Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Hurts was first quarterback picked
RealTime Fantasy Sports is proud to present you the results of our “Champions Draft." The draft this season once again consists of the top rated fantasy players on our site. We invited players rated near the top of our Top Fantasy Players report. So this is the best of the best on our site.
In this column, we'll give you a round-by-round look at the draft. Each round includes some notes on that round, talking about what just went down. Hopefully, this gives you some insight into the draft and helps prepare you for all your drafts this coming year.
Before we get to that, here is a quick overview of the league format. We used the same rules as we do for the "All-Pro" fantasy leagues on our site. So you can view the entire set of rules on our main page for that game. But here is a brief look. Each team starts a quarterback, two running backs, two receivers, a tight end, a defensive/special teams, a kicker and a flex player (RB, WR or TE). Scoring is pretty standard. Touchdowns are worth six except for passing touchdowns, which are worth four. And it is a points per reception league, giving every player a point per reception. Defenses get points for sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries. The rules are pretty standard with how many leagues operate these days.
ROUND 1
1. Ballers - Christian McCaffrey RB, SF
2. Birds - CeeDee Lamb WR, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Bijan Robinson RB, ATL
4. Super Paurs - Breece Hall RB, NYJ
5. Wreckingcrew - Tyreek Hill WR, MIA
6. PaurPlay - Justin Jefferson WR, MIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Amon-Ra St. Brown WR, DET
8. Bubbles Army - Ja'Marr Chase WR, CIN
9. HORNS - Jahmyr Gibbs RB, DET
10. Goodfellas - Puka Nacua WR, LAR
11. Suncoast - A.J. Brown WR, PHI
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Saquon Barkley RB, PHI
NOTES: The first round was pretty chalk, going very similar to the current ADP. These savvy owners didn’t take many chances with the first round. There were five running backs and seven receivers picked in Round 1. It was not a surprise to see no tight ends or quarterbacks picked in the first round. The only mild surprise was seeing Jonathan Taylor failed to get picked this round. He normally goes at the end of the first round, but didn’t in this one.
ROUND 2
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jonathan Taylor RB, IND
2. Suncoast - Garrett Wilson WR, NYJ
3. Goodfellas - Sam LaPorta TE, DET
4. HORNS - Travis Etienne RB, JAX
5. Bubbles Army - Davante Adams WR, LV
6. Crusty GON Pod - Chris Olave WR, NO
7. PaurPlay - Josh Jacobs RB, GB
8. Wreckingcrew - Kyren Williams RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - Devon Achane RB, MIA
10. CRUNCHY - Derrick Henry RB, BAL
11. Birds - Isiah Pacheco RB, KC
12. Ballers - Marvin Harrison Jr. WR, ARI
NOTES: Sam LaPorta was the first tight end picked, getting taken by Suncoast this round. He went a tad sooner, having an ADP of 24.99 but he wasn’t going to last to Suncoast when he picked again, so he had to pull the trigger now if he wanted him on his roster. . . . This was a running back heavy round, seeing seven go off the board. This is normally a trend in many drafts with a lot of owners going receiver in the first round. . . .Isiah Pacheco might have been the only surprise running back of this round. The Birds selected him with the 11th pick. This wasn’t too far off his ADP, though, normally going pick 26.62. . . . .Marvin Harrison continues to be the first rookie picked on draft day. The Ballers picked him with the last pick, making him the 24th pick overall.
ROUND 3
1. Ballers - Drake London WR, ATL
2. Birds - Michael Pittman Jr. WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Nico Collins WR, HOU
4. Super Paurs - Deebo Samuel WR, SF
5. Wreckingcrew - James Cook RB, BUF
6. PaurPlay - Travis Kelce TE, KC
7. Crusty GON Pod - Rhamondre Stevenson RB, NE
8. Bubbles Army - Rachaad White RB, TB
9. HORNS - Stefon Diggs WR, HOU
10. Goodfellas - Joe Mixon RB, HOU
11. Suncoast - Mike Evans WR, TB
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aiyuk WR, SF
NOTES: This round was a little more receiver heavy once again, having seven go off the board. This seems to be a trend in a lot of drafts, having owners get two receivers and a running back after three rounds. . . . .Travis Kelce is the second tight end picked, which is a little unusual for him, but definitely a trend. Kelce has an ADP of 30.8, going after LaPorta in most drafts. Paur Play is hoping he has at least one more big season in him. . . . .It is always interesting seeing how owners value the two top receivers for the Texans. Nico Collins went before Stefon Diggs in this draft. Collins was picked third this round by CRUNCHY while the HORNS picked Diggs with the ninth pick.
