Post-2025 NFL Draft Rookie Injury Concerns

The NFL Draft has concluded and hundreds of college players now have a professional home. Some prospects who were highly touted lived up to billing and were drafted early. Others realized their true value and watched their draft stock plummet. Furthermore, several players who had injury concerns saw their draft position change in real time, which means some players were seen as an “injury discount” while others were a gamble.

Now that every player has a home, there are good and bad fits from an injury perspective that can help dictate your rookie draft strategies. While the injury information hasn’t changed, the situation these players walk into could affect their level of success.

Ashton Jeanty, RB LV

Jeanty delivered on his promise to a top player in the draft class as he was selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. He is expected to provide a serious upgrade to the rushing attack that ranked last in the league in 2024. The Raiders’ top rusher from last season only had 420 yards, a minuscule amount for a 17-game season.

Once the season starts, Jeanty is immediately RB1 but may still struggle behind a less-than-impressive offensive line. Adding in Jeanty’s injury history of a right knee sprain, left elbow hyperextension, and another knee sprain over the last two seasons does bring some minor concerns. Jeanty is as electric as they come but if the line doesn’t block for him, it could be a long season. At 1.17 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, don’t hesitate in selecting him. The rushing attack can only get better from dead last but make sure that you grab another strong running back in case Jeanty starts to get dinged up.

Colston Loveland, TE CHI

The Chicago Bears made it no secret that they are looking to provide Caleb Williams every opportunity to succeed in 2025. Selecting Loveland as a primary weapon to pair with Williams could create the next great pairing that could dominate NFL defenses. Loveland is coming off his right AC joint and labrum repair which the Bears will be careful to make sure that he does not have any setbacks.

At 10.92 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, Loveland may be ranked too low. Prior to the draft, I was hesitant to give up a lot to go after him. But after getting selected by the Bears with Williams and Ben Johnson running the show, Loveland becomes even more attractive as a prospect and may be worth grabbing as your tight end for the future.

Harold Fannin, TE CLE

Fannin is a player who has suffered a variety of injuries during his time at Bowling Green and is now entering a crowded tight end room in Cleveland. As a third-round pick, Fannin will be given every opportunity to succeed but he may not see a ton of targets behind David Njoku. However, after Fannin on the depth chart, the talent level drops off considerably. Fortunately, his injury history shouldn’t greatly affect his availability.

As Fannin adjusts to the NFL, he will get his snaps, but he may not have the statistical production that a fantasy player wants to see out of his rookie selection. At 32.87 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, I had said that he could be a diamond in the rough and only taken if you love the offense. If they move to a two tight end set, then Fannin’s value increases drastically. Right now, Cleveland’s offense doesn’t inspire confidence so he’s only worth anything if Njoku goes down.

Tre Harris, WR LAC

Harris, a second-round selection by the Los Angeles Chargers, has a chance to make an immediate impact despite having plenty of wide receivers already on the roster. He is set to potentially be WR2 or WR3 based on how training camp goes and if Mike Williams can regain his form prior to his ACL tear. Harris has the chance to knock former first-round selection Quentin Johnston down further on the depth chart, as he was a selection from the prior regime.

He has had several injuries over the last two years, including a knee surgery and core muscle repair. Considering he passed the NFL Combine and was selected early, this indicates that his health should not be an issue moving forward. Having Justin Herbert throwing to Harris only increases his value in fantasy. At 17.87 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, Harris is intriguing and does not come with the injury baggage that his counterparts have. He could be a sneaky selection in case you don’t get your first choice.

Matthew Golden, WR GB

Golden walks into an excellent situation in Green Bay with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Jordan Love throwing to him. He also has the advantage of not having Christian Watson ready to go yet as he returns from his ACL tear. This means that Golden will have the opportunity to get an increased workload early on as he transitions to the NFL.

He did suffer a variety of injuries including an ankle sprain, turf toe, rib contusion, and groin strain. Golden may be a player that gets nicked up here and there, but with not having to be the primary option in the Green Bay offense, he may avoid some bigger injuries. At 11.76 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, I like Golden as a fantasy option even more in Green Bay.

Quinn Ewers, QB MIA

How the mighty have fallen. Ewers was once the top quarterback recruit coming out of high school but after at times uneven play at Texas, Ewers was selected in the seventh round by Miami. Firmly entrenched as QB3 behind Tua Tagovailoa and recently signed Zach Wilson, Ewers may see himself as a game-day inactive most weeks.

Ewers had his share of injuries, including AC joint and SC joint sprains along with a core muscle injury and oblique tear, he may avoid more injuries unless he suffers some in training camp. Getting a full season in an NFL room and working on his body to withstand the rigors of the pro game can only help him. At 47.09 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, it’s not a great situation unless Tagovailoa is expected to miss time. He could be a great draft and stash but only if you truly believe in him.

Dillon Gabriel, QB CLE

Gabriel had quite the landing spot going to Cleveland in a very crowded quarterback room. He currently has veteran Joe Flacco who somehow still keeps playing, Kenny Pickett, a former first-round selection now on his third team since 2022, Deshaun Watson with his baggage and Achilles issue, and finally, fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders who free-falled all weekend. That is quite the room.

This seems like Flacco’s job to lose right now with the true competition truly is QB2 that could eventually transition to QB1. Gabriel has had smaller injuries with the most notable one being a broken clavicle in 2021. If Gabriel can weather the storm around him, he could end up in a great position if he develops properly. At 55.50 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings, he could be a long-term play draft wise but could pan out nicely if things fall a certain way in a few years.

Tyler Shough, QB NO

Shough was not a player originally ranked in the DLF Dynasty rookie rankings during the pre-draft process. Somewhat surprisingly, Shough was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round. This is notable with the uncertainty with current starter Derek Carr is in with his throwing shoulder.

He comes to the Big Easy having broken his left collarbone twice and broken his left fibula from 2021-2023. Fractures are more unfortunate injuries than injury concerns, but if Shough can stay out of the training room and if Carr isn’t able to go, Shough could be a steal at 31.97 in the MFL Rookie Dynasty Rankings if you need a starter this season and don’t want to give up future assets. I’m not certain how long this may last, but you may be able to catch some lightning in a bottle.

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Kyle Trimble

Contributor at Dynasty League Football

Kyle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy out of Buffalo, NY. He has three kids, many chickens, and cheers on the Buffalo Bills. He almost burnt down Wendy’s when he was an employee in high school.