The trajectory of an NFL draft prospect’s career doesn’t always align with fans’ preferred timing. Often, however, a player’s talent eventually shows up, making them a fantasy football favorite.
This year’s class might not be brimming with the same blue-chip talent of previous years, but plenty of players with potentially impactful skill sets remain. Where they land will, of course, greatly determine their fantasy fates. Here are 10 such players and the teams with which they would ideally (and realistically) fit.
It’s impossible to talk about Ward’s talent without noting the gumption he brings to the position. The scope of his game — from a lightning-quick release to awesome escapability — is wholly colored by the unflappable poise with which he plays. An FCS darling turned ACC standout, Ward’s ascent is reflective of an indisputable dedication to his craft, as well as football instincts well beyond his years. A high RPM thrower who can squeeze the ball into the tightest of windows, Ward registered a completion rate of 67%, which set a Miami single-season record and ranked 12th in the FBS.
Uncertainty looms large in any draft, but Ward to the Titans first overall appears to be a sure thing. Tennessee will certainly benefit from the rookie’s improvisational skills and arm talent. While the 23-year-old won’t have a buffet of dynamic pass-catching options at his disposal, his presence should improve Calvin Ridley‘s conversion rate. Despite drawing 120 looks, Ridley recorded just 62 receptions (53.3%, WR63) in 2024. Expect that number to go up. Ward’s addition figures to also positively impact Chig Okonkwo, considering the QB’s collegiate connection with Elijah Arroyo. Get ready for everyone’s favorite TE stream to pick up the post-hype sleeper mantle once again in 2025.
Surprised not to see Shedeur Sanders on the list? That’s because in a post-Russell Wilson-to-the-Giants landscape, I think the former Buff is likely to slip. His reluctance to run also has me doubting his fantasy ceiling. While Dart isn’t nearly as polished as Sanders, his mobility makes him an enviable fake football target. The Ole Miss product (by way of USC) is a capable and productive passer with a quick release. Where Dart truly shines, though, is in his ability to extend plays with his legs, as evidenced by the 1,500 rushing yards he has accumulated over the past three seasons (ninth most among FBS QBs).
Despite bringing back many familiar faces via free agency, New Orleans is desperate for a makeover. Kellen Moore figures to drive the reins of the reboot as the team’s new head coach. Dart is a fantastic fit for Moore’s up-tempo system, which recorded a play-action rate of 25% (14th highest) last season. Interestingly, 49 of Dart’s 81 career passing TDs came on play-action, including 20 in 2024. Furthermore, Dart has drawn comparisons to Jalen Hurts, whom Moore coached as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator in 2024. With Derek Carr’s season in doubt, Dart could see the field in Year 1 and garner streaming interest down the stretch.
It’s wholly possible that the Raiders snipe the ‘Boys, tapping Jeanty at sixth overall. That’s awfully high for a running back, though. Saquon Barkley (second overall in 2018) was the last RB drafted inside the top five (or seven, for that matter). Plus, the plethora of needs Vegas has to address are so great that the Boise State standout has a real shot to fall to Dallas at No. 12. Even with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders signed to the Star, the Cowboys need a definitive RB1.
Jeanty’s talent is said to be generational, as he’s drawn lofty comps to everyone from Steven Jackson to Emmitt Smith. Equal parts pin and bowling ball, Jeanty is a tackle-shedding ace with a low center of gravity and natural hands. Jeanty is a do-it-all prospect who led the FBS in forced missed tackles (126), and he has the goods to produce RB1 fantasy numbers in his first season. He would figure to eat in Brian Schottenheimer’s run-friendly approach, flirting with upward of 18-20 touches per contest.
The Broncos discovered some overdue lightning in a bottle with Bo Nix, who led Denver to the playoffs for the time since 2015 last season. Now, the club’s primary focus figures to be building around the team’s franchise signal-caller. While receivers are an obvious need, the backfield remains particularly barren. Javonte Williams’ exit would make room for Hampton’s immediate entrance.
Unanimously ranked second (behind Jeanty) at the position by industry professionals, Hampton thrived as a consistent producer for the Tar Heels. He set a school record, logging eight straight games of more than 100 rushing yards in 2024. An aggressive downhill runner with excellent contact balance, Hampton employs the patience and instincts necessary to locate holes while either running over or spinning off of would-be defenders. He was the only FBS player with more than 1,000 rushing yards after contact in both 2023 and 2024.
While he’s not terribly creative in space and his route tree remains basic, he’s still a reliable pass-catcher who can thrive as a three-down option. His presence would undeniably add stability to Denver’s offense. Landing at Mile High would provide the North Carolina native with top-15 positional fantasy appeal.
The Bears went all-in on Caleb Williams last year, surrounding their newest franchise QB with a bevy of talented pass catchers. However, the team continues to lack a backfield with legitimate and consistent thump. Enter Judkins, whose calling card is elite strength and power. A hard runner with a nasty stiff arm, Judkins spent two seasons at Ole Miss before transferring to Ohio State for his junior campaign. While in Oxford, Judkins set school records with 2,725 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns. Once in Columbus, Judkins continued to produce, clearing 1,000 rushing yards and posting 20 scores despite sharing touches with TreVeyon Henderson.
