It's time to stop speculating and start getting ready to absorb, react to, and act on everything that happens in Green Bay on April 24-26. For a lot of us, a big part of that is our dynasty rookie drafts. For the 20th time, I'm bringing you my top 100 players for fantasy leagues (including IDPs!). As always, me, Matt Waldman, Bob Harris, and a ton of guests will be broadcasting and reacting live to the first round on our youtube channel. I'll be updating this for draft capital and destination by Tuesday after the draft.
The Bloom 100 is ranked with the following type of dynasty fantasy football league in mind:
- Full IDP lineups including DT and CB
- PPR, start 3 WR
- Deep lineups and rosters
How are the classes for each position?
Quarterback: Okay at the top, but overall below average.
Cam Ward is in the Kyler Murray mold and Jalen Milroe is in the Anthony Richardson mold, so we have two potential QB1s with top 5-6 upside. There are three more (Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, and Tyler Shough) who should get a chance to start, but have modest fantasy upside. For deep superflex leagues, Quinn Ewers and Kyle McCord could at least get a chance to play during their rookie deals if they are on a weak depth chart and Nathan Rourke is a Matt Waldman favorite.
Running Back: A special prospect and a ton of future contributors.
Ashton Jeanty is on the Bijan Robinson/Saquon Barkley level as a talent. There are at least four more backs who should be drafted as, at worst, 1As, but upwards of 15-20 after that who should carve out a role and could exceed expectations. The dropoff in quality of prospects from the second to fourth round is not very steep.
Wide Receiver: A marquee #1 who will also play defense and a ton of future contributors.
Travis Hunter is the best wide receiver prospect in this class. He also happens to be the best cornerback prospect in this class, which seemingly complicates his projection, but don't overthink it. After that, there is a deep and diverse group of talents that fit in as secondary options in passing games, but a lack of star power to match last year's stellar group of rookies.
Tight End: A pair of first round picks and good depth through the third day.
Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren will go in the first round and have top 5, but not elite upside. There is a wide range of profiles in the second day range that are intriguing for fantasy and even a few potential future starters on the third day in a deep group.
Defensive Tackle: There's no top-end fantasy prospect here unless Shemar Stewart is classified as a defensive tackle, but a few that could be starters if your league requires two.
Edge Rusher: Abdul Carter has the potential to be the most valuable edge in IDP leagues in a few years, and there will be six or seven more taken in the top 50 picks or so. Since IDP leagues moved to "true position", there is a much larger pool of edge defenders, so that lowers the value of this group.
Linebacker: Carson Schwesinger is a tackle-heavy league special and Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell will go high with enhanced value in sack-heavy scoring systems, given their hybrid off-ball/edge linebacker profiles. The rest of the offball group is made up mostly of players who could shine as either early down or passing down options, but probably not both.
Cornerback: The rookie corner rule starters don't have particularly fantasy friendly outlooks, so you can almost ignore the position, outside of Hunter, who will be the most valuable cornerback in fantasy football history.
Safety: Nick Emmanwori has the size, athletic gifts, blitzing, and ball thief ability to become the most valuable safety in fantasy leagues, but there's little else to be interested in.
Is this is a good rookie class for dynasty leagues?
Eh. Unless you have the 1.1 or catch a falling Travis Hunter in the first round, the opening frame is very overrated, but the quality of the first half of the second half is similar to the quality of the second half of the first, and the quality of the third round is similar to the back half of the second. Trading down is the order of the day, especially if you can get 2026 picks for your trouble. When you add in how some players will disappoint because of draft capital and landing spot, you might want to get out of your first round picks before the NFL draft. The running back and wide receiver groups are overstuffed with future NFL contributors and will reward patient dynasty players in deep leagues with long benches or taxi squads.
Pre-Draft Strategy Cheatsheet
- Try to trade up to 1.01, even if feels like an overpay, especially if your 2025 first is part of what you are sending back
- Try to trade up for Travis Hunter if he's still there around 1.05 or 1.06
- Consider trying to trade out of the second half of the first round into the early second before the NFL draft if you think Hunter will go in the top 5 of your rookie draft
- The quality of the RB/WR in the first and second rounds isn't that different. Quality of landing spot could matter more than draft capital in this class, so you want to be in the second round instead of the back half of the first, unless you are spending your first on Travis Hunter, or Colston Loveland/Tyler Warren in a TE Premium.
- Everyone's boards will be very different at running back, so you can trade down and still get a similar quality back through the second and third rounds.
- Unless you are taking Abdul Carter, Carson Schwesinger, or Nick Emmanwori, you're probably better off passing on IDPs altogether and just tracking potential waiver pickups during the summer.
Underrated Prospects
- Travis Hunter (WR-Colorado) - a value at 1.03 or later in 1QB leagues.
- Jalen Milroe (QB-Alabama) - he'll instantly be one of the most gifted runners in the league and only needs to be serviceable as a passer to become a fantasy QB1.
- Jack Bech (WR-TCU) - Bech is an ideal power slot and should appeal to teams that run a McShanahan system like Jacksonville and Houston. He's not as flashy as Burden and closer to Emeka Egbuka than rookie rankings indicate.
- Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel (WR-Iowa State) - Higgins and Noel's range of outcomes isn't that different from Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden, but at a fraction of the cost in the second round.
- Brashard Smith (RB-SMU) - Smith is just scratching the surface of his potential as a running back, but is clearly a downfield threat as a receiver and could grow into an Austin Ekeler type of fantasy talent.
- Montrell Johnson Jr. (RB-Florida) - Johnson is a big strong back with 4.41 speed who was playing hurt in 2024, which might be causing the NFL to sleep on his upside in this deep RB class.
