The Nerds are back with another mock draft! This 2 time they focus on 1QB dynasty leagues that feature tight end premium (TEprem) scoring. Enjoy 4 rounds of analysis from the brainiest Nerds of the bunch. This 1QB Rookie Mock Draft is brought to you by Garret Price, “Doc” Matthew Mitchell, Bobby Bishop, Peter Monahan, Mychal Warno, and Mike Johrendt. Reach out to any of them using the links in their opening selection.
1QB Rookie Mock | 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
OVERVIEW | Scoring and Format
The scoring and format for this 1QB Rookie Mck Draft are as follows:
- 6 points per passing touchdown (PPTD)
- 1 point per reception (PPR)
- 0.5 additional points for tight end receptions (TEprem)
This is a 12-team, start 9 (QB, RBx2, WRx3, RB/WR/TEx3) mock draft. Please let us know which formats you would like to see!
This Rookie Mock Draft Was Aided By The Dynasty Nerds Film Room!
The video clips used in this 1QB rookie mock draft were curated and arranged by Dynasty Nerds Film Room Manager Matt Cooper (@CouchScoutsFF). A special thanks to Matt and all the Film Room crew for the awesome quality content they provide the Nerdherd and other industry scouts.
Use code MOCK-DRAFT for 15% off your own Film Room Subscription and start scouting rookie prospects like a Nerd!
ROUND ONE | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
1.01 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | Age 21 | 5’9’’ | 215 lbs
Doc Matthew Mitchell: In a 1QB league this is a no-brainer pick. Ashton Jeanty is by far and away the best back in a class that has been touted as one of the best RB groups in the past decade. He has excellent size and speed for the position Any time your name is mentioned in the same breath as Barry Sanders, you know you are doing something right. By putting up a whopping 2,601 rushing yards in 2024, Jeanty did just that. Oh, and in case you thought he was a bruiser with no hands, I invite you to watch his 2022 film where you will see Jeanty chip in 43 catches for 569 yards. Simply put, he can do it all.
If I am holding the top selecting in this year’s rookie draft, you’re going to have to break the bank to pry it out of my hands. Jeanty has a skillset that will immediately translate to the NFL. He has a legitimate shot at vaulting into the Top 5 at his position by the end of his rookie campaign. This being a 1QB rookie mock, it would have to be an offer that made the sender uncomfortable for me to entertain it. In all reality, I would just hold firm and draft Ashton Jeanty. I recommend not overthinking this one.
1.02 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Age 21 | 6’5” | 212 lbs
Peter Monahan: I also had the 1.02 selection in our last 1QB Rookie Mock Draft, and my choice here remains the same. As the NFL draft cycle goes on, there becomes all kinds of narratives and prospect fatigue as everyone begins to nitpick these players while trying to have the newest, hot take. Some people believe Travis Hunter is the WR1 in the class while others might have Luther Burden. However, dating back to this time last year Tetairoa McMillan was and always has been my WR1 in this 2025 class, and nothing has changed that stance.
Having the 1.02 selection is a great place to be as everyone knows that Ashton Jeanty is the sure-fire locked-in 1.01 choice. I would not be looking to trade away this pick unless it was for a proven top-12 wide receiver. Pre-NFL Draft, McMillan is already ranked as dynasty WR15 or so, making this pick—and McMillan—quite a coveted asset that I would be more than happy to add to my dynasty roster.
1.03 | Omarion Hampton | RB | Age 21 | 6’0” | 220 lbs
Mychal Warno: With the 1.03, I selected Omarion Hampton—my RB2 in this draft class. I expect Hampton’s name to be called early in the NFL Draft, possibly early in the 2nd round. When watching Hampton, I see a lot of Jonathon Taylor in his game. Hampton is a plant-and-go runner with tackle-breaking abilities. At North Carolina, Hampton produced back-to-back 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdown seasons while also being a reliable receiving option.
If I have pick 1.03, I would be holding this pick. This running back class can be the best we have seen since 2017. With so many teams in need of running backs, the prospects who land in Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Cleveland, New England, and Minnesota have the potential to skyrocket up draft boards.
1.04 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Age 22 | 5’10’’ | 212 lbs
Mike Johrendt: In a crowded running back class, TreVeyon Henderson stands out as my RB2. Decisive when hitting the hole, Henderson is an upright runner with surprising speed. Henderson seeks out contact and is not afraid to mix it up in the trenches. His physicality stands out when running in between the tackles.
It would be tough to move this selection with how deep the RB class is—that isn’t saying I couldn’t be persuaded. It would take a bit of an overpay in my eyes to justify moving out, but I think 1.04 is probably the first selection you can at least consider being open to move, albeit still not overly anxious to.
1.05 | Tyler Warren | TE | Age 22 | 6’6’’ | 257 lbs
Bobby Bishop: With the 1.05 pick, I selected Tyler Warren. In a 1QB TE premium league, any tight end selected in the Top 15 picks should be near the top of rookie drafts. Warren is no exception—he is a special talent. Tyler Warren accumulated 693 yards after the catch, receiving the ball through direct snaps, hand offs, screens, and any other possible way the Penn State offense could get him the ball. Tyler Warren will begin his rookie year in the elite tier of dynasty tight ends.
If I need a tight end, I’m not trading this pick for the world; however, if I’m set at tight end and have other needs on my roster, I may explore some trades. In a 1QB league, this selection could land me an elite tier QB. I personally would prefer Joe Burrow out of the QBs that may not be untouchable, but I would also check in on Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert (in that order). If I need a RB, I would pursue Kyren Williams or Jonathan Taylor. For wide receiver, I would ask about Tee Higgins and Devonta Smith. These names may seem lofty, but this is a reflection of my high opinion of Tyler Warren.
