Round 1 of the NFL Draft is officially in the books and the fireworks started early. We saw a
myriad of trades and shocking picks that beg to be analyzed, especially for fantasy purposes.
While this is just the 1st round and we still have 6 more rounds to go, we expect to see the guys
mentioned here be the most impactful for fantasy purposes this upcoming year. Without further
ado, welcome to the beginning of the 2025 fantasy football season.
Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans
In what seemed to be the case for the last couple of months, Cam Ward was selected #1 overall
and immediately steps in as QB1 for a Tennessee Titans team that has desperately searched for a
franchise guy. While there are still many holes for this team, Tennessee saw their guy and got
him. They bolstered the offensive line in free agency and signed veteran pass catchers to help
their newest passer. Sure, they could have taken the top player in the draft (Travis Hunter), but
Brian Callahan got his guy. I project Ward to be a low-end QB2 for the upcoming season.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
An absolute stunner at the 2nd overall pick, Jacksonville sends the farm to Cleveland to trade up
for the right to draft the best player in this draft class, Travis Hunter. The Heisman trophy winner
and 2-way generational talent returns home to Florida and looks to revitalize a Jaguars team that
was bottom 10 in passing yards last year. It remains to be seen how the Jaguars plan on using
Hunter’s skillset, but signs are pointing to him starting mainly at wide receiver as a complement
to Brian Thomas Jr. That doesn’t mean he won’t see defensive snaps, but they could be limited.
Hunter immediately slots in as a low-end WR2 with high-end WR2 upside.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders
The first running back off the board, Ashton Jeanty lands in Las Vegas and looks to revitalize a
Raiders running attack that ranked dead last in both total rushing yards and yards per carry last
year. We are beginning to see a shift back to running backs being valued highly. Jeanty is a true
3-down back and will thrive in a Pete Carroll system where the goal is to grind out yards and
bleed the clock. The offensive line isn’t great, but they are solid which will allow Jeanty the
opportunity to produce at the next level. Jeanty is rock solid RB1 and could very well be a top 5
ranked rusher already.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers
The first wide receiver of the board, Tetairoa McMillan lands in Carolina where he will be
playing alongside 2nd year wideout Xavier Legette and Bryce Young. McMillan is a big-bodied
receiver and frequently draws Mike Evans comparisons with his ability to win at the catch point
physically. Sure, Carolina has plenty of other needs, but McMillan fills a big one and will
immediately help the passing attack. McMillan is a high-end WR3 with WR2 upside.
Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
While many believed Colston Loveland to be the 2nd best tight end in this class, he is the first one
selected as Ben Johnson gets his guy and solidifies, what could be, a dangerous passing attack in
Chicago. Chicago went out and overhauled an offensive line that gave up the most sacks in the
NFL. Caleb Williams is going into year 2 and is being given the tools to succeed, especially with
the addition of Loveland. Loveland will look to be safety blanket and a middle-of-the-field threat
for this passing attack. Loveland slots in as a TE1 with top 5 upside at the position.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
It’s been widely discussed, but the last time the Indianapolis Colts had a tight end over 500 yards
receiving was back in 2018 when Eric Ebron did it. That’s less than ideal. There are many issues
with this team, but Tyler Warren will immediately become Anthony Richardson’s best friend. A
sure-handed target that isn’t afraid to do the dirty work, Warren will provide everything needed
for Richardson’s short-game to thrive. Like Loveland, Warren is a surefire TE1.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This was the first pick that puzzled me, but it’s better to fix a problem a year earlier than a year
later. While the Bucs resigned their top 2 wideouts and drafted one last year, there is speculation
as to how much longer Mike Evans can keep up his Hallo Fame caliber play, and Chris Godwin
can remain healthy. Insert Emeka Egbuka. A savvy route runner with sticky hands, Egbuka is a
quarterback’s best friend. While he is blocked on the depth chart, he could emerge quickly if any
of these receivers miss time. Egbuka, for now, is nothing more than a WR3 at best.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh found his next great running back in Omarion Hamton. There was speculation that
many valued Hampton over Jeanty, but the draft did not play out that way. Regardless, Los
Angeles got a guy that is going to thrive in the system that is run by Harbaugh and Roman. The
offensive line was fixed last year, and it was time to get a talented running back to run behind the
big dogs. Hampton led the ACC in rushing yards both in 2023 and 2024 having over 1500 yards
in both seasons. Hampton is immediately a low-end RB1 for this upcoming year.
Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
The wait is over! For the first time in 23 years, Green Bay selected a wide receiver in the first
round with Matthew Golden. While Green Bay has a full receiver room, I don’t know if there has
been a team with more injuries to a single position group than this one. While Golden may not
emerge immediately, the skillset is there for him to become an impact player at the next level.
He’s fast and can run precise routes, which is what every quarterback wants. He will likely be
buried on the depth chart to start his career, but talent always wins out at the next level. Golden is
a WR3 with WR2 upside.
Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants
This could very well turn into the steal of the draft. Jaxson Dart gained a lot of buzz during pre-
draft and was selected by the New York Giants after they traded back into the first round. New
York signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston this offseason and could not have done a
better job handling the uncertainty around the QB position. Dart now doesn’t have to start and be
forced into the same situation that Daniel Jones was. With the being said, Dart is better left on
waivers for fantasy purposes this year.
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