2025 NFL Draft: Live Dynasty Analysis
Editor’s Note: This live analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft will provide pick-by-pick dynasty perspective in the early rounds, transitioning to round-by-round analysis as we get into day three. The latest updates will always appear at the bottom of the post.
INTRODUCTION:
The time is here! Welcome to the 2025 NFL Draft! I will be covering all the offensive skill position selections and giving instant reactions for the player and the fit with their respective team. I am excited to see what will transpire as the draft continues throughout the weekend. If you aren't already a DLF Premium subscriber, you won't want to wait any longer! We're covering the NFL Draft and dynasty rookie drafts from every perspective. You can get 20% off the normal price by clicking the banner below, or you can check out our "deals" section to see how you can get it for free. Now, on to the analysis!
ROUND ONE ANALYSIS (Thursday, April 24th):
Preliminary Thoughts:
We made it.
After months of bickering about forty times, arm length, and game tape from 2022 against Central Michigan, the 2025 NFL Draft has arrived. Unlike last year, we are unlikely to see a run of skill position talent in the first round. We still, however, will welcome many rookies into the fantasy fold tonight.
The top three picks appear to be going chalk, with Cam Ward (Titans), Travis Hunter (Browns), and Abdul Carter (Giants) positioning themselves as heavy favorites to go off the board early. Will Campbell has had a steady drumbeat pointing towards him being the fourth pick to New England. The draft may start with the Jaguars, and this is the first logical landing spot for 2025's fantasy crown jewel: Ashton Jeanty.
Beyond Jeanty, running backs Omarion Hampton and Tre'Veyon Henderson could hear their names called tonight. Three running backs in the first round would be a boon to dynasty managers after last year's rookie class underwhelmed, especially given Jonathon Brooks' ongoing injury issues.
At receiver, Tet McMillan and Matthew Golden appear poised to go on night one, despite recent concerns with McMillan's work ethic. Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden, and Jayden Higgins also lurk as possible options as the back half of Round 1 unfolds.
Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are virtual locks for the first round, bringing two high-end tight ends into the fantasy realm. It will be a welcome sight for anyone who celebrates when their starting tight end reaches 20 yards.
Cam Ward is the only surefire first round quarterback, with Shedeur Sanders' stock cooling over the past few months. Perhaps more accurately, the hype surrounding Sanders was never warranted and teams have always viewed him as more of a day two selection. This does not mean Sanders is a product of his family ties; he should still be selected with a chance to become a team's long-term quarterback. Jaxson Dart, Jalen Milroe, and Tyler Shough may also be options at the back end of the round, though it feels likely only one goes before a run early on Friday.
Pick 1.01 (1 Overall): Cam Ward, QB TEN
The long road to 1.01 is over. After months of debate, Cam Ward is the Titans pick and becomes the face of a franchise which has lacked star power at the quarterback position since the days of Steve McNair. While Ward has plenty of upside, he is not your usual QB1. At the same time, he will get every opportunity to thrive in Tennessee. He is a Top 3 Superflex option and flirts with the first round in 1QB leagues.
Pick 1.02 (2 Overall): Travis Hunter, WR JAX
This is fascinating. Assuming Hunter plays receiver for the Jaguars, he has immense fantasy upside. If his cornerback responsibilities take away from his receiver snaps, he could be overdrafted for fantasy purposes. Ultimately, we have to assume Hunter takes serious receiver reps and ends up a first round rookie pick. A big move for Jacksonville which has big fantasy implications.
Pick 1.06 (6 Overall): Ashton Jeanty, RB LV
Long linked to the Raiders, Ashton Jeanty ends up in Vegas after some shuffling prior to this pick. An all-purpose runner who breaks tackles as though they are merely an inconvenience, Jeanty steps right in as a Top 5 dynasty RB. He enters the first round of both redraft and dynasty drafts and shuffles up the dynasty rankings immediately.
