Our ESPN Fantasy Football analysts Liz Loza and Matt Bowen offer their analysis of each skill position player selected in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, and Mike Clay provides his projections for these incoming rookies.
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Will Cam Ward be worthy of starting in fantasy leagues during his rookie season? What should be expected from Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins in this strong class of running backs? Will dual-threat player Travis Hunter make the biggest impression among this year’s rookie wide receivers? And are tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland poised to make a splash similar to what Brock Bowers did last season?
There’s no better time than now to start thinking about the 2025 fantasy football season.
Round 1
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 307-of-504, 3,469 yards, 19 TDs, 13 INTs;57 carries, 263 yards, 2 TDs (15 games)
A big-arm thrower with the movement skills to get out of trouble, plus the creativity to work outside of structure, Ward is a solid fit for a Titans offense that will lean on three-receiver sets. Ward has a top target in Calvin Ridley, and the team recently signed Tyler Lockett. Yes, Ward will have to play with more consistent rhythm as a pro passer, but he brings a much-needed playmaking element to Tennessee, and that translates to fantasy production. I see Ward as a starter in 2QB and superflex formats with the ability to climb the ranks as the season progresses. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 110 targets, 73 receptions, 880 yards, 5 TDs;4 carries, 25 yards; 25 tackles (15 games)
An unprecedented talent, Hunter won both the Chuck Bednarik Award, as the nation’s top defensive player, and the Fred Biletnikoff Award, as the nation’s premier wide receiver. Jacksonville moved up three spots to secure Hunter, whose unique skill set fills holes on both sides of the ball. The Colorado product figures to work in tandem with Brian Thomas Jr., thriving as an additional speed element in Liam Coen’s up-tempo offense. Hunter’s snap count remains a bit of a mystery, but he should stay on the field for upward of 60% of the team’s offensive opportunities. He’s an intriguing flex option with WR2 upside for fantasy purposes.
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 236 carries, 1,087 yards, 8 TDs;70 targets, 56 receptions, 430 yards, 2 TDs (14 games)
Jeanty steps into the lead role in the Raiders’ backfield under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He is a difference-maker with home run ability and elite contact balance. Jeanty led the nation with 2,601 yards rushing at Boise State last season and should see consistent usage as a receiver on backfield releases. Given his high-end traits, plus the anticipated weekly volume in Vegas, Jeanty is in position to produce RB1 numbers as a rookie. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 111 targets, 70 receptions, 921 yards, 6 TDs (15 games)
A big-bodied wideout (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) with a volleyball background, McMillan excels in contested situations. He’s a versatile player who figures to dominate as an X receiver but can also succeed as a power slot option at the next level. His 3,423 career receiving yards were the most in Arizona history, illustrating his ability to move the chains and produce. He’s likely to make an immediate impact and quickly emerge as Bryce Young’s favorite target. Given the lack of elite options in Carolina, McMillan has top-25 receiver potential. — Loza
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 81 targets, 54 receptions, 599 yards, 4 TDs (15 games)
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Loveland will give the Bears more formation flexibility out of two-TE sets due to his route-running traits. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, Loveland can work all three levels of the field, and he presents issues for opposing defenses out of a slot alignment, where he can stretch the seams or separate from coverage on crossers and over routes. In Chicago, Loveland will be deployed as a third receiver for quarterback Caleb Williams, and head coach Ben Johnson will scheme him to create space and favorable matchups. Loveland fits as a TE2 with streaming upside. — Bowen
Mike Clay’s 2025 projection: 75 targets, 51 receptions, 552 yards, 4 TDs (15 games)
A former high school quarterback (who also lettered in baseball and basketball), Warren is a do-it-all prospect with an elite ceiling at the position. The John Mackey Award winner is an outstanding mover who can run routes at all three levels. Warren rewrote the Nittany Lions’ record books, setting Penn State’s tight end single-season marks with 104 receptions and 1,233 receiving yards in 2024. He fills a massive need for the Colts, a team that has been without a top-five fantasy TE since Eric Ebron in 2018. Warren figures to make an immediate impact working as an offensive playmaker for either of Indy’s QBs. He has the potential to finish as a top-10 TE as a rookie. — Loza
