15 games)
A slasher with big-play juice and the pass-catching skills to produce on third downs, Henderson will share the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson in New England. Henderson caught 46 passes over his final two seasons at Ohio State, and he can operate as a matchup target for quarterback Drake Maye on backfield releases. With the expected volume here, Henderson has upside as a flex play this season. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 69 targets, 44 receptions, 525 yards, 3 TDs (15 games)
A shifty receiver with awesome burst and dazzling change-of-direction ability, Burden is a nightmare in the open field. Utilizing fast and fluid footwork, he regularly ripped off long runs and chunk plays at Missouri. In fact, he broke or evaded an FBS-high 60 tackles since the start of 2023. His production dropped significantly from 2023 (86-1,212-9 in 13 games) to 2024 (61-676-6 in 12 games), but he will receive a massive opportunity to prove that was a fluke, as he’s expected to fill the Keenan Allen role in Ben Johnson’s high-octane offense. However, volume figures to be an obstacle from a fantasy perspective, especially with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and fellow rookie Colston Loveland all competing for looks. Burden could post some big games, but is more likely to end the season with flex-friendly numbers in fantasy. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 62 of 102, 687 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs;
8 carries, 37 yards, 0 TDs (3 starts)
Shough has traits as a pocket passer. We can see that on the tape. Shough drives the ball to all levels of the field, plus he can throw with pace and touch to target zone windows. And he did that in multiple college offenses. There is enough pocket mobility here to navigate traffic, too, though Shough will have to show a greater sense of calm versus pressure in the NFL. With Derek Carr‘s 2025 season up in the air due to a shoulder injury, Shough could see early time in Kellen Moore’s schemed-up offense, which will create defined throws for the rookie. For now, he’s a name to keep on the fantasy radar as we await more updates on Carr. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 47 targets, 33 receptions, 340 yards, 2 TDs (15 games)
A natural hands-catcher with a 6-foot-5 frame and movement skills, Taylor is a developing route runner with future upside in the Jets’ system. Taylor has shown the ability to work the seams, he can get loose on play-action concepts, plus he is willing to work the heavy-traffic areas of the field. Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand worked with Sam LaPorta in Detroit, so there is a path here for Taylor to be deployed in a similar fashion once he gains more experience as a pro. With Justin Fields at quarterback, Taylor could see early action as an underneath outlet, but at this point he carries more value in dynasty formats. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 17 targets, 12 receptions, 120 yards, 1 TD (15 games)
A capable route runner with reliable hands, Ferguson put up big numbers for the Ducks. He leaves Oregon as the program’s all-time TE leader in receiving scores (16) and catches (134). Additionally, his 1,537 receiving yards are the second most at the position in school history after only Ed Dickson. Ferguson demonstrated alignment versatility throughout his career, but figures to thrive as a slot receiving tight end at the next level. With Tyler Higbee staying in Los Angeles for 2025, however, Ferguson is unlikely to make an impact as a rookie. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 21 targets, 15 receptions, 153 yards, 1 TD (15 games)
A standout at the Senior Bowl workouts, Arroyo averaged 16.9 yards per catch and added seven touchdowns last season at Miami. He is a fluid mover in the open field with the build-up speed to tack on numbers after the catch, and he has the profile to be utilized as a “move” tight end under Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Arroyo should slot in as the No. 2 tight end for the Seahawks behind starter Noah Fant, which limits his fantasy ceiling as a rookie, but he has future upside in this offensive system. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 55 targets, 35 receptions, 428 yards, 3 TDs (15 games)
A former high school quarterback and basketball standout, Harris is a big-bodied boundary receiver. He demonstrated impressive growth during his college career, consistently posting numbers at both Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss. He recorded 2,015 receiving yards in 20 games while in Oxford. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to only eight games in 2024, but he proved reliable while on the field. A player who can climb the ladder with confidence and regularly win at the catch point, Harris has a shot to unseat Mike Williams as the Bolts’ top outside option. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 80 targets, 53 receptions, 668 yards. 3 TDs (15 games)
A Senior Bowl standout, Bech plays with undeniable moxie. A solid ball tracker with excellent body control, the TCU product understands spatial awareness and has a knack for showing up in high-pressure moments. He runs hard after the catch, regularly breaking tackles and rumbling his way downfield. With shades of Puka Nacua in his game, he’ll have a prime opportunity to produce in Chip Kelly’s offense. He may not post big fantasy numbers initially, but has a real chance to emerge as a waiver wire hero down the stretch. — Loza
Round 1
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 307-of-504, 3,469 yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs;
57 carries, 263 yards, 2 TDs (15 games)
A big-arm thrower with the movement skills to get out of trouble, plus the creativity to work outside of structure, Ward is a solid fit for a Titans offense that will lean on three-receiver sets. Ward has a top target in Calvin Ridley, and the team recently signed Tyler Lockett. Yes, Ward will have to play with more consistent rhythm as a pro passer, but he brings a much-needed playmaking element to Tennessee, and that translates to fantasy production. I see Ward as a starter in 2QB and superflex formats with the ability to climb the ranks as the season progresses. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 110 targets, 73 receptions, 880 yards, 5 TDs;
4 carries, 25 yards; 25 tackles (15 games)
An unprecedented talent, Hunter won both the Chuck Bednarik Award, as the nation’s top defensive player, and the Fred Biletnikoff Award, as the nation’s premier wide receiver. Jacksonville moved up three spots to secure Hunter, whose unique skill set fills holes on both sides of the ball. The Colorado product figures to work in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr., thriving as an additional speed element in Liam Coen’s up-tempo offense. Hunter’s snap count remains a bit of a mystery, but he should stay on the field for upward of 60% of the team’s offensive opportunities. He’s an intriguing flex option with WR2 upside for fantasy purposes.
