Wed Jul 3 10:36am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
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 Patriots have traded quarterback Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys. Dynasty Analysis: As we reported yesterday, there was a lot of smoke around a trade of Milton and and just like that, he's gone the next day. The Cowboys are sending their compensatory fifth-round pick to the Patriots for Milton and a seventh-round pick in order to shore up the backup spot behind Dak Prescott. While Milton is no threat to the starting job in Dallas, he's shown real promise and could be worth a roster stash in dynasty leagues as a result.
The Dallas Cowboys are sending a fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for quarterback Joe Milton III and a seventh-round pick, according to Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Milton has been in trade rumors all offseason long and is headed to Dallas to back up Dak Prescott now that Cooper Rush is with the Baltimore Ravens. Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, flashed in his limited opportunity with New England as a rookie. In Week 18, the 25-year-old connected on 22 of his 29 passing attempts for 241 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He added 10 rushing yards and a score on the ground. While Milton still does not have a clear path to a starting role, he could be one of the top quarterbacks to stash in deep two-QB or Superflex leagues. Prescott has missed at least five games in three of his nine NFL seasons. Milton is arguably one of the most talented signal-callers in the NFL, but touch and accuracy have been a concern for the rocket-armed QB.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he's not looking for a short-term deal from Cincinnati and began asking for a long-term deal from the Bengals with guaranteed money three years ago. Hendrickson, who has the third-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (70.5), sounds frustrated that he hasn't been able to get an extension worked out with the Bengals yet, but he's not willing to put a timeline on when he might prefer a trade out of town this offseason. The 30-year-old said he doesn't have any desire to become the highest-paid defender in the league, but the communication of late with him and the team has been poor. He sounds fed up, but in all fairness, it was always going to be hard for Cincy to lock up all three of Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. It doesn't sound like a Hendrickson extension is close.
The New England Patriots expect to have defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) in the fold when they begin their offseason workouts on Monday, April 7, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. It's great news for the interior of the team's defensive line, as Barmore entered the offseason with uncertainty after having a setback with his blood-clot diagnosis last year. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2024 after he led the team in sacks (8.5) and QB hits (16) in 2023. But he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs right before the start of training camp last July and ended up playing in only four regular-season games. Barmore made his season debut in Week 11 but was shut down after experiencing "recurring symptoms" from blood clots. If healthy, Barmore will join forces with Milton Williams, and the two could create one of the best interior combinations in the NFL.
Dynasty | The Patriots are reportedly receiving trade calls in regards to quarterback Joe Milton. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first report we've seen like this and it seems there's a lot of smoke surrounding the interest around the league. With Drake Maye established as the long-term starter, it's hard to imagine New England not at least listening to what other teams have to offer. Milton showed well in limited action last season and seemingly has some upside. With quarterbacks being the premium of all premium positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see New England hold on to him in case something happens with Maye as well. At this point, Milton looks like a solid stash in dynasty leagues.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Australian tight end Jordan Petaia as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program. Petaia recently worked out for teams at the University of South Florida's Pro Day on March 26. He appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2019 in Japan and in 2023 in France for the Wallabies and became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2019 at just 18 years old. Petaia will be a long shot for any kind of fantasy relevance in the NFL with the Chargers but will provide additional tight end depth in L.A. heading into training camp behind newcomer Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles. The 25-year-old spent the last few months learning American football at the IMG Academy in Florida.