- Bhayshul Tuten (RB-Virginia Tech) - Tuten has the speed to hit home runs and that could make his fumbles tolerable. Think Elijah Mitchell if he could stay healthy.
- Kyle Williams (WR-Washington State) - Williams is a speed merchant who has big play specialist potential as a secondary option.
- Tahj Brooks (RB-Texas Tech) - Brooks is a similar talent to the backs going a round or two ahead of him in rookie drafts.
Overrated Prospects
- Omarion Hampton (RB-North Carolina), TreVeyon Henderson (RB-Ohio State) - Trade down to get Hunter or even further into the first to get a similar talent at running back + a first next year instead of taking them in the top five of your rookie draft.
- Shedeur Sanders (QB-Colorado) - He should have a clear path to a starting spot. However, his fantasy profile is on the Andy Dalton/Geno Smith axis, so he's unlikely to ever be a difference-maker in 1QB leagues.
- Devin Neal (RB-Kansas) - Neal has a loyal following that is making him one of the first second-tier backs off of the board. Take a similar back later.
- RJ Harvey (RB-UCF) - Like Neal, Harvey usually has a big fan or two in every league and will cost a premium over other second-tier backs.
- Elic Ayomanor (WR-Stanford) - Ayomanor has a high floor and low ceiling. A lot of receivers that go after him have a better chance of true fantasy relevance.
- Harold Fannin Jr. (TE-Bowling Green) - Fannin was highly productive, but just doesn't have the movement quality of a primary NFL passing game option.
THE PRE-DRAFT BLOOM 100
1. Ashton Jeanty (RB-Boise State) - Jeanty is in the neighborhood of Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley as a prospect. Everyone will have him #1 overall regardless of format. Yet, his value is still underestimated in dynasty circles. He's worth your 2025, 2026, and 2027 first-round picks. He's likely to go off of the board somewhere between #6 (Las Vegas) and #10 (Chicago).
**Tier Break**
2. Travis Hunter (WR/CB-Colorado) - If Hunter goes #2 to Cleveland or #4 to New England, he should be the consensus #2 pick in 1QB leagues because those teams will play him primarily at wide receiver. If the Giants take him at #3, that will complicate things because they already have Malik Nabers. He's still worth targeting at a depressed value if he's a Giant because he's the only truly elite wide receiver talent in this draft, and he may force them to play him more than they envisioned on offense because of his ability to change the game on both sides of the ball. Still, if the Giants take Hunter, everyone holding the #2 pick in 1QB leagues should look to trade out of the pick - and take Hunter or a running back later in the first, if not trade completely out of the first round and get a first next year.
**Tier Break**
3. Tetairoa McMillan (WR-Arizona) - McMillan is not quite on the level of Drake London, but he might go as high as London did (#8 - Carolina this year). He's roughly on the level of Tee Higgins as a talent. He might not have to be a second fiddle to Ja'Marr Chase, but he also might not have as prolific a quarterback as Joe Burrow. McMillan won't be the kind of wide receiver who ends up in the first round of redraft leagues, but he could be close with his combination of size, ball skills, and flexibility/movement. He's more finesse than strength and could have an adjustment period to cornerbacks who aren't afraid of him because of his lack of true deep speed. McMillan isn't a bad return on the #3 pick, but he's not exactly exciting either.
4. Luther Burden III (WR-Missouri) - Burden should get a lot of short range targets to fatten up his PPR value, and there is untapped potential as a downfield receiver. However, if he doesn't develop as a route runner, he could end up being closer to Laviska Shenault Jr than Deebo Samuel Sr. He could fall out of the first round because he's not a fit for every team depending on how much they value blocking and polish from their slot receiver, but the hope is that the team that takes him cares a lot more about playmaking ability from the position. Fun Facts from Dane Brugler: Burden played in high school with Jameson Williams as a freshman, and Williams calls Burden his "little brother". Burden was also an outstanding high school basketball player who led his team to the state championship as a sophomore.
5. Emeka Egbuka (WR-Ohio State) - Egbuka, like Burden is more of a slot, but he's a willing and able blocker. He's also more skilled as a route runner, but much less dangerous with the ball in his hands than Burden. His draft value might not translate to production as much as Burden's, but he has a lower bust risk. Landing spot will be important, as he could end up being a primary target like Kupp, Smith-Njigba, or St. Brown, but giving us more inconsistent week-to-week numbers like Jordan Addison or Jayden Reed's could also be his fate. Fun Fact from Dane Brugler: Egbuka spent his summers in Germany and was good enough at soccer to be invited to try out for the Nigerian Junior National Team.
6. TreVeyon Henderson (RB-Ohio State) - Henderson is not Jahmyr Gibbs. He's tough for a lighter back, but he just doesn't have the physical edge that Gibbs has a runner and isn't as creative. Matt Waldman invoked Jerick McKinnon when breaking down Henderson's game, and I think that is a good median case scenario. If Henderson ends up in a top offense, he'll move up, but he seems a bit overrated because of Gibbs' smashing success.
7. Omarion Hampton (RB-North Carolina) - Hampton doesn't stand out in the second tier of backs in my eyes, but he's projected to go as the #2 back off the board and is probably the favorite to be the 1.02 in 1QB leagues. Like Judkins, he could be a three-down back. Both backs could also end up with a David Montgomery role, which isn't a recipe for RB1 production. Hampton is one of the more overrated players in rookie drafts right now, but an ideal landing spot like Dallas or Denver will change that.
8. Kaleb Johnson (RB-Iowa) - Johnson is roughly in the same galaxy of talent as Judkins and Hampton, but he'll last until the second round. He's a perfect fit in a zone running back and is almost sure to be drafted into one. It won't be surprising at all if he's the second most valuable fantasy back in this class in two or three years.
