Inside the Dynasty War Room: DLF Reacts to Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft
Undoubtedly the pinnacle of the dynasty off-season, the final pieces of the rookie jigsaw are falling into place. With the 2025 NFL Draft in progress we are close to the culmination of many months of rookie scouting and the final two key data points – draft capital and landing spot.
At DLF, this is an extremely busy and crucial period: rookie prospect videos are complete, rookie and dynasty rankings are adjusted with the final data points established and the finishing touches are being added to the highly-anticipated 2025 Dynasty Draft Guide. For many, this is the most exciting part of the dynasty calendar, with rookie drafts imminent in the upcoming days and weeks before we hit dynasty startup season.
Day one of the 2025 NFL Draft was epic, with multiple trades up for offensive skill positions and plenty of storylines to work through in your rookie scouting process. Now the first round draft capital and landing spots are confirmed, I’ve recruited some of DLF’s most talented writers to lead you through our ‘Inside The Dynasty War Room’ series over the next few days, where we’ll provide the key reactions to set you up for success in your rookie drafts and startups.
1) With the Jaguars’ trade up to pick two overall and the selection of Travis Hunter, where are you taking him in rookie drafts?
The Jaguars moving up and selecting Hunter was not the ideal situation for the “WR/DB” conundrum given their needs on both sides of the ball. However, given the talent, and the expectation he will still see a healthy amount of snaps at wide receiver, regardless he’s still in the 1.04/1.05 range for me in all formats. (Matt Thornton)
With the move up, the capital invested, and the announcement as a “WR/DB,” I expect the Jaguars will play Hunter as much as possible on both sides of the ball. I’d consider him as high as 1.04 in superflex and 1.05 in 1QB. (Matt Okada)
I was surprised the Jaguars moved up but they need a second wide receiver. To me in that offense I would take him as high as 1.03 in rookie drafts. (Brandon Haye)
Hunter slots in as my WR2, purely due to playing time concerns rather than talent. In superflex I’ll take him at the 1.06 and at the 1.05 in 1QB. (Lewis Wood)
As a Browns fan, I’m going to try and compartmentalize my thoughts about this trade. I wanted Hunter in Cleveland more than I want a cold glass of water when I wake up in the middle of the night. I had a tab saved with his jersey in a cart ready to press “Buy Now” and wear it to the Muni Lot. However, I need to be a professional. Hunter is awesome, and this trade solidifies the fact that he will play both sides of the ball, primarily on offense. Hunter is a special player; he’ll be my 1.02 or 1.03 in superflex leagues. (Andrew Francesconi)
It wasn’t ideal to see the Browns trade this pick away, as it seemed like they were committed to using Hunter as a wide receiver, whereas we haven’t heard much about what the Jaguars think of him. That being said, the quarterback situation is better in Jacksonville, so I’d still be happy to take him in the same range as Omarion Hampton and Tetairoa McMillan. (Tim Riordan)
I think Travis Hunter is a special player. I love the trade up by the Jaguars. This is really nice for Trevor Lawrence fantasy owners. I think Hunter will be super next to Brian Thomas Jr If you are in an IDP league, I think Hunter is the 1.01. In other formats, I would be looking at taking him in the 1.03 or 1.04 range depending on team need. (Justin Taylor)
I’m keeping Hunter at the 1.05 spot in superflex rookie drafts. I like the pairing with Lawrence and new head coach Liam Coen, but the other players in the same tier also received excellent draft capital and landing spots – Hampton, Cam Ward and McMillan. (Kev White)
2) With the Raiders’ selection of Ashton Jeanty, where are you ranking him in dynasty startups?