1.06 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | Age 21 | 6’0” | 219 lbs
Garret Price: Judkins went from one of the biggest names in this draft class to an overlooked and undervalued asset. He’s a well-rounded back who racked up over 1,500 rushing yards as a true freshman in the SEC. With a knack for finding the end zone, he totaled 50 touchdowns over his 3-year college career. His aggressive running style will likely earn him some “angry run” awards at the next level. I believe he can thrive in almost any scheme and will be a highly productive NFL back.
Had trading been allowed in this draft, I likely could have moved down three to four spots and still landed Judkins. He’s in the same tier as Henderson and Hampton in my rankings, but I’ve seen him fall outside the Top 5 RBs for many analysts—often going behind multiple tight ends and wide receivers. Ultimately, I expect him to receive solid Day 2 draft capital and have a shot at 200 touches as a rookie.
1.07 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Age 21 | 6’0” | 225 lbs
Doc: With my second pick of the 1st round, I am diving back into the RB pool to select Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. Few players in the nation saw their profiles rise as far as Johnson’s in 2024. He was one of the most efficient RBs in college football averaging a robust 6.4 yards per carry (YPC) across his 1,537 rushing yards in the ultra-competitive Big 10. Johnson profiles as a three-down RB in the NFL. He also comes with the added bonus of having light wear and tear on his tires. When you pop on his film, the talent is evident from the start.
I feel that Kaleb Jonson is an excellent value at this point of the draft. If I am an RB-needy team, I would be more than happy to trade my 1st and 2nd next year (plus a small cherry on top) to grab this quality RB. I envision him as an early career David Montgomery with Chicago. A player who will gobble up touches and be a yearly RB1 threat with a nice RB2 floor. His eventual dynasty draft slot will be determined by his NFL landing spot. He could easily end up as the 2nd RB in the class and an excellent value at this point in the process.
1.08 | Luther Burden III | WR | Age 21 | 5’11” | 208 lbs
Peter: This is perceived by most to be a running back-heavy draft class. With five of the first seven selections chosen in this mock draft being running backs, landing the WR2 at pick 1.08 was a great value. This past season, Burden took the majority of his snaps at wide receiver in the slot, which is where many NFL analysts are projecting his role to be at the next level. However, while he will thrive in a slot role, he can win on the outside when needed. A great pairing for Burden is the Dallas Cowboys at pick 12. This would be an awesome duo with him and CeeDee Lamb, where both WRs can be moved inside and outside to create matchup nightmares for the opposing defense.
While I like Burden a lot as a prospect—and he is my WR2 in this rookie class—a mid-1st round value pick is something I would explore looking to move. Luther Burden right now, without knowing his draft capital or landing spot, is ranked ahead of wide receivers like Terry McLaurin, Jaylen Waddle, and Brandon Aiyuk. If I was able to move this pick for any of the aforementioned WRs and get that known veteran production, it’s the type of move I’d consider making.
1.09 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Age 2 | 6’1” | 205 lbs
Mychal: Many were surprised when Emeka Egbuka decided to return to Ohio State following the 2023 season. Personally, I believe that was the right decision and ultimately will help Egbuka become a 1st Round draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. While Egbuka won’t have the luster of other Ohio State wide receivers, he has a great football IQ and is a polished route runner. I don’t see Egbuka as an alpha receiver, however, he can be the perfect complement as a WR2. I would love to see him land in Dallas, Pittsburgh, or Washington.
If I owned 1.09, I would hold onto this pick until draft day, but I would make it clear to the other teams in my league that this pick is available. As we have preached multiple times, draft picks only gain value the closer you get to the NFL Draft. Ultimately, I would have no problem selecting Egbuka, but I always like to keep my options open.
1.10 | Colston Loveland | TE | Age 20 | 6’5’’ | 245 lbs
Mike: While a tight-end premium scoring format obviously elevates TE value, Colston Loveland is worthy of consideration for a 1st round pick—even in standard formats. While behind Tyler Warren in this rookie class, Loveland would easily be TE1 most years. Michigan used Loveland all over formation as he was their best pass catcher—which provides a good look at how he can enter the league as a TE1.
Loveland leads the Tier 2 of TEs this year which makes it tough to move the pick you could select him with. While a selection near the end of the 1st round holds plenty of value in a trade (and you absolutely should be open to offers) positional scarcity says if Loveland is on the board at pick 1.10, he is likely more valuable than trading the pick away.
1.11 | Travis Hunter | CB | WR | Colorado | 6’1’’ | 185 lbs
Bobby: If Travis Hunter told the media tomorrow that he was committing to only play wide receiver due to the insane positional market, he would skyrocket to 1.02 or 1.03. The reason he is in this range is because many analysts believe he’ll play full-time cornerback and part-time receiver. Even if that is the case, I am willing to select Travis Hunter in this range. He is one of the most effortlessly athletic players I’ve ever seen, and he has Tier 1 ball skills.
If I wanted to trade this pick, I would check in on C.J. Stroud, Christian McCaffrey, Jaylen Waddle, and Brandon Aiyuk. I believe each of these players are in unique buy-low situations. The owner of each of these players may not be interested; however, if you check in on all four, you may get a hit. I’d even be fine with adding a little something (3rd round pick max) to get the deal done.