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 236 carries, 1,087 yards, 8 TDs;
70 targets, 56 receptions, 430 yards, 2 TDs (14 games)
Jeanty steps into the lead role in the Raiders’ backfield under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He is a difference-maker with home run ability and elite contact balance. Jeanty led the nation with 2,601 yards rushing at Boise State last season and should see consistent usage as a receiver on backfield releases. Given his high-end traits, plus the anticipated weekly volume in Vegas, Jeanty is in position to produce RB1 numbers as a rookie. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 111 targets, 70 receptions, 921 yards, 6 TDs (15 games)
A big-bodied wideout (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) with a volleyball background, McMillan excels in contested situations. He’s a versatile player who figures to dominate as an X receiver but can also succeed as a power slot option at the next level. His 3,423 career receiving yards were the most in Arizona history, illustrating his ability to move the chains and produce. He’s likely to make an immediate impact and quickly emerge as Bryce Young‘s favorite target. Given the lack of elite options in Carolina, McMillan has top-25 receiver potential. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 81 targets, 54 receptions, 599 yards, 4 TDs (15 games)
Loveland will give the Bears more formation flexibility out of two-TE sets due to his route-running traits. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, Loveland can work all three levels of the field, and he presents issues for opposing defenses out of a slot alignment, where he can stretch the seams or separate from coverage on crossers and over routes. In Chicago, Loveland will be deployed as a third receiver for quarterback Caleb Williams, and head coach Ben Johnson will scheme him to create space and favorable matchups. Loveland fits as a TE2 with streaming upside. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 75 targets, 51 receptions, 552 yards, 4 TDs (15 games)
A former high school quarterback (who also lettered in baseball and basketball), Warren is a do-it-all prospect with an elite ceiling at the position. The John Mackey Award winner is an outstanding mover who can run routes at all three levels. Warren rewrote the Nittany Lions’ record books, setting Penn State’s tight end single-season marks with 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards in 2024. He fills a massive need for the Colts, a team that has been without a top-five fantasy TE since Eric Ebron in 2018. Warren figures to make an immediate impact working as an offensive playmaker for either of Indy’s QBs. He has the potential to finish as a top-10 TE as a rookie. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 74 targets, 47 receptions, 605 yards, 5 TDs (15 games)
A receiver with inside/outside flexibility, Egbuka caught 81 passes last season at Ohio State. He is a smooth route runner, who can uncover and make himself available to the quarterback. Plus, Egbuka is competitive after the catch. In Tampa, Egbuka joins a wide receiver room with established veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, while Jalen McMillan caught eight touchdowns as a rookie in 2024. Tampa’s WR depth does lower Egbuka’s fantasy ceiling this season, however, he should be targeted early in dynasty drafts. — Bowen
This selection raises concern about the progression of Godwin, who suffered a fracture/dislocation in his left ankle in Week 7 and subsequently underwent surgery to repair it. After he re-signed with the Buccaneers on a three-year deal (with two years guaranteed), most assumed that indicated Godwin was on track to return at or near the start of the season. The thing about medicine, however, is until all the benchmarks are met on the return-to-play path, there is always at least a possibility they won’t be. The Bucs’ decision to prioritize a wide receiver with their first pick of the draft, almost two months after re-signing Godwin, strongly suggests a downward turn in his status. — Bell
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 189 carries, 834 yards, 8 TDs;
45 targets, 35 receptions, 256 yards, 1 TD (14 games)
An aggressive downhill runner with excellent contact balance and reliable hands, Hampton was one of just three FBS players to clear 2,000 scrimmage yards in 2024. He also excelled at the goal line, making North Carolina history as the only Tar Heel with at least 15 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. There’s a lot of Najee Harris in his game, which is interesting considering he’ll be joining the former Steeler in Los Angeles. While Hampton’s playing style is an excellent fit for Greg Roman’s offense, volume figures to be an issue for fantasy purposes. Still, the rookie should lead the Bolts’ backfield while earning enough touches to garner low-end RB2 fantasy numbers. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 100 targets, 61 receptions, 866 yards, 6 TDs (15 games)
With his 4.29 speed and ball-tracking ability, Golden brings a playmaking element to Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay. Last season at Texas, Golden led the country with 23 receptions of 20 or more yards, plus he can work the underneath levels of the route tree from multiple alignments. With Christian Watson still recovering from a knee injury, Golden can emerge quickly as a target for quarterback Jordan Love. As a rookie, Golden projects as an upside WR3. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 263 of 427, 2,795 yards, 16 TDs, 12 INTs;
57 carries, 270 yards, 2 TDs (13 starts)
Dart is the winningest QB in Ole Miss history, a mobile pocket passer with above-average arm strength and the ability to extend plays with his legs. He proved particularly accurate when passing to the intermediate levels of the field. Interestingly, 49 of his 81 career passing scores came on play-action. He has been frequently compared to Jalen Hurts throughout the draft process. He’ll have time to work toward the ceiling of that lofty comp, as Russell Wilson is expected to be named New York’s starting QB this fall. Dart offers little fantasy value in standard redraft leagues but could prove to be a solid investment for dynasty enthusiasts. — Loza
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