ROUND 4
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Jaylen Waddle WR, MIA
2. Suncoast - Jalen Hurts QB, PHI
3. Goodfellas - D.J. Moore WR, CHI
4. HORNS - DeVonta Smith WR, PHI
5. Bubbles Army - Josh Allen QB, BUF
6. Crusty GON Pod - D'Andre Swift RB, CHI
7. PaurPlay - Patrick Mahomes QB, KC
8. Wreckingcrew - D.K. Metcalf WR, SEA
9. Super Paurs - Amari Cooper WR, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Kenneth Walker III RB, SEA
11. Birds - Lamar Jackson QB, BAL
12. Ballers - Trey McBride TE, ARI
NOTES: This was a quarterback heavy round, seeing four go off the board. Jalen Hurts was the first quarterback selected, getting picked by Suncoast. He went ahead of Josh Allen, who normally is the first quarterback picked in drafts. . . . .Trey McBride was the third tight end picked, going to the Ballers with the last pick in this round. McBride is flying up draft boards this year after this strong finish last season. He has an ADP of 48.2, so this spot for him is not out of the norm. . . .There was just two running backs picked this round after seeing at least four picked each of the first three rounds. D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker were the backs picked this round.
ROUND 5
1. Ballers - Zay Flowers WR, BAL
2. Birds - Mark Andrews TE, BAL
3. CRUNCHY - Aaron Jones RB, MIN
4. Super Paurs - Cooper Kupp WR, LAR
5. Wreckingcrew - C.J. Stroud QB, HOU
6. PaurPlay - Alvin Kamara RB, NO
7. Crusty GON Pod - Kyle Pitts TE, ATL
8. Bubbles Army - Dalton Kincaid TE, BUF
9. HORNS - Anthony Richardson QB, IND
10. Goodfellas - James Conner RB, ARI
11. Suncoast - David Montgomery RB, DET
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - George Kittle TE, SF
NOTES: David Montgomery was one of the top league winners last year but falls to the fifth round of this draft, going to Suncoast with the 11th pick. Fantasy owners have concerns for a repeat season from Montgomery, having an ADP of 68.9. This could end up being a make or break pick for the defending champ. . . . .Cooper Kupp is another polarizing figure this season. He was a very early pick last year, but goes to the Super Paurs with the fifth pick in Round 5. He has taken quite the fall in drafts, having an ADP of 46.5. . . .There were four tight ends pick this round. Dalton Kincaid is the biggest mover from last year. The Horns picked him with the eighth pick. Kincaid is normally the fifth tight end off the board, so Horns might have gotten a little value with him being the seventh tight end selected with this pick.
ROUND 6
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Malik Nabers WR, NYG
2. Suncoast - Najee Harris RB, PIT
3. Goodfellas - Jaylen Warren RB, PIT
4. HORNS - Zack Moss RB, CIN
5. Bubbles Army - Christian Kirk WR, JAX
6. Crusty GON Pod - George Pickens WR, PIT
7. PaurPlay - Calvin Ridley WR, TEN
8. Wreckingcrew - Jordan Love QB, GB
9. Super Paurs - Zamir White RB, LV
10. CRUNCHY - Tee Higgins WR, CIN
11. Birds - Jayden Reed WR, GB
12. Ballers - Tony Pollard RB, TEN
NOTES: The one pick that stands out in this round was the Birds taking Jayden Reed with the 11th pick. He has an ADP of 86.9, so they might have went a little early on Reed. He certainly has potential after scoring eight touchdowns his rookie season, but the Birds might have been able to get him a few rounds later. . . .The quarterback position slowed down a little this round with Jordan Love the only quarterback selected. He goes with the eight pick to Wreckingcrew. Love was fifth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year, so getting him after the elite guys are gone could turn out to be good value for Wreckingcrew. . . . .Some running backs that could be splitting work this year flew off the board. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, Zack Moss, Zamir White and Tony Pollard were all picked. They all have some question marks about playing time but if one emerges, they could be great value in Round 6.