1.12 | Cam Skattebo | RB | Age 23 | 5’11” | 215 lbs
Garret: Some players are just more fun to watch than others—Cam Skattebo is one of those players. He won’t blow anyone away with his speed; in fact, I expect him to post one of the slower 40-yard dash times in the class. But long speed is one of the most overrated traits for running backs. Skattebo is an absolute monster when it comes to contact balance and breaking tackles. Add in his receiving ability, and you have a valuable backfield asset.
I loved the value of Skattebo here. I would have taken him as early as 1.09, and landing him behind a player who might not even see consistent offensive snaps feels like a steal. He’s another Day 2 pick, and while he won’t fit every system, he’ll thrive on teams that prioritize power running, such as the Steelers, Browns, and Chargers.
ROUND TWO | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
2.01 | Tre Harris | WR | Age 22 | 6’3” | 210 lbs
Doc: Tre Harris is one of my favorite WRs in this class. The talented playmaker from Ole Miss has been a walking highlight reel since arriving on campus. He has put up over 900 yards each of the last 3 seasons, topping out this past year with 1,030 yards and 7 TDs on 60 catches. The most impressive part of those numbers is that he did it in just 8 games. Harris profiles as a true X receiver in the NFL. The big question for him will be how fast he runs in the pre-draft process. If he can somehow managed to run a sub 4.5 40-yard dash he could end up as a 1st Round prospect.
Getting Harris here highlights the nice value in this year’s class. The sheer amount of quality RBs in this group makes it a dynamic class. Wide receivers like Harris will routinely fall as players grab at the top-level RBs. To be fair, there are still some really nice RBs on the board to consider. But, I like the idea of snagging a guy who can make the ridiculous types of catches Harris put on display in the SEC. I believe that Tre Harris will go off the board in the 2nd Round of the NFL Draft this coming spring. If he does manage to go that high, I would have no problem giving up a future 1st to grab this talented playmaker.
2.02 | Matthew Golden | WR | Age 21 | 6’0” | 195 lbs
Peter: Matthew Golden is quickly flying up NFL Draft boards after his productive season, taking the Texas Longhorns to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Golden led the team in receiving yards with 200 yards more than the next closest receiver, finishing with just under 1,000 yards (987) on the season. He also led the team in receiving touchdowns with 9. Golden has the speed to take the top off of the defense with sub-4.40 40-yard dash speed. However, Golden is also a technician and creates separation on a lot of his routes, making life easier on his quarterback.
Once you start getting in the early 2nd round, you should be looking to explore the trade value of the pick. Believe it or not, there are several leagues where dynasty managers get rookie fever and can’t believe X-player fell to the 2nd round and they just have to select them. I will always recommend if you can move rookie picks 2.01-2.03 for a future 1st round pick you do so every time. Comparisons of NFL veteran wide receivers currently in Golden’s range that you can try to trade this pick for are Khalil Shakir, Chris Godwin, Courtland Sutton, and Michael Pittman—don’t be afraid to ask for little something extra.
2.03 | Dylan Sampson | RB | Age 20 | 5’11” | 201 lbs
Mychal: In the 2nd round, I selected Dylan Sampson, my RB5 in this class. Sampson is the last running back in a tier for me, so being able to pick him in the 2nd round was tremendous value. With Jaylen Wright in the NFL, Sampson got his chance to shine as the Tennessee Volunteer’s lead running back. Sampson broke the school record for single-season rushing touchdowns with 22. He is a shifty running back who has excellent burst. Garret Price had the Minnesota Vikings as a good landing spot for Sampson, and I could not agree more.
If Sampson was on the board still at 2.03, I would have a hard time trading away the pick. I view Sampson as a top-20 running back with possible top 15 upside given his landing spot. You should always entertain offers, but be smart in your negotiations.
2.04 | Devin Neal | RB | Age 21 | 5’11’’ | 208 lbs
Mike: A receiving back who had a ton of work in college, Devin Neal can make the climb to the next level—even if his tape shows he was a part of a bad Kansas Jayhawks offense. Neal is a shifty runner with good hands, giving him a shot at filling an RB2 spot on a team that needs a receiver at RB.
Neal is a good prospect but shouldn’t hold you up from entertaining offers. When it gets the the early- to mid-2nd round, it starts to make more sense to take a flyer on a rookie instead of punting on the pick in a trade. While a future 2nd and a sweetener could make it worth your while, entertaining a deal for this pick isn’t as cut and dried as in previous years with how deep this RB class is.
2.05 | Elijah Arroyo | TE | Age 21 | 6’5’’ | 251 lbs
Bobby: Elijah Arroyo was the biggest benefactor of the Senior Bowl. He stood out as the best tight end at the competition, showcasing elite movement skills for his size. I projected Arroyo to the Chiefs in the late 2nd round of my Mock Draft 3.0. If he receives that landing spot (and Travis Kelce retires), Arroyo is going to skyrocket in rookie drafts.
If I want to trade this pick, I’d ask about Michael Pittman. He’s the one veteran in the range of this pick that I’d view as a trade low and a good opportunity to secure a WR2 for my fantasy lineup. Otherwise, I’m sticking with Elijah Arroyo who—in tight end premium leagues like this one—offers more upside than anyone else I could get with this pick.