I’m tempted to put him above Jahmyr Gibbs or Bijan Robinson, but I’ll take a breath and slot him in at RB3 (in his own tier). I’d take him in the 1.08-1.10 range in 1QB startups and the mid-second in superflex. (Okada)
There are not a lot of young great backs so he goes into RB4 with me because James Cook is in a more friendly offense. In SF I would take in the mid-second round. (Haye)
He’ll slot straight in as my RB3, behind Gibbs and Robinson. The landing spot isn’t amazing but he’s pretty much landing spot proof, and in a startup I’ll look at him at the back of the first round in 1QB or back of the second round in superflex leagues. (Wood)
It’s wheels up for Jeanty in 2025 and beyond. Pete Carroll spent all night posting GIFs hinting at this selection and he gets his next great workhorse. Jeanty is RB3 in dynasty at worst and I think there’s a real discussion between him and Robinson for RB2. I’d take him at the start of the second round in superflex startup drafts. (Francesconi)
He’s my RB3 after Robinson and Gibbs, but he’s in the same tier as those other two. It was a great landing spot for him and his upside is limitless. (Riordan)
This is a nice landing spot for Jeanty. I think he is a top five running back in startups. He has to be in the conversation with Robinson and Gibbs. I’m still a fan of Saquon Barkley, Breece Hall, and Jonathan Taylor, but Jeanty has to be considered in that realm with his age and projected workload. (Taylor)
As a college prospect I genuinely believe Jeanty is the best running back since Barkley and situation-proof with his excellent all purpose skillset. I’ll be ranking him as the RB3 and targeting him in the mid-second round of dynasty startups. (White)
Jeanty as the workhorse in a Pete Carroll offense?! Sign me up! Jeanty will immediately slide into my dynasty RB3 spot and should be an early round two pick in SF startups and as high as a mid-first round pick in 1QB leagues. (Thornton)
Ashton Jeanty ADP – DLF Superflex Dynasty ADP April 2025.
3) Which rookie drafted in round one had the biggest increase in dynasty value?
I know Travis Hunter went to the draft spot we all thought but he went to a much better offensive situation. A new offensive coach and having a premier receiver on the other side will help Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. (Haye)
There were constant arguments as to who the TE1 was. With Colston Loveland being drafted higher and to a much better landing spot, that argument is over. (Wood)
There’s only one answer to this question: Loveland. He had an ADP of 14.8 pre-draft and just went tenth overall. He will immediately dust Cole Kmet and be the TE1 in a Ben Johnson offense. Loveland is a clear first-round pick in dynasty and the biggest riser of the first round. (Francesconi)
There were several great landing spots in the first round, but Omarion Hampton had the best. The Chargers and their run-first coaching staff finally found themselves a number one running back. (Riordan)
I think Hampton has to be considered a favorite for the 1.02 draft spot with the landing spot to a Los Angeles Chargers team that wants to run the football. In tight end premium leagues, Loveland got a huge boost as a top 10 pick linked to a young and up and coming quarterback in Caleb Williams and an offensive minded head coach in Ben Johnson who did wonders with Sam LaPorta as a rookie tight end. (Taylor)
I love the landing spot for Hampton, in the facilitative Chargers’ offense and the confirmation of strong draft capital. There is a proven track record of success for first-round running backs in fantasy, giving you a solid floor-ceiling combination with the selection of Hampton in all formats. (White)
As a top ten pick, and with Hunter landing in a situation where questions will continue to be asked about the size of his role on offense, Tetairoa McMillan has now firmly established himself as the WR1 of this year’s class for me after going to the Panthers at pick eight overall. (Thornton)
Hampton earned first-round draft capital and went to a Chargers offense predicated on the run, with a strong offensive line (which I’ve stressed as crucial for his running style). He’ll surpass Najee Harris (on a one-year deal) in no time and be a dynasty RB1 as soon as he does. (Okada)
4) Which rookie drafted in round one had the biggest decrease in dynasty value?