9. Quinshon Judkins (RB-Ohio State) - The second tier of running backs is tightly packed and should sort itself out based on draft capital and landing spot. Judkins wasn't as efficient as Treyveon Henderson, but his physical running style will translate and he has good enough passing down chops to be a possible three-down back.
10. Cam Ward (QB-Miami) - Ward should go #2 in superflex drafts even though he might not have been in the top three quarterbacks last year. That should tell you how much the value of first round picks in superflex leagues is down this year. The fantasy potential is there - something like a better passing Kyler Murray - so don't overlook his value in the back half of the first in 1QB leagues.
11. Abdul Carter (EDGE-Penn State) - Carter has a chance to be as valuable as any edge defender in IDP leagues. He has a background as an off-ball linebacker and can play in space. He's a bendy, twitchy, speedy edge rusher with a deep bag of tricks despite being new to the position. He's active against the run and generally plays with his hair on fire. In sack-heavy scoring systems, he should be a very early consideration.
12. Jalen Milroe (QB-Alabama) - Milroe has Jalen Hurts upside and his floor is closer to Justin Fields than it is to Malik Willis. He has a wide range of outcomes in the draft, but the NFL invited him to Green Bay, so don't be surprised if he goes in the first round. Milroe is a very talented and fast runner, and he's also a good deep passer. With more consistency in the short and intermediate passing game, he'll be one of the biggest hits in 2025 rookie drafts.
13. Tyler Warren (TE-Penn State) - Warren isn't an overwhelming prospect as a receiver on the level of Brock Bowers, and he won't draw Trey McBride kind of volume, but he should be one of the primary targets in his pass offense, and he could get short yardage runs a la Taysom Hill. Listen closely for what his team says about his use in that area after the draft.
14. Colston Loveland (TE-Michigan) - Loveland was the rare tight end that was the clear #1 target in his college pass offense, similar to Sam LaPorta. Like Warren, he doesn't have elite fantasy upside. Todd Heap is a common comparison to Loveland's game. He could have a nice stretch of years in the TE3-5 range.
15. Jack Bech (WR-TCU) - Bech could be a very productive big slot with his strength, footwork, hands, and toughness. He could quickly become a favorite target with his reliability at the catch point and consistent execution. He's not a burner, but is still dangerous after the catch. He's a great fit in a McShanahan offense and should get the most out of what he has to offer in the pros. Bech's story is compelling - his little brother died when a man decided to plow down pedestrians on Bourbon Street on January 1. Bech caught the game-winning last-second score in the Senior Bowl later that month.
16. Cam Skattebo (RB-Arizona State) - Skattebo is a great example of "what can you do" being great than "what can't you do". He's not going to out-quick anyone in a phone booth, which would seem to make him a clunky pro back when combined with his fire hydrant build. His ability to gain yards after contact and his short-area acceleration compensate for his limitations, and he's also a valuable player in the passing game. He could easily be one of the 2-3 most productive backs in this class.
17. Matthew Golden (WR-Texas) - Golden has the kind of skillset that the NFL loves to draft early, but as Scott Barrett shows us, the fastest wide receiver in the draft is rarely a hit for fantasy. Golden might not even be that much better than his college teammate in this draft, Isaiah Bond. Golden is tough and skilled and could be a hit in a good pass offense, but the track record of his archetype is a yellow flag for taking him too early
18. Jayden Higgins (WR-Iowa State) - Higgins is in the same archetype as Tet McMillan and could end up being as or more productive if he's in a better environment. He has the size, speed, and ball skills to hang with NFL outside corners, and he could become a preferred red zone target. Dane Brugler Fun Fact: Higgins didn't concentrate on football until later in his high school years and was unheralded as a college recruit. He had to claw his way up the ladder to get this far.
19. Jaylin Noel (WR-Iowa State) - Noel is a very reliable target who should be a trusted secondary option for a quarterback, consistently creating separation with enough speed and quickness to add some value after the catch. He's unlikely to be a first-round pick, but if he lands in a better offense than the first-round wideouts, he has the goods to outproduce them.
20. Carson Schwesinger (LB-UCLA) - Schwesinger is the best linebacker pick in a somewhat lackluster class for fantasy. The game speaks to him, and he's usually in the right place at the right time. He's a sure tackler and should fill up the stat sheet, while possessing the chops in coverage to never leave the field. He'll be a green dot leader of his defense with the hunger of a one-time walk-on who wasn't highly regarded coming out of high school.
**Tier Break**
21. Bhayshul Tuten (RB-Virginia Tech) - Tuten is a big play waiting to happen with the contact balance, acceleration, and fifth gear to take it to the house. He isn't an efficient runner who faithfully stays north-south, but he is still physical and tough. His run-after-catch ability will be valued, and he's good enough as a pass protector to be considered a potential three-down back. The biggest issue here is fumbles, with nine in the last two years, but coaches will tolerate that from home run hitters.
22. Isaiah Bond (WR-Texas) - From a pure speed and quickness standpoint, Bond is the equal of his college teammate Matthew Golden, but he's not as refined, competitive, or consistent. There are some murmurs around football character questions. His ceiling is almost as high as Golden's, but his floor is a lot lower.
23. Jalen Royals (WR-Utah State) - Royals is a similar prospect to Luther Burden - the more established value in his game comes after the catch. He's not a polished route runner, but is clearly sudden enough to develop as one. The difference between the fantasy outcomes for Burden and Royals could be based on landing spot more than draft capital in another example of why you want to be in the second round of rookie drafts, not the first.