2.06 | Kyle Monangai | RB | Age 22* | 5’9” | 209 lbs
*Turns 23 on March 15
Garret: Monangai is one of the scrappiest players I’ve ever watched. He fights for every possible inch, regardless of whether he’s battling larger defenders or multiple tacklers—he makes his presence known. His vision and patience are outstanding, and while he lacks elite long speed, he compensates with great burst and the ability to manipulate defenders in tight spaces.
The NFL Draft will be critical for him. If teams prioritize game tape, Monangai could go on Day 2. If they focus more on measurables and testing numbers, he might slip to Day 3. The middle of the 2nd round in this draft gets tricky. While I’m happy with Monangai here, I could see myself considering a trade up for a higher-upside prospect.
2.07 | Jalen Royals | WR | Age 22 | 6’0” | 205 lbs
Doc: Being an East Coast football junky, I routinely find myself watching a lot of Mountain West football late at night. Nearly every season a little-known player will catch my eye. This season, Jalen Royals was that player. Royals was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the conference. Tetairoa McMillan grabbed the attention of the nation early on when he torched New Mexico to the tune of 10 catches for 304 and 4 TDs. Royals didn’t quite do that, but against the same defensive unit, he put up an impressive 11 catches for 188 yards and 1 score. Now McMillan had the better game for sure, but Royals displayed some of the exact same big play ability. Royals saved his best game for his best opponent in 2024, torching College Football Playoff squad Boise State for 211 yards and 2 TDs on 9 grabs.
Jalen Royals has been picking up some steam early in the pre-draft process. He was one of the stars of the Senior Bowl. Here in the late 2nd, I am looking for upside. I personally believe that with a nice Combine, Royals will hear his name called sometime in the back half of Day 2 of the NFL draft. He has some Chris Godwin to his game in my opinion. In the right situation, he could be an excellent starting WR. This is the type of player I look to grab when owners are having a hard time deciding on what to do with their late 2nd. You might be able to get away with giving a 2026 2nd and a player you don’t really love to make this pick. Pay attention to his name in the lead up to the draft. I’ve got a hunch Jalen Royals could be one of the big risers at the WR position.
2.08 | Harold Fannin Jr | TE | Age 20 | 6’4” | 230 lbs
Peter: Harold Fannin was TE3 for most before the Senior Bowl. Although he had a fine showing down in Mobile, Alabama, his “issue” was that someone else crushed the week. That someone was Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo who is now skyrocketing up draft boards—being selected a few picks ahead of Fannin in this 1QB rookie mock. Fannin’s production this past season is off the charts as he led the nation in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) all while doing so from the tight end position. This TE class is fairly deep, but being able to get a guy like Fannin here in the mid-2nd round is a pick I’m more than happy to make.
When you start to get to this mid- to late-2nd round pick range, it becomes a little harder to trade the pick for a veteran player. The tight ends that are ranked around Fannin currently are Chig Okonkwo, Dalton Schultz, and Hunter Henry. All of these guys are fine, serviceable TE options that you don’t want to insert into your starting lineup, but can start in a pinch. I think I would prefer the upside shot on Fannin here opposed to those guys, so I’d keep this pick.
2.09 | Xavier Restrepo | WR | Age 22 | 5’10” | 198 lbs
Mychal: Even before Cam Ward joined the Miami Hurricanes, Xavier Restrepo was producing. Restrepo set school records for receptions (200) and receiving yards (2,844) and is 4th all time in school history in receiving touchdowns (21). Restrepo is a play extender with short-area quickness and is an above-average route runner. Restrepo’s game reminds me a lot of Khalil Shakir. While he projects primarily as a slot receiver at the next level, I think Restrepo would be a great fit in Philadelphia or Dallas.
I agree with Peter that it becomes harder to trade for veteran players late in the 2nd round. If you want to move this pick, our current Dynasty Nerds rank has the wide receiver range for this selection as Jermaine Burton, Romeo Doubs, Demario Douglas, and Ja’Lynn Polk. Personally, I would rather have Restrepo.
2.10 | Damien Martinez | RB | Age 21 | 6’0” | 232 lbs
Mike: Finding solid value near the end of the 2nd round isn’t super surprising with the depth at RB this year, pushing down a player like Damien Martinez further than usual. In other years, Martinez would likely be more heavily considered near the middle of the second round, but in our mock draft, he fell into my lap at pick 2.10. Martinez is a solid runner and has proven his chops in the receiving game.
You can count me in as one of the believers in Martinez after watching more of his game tape this offseason. A late 2nd isn’t something you should feel that you have to hold onto—especially if a leaguemate of yours is pining for a specific player. But as I laid out in my 2.04 selection, this rookie draft season feels different in the sense that it is so deep that you absolutely can hold steady with your pick without feeling like you’re losing out on value.
2.11 | Jayden Higgins | WR | Age 22 | 6’4’’ | 217 lbs
Bobby: Of all of the wide receivers projected in the round 2 range, Jayden Higgins is my favorite. Most tall receivers don’t have the side-to-side agility, route running, and separation abilities that Higgins features. He goes up to get the ball, is strong at the catchpoint, and can win 50/50 balls. I mocked Higgins to the Commanders in the late 2nd round of my Mock Draft 3.0. If Higgins is tied to an elite quarterback like Jayden Daniels, that will lock in his round 2 rookie draft value.
I would not be interested in trading this pick. In fact, I want to buy as many of these picks in the late 2nd round/early 3rd round of 2025 rookie drafts as I can. The players here—not just Higgins—offer far more upside than the cost of these picks or the veterans valued in the same range. I’m willing to give a late-3rd round pick and a 2026 3rd to move up to this range and select a player.