ROUND 7
1. Ballers - Terry McLaurin WR, WAS
2. Birds - Jonathon Brooks RB, CAR
3. CRUNCHY - Rashee Rice WR, KC
4. Super Paurs - Joe Burrow QB, CIN
5. Wreckingcrew - Evan Engram TE, JAX
6. PaurPlay - Diontae Johnson WR, CAR
7. Crusty GON Pod - Keenan Allen WR, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Austin Ekeler RB, WAS
9. HORNS - Chris Godwin WR, TB
10. Goodfellas - Tank Dell WR, HOU
11. Suncoast - Javonte Williams RB, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Raheem Mostert RB, MIA
NOTES: Our first rookie running back was picked this round, seeing the Birds take Jonathan Brooks with the second pick. Brooks could start the year slow, recovering from his knee injury, but could be a huge factor down the stretch for the Birds. Brooks went around 10 spots later than normal, having an ADP of 64.3. . . .Rashee Rice is a player facing a possible multi-game suspension. If not for that, he would be going much higher. Instead, he falls to CRUNCHY with the third pick this round. Rice has an ADP of 81.6, so he goes about where he normally does in drafts. If he can end up avoiding a suspension, this pick will be a huge steal for CRUNCHY. . . .Raheem Mostert is another intriguing player to watch in drafts. He was a league winner for many last year but is not getting drafted like that. AlwaysBetOnBlack gets him with the last pick this round. Mostert has an ADP of 84.8, so most drafters are not betting on a repeat of his huge season.
ROUND 8
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brian Robinson Jr. RB, WAS
2. Suncoast - Marquise Brown WR, KC
3. Goodfellas - Dak Prescott QB, DAL
4. HORNS - Nick Chubb RB, CLE
5. Bubbles Army - Devin Singletary RB, NYG
6. Crusty GON Pod - Tyjae Spears RB, TEN
7. PaurPlay - J.K. Dobbins RB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Blake Corum RB, LAR
9. Super Paurs - David Njoku TE, CLE
10. CRUNCHY - Jake Ferguson TE, DAL
11. Birds - Christian Watson WR, GB
12. Ballers - Trey Benson RB, ARI
NOTES: Nick Chubb is returning from another major injury and lasts until the fourth pick of Round 8. He has big question marks, but the Horns could take a chance on him with three quality backs already on his roster. . . .The Ballers took a chance on rookie Trey Benson in Round 8. After taking Christian McCaffrey with the first pick, the Ballers filled up other positions on his roster before taking chances on running backs later in the draft. . . . .There were seven total running backs picked this round. Many owners are hoping to find that great mid-round value, looking for the Raheem Mostert of this season.
ROUND 9
1. Ballers - Zach Charbonnet RB, SEA
2. Birds - Ezekiel Elliott RB, DAL
3. CRUNCHY - Kyler Murray QB, ARI
4. Super Paurs - Ty Chandler RB, MIN
5. Wreckingcrew - DeAndre Hopkins WR, TEN
6. PaurPlay - Chase Brown RB, CIN
7. Crusty GON Pod - Caleb Williams QB, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Jordan Addison WR, MIN
9. HORNS - T.J. Hockenson TE, MIN
10. Goodfellas - Gus Edwards RB, LAC
11. Suncoast - Courtland Sutton WR, DEN
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Trevor Lawrence QB, JAX
NOTES: Three quarterbacks go this round, giving every team at least one quarterback except one. Ballers is the only team that doesn’t have a quarterbacks after nine rounds. The three quarterbacks picked this round were Kyler Murray, rookie Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence. . . .Teams continues to load up on mid-round running backs with five getting of the 12 picks being running backs. None of these backs are sure things but both Ezekiel Elliott and Gus Edwards have some touchdown potential on their teams. . . .DeAndre Hopkins is not getting drafted as he was in the past. He goes with the fifth pick to Wreckingcrew. This spot is even later than normal for Hopkins, who has an ADP of 79.6.