From RotoBaller
University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is taking a pre-draft visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. The Steelers acquired wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but it doesn't mean that they won't look to add to the position through the draft to provide depth in 2025 behind Metcalf, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 21-year-old Golden is widely expected to come off the board in this year's NFL draft in the first round after producing 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns. He also impressed with his speed at the combine in late February by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. If makes sense for the Pittsburgh to look at receiver in the upcoming draft with the future of Pickens uncertain beyond the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams plan on giving wide receiver Tutu Atwell a bigger role in 2025. "I think the fans are accurate in that I haven't done a good enough job of utilizing him," head coach Sean McVay said. The Rams cut veteran Cooper Kupp this offseason and replaced him with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, but the 25-year-old Atwell could be utilized more often in the passing attack after posting career-highs in catches (42) and receiving yards (562) in 17 regular-season games (five starts) in 2024. Most of his production came in Weeks 3-7 when both Kupp and Puka Nacua were out with injuries. Atwell has 99 career receptions for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns in 54 games (23 starts), averaging 13.6 yards per catch. Demarcus Robinson is also gone, so Atwell should start in most three-receiver sets alongside Nacua and Adams, giving him some sleeper potential in deeper fantasy leagues in 2025.
From RotoBaller
According to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, there was "a lot of good buzz" surrounding former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord at league meetings this week, and NFL teams are higher on him than draft analysts have been. The New Jersey native spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career in Columbus but backed up C.J. Stroud in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he threw for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions en route to an 11-1 campaign. After transferring to Syracuse, he led the Orange to its first 10-win season since 2018 behind 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In a weak quarterback class, there's a chance the 22-year-old could end up as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Boise State running back and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty is expected to be a first-round pick and the first ball-carrier selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the explosive runner has been tied to landing spots such as the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the popular destination. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick, and it would be a surprise if he's selected inside the top five. Meanwhile, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Raiders as -150 favorites to land Jeanty, and ESPN's Field Yates projected Jeanty to land in the Sin City in his recent mock draft. Jeanty was excellent in his final collegiate season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. While the Las Vegas offense has struggled in recent years, quarterback Geno Smith, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers provide enough firepower around him if the Raiders' offensive line can achieve at least league-average play. If Jeanty is the pick at No. 6 overall, expect him to be a full-fledged workhorse with immediate high-end RB1 upside for fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is viewed as one of the top prospects at the position by many NFL Draft analysts. However, the 2025 wideout class is viewed as a weak group at the top, and many have predicted Egbuka to fall out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN's Field Yates projects Egbuka to be selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 38 overall pick in his latest mock draft, and a Round 2 landing spot has become a popular theme for the 22-year-old. Egbuka posted 205 receptions for 2,868 yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns in 60 games for the Buckeyes. He'll likely end up in the slot during his NFL career.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week that the team plans to bring in a veteran kicker "who's capable of taking that job" to compete with Jake Moody this offseason. The 49ers would love to see Moody win the competition and come out motivated for a strong season in 2025 after struggling through a high-ankle sprain in 2024. The 25-year-old made just 70.6 percent of his 34 field-goal attempts in 14 games (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) in his second year in the NFL after making 84 percent of his 25 field-goal tries in his rookie year. The former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Michigan certainly has the skills to bounce back in 2025 if he's healthy, and if he does, he should be in play as a top-12 fantasy kicker.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints are expected to host a top-30 visit with University of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in mid-April, according to a league source. The Saints have shown a considerable amount of interest in Ewers in the lead-up to this year's NFL draft, as they also met with him at the scouting combine in February. The Saints are moving forward with QB Derek Carr in head coach Kellen Moore's first year with the team, and they also like Spencer Rattler as the backup as he continues to develop, but it doesn't mean they won't consider taking another young signal-caller like Ewers as a potential starting QB for them in the future. The 22-year-old went 27-9 for the Longhorns and threw for 3,472 yards with 31 TDs and 12 interceptions in his final season in 2024. Ewers is projected as an early Day 3 pick in this year's draft.
From RotoBaller
After former running back Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo believes the Pittsburgh Steelers could target a running back in this year's NFL draft. Harris took 1,097 career carries with him (fifth-most over the last four years), and the Steelers ran the ball fourth-most in 2024. Jaylen Warren is expected to see an elevated role with Kenneth Gainwell providing depth, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pittsburgh add another back in what is considered a very deep RB class this year. Head coach Mike Tomlin even called it a "uniquely deep draft at that position." The Athletic's Dan Brugler has eight backs ranked inside his top 100. Names like Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and Tennessee's Dylan Sampson could be options for the Steelers as they continue building their RB room for 2025.