2.12 | Cam Ward | QB | Age 22 | 6’2” | 223 lbs
Garret: Cam Ward is likely the first quarterback off the board in the NFL Draft, and he’s the first one here as well. With a strong arm, good decision-making, and underrated athleticism, he has the ceiling of a fantasy QB1. He’s a natural leader who has earned nothing but positive reviews for his off-the-field character and football IQ.
Ward is an older prospect, but that’s actually a good thing for quarterbacks. We’ve seen better success rates from players with 35+ college starts compared to those with fewer. In 1QB rookie drafts, there’s often a game of “chicken” at the position, and I was the first to cave. However, landing the best quarterback in the class just outside the 3rd round feels like solid value.
ROUND THREE | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
3.01 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | Age 23 | 6’2” | 215 lbs
Doc: This was one of the easiest picks in the draft for me. In the 3rd round It is hard to pass over a player who is a Top 10 NFL pick. Shedeur Sanders will almost certainly go in the first 10 pick of the NFL draft and could challenge for the top overall selection in the draft. This QB was one of the top signal callers in the nation in 2024. He won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and was named First-Team All-Big 12. Sanders brings decent size and adequate arm talent to the table. He is not a scrambler, but he does possess plenty of functional mobility behind the line of scrimmage—routinely showing the ability to manipulate the pocket and extend plays downfield.
Here at the start of the 3rd round, Sanders feels like a nice, safe pick with plenty of upside. Even in a 1QB league, a starting QB holds some decent value. If you need a QB2, or are in the market for a developmental QB3, then this is the type of player you want to target. A 2nd round pick in next year’s draft will usually be enough to acquire a 3rd this year. Given the safe nature of early-drafted QBs, I am totally willing to add a little on top if Sanders is one of my target guys.
3.02 | RJ Harvey | RB | Age 24 | 5’9” | 208 lbs
Peter: From here on out in a 1QB league, I’m taking my chances on all running backs (outside of one player who I’ll talk about later). Harvey is one of the many talented running backs in this deep, deep class. He is my RB9 and was taken in this draft as RB11. Harvey had two phenomenal back-to-back collegiate seasons rushing for over 1,400 yards and 15+ touchdowns in both years. He also proved to be a capable pass catcher out of the backfield, tallying an additional 200+ yards in his last 2 college seasons.
Normally, my strategy would be to re-roll a 3rd round pick into a future year to stay flexible during the season. I typically like to have multiple draft picks on hand if I need to acquire a player for more depth (or due to injury) and having those future 3rds to add onto a deal become valuable. However, because I think this running back class is the new wave of future NFL depth charts, I want as many picks and chances on selecting the “sleeper” as I can.
3.03 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | Age 21 | 6’2” | 225 lbs
Mychal: Since this was a 1QB Rookie Mock, I was shocked to see Ollie Gordon II still available in the 3rd round. If you were building a running back in a lab, it would be Ollie Gordon. He has good size and is not afraid of contact. He will punish a defender who is attempting to tackle him. Gordon had a phenomenal 2023 season where he rushed for 1,732 yards and 22 total touchdowns. His 2024 season was underwhelming, causing him to fall in drafts. If Gordon can reclaim his 2023 form, I have the steal of the draft.
Usually, I like to flip my 3rd round pick for a future 2nd. As discussed numerous times, 3rd round hit rates on draft picks are very scarce. If I can find a manager who is enamored with a player, I would love to package this pick to trade down or out and acquire a future 2nd.
3.04 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | Age 21 | 6’2’’ | 210 lbs
Mike: After going RB heavy in the first two rounds, I finally dove into the WR pool with Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor. It feels as though people in the dynasty community are either really in or out on Ayomanor, and I fall into the former group. Ayomanor has size you can’t teach and has put enough on tape (in a hard-to-watch Cardinal offense) to be excited about what he can bring to an NFL offense.
The 3rd round is where you should start to be overtly open to moving picks, as you are choosing from dart throws and lottery tickets more than proven options. Moving back for a later 3rd + an even later pick is a safe play here—as is punting on the 3rd round altogether and sending this pick out for a future 2nd rounder.
3.05 | Mason Taylor | TE | Age 20 | 6’5’’ | 250 lbs
Bobby: Nobody walks into the room and looks the part more than Mason Taylor. If you mistake him for something other than a football player, it could be an NBA power forward. It’s impossible to think that he is anything but an athlete. The college production was never impressive, but at 20-years old, Taylor has potential to be a better pro than college football player. I mocked Taylor to the Bengals in the 3rd Round of my Mock Draft 3.0. This landing spot would be awesome for him to join in an explosive offense with an elite QB. In a tight end premium league, I’m loving the value of taking Mason Taylor in the mid-3rd round.
I genuinely wouldn’t consider trading this pick away. I think the players drafted in this range will have more upside than any possible asset for which they could be swapped. If people came to me with a future 2nd for this pick, I would definitely consider it, but I think there are some hangups with that trade. First, who says Mason Taylor won’t be worth more than a 2nd a year from now? Second, what is the depth of the 2026 class going to look like? Will there be a higher hit rate in the early 3rd of 2025 than the late second of 2026? It’s possible. I really like Mason Taylor and other players in this range and would look to acquire more early 3rd round picks, not less.
