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NFL Draft Fantasy Recap: Round 1



By Doug Orth | 4/25/25 |

1.01 - QB Cam Ward, Titans (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: There is a small chance HC Brian Callahan will claim that Ward will have to beat out Will Levis and Brandon Allen for the starting job this summer, but there is a zero percent chance either one will start ahead of the rookie barring a preseason injury. With Tyler Lockett joining Calvin Ridley and Chig Okonkwo, Ward will have a much better chance of success than Levis did - especially behind a much-improved offensive line. Ward will draw the lazy Patrick Mahomes comp from some given his ability and desire to throw from different arm angles, but he is not the same kind of athlete. I liken him more to a young Ben Roethlisberger given the similar arm strength and ability to shed tacklers in the pocket.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Probably mid-range QB2. Ward just does not offer enough with his legs to overcome what is still an average supporting cast at best.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex leagues, the discussion can begin around 1.03. In one-quarterback leagues, he could slide to the early or middle part of the second round.

1.02 - WR Travis Hunter, Jaguars (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: The Jags gave up a lot to move up three picks for Hunter, so he will almost certainly be allowed to contribute as much as humanly possible as a wide receiver and cornerback. He is needed at both spots in Jacksonville, but we will stick to the receiver part of his job description here as much as possible. With Brian Thomas Jr. emerging as a rookie last season, the Jaguars were one of the few realistic spots where Hunter could land that did not need him as an alpha receiver. As a result, it would not be shocking if Jacksonville takes its time loading Hunter's plate and gives those extra reps to Dyami Brown and Parker Washington early in the season. Such a decision would only be for a few weeks with the hope they would be able to have him contribute more on both sides of the ball later in the year. By the end of the 2025 season, it would not surprise me if the Jags view Thomas and Hunter as 1A and 1B.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Hunter's stock in all formats could vary greatly from day to day based solely on what beat writers say about his usage in offseason work and training camp. Promises of full-time receiver usage could mean fantasy managers need to rank him inside the top 30 receivers. Reports of sharing snaps with Brown and/or Washington could push into the WR4/5 range.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex leagues, he is worth considering as early as 1.04 regardless of what the Jags say about his usage this spring and summer. In one-quarterback leagues, he could go as early as 1.03 depending on team needs, although (again) much will depend on offseason reports.

Ashton Jeanty

1.06 - RB Ashton Jeanty, Raiders (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: Jeanty joins a roster where the best pre-draft options at running back were Raheem Mostert, Zamir White and Sincere McCormick. It is safe to say he will be featured and handle 300-plus touches as a rookie. Las Vegas still has much work to do before it can maximize Jeanty's considerable skill, but the offseason additions of OC Chip Kelly and Geno Smith should help minimize the Raiders' offensive line and receiver issues. Mostert will be more involved than many people might expect, but that is only because Kelly's up-tempo offense should lead to more opportunities for everyone.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? The Raiders might not have been the best offensive environment for Jeanty, but elite talent and massive volume tend to cure most ills for fantasy running backs. He should be considered a first-round lock in most drafts.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex and one-quarterback leagues, he should go at 1.01 in most of them.

1.08 - WR Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: It was only about a month ago that HC Dave Canales told reporters he still believed that Xavier Legette was "that (No. 1) guy." He is no longer that guy. McMillan should be considered the team's X receiver from the very moment he steps on the field for his first practice. It is worth noting that at least part of Canales' desire to draft him was likely to emulate what he had with Mike Evans during his short tenure as the Bucs' play-caller in 2023. McMillan profiles more like Larry Fitzgerald than Evans in my opinion, but the bigger point is that the rookie should not have to wait long to be the focal point of the passing game. Furthermore, he will have the luxury of picking the brain of Adam Thielen for at least a year.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Thielen's veteran savvy might be enough to keep McMillan from being the team's alpha in Week 1, but it should be only a matter of time until that transition takes place. McMillan should be considered a strong WR3 option with WR2 upside immediately.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In one-quarterback leagues, McMillan should be in play as early as 1.02. Positive reports about Travis Hunter's receiver usage could cause T-Mac to fall to 1.04 in-quarterback leagues and 1.05 in superflex formats.

1.10 - TE Colston Loveland, Bears (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: Cole Kmet signed a four-year extension in the summer of 2023, but his days are numbered in Chicago now. (The Bears can net $8.4 million in cap savings if they cut him next offseason.) Using the first pick of the Ben Johnson era on a move tight end is a strong indication that the Bears view Loveland in a similar light as Sam LaPorta. How Johnson plans to utilize Loveland and Kmet in the meantime will be interesting. With that said, Loveland will be the preferred option of the two right away and handle most of the targets that went to Keenan Allen last season. The upside with Loveland is that his presence changes the personnel defenses will use against the Bears (likely keeping an extra safety or linebacker on the field instead of a nickel corner). Being the quintessential "too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers" tight end that he is, Loveland will create headaches for defensive coordinators who would rather focus on trying to stop D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze week after week.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Loveland may not be the 2025 version of LaPorta per se, but fantasy managers should expect Johnson to use him the same way. He should be considered a strong TE1 option right away.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? In superflex and one-quarterback leagues, Loveland warrants consideration as early as 1.06.