From RotoBaller
If the Tennessee Titans have indeed fallen in love with Miami quarterback Cam Ward, they may be unwilling to consider any trade offers for the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft. "I was taught over the years, if you find the quarterback that you want, and you think he's a franchise quarterback, then you're not going to pass on him," general manager Mike Borgonzi said. While Borgonzi isn't ruling anything out, he also said the Titans might not be open for business when teams come calling for the start of the first round on Thursday, April 24. The Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't sense there's conviction yet for the Titans on what they want to do with the No. 1 overall pick, but regardless, Ward is considered the likely top pick this year. If they don't trade out of the top pick, Paul Kuharsky believes a trade of their second-round selection (35th overall) might be more likely.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did not rule out the possibility of cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) returning to the team in 2025 at this week's annual league meetings. When asked about Alexander potentially remaining in Green Bay, Gutekunst said, "It could be a possibility. Absolutely." The Packers have had talks about trading the 28-year-old defensive back this offseason, though, and they hope to have a resolution on his situation before the draft at the end of April. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a big part of Green Bay's secondary in his seven years with the team since debuting in 2018, but he's played in just 14 regular-season games the last two years due to injuries and had knee surgery in January. It's unlikely that Green Bay would be able to get much for Alexander due to his injuries and the fact that he has two years left on his current deal.
From RotoBaller
When asked about the team's current quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "I feel good. Obviously it's March 31, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1. I will say this: Kenny Pickett's a guy that I believe in, that we believe in. So we'll see how it all shakes out." A lot can still happen between now and this month's NFL draft, including a potential trade for Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, but we find it hard to believe that Cleveland would be happy going into Week 1 of the 2025 season this fall with Pickett as their starter. The team is saying they won't trade up to No. 1 overall to select Miami QB Cam Ward in the draft, but it would be a surprise if they don't take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall or another signal-caller later in the first round if they trade back. At the very least, though, Pickett, a former first-rounder, should have a chance to compete for the starting gig this summer.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the league's annual meeting this week that it's "unlikely" they will trade up to No. 1 overall with the Tennessee Titans in this month's draft to draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Owner Jimmy Haslam also stressed that the organization won't go chasing ghosts at the QB position in this year's draft and "won't force a quarterback" at No. 2 overall (if they don't trade back). All options appear to be on the table for Cleveland, including taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at second overall to pair with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Although the Browns are saying they won't force a QB in the draft, it's hard to envision them passing on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders with Kenny Pickett as the current starter -- Deshaun Watson (Achilles) isn't expected to play in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor called defensive end Trey Hendrickson a premier pass-rusher in the NFL and that the team is still working to sign him to a long-term contract extension this offseason. The Bengals gave Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his current deal in 2025, permission to seek a trade in early March but also say they'd love to keep him around. It won't be easy, though. Not only will the 30-year-old command a new deal that should make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, but the Bengals also recently locked up both receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. If it looks like the sides are too far apart in the lead-up to this month's NFL draft, the Bengals could decide to trade Hendrickson, who has a whopping 35 sacks the last two years, to bolster their draft capital for this year and down the road.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said new wide receiver Dyami Brown has untapped potential, and new head coach Liam Coen thinks having a speedy player like Brown opposite of Brian Thomas Jr. will pay dividends in 2025. "You look at somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels. He can go down the field on the post, in the go, in the pylons and be the top shelf, but also you can throw him a screen and he can go and do something with it. I can't coach that," Coen said. Most of the damage Brown did last year came in the playoffs, as he caught 14 passes on 18 targets for 229 yards and a touchdown in three games while going for a 30-308-1 line in 16 regular-season games (three starts). The 25-year-old former second-rounder probably won't see a ton of targets behind Thomas, but he could be a sleeper to target in deeper fantasy leagues as the Jags look to replace a lot of production from the departures of Christian Kirk and Evan Engram.
From RotoBaller