ROUND 10
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Xavier Worthy WR, KC
2. Suncoast - Dallas Goedert TE, PHI
3. Goodfellas - Ladd McConkey WR, LAC
4. HORNS - Keon Coleman WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, SEA
6. Crusty GON Pod - Jerome Ford RB, CLE
7. PaurPlay - Jameson Williams WR, DET
8. Wreckingcrew - Rico Dowdle RB, DAL
9. Super Paurs - Mike Williams WR, NYJ
10. CRUNCHY - Brian Thomas Jr. WR, JAX
11. Birds - Curtis Samuel WR, BUF
12. Ballers - Brock Purdy QB, SF
NOTES: Round 10 is the round of the rookie. There were four rookie receivers picked this round, including Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, Keon Coleman and Brian Thomas. These are four receivers that all have the chance to emerge as top playmakers in their respective offenses. . . . .Ballers is the last team to take a quarterback, picking Brock Purdy with the last pick in Round 10. Purdy was seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring last year. . . . Suncoast was the last team to select a tight end, taking Dallas Goedert with the second pick. Goedert can be erratic but has a high weekly ceiling in his offense.
ROUND 11
1. Ballers - Kendre Miller RB, NO
2. Birds - Josh Downs WR, IND
3. CRUNCHY - Rome Odunze WR, CHI
4. Super Paurs - Gabriel Davis WR, JAX
5. Wreckingcrew - Brandin Cooks WR, DAL
6. PaurPlay - Jahan Dotson WR, WAS
7. Crusty GON Pod - Cole Kmet TE, CHI
8. Bubbles Army - Brock Bowers TE, LV
9. HORNS - Jerry Jeudy WR, CLE
10. Goodfellas - Jayden Daniels QB, WAS
11. Suncoast - Tyler Lockett WR, SEA
12. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Brandon Aubrey K, DAL
NOTES: We had our first team take a second quarterback. Goodfellas took rookie Jayden Daniels with the 10th pick. They picked Dak Prescott two rounds earlier, giving him what could be a potent one-two punch at quarterback. . . .Our first kicker was picked. Brandon Aubrey was taken with the last pick this round by AlwaysBetOnBlack. It is a tad earlier than normal for our first kicker. Aubrey has an ADP of 133.1. . . .The top tight end in this year’s draft, Brock Bowers, was picked by Bubbles Army with the eighth pick. Bubbles is hoping Bowers is the Sam LaPorta of this year’s rookie class.
ROUND 12
1. AlwaysBetOnBlack - Dallas Cowboys Def/ST, DAL
2. Suncoast - Jakobi Meyers WR, LV
3. Goodfellas - Kimani Vidal RB, LAC
4. HORNS - Khalil Shakir WR, BUF
5. Bubbles Army - MarShawn Lloyd RB, GB
6. Crusty GON Pod - Antonio Gibson RB, NE
7. PaurPlay - Justin Herbert QB, LAC
8. Wreckingcrew - Pat Freiermuth TE, PIT
9. Super Paurs - Jared Goff QB, DET
10. CRUNCHY - Kirk Cousins QB, ATL
11. Birds - Tua Tagovailoa QB, MIA
12. Ballers - Chuba Hubbard RB, CAR
NOTES: AlwaysBetOnBlack took the first kicker and followed that by picking the first defense. The Cowboys defense is the first off the board, giving AlwaysBetOnBlack both the Cowboys kicker and defense. . . . .There were a couple rookie running backs picked this round. Kimani Vidal and MarShawn Lloyd don’t have a clear path to playing time with their respective teams but have some potential if given the opportunities. . . .Four teams took backup quarterbacks this round. It is interesting to see Justin Herbert fall so far, but he has question marks because of a new offense and lack of playmakers in the passing game.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Dynasty | The Vikings drafted Maryland receiver Tai Felton with the final pick of the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Felton was the final pick of the third round, landing with the Minnesota Vikings in the process. He's a thin receiver and a bit of a product of his environment, but he could also be a late bloomer. After being taken on the second day, his stock seems to be on the rise and he should make for a solid mid-round rookie flier as a result.
Dynasty | Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond was not taken on day two of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't exactly shocking considering the fact Bond is under investigation for misconduct. Still, it's notable as his talent is clearly better than that of a third day pick. We'll see what happens tomorrow, but he's looking like a late round flier in rookie drafts at best right now.