3.06 | Jaylin Noel | WR | Age 22 | 5’11” | 200 lbs
Garret: Jaylin Noel is one of the most explosive playmakers in this class. He’s a dynamic slot receiver with elite short-area quickness, sharp route-running, and an ability to create yards after the catch. While he’s not the biggest receiver, his agility and change-of-direction skills make him a nightmare in space. He’s also a reliable target, showing strong hands and the ability to make tough grabs in traffic.
His NFL success will depend on landing in a scheme that maximizes his skill set. If used creatively—jet sweeps, quick screens, and underneath routes—he can be a high-volume target and a key piece in an offense. I expect late Day 2 draft capital, and if he finds the right fit, he could outperform many players taken ahead of him.
3.07 | Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Age 21 | 6’5” | 236 lbs
Doc: Oronde Gadsden is an intriguing TE prospect out of Syracuse. He is the son of former NFL veteran Oronde Gadsden Sr. who won Super Bowl XXX with the Dallas Cowboys. Gadsden II is a long and lean playmaker who reminds me of an awful lot of former Raiders great Darren Waller. Both players look like a cross between a true TE body and an overgrown WR. Gadsden put his size to good use in 2024, securing his 2nd career 900+ yard campaign. Reports out of the East-West Shrine game seemed to be mostly positive and we will see what the NFL coaching world thinks of his eventual potential.
Here in the 3rd round, I am swinging for the fences. Gadsden offers some nice upside at the TE position. I don’t think it is outside the realm of possibility that he could climb as high as the late 3rd Round in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, I think the more likely position is that he ends up going early on Day 3 and will have a chance to develop for a year or two behind an aging veteran. For instance, I would like to see a team like Kansas City draft him and let him learn from [Travis] Kelce for a year if the veteran decides to come back for another season. I would certainly be willing to trade this pick if the right offer came calling. I would be willing to trade it for a future 3rd and an intriguing upside player (Roman Wilson or Kimani Vidal).
3.08 | DJ Giddens | RB | Age 21 | 6’1” | 212 lbs
Peter: Everything I said about RJ Harvey with my last pick applies to my pick of DJ Giddens here. Giddens had slightly less production than Harvey with only 1,200+ yards rushing each of the last two seasons and only 17 total rushing touchdowns between both years. However, Giddens also offers receiving ability and is a bigger back than Harvey, so he might be able to sustain the rigors of the NFL grind a little bit better.
All of the names that are being selected at running back in these 3rd and 4th rounds will change post-NFL Draft. The idea and concept though should remain the same, select the RB who lands in the best spot with an opportunity to quickly climb their respective depth chart. Again, I want as many late-round selections as I can get and though I didn’t mention it at my last pick at 3.02, I would have no problem trading back for multiple choices at this point in the draft.
3.09 | Jaxson Dart | QB | Age 21 | 6’2” | 226 lbs
Mychal: Jaxson Dart is a polarizing prospect in this upcoming draft. In a weaker quarterback class, the NFL Combine will play a massive role in how early Dart is drafted. I view Dart as the QB3 in this class and have a 1st Round grade on him. Dart possesses a big arm and a calm composure in the pocket. I would love to see him land with the Los Angeles Rams and learn under Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay before eventually taking over as the future quarterback.
As I stated, I love flipping my 3rd round picks for a future 2nd. If that isn’t possible, consider swapping for a future 3rd round pick. If that’s not available, draft Dart and let him sit on your taxi squad. If he takes over as the starting quarterback for a team, you will be able to get a substantial return on your investment.
3.10 | Tez Johnson | WR | Age 22 | 5’10’’ | 165 lbs
Mike: Size concerns aside, Tez Johnson is as twitchy of a receiver as you will find this draft cycle. The former Oregon Duck is above average when it comes to elusiveness and speed, but his small frame scares me. It is easy to immediately think Tank Dell for Johnson, as they both were on the smaller side when entering the NFL (especially since they enter the league at both the same height and weight), but Johnson profiles better, solely based on his plus-plus speed.
As I noted in my write-up for pick 3.04, you are at the point in your rookie draft where you should be looking to capitalize on value for your remaining selections. Nearing the end of the 3rd round means your draft is likely nearly wrapped up, so if you want to move this pick, look to a team that doesn’t have any selections left and see if they want to get back into the draft one final time.
3.11 | Isaiah Bond | WR | Age 20 | 5’11’’ | 180 lbs
Bobby: Isaiah Bond may run the fastest time of anyone at the combine this year. Bond is certainly one of the fastest receivers in the draft. Speed kills. He is not a fully developed receiver as I wish he had more nuance in his route running. His speed is an elite tool, and an NFL team will start there and look to develop more. I projected Bond to the New England Patriots in the 3rd Round of my Mock Draft 3.0. With Drake Maye as his long-term QB, this landing spot would be a slam dunk for Isaiah Bond.
Ultimately, we’ve entered dart throw territory. If I’m looking to trade this pick, I’d see what it would take to close the gap between this pick and a handcuff running back for one of my players. Most handcuffs can probably be had for around this value—maybe with slightly more added on. Handcuffs may not seem like a sexy purchase, but you wouldn’t want to start the season without insurance. Sometimes someone like Jordan Mason in 2024 can be the difference between making the playoffs and not making the playoffs. Use this pick to try to get your running back insurance renewed for the 2025 season.
3.12 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | Age 22 | 5’10” | 209 lbs
Garret: Jarquez Hunter is a powerful, compact running back with impressive burst and balance. He runs with great pad level, absorbs contact well, and consistently falls forward for extra yards. While he doesn’t have elite long speed, his acceleration and vision allow him to create chunk plays. He also flashed as a capable pass-catcher, adding to his versatility at the next level.