Emeka Egbuka will have the same pathway as Rome Odunze. Downhill trend in year one, peak in value next off-season. Sitting behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for a year could see him slip down draft boards. (Wood)
Of the ones drafted, I think it’s got to be Egbuka. While getting selected 19th overall was exciting, his landing spot is a bit tricky. You’ll have to take a long-term approach with him in dynasty as he learns behind Evans and Godwin to start his career. (Francesconi)
I’ll repeat what several other analysts here said and go with Tampa’s pick of Egbuka. The Bucs have one of the best slot receivers in all of football in Godwin, and they just signed him to a two-year contract. (Riordan)
I think Penn State tight end Tyler Warren was a good pick by the Indianapolis Colts, but the questions surrounding Anthony Richardson at quarterback hurt Warren’s fantasy value. He is an upgrade for them at tight end, but how many players can be fantasy relevant for the Colts with their current offense? I’m not sold. I’m also not sold on Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden to the Packers. Just another player to muddle the wide receiver room in Green Bay. (Taylor)
I’ll also mention Golden, a player drafted lower than predicted and on a diluted Packers’ offense where his already volatile profile becomes even riskier. There are several other landing spots that would have provided more confidence in long-term consistency and probability of dynasty success. (White)
I think the obvious pick of the players drafted in round one would be Egbuka. There’s no denying the talent, but landing in Tampa Bay in what is a crowded WR room alongside Evans, Godwin, and Jalen McMillan could lead to a slow start for Egbuka in a situation similar to that of Odunze in last year’s draft. (Thornton)
Honestly I don’t think any of these spots sucked, but Warren “fell” to 14th overall, below Colston Loveland, and to a Colts offense with tons of question marks (especially at QB). That will likely drop him a few spots in rookie drafts, though I still love him as a prospect. (Okada)
Omarion Hampton went to a good place with Jim Harbaugh but Najee Harris is there now. There will be a split so for the first couple of years, Hampton will not reach his ceiling most likely. This is a better outlook for dynasty than this coming year. (Haye)
5) Which veteran player had the biggest increase in dynasty value on day one of the draft?
Is Jaylen Warren just going to be the uncontested RB1 in Pittsburgh this year? He avoided the ticking Omarion Hampton bomb at 21 and the Steelers don’t have a second-round pick, which they used to retain Warren’s services in 2025. That means he’ll most likely avoid competition from the top six or seven backs in this class and will only have to fend off a day-three selection. I’m starting to believe the Steelers think 2024 Warren was due to injuries and 2023 Warren is the real version they expect to see this year. (Francesconi)
Drake Maye’s rookie season was very impressive, especially considering how horrible the Patriots were at pass-blocking. Will Campbell should be protecting his blind spot for years to come, and now they just need to get him a wide receiver. (Riordan)
I think two quarterbacks got a big boost on Day one of the draft. Carolina’s Bryce Young and Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence. Colorado’s Travis Hunter is going to be special. He will play both ways and will help Lawrence a ton in the passing game. Young gets Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth pick. McMillan should immediately be the Panthers’ number one wide receiver and someone who will be Young’s go-to receiver moving forward. (Taylor)
The time is now for Trevor Lawrence, landing the best wide receiver of the class in Travis Hunter. While initially it looked like reinforcements would come on day two with the Jaguars rumoured to be interested in Ashton Jeanty, trading up and securing another great weapon for Lawrence will see the market re-adjust ahead of a pivotal season in his dynasty career. (White)
Jordan Love had a tough 2024 season, but the Packers’ first-round selection of WR Matthew Golden, their first-round one WR since 2002, helps bolster the supporting cast around him and potentially sets him up for a bounce back year in 2025. (Thornton)
It’s tough to choose between Baker Mayfield and Love, as both added a stud wide receiver — Emeka Egbuka to the Bucs (17th) and Golden to the Packers (23rd). At least for now, Golden is the bigger difference maker and could help bump Love from fringe QB1 range into the tier with Caleb Williams and CJ Stroud. (Okada)
D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson get one day to breathe easy. Ashton Jeanty went early so the Bears did not even have the choice at running back. This offense should be much better under Caleb in year two. Both backs could be the Jahmyr Gibbs/David Montgomery duo if no one is drafted. (Haye)
Bryce Young getting a true alpha receiver is huge for his dynasty value. He started to break out last year and adding Tetairoa McMillan is going to help the Panthers see if he can be the face of the franchise. (Wood)
Bryce Young ADP – DLF ADP History.