24. Jalon Walker (EDGE-Georgia) - Walker has the makings of an impactful defender, but it's not quite clear where he will find a home. You might think "Micah Parsons", but Walker isn't as rugged. He might get taken to school by NFL offensive tackles at times, especially early in his career. His pass rush game is based more on athleticism than refinement. He's not out of place in the box as an off-ball linebacker, but his instincts can be questionable. Walker will go a lot higher than former teammate Nolan Smith Jr., but they are similar talents and Smith was quiet until his third year, when Vic Fangio arrived.
25. Tre Harris (WR-Ole Miss) - Harris is strong with good hands and good enough speed to make plays downfield, but he's a linear athlete and doesn't have outstanding speed or quickness. He projects more as a secondary passing game option, but he can make big plays in a good pass offense with an alpha receiver that allows him more space to operate. Harris won't win with twitchy separation, but he can win at the catch point, so he'll need an aggressive quarterback. He's a solid high-floor prospect for a second-round rookie option. Dane Brugler Fun Fact: He was Malik Nabers quarterback at Comeaux high school in Lafayette, Louisiana.
26. Dylan Sampson (RB-Tennessee) - Sampson always runs hot with a lot of fight and phone booth quicks that make it hard to get a square hit on him. He doesn't have enough mass to be a power back, but he is still very proficient at finding the end zone. He has a good feel for developing holes, but can be too patient at times. There's potential for him to play on passing downs, but his receiving skills are a work in progress. His projection probably tops out as a committee back.
27. Brashard Smith (RB-SMU) - Smith is a converted wide receiver who looks like a natural at running back. He has chops as a downfield receiver and kick returner to go with 4.39 speed. Smith looks like an inexperienced back, but he has the urgency and mindset to grow and potentially become more than a passing game and special teams contributor.
28. Kyle Williams (WR-Washington State) - Williams has legit vertical speed and the quickness to shake his man, but he's not a refined route runner. His game also lacks play strength and a rugged edge, so he projects more as a role player with big-play weekly upside than a mainstay week-to-week in a passing game. However, he is still a better-quality wide receiver prospect you can get in the third round compared to the quality there in most years.
29. Tahj Brooks (RB-Texas Tech) - Brooks is a Matt Waldman favorite because of his ability to make lemonade out of lemon blocking with his patience and contact balance. Brooks also has a three-down skillset with the all-important pass protection skill card. He'll likely be a third-day pick, and his spot in the post-draft Bloom 100 could go up significantly if there's not a formidable younger back at the top of his new depth chart.
30. Damien Martinez (RB-Miami) - Martinez is an excellent mid round alternative to Judkins and Hampton for a team that wants to add a power element to their backfield. He's probably not going to add much in the passing game and won't add a lot of value through speed or elusiveness, but Martinez could be productive if he's the pick for an "establish the run" team like Las Vegas or Chicago.
31. Jordan James (RB-Oregon) - James was the player Brugler named on my show when I asked him to pick out his favorite fantasy sleeper in this class. He has a low center of gravity, elusiveness, toughness, and a combativeness that will make him a fan favorite and defensive back menace. James is also a good pass protector, but needs to improve as a receiver to be a true three-down back. He's an average athlete at best in NFL running back terms, but James gets the most out of what he has, like Bucky Irving before him at Oregon.
32. Devin Neal (RB-Kansas) - Neal doesn't have any athletic advantages, but he is a smart, patient, and decisive runner with good vision and processing who adds yards after contact. He isn't a plus runner between the tackles and lacks true power. While Neal is a functional receiver with good hands and instincts as a runner after the catch, he's inconsistent as a pass blocker. Neal's fantasy outlook is tough to gauge pre-draft because he could be stuck behind or sharing with more athletically gifted players, but he could also emerge from a weak depth chart a la Kyren Williams.
33.Nick Emmanwori (S-South Carolina) - Emmanwori is exactly what we want in an IDP safety - he can make big plays in coverage, but is at home in the box and making tackles near the line of scrimmage. His elite athleticism will get him drafted no later than the early second and he has the profile of the rare safety worth taking in the first 3-4 rounds of a rookie draft, depending on your scoring system.
34. Elijah Arroyo (TE-Miami) - Arroyo has the highest ceiling of the second tier of tight ends. He's a natural weapon in the passing game with overall athleticism, speed and good hands, but a 2022 ACL tear robbed him of a big chunk of his collegiate career, so he's raw as a route runner and a virtual unknown on contested catches. That he'll be available in the third round of rookie drafts shows the depth of the class.
35. Jihaad Campbell (LB/EDGE-Alabama) - Campbell will likely be drafted early unless medicals ding him for shoulder and knee injuries. He's an elite athlete in an ideal NFL linebacker frame with sideline-to-sideline range. Campbell can also serve as an edge rusher. He's still more of a projection than reality and his NFL value might not translate to big IDP value. He will definitely be a three-down player with his blitzing and coverage ability, but he's not great at diagnosing the action in the box against the run and might be best cast as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. That would lump him in with edge defenders, lowering his value.
**Tier Break**
36. Mykel Williams (DE-Georgia) - Williams is a throwback length/strength/athleticism defensive end who has the potential to be one of the best at his position in the league. It's just potential for now as he needs to develop more strategy and refinement as a rusher. He's athletic enough to influence the game in multiple ways, but the production isn't there yet. Williams was playing through an ankle injury most of last year, so there's even more upside than advertised. Move him up if your league starts two defensive ends instead of edge defenders that include 3-4 outside linebackers.
37. Elic Ayomanor (WR-Stanford) - Ayomanor is very much in the same mold as McMillan and Higgins - he's a big, hard-nosed outside receiver with enough build-up speed to threaten defenses downfield with good athleticism in the air. Where he's not up to their level is contested catch rate and making plays after the catch. He could become an established starter, but with a low ceiling.
38. Mason Taylor (TE-LSU) - Taylor is going to be a more productive pro than college player. LSU didn't emphasize tight ends in their passing game, but Taylor should be drafted to become a reliable middle of the field target whose best football is ahead of him. He has a good combination of size, athleticism, and receiving skills, but doesn't profile as a true playmaker or downfield/red zone threat, so low TE1 is probably his fantasy ceiling.
39. Isaac TeSlaa (WR-Arkansas) - TeSlaa has a #1 receiver frame, speed, and athleticism, but his skills aren't anywhere near that level… yet. You have to give him some leeway as a high school wing T quarterback who spent three years dominating at Hillsdale before transferring to Arkansas with a solid wide receiver depth chart and questionable quarterback play. He's a true project with a productive starter ceiling, but he also could never crack a gameday roster if he doesn't develop. Pay attention to the track record of the organization and wide receivers coach that draft him.
40. Trevor Etienne (RB-Georgia) - Etienne could exceed expectations because he has passing down skills, and he's a steady, efficient back with good feet and vision. You aren't going to see anything special on his tape, and he's not the prospect his big brother Travis was coming out of Clemson. But his solid all-around game will endear him to coaches and earn playing time.
41. Savion Williams (WR/RB-TCU) - You'll see Cordarrelle Patterson comps for Williams, and that's not out of line. Remember, Patterson was a first round pick and he flirted with fantasy relevance more than once in his long career. Williams will cost a lot less in rookie drafts than Patterson did, and he's a Matt Waldman favorite. You should be happy to get a prospect with his ceiling in the third round or later of rookie drafts.
42. Barrett Carter (LB-Clemson) - Carter combines top end athleticism with good skills as a blitzer and in coverage. He also has sideline-to-sideline range and should be a perfect fit as a three-down linebacker in the 21st century NFL.
43. Shedeur Sanders (QB-Colorado) - Sanders pass-first short/intermediate game compares favorably to Geno Smith, Teddy Bridgewater, and Andy Dalton. Not exactly exciting whether you are talking about fantasy or NFL franchise destinies, but the league is desperate and he will be drafted to start somewhere. He's not a priority in 1QB leagues and will probably be overdrafted in superflex leagues.
44. Harold Fannin Jr. (TE-Bowling Green) – Fannin is one of the most polarizing prospects in this class. He was highly productive including against top competition, and he's obviously a skilled and tough receiver. His movement looks very sluggish by NFL standards, and it's questionable that his production will translate. It will be very telling to hear what the team that takes him says about their plan for Fannin in their post-draft press conference.
45. Montrell Johnson Jr.. (RB-Florida) - Johnson probably has a limited NFL application as an early down runner, but his violent, intense approach is fun to watch and could surprise on Sundays. Johnson was hurt in 2024. He ran a 4.41 40 at the combine. That's impressive when paired with a 5-11 frame. Johnson is also a sound decision-maker who can make some nifty moves for a back who is also tough-minded.
46. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB-Arizona) - Croskey-Merritt is the best running back who wasn't invited to the combine, and he could be better than a lot of the backs who were invited. He's an electric back who may dance too much, but his creativity, excellent all-around athleticism, and elusiveness giveth to offenses more than it taketh away. Croskey-Merritt also looks like a dangerous receiver when matched up with a linebacker. A 2024 injury could be concealing his upside after a great Shrine Game week.
47. Isaiah Neyor (WR-Nebraska) - Neyor is a size/speed/athleticismspecimen outside and can run and go up and get the ball like an NFL wideout. He's a project as a route runner and NFL corners will likely give him fits at first, but he has productive starter upside, especially if the knee injury that cost him 2022 and 2023 isn't a problem later in his career.
48. Ollie Gordon II (RB-Oklahoma State) - Gordon is a bit of a puzzling evaluation because his performance dropped off significantly in 2024 and his style and strengths don't match his physical profile. Gordon has the frame to be a power back and formidable inside runner, but he is more of a space player whose best fit might be in the passing game. He doesn't finish runs with bad intentions and has a bit of an "identity crisis as a runner" as Dane Brugler put it. It's easy to see how valuable he could be if everything lines up, but there's a nagging feeling that it won't.
49. Jaydon Blue (RB-Texas) - At first glance, Blue is a very appealing fantasy prospect. He has quickness, long speed, and projects as a passing game weapon. While he's not an NFL inside runner because of smallish frame, he doesn't shy away from contact or appear to be strictly a finesse player. There are some questions about his professionalism and ball security, so Blue could also go by the wayside before he gets an extended opportunity to show what he can do. Still, Blue is the kind of boom/bust player we like to target later on in rookie drafts.
50. RJ Harvey (RB-UCF) - Harvey could be an NFL contributor with his quickness, creativity and ability to get yards after contact. His upside is limited to committee back because of his lack of size and deficiencies as a pass protector, so unless he lands in a plum spot, he's going to be overdrafted in dynasty leagues.
51. DJ Giddens (RB-Kansas State) - Giddens can look like an artist running the ball with vision and patience and bursting through tight creases. However, he runs hot and cold and doesn't have the physical edge and finishing power his frame suggests he should have. He's also inconsistent catching the ball and as a pass blocker, so at best he'll be a committee back who won't be given a lot of leeway. He's another one of the more overrated running back prospects in dynasty circles.
52. Chris Paul Jr. (LB-Ole Miss) - Paul is a very assignment-sound, decisive, and consistent linebacker against the run, and he can hang on passing downs as long as he isn't asked to stick to backs or tight ends in man coverage. Paul is a green dot player who gets the most out of himself with a combination of smarts and intensity. He should be drafted in the mid-rounds as a potential future three-down linebacker, but he's on the small side and some teams just won't be interested in him because of that.
53. Tory Horton (WR-Colorado State) - Horton is a speedy receiver who can get open deep on Sundays and add value after the catch - as his multiple long punt returns in college illustrate. He's inconsistent in most of the bread and butter aspects of the game and has a boom/bust outlook. Horton projects as a situational player, but the big-play upside is worth a pick in the later rounds.
54. Smael Mondon Jr., (LB-Georgia) - Mondon is one of the best passing-down linebackers in the draft, and he has the speed, toughness, and tackling ability to be a high-floor, three-down linebacker if he can stay healthy. He might lack the instincts to be a top-end starter, but Mondon should be drafted on the second day unless he gets flunked medically for his myriad of injuries
55. Demetrius Knight (LB-South Carolina) - Knight is a high floor NFL prospect who plays the run with smarts and bad intentions, and is good enough as a zone coverage linebacker to have a shot to be an everydown player. He doesn't have a high ceiling athletically, so he's probably going to be an LB2/LB3 level producer at best with a lot of hinging his ability to stay on the field on passing downs.
56. Danny Stutsman (LB-Oklahoma) - Stutsman is a classic thumper against the run and will be a spiritual leader in the middle of his defense. He could also be exposed against the passing game and be forced into a part-time role if he doesn't improve in coverage.
57. Jaxson Dart (QB-Ole Miss) - Dart is a promising prospect, but a projection and not a very high ceiling one. He has the requisite tools, toughness, and leadership, but Lane Kiffin's scheme set him up for success. Dart's processing is a bit robotic, and he's not an accurate deep passer. He's not going to be worth the pick it will take to get him in superflex drafts, and he isn't compelling enough to take in 1QB leagues.
58. Elijhah Badger (WR-Florida) - Badger has NFL quality size, speed, and hands, and he's not daunted by competition at the catch point. He'll also do some damage after the catch and make plays downfield. He's not a natural separator on routes and will have to develop skill in all facets of the wide receiver game to stick as a contributor, but it's not out of his range of outcomes to end up being a starter in the NFL.
59. Andrew Armstrong (WR-Arkansas) - Armstrong is a Matt Waldman favorite, who he compares to Josh Reynolds - another Matt Waldman favorite. Armstrong has size, strength, and plays well at the catch point, with better than expected 4.51 speed. He's not really going to win often with separation, but if his quarterback knows how to throw him open, Armstrong could greatly outproduce expectations.
60. Dont'e Thornton Jr. (WR-Tennessee) - Thornton has 4.3 speed at 6-4, which should be enough to get your attention late in rookie drafts. He's a very raw route runner, lacks play strength, and generally has a lot to learn. A Marquez Valdes-Scantling career arc might be his best case scenario. His size/speed combination is rare and worth adding, especially in leagues with taxi squads. Dane Brugler Fun Facts: Thornton helped raise his younger siblings after his father was incarcerated for most of his childhood. He was high school class president and graduated with a 3.9 GPA.
61. Tez Johnson (WR-Oregon) - Johnson's speed, stop-start athleticism, and toughness are all NFL quality, but he's not a refined route runner, and more importantly, he's extremely slight (5-10 and 155) and projects as a part time player even though he was a prolific pass catcher in college. He will stick around longer than many of the players on this list, but may never have sustained fantasy relevance. His story from Dane Brugler's "Beast" is compelling. His father committed suicide when he was an infant and Johnson described his childhood as a "struggle". When he was a sophomore, his mother gave her blessing to him moving in with his high school football coach, Patrick Nix, whose son Bo was the team's quarterback. After starting out at Troy, he transferred to Oregon to fulfill a dream of playing with his "brother" for the Ducks.
62. Jaylin Lane (WR-Virginia Tech) - Lane's speed and play with the ball in his hands will intrigue teams, but he is a work in progress as a route runner from the slot. He'll stick, perhaps on the strength of his punt return skills, but Matt Waldman's Mecole Hardman comp should give you hesitation.
63. Terrance Ferguson (TE-Oregon) - Ferguson had a great combine, but he doesn't play up to his measurements. He is a reliable pass-catcher with a basketball background, and he's tough enough to get the yards that are there after the catch. The upside is limited here because Ferguson's play is more of a monotone, linear athlete, and he's not a plus player on contested catches. He could be a multiyear starter, but never break into fantasy relevance.
64. Chimere Dike (WR-Florida) - Dike is a true burner and exceptional athlete, but he's not a craftsman with his routes and will have to improve to get on the field as a wide receiver against NFL quality corners. He'll be a project, but could buy time to hit with his special teams contributions.
65. Arian Smith (WR-Georgia) - Smith is one of the fastest receivers in this draft, but drops and physical play in routes and at the catch point are a problem. He'll get a chance to improve and develop because of his special teams contributions and could be a big-play threat with some manufactured touches sprinkled in.
66. Mario Anderson Jr. (RB-Memphis) - Anderson was a combine snub, but he is a Matt Waldman favorite. While Anderson could go undrafted, Waldman was impressed with his elusiveness, ability to get yards after contact, long speed, and pass protection. He was also very productive and has some potential as a pass catcher. Keep tabs on where he lands in the late rounds or signs as a UDFA.
67. Tai Felton (WR-Maryland) - Felton has speed and is very dangerous after the catch. He also has the athleticism and raw materials to generate separation in his routes - when he executes with consistency. Felton's game lacks a physical edge and nuance, which may make it tougher for his abilities to turn into production. He's a special teams contributor, which could buy him time to improve and earn an opportunity.