Hunter has the traits to carve out a significant role in an NFL backfield, but his landing spot will be crucial. If he lands on a team that values a physical, north-south runner who can contribute in the passing game, he’ll have a chance to earn meaningful touches early. I expect him to be a Day 3 pick with a real shot at a rotational role as a rookie.
ROUND FOUR | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
4.01 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Age 22 | 5’11” | 209 lbs
Doc: Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten is a fun player to scout. The Hokies were a team bereft of playmakers and they gave Tuten every opportunity he could handle. The talented RB did not disappoint, putting up a couple of really nice seasons in Blacksburg after transferring from HBCU powerhouse North Carolina A&T. Whether in the A&T or at Tech, Tuten was a major part of the offense. In his senior season, he turned 183 carries into 1,159 rushing yards and 15 TDs. He also showed himself to be a capable pass catcher reeling in 50 catches combined over the last 2 years for over 300 yards.
Bhayshul Tuten is the type of player I think could see a big jump up the rankings. He has the skill and pedigree to be drafted early on Day 3 of the Draft. If he finds his way to a prime location like Minnesota, he could conceivably jump into the 2nd round of your dynasty drafts. Fourth round picks are hard to trade. Usually, teams will have a difficult time finding any trade action. I love to scoop up guys like this late in a draft. You will quickly know if they carry any real value and you can acquire them on the cheap.
4.02 | Jalen Milroe | QB | Age 22 | 6’2” | 225 lbs
Peter: This is the ultimate wildcard player of the entire NFL draft (in my opinion, for fantasy purposes). Typically, in a 1QB Rookie Mock, I wouldn’t even think about selecting a quarterback, but with some NFL Draft experts projecting Milroe to receive 2nd or possibly even 1st Round draft capital, I had to take a swing for the fences. I think Milroe is most certainly a project quarterback, and it would do him a disservice to force him onto an NFL field early in his career. However, his rushing upside cannot be overlooked and is the ultimate cheat code for a successful fantasy quarterback.
Milroe is almost certainly not selected in this spot post-NFL draft once we know his landing spot and more importantly draft capital. While I do not personally think Milroe will have success in the NFL, if he were to get a chance at a starting job at some point you would be able to trade him for more value than his selection here at 4.02. If you can get someone interested in this pick for a future 3rd round rookie pick that should be an automatic trade to make.
4.03 | Jack Bech | WR | Age 23 | 6’1” | 212 lbs
Mychal: Jack Bech is a receiver who is not getting the hype he deserves, especially after winning the MVP at the Senior Bowl. Bech is becoming one of my favorite receivers in this draft class. He is a physical wide receiver with excellent hands. Those reliable hands also help him excel in contested catches. Bech does have some limitations to his game, and I view him as more of a complimentary receiver rather than a team’s WR1.
At this point in the draft, I would rather take Jack Bech’s potential than trade it for some useless WR6-8 that I know will never start for my fantasy team. Bech is consistently being drafted on Day 2 of mock drafts, giving him the draft capital to be an immediate fantasy producer.
4.04 | Woody Marks | RB | Age 24 | 5’10’’ | 210 lbs
Mike: After starting out my picks with running back in three of my first four selections, I head back to the well again with USC’s Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks. Marks isn’t being talked about a ton at this point in the offseason, which helps keep his ADP in the fourth-round range. His forte is in the receiving game, as Marks has soft hands and hits his acceleration early and easily with the ball in his hands.
A 4th round draft pick doesn’t hold a ton of value in a trade, so don’t try and force anything. Even near the beginning- to middle-like selection 4.04 is, I feel that you’d be better off holding onto the pick and making the selection, unless you receive an offer of multiple late picks for it.
4.05 | Brashard Smith | RB | Age 21 | 5’9’’ | 195 lbs
Bobby: Brashard Smith is an intriguing late-round running back option. He switched from receiver to running back and skyrocketed. He is going to be the receiving back of a committee. Two of my favorite running back stats to look at are Missed Tackles Forced (MTF) and Yards After Contact (YAC). These stats showcase a running back’s talent independent of their offensive line. Smith forced 52 missed tackles and created 775 YAC on 235 attempts. As a receiver, he had 11 MTF and created 332 YAC. He’s one of the best receiving backs in the class.
If I still have a 4th round pick when the draft approaches, I view it as house money. Very often, I include 4th round picks in trades just to make them happen. If I still have a pick in this range, I’m holding it, making the pick, and stashing the player on my taxi squad. If they don’t turn out, fine. Drop them and move on. Whenever you get a hit though, it is a huge boost of value for your dynasty squad. I may try to trade veterans with little-to-no value for a pick in this range, but it’s usually without avail. A 4th round pick is a dart throw, so just chase upside.
4.06 | Pat Bryant | WR | Age 22 | 6’3” | 200 lbs
Garret: Pat Bryant is a physical, sure-handed receiver who thrives in contested catch situations. He has a strong frame, good body control, and a knack for using his size to shield defenders. While he’s not the fastest receiver, his ability to win on the boundary and make tough catches over the middle makes him a valuable possession target.
The big question for Bryant is whether he can separate consistently at the next level. If he can refine his route-running and develop as a technician, he has the tools to become a reliable chain-mover in an NFL offense. His draft stock is in the late-Day 3 range, but with the right development, he could turn into a productive role player.