1.14 - TE Tyler Warren, Colts (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: Indianapolis' long tight end nightmare is over. The Colts have not had a noteworthy contributor at tight end since Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle. They have not had a long-term answer at the position since Dallas Clark. That all stops now after Indy snagged the most complete tight end prospect in the draft. Warren's arrival not only should make Anthony Richardson's (or Daniel Jones') job easier by giving him a huge and trustworthy target over the middle of the field, but it should also allow Jonathan Taylor to break a few more big runs. While the Penn State product may not stretch the field very often with his speed, he is a tone-setter who plays a lot like the player he models his game after (George Kittle) - even if he is not quite as athletic.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Given the uncertain nature of the team's quarterback situation heading into the 2025 season, Warren should be considered a fringe TE1 option at best for now.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Warren is too good of a prospect to fall out of the first round of superflex and one-quarterback leagues despite the Colts' quarterback situation. He should be worthy of a pick in the late first round in both formats.

1.19 - WR Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: At first glance, this appears to be the worst fit of the first round. However, there are some likely explanations as to why it was made. Mike Evans will turn 32 in late August and cannot be expected to churn out 1,000-yard seasons much longer. Chris Godwin suffered a dislocated ankle in Week 7 last season and just turned 29 in late February. Jalen McMillan came on late during his rookie season, but the Bucs probably had no desire to go through another season in which they had to rely on Sterling Shepard to play significant snaps. Regardless of some of his shortcomings, Egbuka has been pro-ready for a few years as a route-runner and proven to be the consummate teammate while deferring to the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent years. Egbuka lived in the slot for most of his Ohio State career and will likely take over that role in Tampa Bay in the coming years.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Egbuka appears to be blocked by Evans and Godwin at the moment and could end up sharing snaps with McMillan initially, so he likely belongs in the WR5 conversation.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? The likelihood was that Egbuka was not going to be an alpha regardless of where he was drafted, so he entered the draft as a borderline first-round pick in superflex and one-quarterback leagues. The Bucs provide a fantasy-friendly offensive environment, but the presence of Evans and Godwin significantly caps his upside in 2025 and possibly 2026. Thus, he could fall into the early second round in rookie drafts.

1.22 - RB Omarion Hampton, Chargers (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: There was always a chance that Los Angeles was going to add a back in the draft to complement Najee Harris. Unfortunately for the former Steeler, Hampton is not just another back. He figures to take Harris' job sooner rather than later. Few coaches love to pound the rock more than HC Jim Harbaugh or OC Greg Roman and few backs in this draft are built to handle a heavy workload better than Hampton. The North Carolina product bears a resemblance to Jonathan Taylor and figures to be Harbaugh's primary back for the rest of this decade. The Chargers may not have the receiving weapons necessary to stretch the field yet, but almost everything else (run-heavy scheme, good offensive line and great quarterback) is in place to help Hampton thrive right away. Perhaps the only thing that will keep it from happening is if Los Angeles gives Harris the veteran nod for more than a few games.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Hampton will take over this backfield sooner than later, although the coaching staff could ease him in early in the season. That would only lower his draft cost in fantasy drafts, however. For now, consider him a potential RB1 who could be had at RB3 prices.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Regardless of whether it is a superflex and one-quarterback league, Hampton should be the second running back off the board in most leagues. He should not last past the 1.05 pick in either format.

1.23 - WR Matthew Golden, Packers (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: At least for 2025, Golden is a great fit for Green Bay. Christian Watson is expected to miss most of the season with a torn ACL, which left the Packers with no one capable of consistently stretching the field. Golden's arrival probably means Watson will be allowed to test the free-agent market in 2026. (Romeo Doubs is also a free agent after this season as well.) While a case could be made that Green Bay was a bit shortsighted with this pick, the more likely scenario is that the team hopes Golden can effectively replace Watson this year and emerge as the most productive player in the position group by 2026. He could not ask for a much better situation, however. HC Matt LaFleur is a brilliant play-caller, the running game is good - if not great - and Jordan Love has the arm strength to weaponize Golden's speed.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? There may be too many cooks in the Green Bay receiver kitchen in 2025, although Golden has as much upside as any of them. Still, he feels more like a boom/bust WR4 than an every-week contributor this year.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Green Bay is an attractive landing spot for any talented receiver, so Golden will most likely go in the 1.06-1.09 range in most superflex and one-quarterback leagues.

1.25 - QB Jaxson Dart, Giants (Draft Profile)

Team Fit: For the first time in years, New York might have a decent plan at quarterback and maybe even some reason for hope for the future. Russell Wilson gives the team a "safe" Week 1 starter, while Jameis Winston should be a more-than-capable backup for the next two seasons. In short, Dart does not need to be rushed into the starting lineup. HC Brian Daboll likely sees some of the same qualities in him that he did in Josh Allen once upon a time, but Dart is less ready now than Allen was as a rookie. The first-team All-SEC performer also does not possess the same kind of physical gifts as Allen and will probably need a redshirt year after playing in an RPO-heavy offense at Ole Miss.

What does it mean in redraft (12 teams)? Dart's ability to run and desire to make plays with his legs gives him a chance of being a QB2 at some point as a rookie, but it is a long shot because he is not ready to be a weekly starter in the NFL yet.

Where should I expect him to go in my rookie drafts? Dart might be worth taking near the end of the first round of superflex leagues, although the need for quarterbacks in that format will probably push him up into the 1.07-1.09 range. In one-quarterback leagues, he will probably go no earlier than the middle part of the second round.


Doug Orth has written for FF Today since 2006 and joined the Fantasy Points website before the start of the 2024 season. He is also a highly successful high-stakes player who often appears as a guest analyst on Sirius XM. Doug is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. Please check him out on "The Football Diehards" podcast with co-host JJ Wenner.