Dynasty | Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not taken on day two of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: This is now truly shocking. Sanders was once the favorite to go at #1 overall and he's currently sitting on the board after 102 other players have been taken. Even worse, teams like New Orleans (Tyler Shough), Cleveland (Dillon Gabriel) and Seattle (Jalen Milroe) all took quarterbacks tonight and none of them decided Sanders was worth their selection. The freefall is one unlike we've seen in some time and it's going to take some time to sort out exactly what happened here. Sanders' rookie draft stock is bordering on zero at this point.
The Minnesota Vikings have selected Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton with the 102nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection represented the final pick of the third round and officially marked the end of Day 2. Felton developed into a talented draft prospect over four seasons at Maryland, culminating with a senior campaign in which he caught 96 passes for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. Minnesota already has Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison leading its wide receiver room, so Felton will merely offer valuable depth. He's a solid developmental piece who could ultimately compete with Jalen Nailor and Rondale Moore for the No. 3 receiver role.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in the third round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: This was about a round or two earlier than expected, so Bryant is likely going to move up into the late third round of rookie drafts as a result. He's a great goal line player and solid athlete, but he's going to need to refine his skills to be more than just a specialist for the Broncos.
Dynasty | The Houston Texans drafted Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel in the third round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: It's a very interesting pick as the Texans also took his teammate, Jayden Higgins in the second round. Noel will likely play the slot but it's hard to see immediate production with Higgins, Nico Collins and a soon-to-return Tank Dell in the mix. This has the looks of a pick that's better in reality than fantasy and Noel's draft stock is going to fall a touch after the draft now.
Dynasty | The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Most connected him to Pittsburgh but most also didn't believe he'd make it all the way to the 83rd pick in the NFL Draft. This is a great spot for Johnson, who should form a nice duo with Jaylen Warren next year and slide right into the void left by the departed Najee Harris. Johnson was in our top ten pre-draft and while that may be tough to hold on to, it's still right in the range where he's likely going to be taken based on this landing spot as he really is a prototypical Steeler player with his toughness, grit and motor.
Dynasty | The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: It was nearly impossible to think Pittsburgh was going to go through the draft's first two days without addressing both quarterback and running back. Well, quarterback hasn't been in the cards thus far but Johnson will help fill the void left by Najee Harris' departure. It's a big blow to the dynasty prospects of Warren in theory, but few really felt like he was going to be given the backfield all to himself anyway. He'll remain in the RB3 mix now as part of a likely committee for the Steelers.
Dynasty | The Seattle Seahawks drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: It's an intriguing landing spot to say the least. He'll have little chance to challenge the incumbent (and highly paid) Sam Darnold for meaningful snaps next season, but Darnold also has an out in his contract that could make his time in Seattle short. The Seahawks will likely take a year to see if Milroe really does have the ability to refine his passing. If he can, he can be the next Jalen Hurts. If he can't, he's going to have a short career. He'll be a fun late round pick in rookie drafts because of his rushing ability alone.
Dynasty | The Cleveland Browns drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Gabriel landed in a dream scenario being drafted by the Browns in the third round. He'll compete with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco early in his career and while the chance of him starting in week one are remote, the chances of him playing at some point this year seem strong. He's going to move up the draft board after being the fifth quarterback taken with real draft capital being used on him as well.
The Arizona Cardinals have selected Michigan defensive back Will Johnson with the 47th overall pick during Friday's draft. Wow, well this could end up being a steal for the Cardinals as Johnson fell in the draft likely due to injury concerns. Johnson was viewed as a Day 1 prospect, but being limited to seven games last season probably hurt his draft stock. When healthy, Johnson has proven to be an elite zone coverage defensive back with good size and length. He finished his college career with 57 tackles, nine interceptions, and three returned touchdowns. Johnson should be a Day 1 starter and an immediate impact player on defense in Arizona.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks have selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Milroe is the only FBS player with 30 plus passing touchdowns and 30 plus rushing touchdowns from 2023-2024. He threw for 5,678 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions while rushing for 1,257 yards and 32 touchdowns over the last two seasons. The 22-year-old has a cannon for an arm and is an exceptional athlete, but he needs to improve his accuracy as a passer. He will start off the 2025 season as the third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. Milroe is ranked 38th overall as a rookie but is more of a dynasty stash for now as a backup for Seattle.