4.07 | Kyle McCord | QB | Age 22 | 6’3” | 220 lbs
Doc: I ended my mock draft by taking the player who lead the entire nation in passing yards in 2024. Kyle McCord put up a gaudy 4,779 yards and 34 TDs while leading Syracuse to only their 2nd 10-win season in the last 20 years. He capped it off with a massive performance in the Holiday Bowl throwing for 453 yards and 5 TDs with 0 Ints. McCord followed up his impressive year with a great week of practice at the East-West Shrine Bowl. He was the talk of the town and the most impressive QB at the game.
McCord showed some really nice development from his time at Ohio State. His record as a Buckeye wasn’t bad by any means, but when he didn’t get guaranteed the starting job, he made his way to the Orangemen. Leading the nation in passing and playing really well in the spotlight at the Shrine Bowl have McCord on the precipice of getting drafted relatively early in the upcoming draft. Teams that miss out on the Top 2 consensus QBs could absolutely look to a QB like McCord in the 3rd Round. This has happened quite a few times in recent memory. Players like Russell Wilson and Davis Mills have snatched jobs from the middle rounds with varying degrees of eventual success. I doubt you get much trade action this late in the draft but you never know. Sell for any future higher-round pick, buy for a future 4th and throw-in player.
4.08 | Trevor Etienne | RB | Age 20 | 5’9” | 205 lbs
Peter: If the name sounds familiar that’s because it is. Trevor Etienne is the younger brother of NFL star running back Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The younger Etienne did not put up the college stats that warrant anywhere close to the 1st Round NFL Draft selection like his brother received, but often times having a family member play in the NFL gives a stock boost to the incoming player’s pedigree. Trevor Etienne is currently projected to be a Day 3 NFL Draft pick, but will likely get a chance to make an NFL roster or land on a practice squad with the hopes of producing like older brother, Travis.
The late 4th round of a dynasty rookie draft is highly unlikely for any of these players to ever have fantasy relevance. So, with that being said, I might as well select the brother of an already proven NFL talent. As stated in previous write-ups if anyone is willing to trade two future 4th round picks for their guy here, I’m all ears.
4.09 | Savion Williams | WR | Age 24 | 6’4” | 225 lbs
Mychal: With my final selection in this mock draft, I took another TCU wide receiver, Savion Williams. This selection will either be outstanding value or a complete bust. At 6’5” and 225 lbs., Williams is an absolute freak but will need to land on a team with a creative offensive mind. Williams is a Swiss army knife and has many similarities in his game to Cordarelle Patterson.
There are red flags with Savion Williams as well. He is an older prospect with drop issues. In the 4th round of rookie drafts, the chances of receiving any substantial compensation for this pick are very slim, so I like to draft high-risk, high-reward players.
4.10 | Jaydon Blue | RB | Age 21 | 6’0’’ | 200 lbs
Mike: My final selection in our 1QB mock draft is another RB, and Texas’ Jaydon Blue is my choice to wrap things up. Speed and reliable hands gives Blue a healthy upside for a 4th round selection, which speaks to just how deep this RB class is. If you don’t know much about him, I encourage you to watch some tape on Blue—we have seven games of film on Blue from this past season!
Unless a team wants to offer you a future 3rd or something that blows you away, hold onto this selection. While it might be fun to make a move just to make a move, this selection doesn’t have a ton of value in a trade, so you may as well add a young prospect to your roster.
4.11 | Gunnar Helm | TE | Age 22 | 6’5’’ | 250 lbs
Bobby: Gunnar Helm is a player who has gotten lost in the shuffle of an elite tight end class. I view him in the late 3rd or early-4th Round range of the NFL Draft. Helm’s biggest weakness is his terrible run blocking. Fortunately, poor run blocking will not affect your fantasy points, as long as Helm can still stay on the field. He has good size and athleticism for the position. While not elite at the receiver level, I think he showcases some high-quality nuance in his route running for a tight end. He was productive in 2024, racking up 786 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Gunnar Helm is an interesting tight end prospect for fantasy purposes.
I’m not going to hold onto this pick too tightly. I like my selection of a dart throw, but ultimately, the data says that the hit rate is ridiculously low on 4th round picks. If someone comes to me for this pick with anything intriguing, it will likely get the deal done. Check out your trade block! Is anyone a buy-low option that you believe has some upside? Offer them the pick when you are on the clock. Your pick reaches max value when you are on the clock, and the other owner wants the dopamine of making the trade and a selection. Ultimately, it may be difficult to get anything significant for this selection, so take a dart throw, stash him on the trade block, and check back in two years.
4.12 | LaJohntay Wester | WR | Age 22* | 5’11” | 167 lbs
*Turns 23 on March 29
Garret: LaJohntay Wester is a slippery, high-energy receiver with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s an electric route runner who wins with quickness and suddenness, creating separation with ease. While he’s undersized, his shiftiness and ability to track the ball make him a dangerous playmaker in the right system.
Wester’s impact will likely come as a slot receiver and return specialist early in his career. If he lands in an offense that values speed and creativity, he could carve out a significant role. His draft range is likely late-Day 3 or priority free agent, but his skill set gives him the potential to surprise people at the next level.
Other 2025 NFL Draft Rookie Content!
Check out our latest in the Rookie Big Board series from NFL Prospects Nerd Mike Johrendt. See who Mike has as the top 50 rookies for dynasty fantasy football this offseason:
See the top 2025 NFL Rookie Prospects broken down by position in Tristan Cook‘s updated Rookie Rankings 3.0. Our Director of College content breaks down every name in consideration for dynasty rookie drafts:
