2025 NFL Draft: Winners & Losers From Round 1
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft delivered a mix of expected picks, surprising trades, and a few head-scratching moments for fantasy football enthusiasts. While the quarterback class lacked the depth of 2024, the skill-position players selected on Day 1 offer intriguing upside for redraft and Dynasty Football leagues. Here’s a breakdown of the fantasy-relevant picks, their landing spots, and what they mean for your 2025 fantasy football plans. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans (No. 1 Overall) Tennessee made the expected move, selecting Miami’s Cam Ward to replace Will Levis and kickstart their rebuild. Ward, a 6-foot-2, 219-pound dual-threat quarterback, brings a gunslinger mentality and mobility that could translate to fantasy upside. His college tape showcased big-play ability, but poor decision-making under pressure and a tendency to play “hero ball” raise concerns about his immediate impact. 2025 Outlook: Tennessee’s offense lacks elite weapons, with aging veterans and an inconsistent offensive line. Ward’s mobility gives him a floor as a low-end QB2, but his ceiling depends on the Titans adding more playmakers. For redraft leagues, he’s a late-round flier with top-12 upside in the long term. In dynasty formats, he’s a top-tier rookie QB pick due to his starting role and athleticism. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 Overall, via trade with Cleveland) The Jaguars made a blockbuster move, trading up to snag the Heisman-winning two-way star from Colorado. Travis Hunter, who will primarily play wide receiver but see defensive snaps, instantly becomes the No. 2 option behind Brian Thomas Jr. in Jacksonville’s passing game. His elite athleticism and ability to draw single coverage due to Thomas’ presence make him a big-play threat. However, his dual-role usage raises durability concerns and could limit his offensive snap count. 2025 Outlook: Hunter’s landing spot with Trevor Lawrence is promising, but his fantasy value hinges on how often he’s used on offense. In smaller redraft leagues, he’s a WR3 with upside, while deeper leagues could see him as a borderline WR2 due to his big-play potential. Dynasty managers should view him as a high-upside WR2 with WR1 potential if he settles into a full-time offensive role. The durability question makes him a slight risk. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (No. 6 Overall) Under new GM John Spytek and OC Chip Kelly, the new-look Raiders selected Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back who drew comparisons to Marshawn Lynch from coach Pete Carroll. Jeanty’s ridiculous contact balance, versatility in the passing game, and college production (second-most rushing yards in a single season) make him an instant fantasy darling. He lands in a run-centric, outside-zone scheme with Geno Smith at quarterback, ensuring defenses can’t stack the box. 2025 Outlook: Jeanty steps into a feature-back role, with Raheem Mostert as a mentor rather than a competitor. His three-down skill set and high-volume opportunity make him a top-12 RB candidate in redraft leagues. In dynasty, he’s the clear RB1 of the 2025 class and a potential top overall pick, even in Superflex. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers (No. 8 Overall) Carolina, committed to building around QB Bryce Young, selected Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan to bolster their receiving corps. McMillan, a big-bodied receiver with contested-catch ability, was Young’s preferred target in the draft process. While productive in college, he’s considered a project as a deep threat and true No. 1 receiver, which tempers immediate expectations. 2025 Outlook: McMillan joins a crowded Carolina receiving room with Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, and Jalen Coker. That could limit his target share as a rookie. He’s a WR3/4 in redraft leagues with upside for more if he quickly develops chemistry with Young. Dynasty managers should view him as a WR1 with long-term WR1 potential, especially if the Panthers’ offense improves. The decision to pass on defensive help raises questions about Carolina’s balance, which could impact offensive efficiency. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (No. 10 Overall) The Bears surprised many by selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, a pick that drew mixed reactions for fantasy purposes. Loveland is a polished pass-catcher with long-term upside, but Chicago’s crowded offense—featuring DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Cole Kmet—limits his immediate target share. The Bears’ likely use of 12-personnel sets with Kmet further caps Loveland’s volume. 2025 Outlook: Loveland is a risky redraft pick due to his projected 70-target ceiling as a rookie. He’s a TE2 at best in 2025, with value in deeper leagues. In dynasty, his youth and skill set make him the TE1 of the class, but his path to consistent targets may take a year or two. The Bears’ investment in him signals a long-term plan, but fantasy managers should temper expectations for 2025. Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts (No. 14 Overall) It was a surprise to see Tyler Warren picked after Coltson Loveland. The Indianapolis Colts selected the Penn State tight end with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, addressing a glaring need at the position. Warren, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner, had a breakout senior season with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as a pass-catcher, blocker, and occasional rusher. His 6’5”, 256-pound frame and ability to line up inline, in the slot, or out wide make him a dynamic weapon for the Colts’ offense, which lacked tight end production in 2024. 2025 Fantasy Outlook: Warren’s fantasy potential is tempered by Indianapolis’ run-heavy offense and quarterback uncertainty with Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. Competing with Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Jonathan Taylor for targets, he’s projected for 70-83 targets, 48-55 receptions, 517-615 yards, and 3-4 touchdowns, making him a TE2 with upside. His versatility and red-zone potential give him TE1 upside by Year 2, especially in dynasty leagues where he’s a mid-first-round pick. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 19 Overall) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka with the 19th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, bolstering their already potent offense. Egbuka, a technically savvy slot receiver with 205 career collegiate receptions, joins stars