68. Donovan Ezeiruaku (EDGE-Boston College) - Ezeiruaku will probably go in the first round on his combination of length, bend, and finishing instincts as an edge rusher. He'll need to get stronger to handle NFL offensive tackles, and his production might suffer initially as he adjusts. His floor is high as a pass rusher, and he could unlock even more ability with more development. But he's not going to be a power player or top-end NFL athlete who has a large field of influence on the game.
69. Mike Green (EDGE-Marshall) - Green is a relentless edge rusher with the moves, hand-fighting, power, and burst to rival Abdul Carter for the top sack artist title. He might lose some clashes because of overaggressiveness or a size disadvantage and probably won't be as productive against the run in the pros with a big step up in competition from the Sun Belt Conference. Green also has some character concerns with two sexual assault accusations on the record from his past.
70. Shemar Stewart (DL- Texas A&M) - Stewart oozes upside with a combination of size, strength, and explosion, but for fantasy, his game will translate to more disruption that others will harvest than production for Stewart. He lacks awareness and misses tackles. His pass rush plan is sketchy. Part of the reason NFL teams love him is his ability to line up all over the line, and if he's classified as a defensive tackle, he is a lot more interesting, especially if your league starts two. Stewart could end up being one of the most impactful players in this class, but there's some distance between here and there.
71. Nic Scourton (EDGE-Texas A&M) - Scourton is a sum greater than the parts edge defender with effort and an advanced approach to rushing the passer. He's not an elite athlete among the edge prospects in this class, but was given more respect by blocking schemes than his more ballyhooed teammate Shemar Stewart. Scourton also hustles and gets on the stat sheet against the run to enhance his modest fantasy ceiling.
72. James Pearce Jr. (EDGE-Tennessee) - Pearce was a productive pass rusher with length, an explosive get-off, and a frenetic speed-to-power style. He doesn't have great bend or the ability to change direction and finish in close quarters. Pearce will also need to develop more play strength. Like so many of the edge prospects in this class, he's more of a projection than finished product.
73. Woody Marks (RB-USC) - Marks is one of the best pass catchers in this class, and he's functional and tough enough as an inside back, so there's some fantasy upside here if he can get an extended opportunity. The downside of Marks is that he's not really a chunk play threat as a runner or receiver and might be best suited as a reliable do-everything backup rather than a player who gets a dedicated part of the workload. Dane Brugler Fun Fact: Marks, whose first name is Jo'Quavious, earned the nickname "Woody" because he loved Toy Story and wore a Woody costume for seven straight Halloweens.
74. LeQuint Allen (RB-Syracuse) - Allen is going to be worth more to his NFL team than he is to fantasy teams. He's an ideal third-down back with advanced pass pro and receiving skills. Allen is also assignment-sound as a runner and "gets what is there". NFL coaches will love having a back like Allen in their committee, but Matt Waldman's Kenneth Gainwell comparison is damning when we project NFL statistical impact.
75. Xavier Restrepo (WR-Miami) - Restrepo is the latest in a very familiar archetype - tough, small, not very athletic, crafty after the catch slot receiver. In the right situation with the right quarterback, that can translate to fantasy relevance, especially in deep PPR leagues, but you know exactly what you are getting. He's only a very late round dynasty pick.
76. Konata Mumpfield (WR-Pitt) - Mumpfield is a Matt Waldman favorite because of his craftsmanship as a route runner and game at the catch point. He's a below-average athlete by NFL standards, but has the advanced skills to outlast a lot of the more physically gifted, but less accomplished prospects on this list.
77. Kelly Akharaiyi (WR-Mississippi State) -Akharaiyi is Matt Waldman's "most underrated" receiver in this draft. He looked to be on the verge of a breakout when he transferred from UTEP to Mississippi State but wasn't healthy last year. His releases, routes, hands, and game after the catch all are advanced, but he'll likely have to stick as an undrafted free agent after a disappointing 2024.
78. Kain Medrano (LB-UCLA) - Medrano was part of a dynamic duo with Carson Schwesinger. He has a S/LB profile, with speed, quickness, and the ability to stay on the field on passing downs, but a lack of play strength and run stopping ability. His ability to contribute on special teams could buy him time to develop into a starting role if he can become a more reliable tackler with a physical edge. Dane Brugler Fun Facts: Like Cecil Lammey, Medrano grew up on a ranch and competed on the rodeo circuit. He was in the Mutton Bustin' World Championship at age 8.
79. Jeffrey Bassa (LB-Oregon) - Bassa is on the short list of off-ball linebackers with the coverage and blitzing ability to stay on the field on passing downs, but he is merely adequate against the run and not a thumper or instinctive playmaker. His upside is modest, but Bassa should be drafted to eventually develop into a large defensive role.
80. Kalel Mullings (RB-Michigan) - Mullings is big (6-2 and 226) and has a power back mentality, but he also has good feet and flexibility - this tank has wheels, not treads. His limited experience on passing downs could limit his NFL role, but his special teams value will get him active on game days. It's not hard to picture him as the thunder back, but Dane Brugler's apt Roschon Johnson comparison shows how a back like Mullings can struggle to get touches despite having utility. Dane Brugler Fun Fact: Mullings first Pop Warner coach was Patriots owner Robert Kraft's son, Dan.
81. Jarquez Hunter (RB-Auburn) - Hunter runs like a sledgehammer with some burst, but like blunt force attacks, his approach lacks nuance and creativity. He could appeal in an old-school hat-on-a-hat running game, but has a committee back ceiling.