Interestingly, Henderson has drawn comps to D’Andre Swift, making Judkins a logical complement to Chicago’s present mainstay. Plus, new head coach Ben Johnson has demonstrated a knack for squeezing every ounce of upside out of a dynamic RB duo. Judkins’ lower-body explosiveness and high-end contact balance make him a menace to take down. Those attributes also work to his advantage in short-yardage situations and near the goal line. He could star in the David Montgomery role in Johnson’s offense while providing investors solid RB2 fantasy numbers in the process.
The Panthers need to help Bryce Young. Providing the young QB a defense that can keep him off the field is a likely start. After all, Carolina’s defense allowed an NFL-record 534 points in 2024. But for fantasy purposes, managers would prefer that Dan Morgan and Dave Canales upgrade Young’s receiving weapons. Xavier Legette (who underwent foot surgery in February) and Jalen Coker flashed at various moments last season, while Adam Thielen (who led the team in fantasy points per game with 14 per contest) committed to one more year with the squad. But those names hardly scream high-octane offense.
McMillan is considered one of the top wideouts in this year’s class. The Arizona product knows how to “get tall,” utilizing a volleyball background to climb the ladder and come down with 50/50 balls. T-Mac is more than just a “contested catch guy,” though. 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. The 22-year-old led the FBS with 145 receiving first downs over the past three seasons, illustrating his ability to move the chains. Moreover, his 60 receiving first downs in 2023 were third most in the FBS behind Rome Odunze (71) and Malik Nabers (69). He could make an immediate impact, likely drawing upwards of 6-7 targets per contest in Carolina.
Egbuka gained notoriety working as the Buckeyes’ primary slot target, recording 1,920 receiving yards from the slot since 2022 (seventh most in the FBS). An absolute technician, the former baseball standout is a savvy route runner who can fluster defenders with subtle tempo changes and effective head fakes. Similar in playing style to former teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Egbuka figures to thrive as an inside complement to an established alpha.
With Stefon Diggs now in New England and Tank Dell‘s 2025 campaign at risk, Houston needs a capable producer. The Texans added Christian Kirk during free agency, but his upside is limited. Plus, Egbuka and C.J. Stroud already have familiarity, as the two were teammates at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. It’s worth noting that Egbuka recorded a career-high 1,151 receiving yards and 10 TDs in Stroud’s final season in Columbus. A reunion seems like an ideal situation for both real and fake football investors.
A Houston native, Golden would also be a good fit for the Texans, though his talents appear better suited for Green Bay. An ace ball tracker who has a breathtaking ability to adjust to off-target balls, Golden makes even the toughest grabs look easy. He has demonstrated technical growth during his college career, evolving from a vertical threat at the University of Houston to a versatile playmaker at Texas. He’s also super fast. In fact, the 21-year-old ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the combine, which was the fastest time among WRs and the second-fastest time among all players.
The Packers’ corps is high on quantity but low on dynamism. Jayden Reed was serviceable as the team’s slot receiver, averaging 4.4 targets per game and posting a 55-857-6 line (over 17 games) in 2024. Meanwhile, Christian Watson (who had a career-low two touchdowns last season) is likely to miss significant time in 2025 after tearing an ACL in Week 18 of 2024. This would provide an immediate need for a player such as Golden, who is versatile enough to be deployed from all levels of the field and whose speed could give Matt LaFleur’s offense the turbocharge it so desperately needs.
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, with 48% of his snaps occurring in line, 32% in the slot, 8% out wide, 8% in the backfield at RB, and 4% at QB. Warren rewrote the Lions’ record books, setting Penn State’s tight end single-season records with 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards in 2024. He’s also a capable blocker who isn’t afraid to wreck opposing linemen.
The Jets are, once again, tasked with overhauling the team’s offense. Davante Adams and Tyler Conklin have headed west, leaving obvious holes in New York’s roster. Warren’s versatility would allow the club to lean on quality rather than quantity. Furthermore, Justin Fields showed an affinity for the TE position when he was with the Bears, regularly relying upon Cole Kmet in 2022 (71 targets) and 2023 (90 targets). Landing in New York would allow Warren to flirt with top-five positional fantasy numbers, potentially making him the most recent rookie to challenge the “don’t draft first-year tight ends in fantasy” mantra.
Loveland was second only to Warren in catches (56) and receiving scores (5) among Big Ten tight ends last season. While he’s not as polished as the Penn State product, Loveland remains a high-end prospect at the position, possessing natural hands and legitimate speed. He didn’t run at the combine or his pro day, but scouts estimate he would run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds. A smooth route runner who has the size and technique to work the middle of the field as well as the perimeter, Loveland figures to develop into a high-ceiling safety valve for any QB.
The Colts happen to have two quarterbacks seeking security. While Indianapolis’ receiving corps has satisfactory depth, the team hasn’t rostered a top-five fantasy producer at tight end since Eric Ebron in 2018 (66-750-13). In fact, all four of the Colts’ tight ends accounted for a total of 39 catches in 2024 (with Kylen Granson leading the group with 14). For context, Alec Pierce (the team’s No. 3 WR) logged 37 grabs all by his lonesome. Loveland’s addition would provide the offense with an immediate boost, likely improving either signal-caller’s efficiency in the process. Were the former Wolverine to land in Indy, he would garner TE1 fantasy consideration with plenty of room to grow.
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