6) Which veteran player had the biggest decrease in dynasty value on day one of the drafting?
How does Josh Downs fit into the Colts offense? Shane Steichen has been vocal about adding a pass-catching TE to this offense and they did just that with the Tyler Warren selection. The Colts ran 12-personnel at the 11th-highest rate last season and that will only increase next year with the addition of Warren. As a slot-only player, it might be hard for Downs to find the field. Add in the fact that this offense will be incredibly run-heavy and he could be in for a disappointing 2025. (Francesconi)
The time may be ticking for Chris Godwin’s slot role in Tampa. Emeka Egbuka ran almost exclusively out of the slot in college and Godwin, coming off an injury, has some intense competition for those snaps. (Riordan)
I feel like the Chargers taking North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton crushes Najee Harris’ value. I was all over getting Harris for cheap in drafts or in trades, but Hampton in the first round crushed that. I still think Harris has fantasy value, but it is much lower than it was before the draft. (Taylor)
Jalen McMillan is dust with the Bucs re-signing Godwin and now drafting Egbuka – both primarily slot players, in the role I believe McMillan to be the most effective and aligning with his college profile. I’m packaging McMillan with other volatile assets to try and salvage a second-round rookie pick from any year, but it will be extremely difficult after this crushing blow. (White)
Colston Loveland landing with the Bears at pick ten is a crushing blow to Cole Kmet’s dynasty value. While he will likely still get snaps in this new Ben Johnson offense that will no doubt continue to utilize 12 personnel like in Detroit, Loveland now asserts himself as Johnson’s “new Sam LaPorta”, and in a crowded pass catching room behind DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and now Loveland, targets could be hard to come by for Kmet moving forward. (Thornton)
Ouch, Jalen McMillan. The 2024 third-round pick had gained momentum with a strong finish to his rookie season … but picking Emeka Egbuka 19th overall (after extending Chris Godwin in March) is all but a death knell for his short-term dynasty value. (Okada)
I really liked McMillan before the draft last year and he showed some good things in Tampa Bay. There was a question how the Bucs felt about him and drafting Egbuka in the 1st round isn’t a ringing endorsement. (Haye)
Najee Harris was never going to be the bellcow in LA, but a first-round running back in Omarion Hampton is killer for his value. Especially due to the similarities in profile – there’s nothing Harris can do that Hampton can’t do better. (Wood)
7) With Jaxson Dart selected in round one by the Giants, how high will you be targeting him in rookie drafts?
Dart was always my QB2, and the landing spot is a nice one, despite the veteran competition for snaps in year one. He’s a mid-to-late first-round pick in superflex for me right now, and an early-second in one quarterback. (Riordan)
Jaxson Dart was my QB3 in this draft. Shocked to see him go over Shaduer Sanders to be honest. In superflex leagues, I think Dart is a 1.08-1.10 pick. In 2QB leagues he might sneak into the top five picks. (Taylor)
I’m thinking along the lines of Michael Penix from last year but with greater fantasy upside. Dart should hold his value well given the strong draft capital, so I’d be attacking him in the 1.08 to 1.10 range, however understanding there could be a scenario in 12-24 months time where a new head coach and GM look to bring in their own quarterback of the future. (White)
He’s a quarterback drafted in round one of the NFL Draft, so you always have to take note of that in fantasy when it happens. He has the tools to be a successful quarterback in the NFL, joins a team with an elite WR in Malik Nabers, and he also has some rushing upside which is always a plus in fantasy. He should be a late first-round pick in superflex rookie drafts, even if he does have to wait for his first shot in the NFL behind Russell Wilson. (Thornton)
I liked Dart more than Sanders coming into tonight and… apparently so did the Giants. I think he has Bo Nix / Brock Purdy type potential and gets to play with Malik Nabers. He’ll crack the SF first round for me (likely as high as 1.10) and should sneak into the second in 1QB drafts. (Okada)
I still have my doubts on Dart and his decision-making but he will get his shot in New York. I would take him near the end of the first round 1.09 or later. He has great running ability to help with fantasy value. (Haye)
Dart was my pre-draft QB4. When all is said and done, he could rise to QB2 depending on where Milroe and Sanders end up. I’m still not looking at him until the 2.01 in SF drafts. (Wood)
The earliest I’d even think of taking Jaxson Dart is 11th but no chance I ever do that. The decision to trade up by the Giants will force them to play Dart early; Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen will lose their jobs if they don’t. However, I’m comfortable fading the Lane Kiffin offense. He seems like a guy where if he falls to like the 2.02 I’ll take him just out of principle but I’m definitely not prioritizing him. At least he runs a bit, that’s pretty cool. (Francesconi)
8) Now we have the landing spots for Colston Loveland (Bears) and Tyler Warren (Colts), where are you taking both in your rookie drafts?
It is league-dependent for me. In a 1.75 ppr or 2.00 ppr tight end premium league I’m taking Lovleand in the top eight. In a non-tight end premium league I’m in the late first round for Loveland. Tyler Warren is an early second-round pick for me at this point. (Taylor)
Pre-draft I had Warren at 1.09 and Loveland at 1.10 and in the same tier. Whilst there is a temptation to flip based on the better-than-expected draft capital of Loveland, I think Warren has a greater chance to be the leading receiver in his offense, so I’ll keep him a nudge ahead, but both will rise to the 1.08 and 1.09 respectively. (White)
I feared Warren was more landing spot dependent than Loveland pre-draft, and landing with the Colts has done nothing to ease those concerns for me with Warren. Still a talented TE, but with QB concerns in Indy I’d be tempering expectations for early production. Loveland should be targeted around the 1.09 spot, with Warren a few spots behind as a late-first round target in rookie drafts. (Thornton)
What I know for sure is that Warren and Loveland should be drafted back-to-back, very likely both in the first round. I want to see landing spots for day two players before locking it in, but right now I’m ballparking 1.07 and 1.08 in SF (a spot higher in 1QB). (Okada)
Both landed in favorable spots but Loveland still has to deal with Cole Kmet in Chicago. Warren should step in to start right away. I’d take both around 1.06-1.09 of this draft. (Haye)
I was already taking Loveland way higher and this won’t change my rankings either way. Loveland will sit in for me as the 1.09, with Warren at the 2.03 in SF. (Wood)
I was Loveland > Warren pre-draft so I’m glad that take was also endorsed by the NFL. I’ve had a healthy amount of skepticism about Warren failing to beat out Theo Johnson. Now, he goes to a team without a legit NFL quarterback that insists on a TE-by-committee approach. I’d take them back to back, with Loveland first, in the 1.07-1.09 range. (Francesconi)
They should both be first-round picks in superflex and one-quarterback leagues. This pair of tight ends project to have great careers, and they landed with teams that have limited competition for their position (Kmet is more of an in-line tight end). (Riordan)
Tyler Warren / Colston Loveland ADP – DLF Superflex Rookie Dynasty ADP April 2025.