82. Phil Mafah (RB-Clemson) - Mafah projects as an adequate power back - Matt Waldman put him on the AJ Dillon axis. He's strictly a between-the-tackles back who is defeated if you can get his hips turned east-west. Still, Mafah does demonstrate subtle footwork and understanding of how run lanes develop, so he could endear himself and earn a committee role, including short-yardage carries.
83. Kyle Monangai (RB-Rutgers) - Monangai runs the ball with toughness and urgency, but also has the footwork, creativity, quickness, and burst out of cuts to find alternate lanes and frustrate a defense. His lack of long speed and passing game chops could limit opportunities, but he's a Matt Waldman favorite who should be monitored and could exceed low expectations.
84. Gunnar Helm (TE-Texas) - Helm is a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect who could become a starter, but doesn't add a lot of value with athleticism. He is strong after the catch with good hands and a feel for getting open, so in the right offense, Helm could have fantasy relevance.
85. Cody Simon (LB-Ohio State) - Simon is a stout, productive linebacker against the run without any major flaws. He's not ideal athletically for coverage duty and doesn't have a high ceiling, but he came up big in big games for the Buckeyes and could exceed expectations.
86. Marcus Yarns (RB-Delaware) - Yarns speed will translate to the NFL, but just how much of an impact he'll make is tough to project because he played at a lower level of competition and doesn't have advanced skills as a receiver. He'll likely be a practice squad late round/UDFA, but is worth monitoring or carrying on the taxi squad in deeper leagues.
87. Keandre Lambert-Smith (WR-Auburn) - Lambert-Smith has the speed to threaten as an NFL deep target and make big plays after the catch, but he's an undeveloped route runner and finesse player who could have a limited application on Sundays.
88. Walter Nolen (DT-Ole Miss) - Nolen will be asked to attack the gap in front of him and make plays in the backfield. He was very good at that in college, but isn't an elite athlete or advanced strategist, so he'll be forced to step up his game to continue to be impactful. He's been at six programs in seven years and will come with a bust risk.
89. Tyler Shough (QB-Louisville) - Shough takes late bloomer to a new level as a seventh-year breakout college quarterback. That may cause some healthy skepticism - as Thor Nystrom said how many quarterbacks would look good given that long to develop - but the NFL likes Shough enough for him to potentially be drafted as a quarterback of the future.
90. Will Johnson (CB-Michigan) - Johnson has had an incomplete and suspect pre-draft period and will likely be tested a lot after he is one of the first two corners drafted. He has the length, feet, and instincts to hang as an outside corner in the NFL. However, he's not a great tackler and can get beaten deep on double moves, so his rookie year will be an adventure. That also means that he'll show up on the stat sheet and get numerous opportunities to show his ability to diagnose routes and be a ball thief.
91. Oronde Gadsden II (TE-Syracuse) - Gadsden is a solid athlete by NFL receiving tight end standards and he catches the ball and moves more like a big wide receiver. He has room to grow as a route runner, but probably won't add much after the catch and is a complete project as a blocker. He's worth monitoring in tight end premium leagues.
92. Thomas Fidone II (TE-Nebraska) - Fidone was once a recruit considered on a par with Brock Bowers, but he tore the ACL in his left knee twice in 2021 and 2022. He has started to show the big wide receiver game at tight end and has a high ceiling if he can get back on track after the injuries.
93. Nick Martin (LB-Oklahoma State) - Martin was one of the most productive linebackers in the country in 2023, but a knee injury derailed his 2024. He could be a hit as a seek-and-destroy weakside backer who can blitz, but Martin can also be exposed in coverage, so he probably won't be a full-time player in the pros.
94. Malaki Starks (S-Georgia) - Starks will probably go off of the board in the top 50 and be tabbed to start early in his career, but his best contributions will likely come in coverage. He's a willing run defender, but not that physical, so he should be more impactful playing in the back of the defense. He's only a suitable late pick in deep leagues. Dane Brugler Background: Starks' family was homeless at times in his childhood and he wears the number of his cousin Keion, who died when he was seven in a murder-suicide committed by Keion's father.
95. Mason Graham (DT-Michigan) - Graham will be a top 10 pick and the first defensive tackle off of the board, but he profiles more as a player who creates disruption for teammates than stats for himself. His endless energy, football IQ, combativeness and consistency will make him matter in leagues that start two defensive tackles.
96. Lan Larison (RB-UC Davis) - Larison has a combination of toughness, flexibility, and receiving chops that is worth tracking even though he's likely to go undrafted because of the depth of this class.
97. Jahdae Barron (CB-Texas) - Barron has a chance to go off of the board in the first round and be a Week 1 starter with a target on his chest for opposing quarterbacks. It's possible that he's only a nickel corner at first, so we have to be careful to monitor his summer before plugging him into IDP lineups.
98. Jake Briningstool (TE-Clemson) - Briningstool is athletic and he can make some of the most impressive plays at the catch point of any tight end in this talented class. He doesn't offer as much as a blocker and isn't an advanced route runner or run after catch factor, so his upside is limited to a part-time role.
99. LaJohntay Wester (WR-Colorado) - Wester is a return yards league special with the ability to add value as a punt returner while he tries to develop route running skills to harness his speed and quickness. He's on the borderline of being too light, weighing in the 160s, but with some improvement, he could have some PPR value as a run after catch slot receiver.
100. Tyrone Broden (WR-Arkansas) - Broden is on the fringe of draftable wide receiver prospects, but he's 6-5 and ran at 4.37 40 at his pro day with an 11'4" broad jump. An NFL team is going to put in the time to try to make that constellation of gifts into a big play threat.