From RotoBaller
The Packers added another top receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting Savion Williams in the third round with the 87th overall pick after taking Matthew Golden in Round 1. Williams is a versatile playmaker who had a receiving, rushing, and passing touchdown last year with TCU. He is a solid receiver but also starred as the team's wildcat quarterback at times last year. He ran for six touchdowns and caught six more scores. He lined up in the backfield, out wide, and in the slot. The Packers could utilize him all over the formation in a role similar to Deebo Samuel Sr. or Cordarrelle Patterson. He'll be an interesting name to track in camp and preseason to see how the Packers incorporate his skill set into their growing offense.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns have selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns have been linked to various members of the quarterback class for quite a while, and now, they finally pull the trigger in the back half of the third round. Gabriel is the fifth signal-caller off the board, joining Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, and Jalen Milroe. Interestingly, Shedeur Sanders, who was once mentioned as a candidate for Cleveland at No. 2 overall, remains available as many quarterback-needy teams opt for different players. Gabriel played six seasons of college football, with stops at UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Replacing Bo Nix with the Ducks in 2024, Gabriel completed 326 of his 447 pass attempts for 3,857 yards, 30 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also showcased his mobility with 149 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Gabriel will likely compete with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco while the Browns wait for Deshaun Watson (Achilles) to get healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Steelers used the 83rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to add Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. He had a solid year with the Hawkeyes despite their struggles on offense, totaling 1,537 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns on 240 attempts and adding 188 more yards and two touchdowns on 22 receptions out of the backfield. Johnson was a consensus All-American and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award as the top running back in the nation. This year, he'll team up with Jaylen Warren, who signed his restricted free agent tender, and Kenneth Gainwell to make up the primary options in the Steelers' backfield after the departure of Najee Harris to the Chargers. Johnson could replace Harris as the team's short-yardage, bigger back in the rotation.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos have selected Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant with the 74th overall pick in the NFL Draft. He was projected to go on Day 3 but was taken by Denver in Round 3 on Friday. The 6-foot-2 wide receiver has strong hands and is a big, possessive wideout who is a reliable blocker. Bryant tied for the Big Ten lead with 10 receiving touchdowns and racked up 54 catches for 984 receiving yards for Illinois last season. He will compete with Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, and Troy Franklin to start opposite Denver's No.1 wideout, Courtland Sutton. Bryant is ranked as RotoBaller's 67th overall rookie. He could provide some fantasy value as a late-round flyer in redraft leagues in 2025 if he can secure the Broncos' No. 2 wide receiver role.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have selected Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel with the 79th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans ultimately decided to double up on Cyclone wide receivers after taking Noel's teammate, Jayden Higgins, in the second round. Although most people did not expect the Texans to draft two wide receivers on Day 2, the decision makes sense. Houston lost Stefon Diggs during free agency, and Tank Dell (knee) likely won't be ready for Week 1 as he recovers from a brutal ACL tear. Noel and Higgins will team up alongside Nico Collins and offseason addition Christian Kirk, providing major reinforcements to support C.J. Stroud in the passing game.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Raiders drafted TCU receiver Jack Bech in the second round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Bech landed in a great spot, being taken by the Raiders in the second round. With little other than All-World tight end Brock Bowers to catch passes, Bech could find playing time early in his career. It's fair to wonder if his lack of speed will truly pull him down, but Bech has been productive and looks like a player with some toughness. This landing spot should keep him around the third round of rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted running back RJ Harvey in the second round of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: We said all along in the pre-draft process that the landing spot for Harvey would be huge for his perceived dynasty rookie value and that's exactly what unfolded. Harvey is going to immediately push for real playing time with the likes of Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin, becoming the favorite to be the lead back in the process. Harvey has a lot to prove but he's a massive boom or bust prospect who is likely going to move up into the second round or even the late first for courageous managers in upcoming rookie drafts.
Dynasty | The Cleveland Browns selected Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Fannin represents perhaps the biggest "boom or bust" player at tight end and perhaps even any position in the draft. After all, this is a player who set FBS records with 117 catches and 1,555 yards but also did it playing against sub-par competition. The Browns will likely find some creative ways to deploy him with David Njoku and Fannin makes for a fun pick with upside in the middle rounds of rookie drafts.