9) How are you approaching Emeka Egbuka, given the previous struggles of rookie wide receivers facing strong target competition? (Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023, Rome Odunze 2024)
Like the Carolina Reaper – approaching with caution to avoid getting watery eyes, sweating, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. I’ll bank on the talent to keep in the same tier post-draft (albeit slide down to lower), however with the strong possibility I can acquire at a similar or cheaper price in 12 months time, I don’t feel the pressure to acquire shares right now, unless on the fringe of round one in rookie drafts. (White)
As mentioned earlier, it’s a blow to his short-term fantasy outlook given he’s predominantly a slot WR, and with fellow slot WR Chris Godwin already on the Buccaneers roster. However, I still believe he can ascend in that offense over the coming years with both Evans and Godwin reaching more the twilight of their careers rather than the start, it just might take some early patience before we see Egbuka hit his true ceiling. (Thornton)
Tentatively. Considering Tampa Bay just extended Godwin through 2027 — and he ran nearly 60% of his routes out of the slot last year — Egbuka is going to have a long road to super meaningful targets. The talent is there, and he will eventually have a Jaxon Smith-Njigba type ascension (probably), but he’s slightly less of a rookie draft priority than he was yesterday. (Okada)
I still love the talent but he is probably moved down to late first or early second. It does depend on landing spots of other skill players like Luther Burden and TreVeyon Henderson. (Haye)
He’ll likely drop down my board behind Matthew Golden, but dynasty is a long-term game. Evans and Godwin are hardly spring chickens and by year two he could easily be the number one in this offense – just like Smith-Njigba is now. (Wood)
I don’t think it really changes things much for Egbuka. While yes it’s a crowded wide receiver room, I’m pretty sure the Bucs are aware of that fact. Plus, they took him at pick 19 which was well ahead of where the sportsbooks had him going at 29.5. He might be a bit slow out of the gate, but if Tampa Bay has a plan for Egbuka’s future so should we as dynasty managers. Still a late first-round rookie pick. (Francesconi)
I was not very interested in the player to begin with, so this landing spot does nothing to help that. He’s a second-round pick for me, with the potential to be passed by some more wide receivers on Friday. (Riordan)
Ohio State wide receiver Egbuka might not give you year one value in fantasy, but he is a solid long term pick. If you are a team that was competing for a title last season, Egbuka would be a nice value add at the end of the first round. (Taylor)
10) Which player are you most looking forward to being drafted on day two?
Day two is always the most exciting for us fantasy managers, especially with so many fantasy-relevant players yet to be selected. For me personally, I can’t wait to see where some of these incoming RBs land given the excitement around this year’s class and one of “my guys” all off-season has been UCF running back RJ Harvey. So let’s hope he gets his name called on day two and see where he lands. (Thornton)
I have a need. A need for Cam Skattebo. He’s my personal favorite prospect in the class and the capital (more than the landing spot) is going to be huge for his dynasty value. Could he go as early as the late 30s (cough, Bears)? Will he slide all the way out of day two? I’m on the edge of my seat. (Okada)
TreVeyon Henderson was my RB2 and I think his skillset could make him a star right away. He could have a similar impact to Jahmyr Gibbs. He has great speed and is an explosive player, capable of going distance at any time. (Haye)
Jaylin Noel, at pick 46, to the Los Angeles Rams. (Wood)
I want to know what the NFL thinks of Luther Burden so bad. “Looking forward to” might not be an accurate description of my feelings, but I’m just so curious to see where he goes. He could easily go 33rd to the Browns or start sliding for a while. One of the most curious prospects entering the weekend keeps getting more intriguing. (Francesconi)
Jayden Higgins was one of my favorite wide receivers in the pre-draft process, and I’m really hoping he gets drafted by the Patriots with their upcoming pick. Putting my homerism aside, TreVeyon Henderson is who I’m most excited for. (Riordan)
I know I’m out here on an island by myself, but I can believe Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden didn’t go in the first round. They are both going to be amazing values in the second round. I’m hoping for nice landing spots for both. The Steelers need to trade up for Sanders. Burden would be a great fit for the Texans, Raiders, or Patriots. (Taylor)
Jalen Milroe – I think he has a great chance to go in the top half of round two, which would also put him in the top half of round two in rookie drafts. The excellent dual-threat ceiling is worth a gamble at the cost, with an opportunity to cash out big if hitting a higher range of outcome, Jalen Hurts 2.0? (White)
Thank you for checking out our reaction to day one of the 2025 NFL Draft, please comment your thoughts below and be sure to check out the rest of the series over the upcoming days.
He is a keen supporter of mental health projects, where dynasty content is his coping strategy to remain in an optimal mindset.
