Editor's Note: This is part two of a combined IDP and skill position players rookie mock draft going five rounds deep, with commentary on every pick. Part one covered the first two rounds, which played out much like an offense-only mock draft. Part two wraps up the last three rounds, featuring a high percentage of IDP picks.
The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin has concluded. We have helped you out with our rankings and mock drafts for dynasty leagues up to this point. I recently released my two-round rookie IDP dynasty draft. But now I’m giving you an offense and defense combined dynasty rookie draft.
In this draft, I am going to select players based on my overall rankings of rookies and where I would select them if I were choosing at each draft position. If I’m higher or lower than consensus on a player, I will point that out.
I am giving you a combined offense and defense five-round dynasty rookie draft. This draft assumes a 12-team league with a superflex position, one point per reception, and a tight end premium of .5 points. On defense, I’m assuming you are starting five positions: DT, DE, LB, S, and CB. We are assuming a tackle-heavy system with IDP 1-2-3 scoring for big plays and takeaways.
The 2025 NFL Draft was the opposite of the previous year, with a ton of defensive talent being selected in the first three rounds of the draft. There were a lot of potential stars drafted at the defensive line and edge rusher positions, while off-ball linebacker and safety were two positions that lacked depth, but there is some talent you will want to keep on your radar for upcoming drafts.
Just like the defensive players, this draft’s offensive players had some major talent at the top of the draft, but might end up being better known for how deep the class is, especially at the running back and tight end positions. Quarterback and wide receiver were a bit slim, but there are some nice values later in drafts.
I’m making these picks on my overall rankings, but be sure to make adjustments for your specific league scoring and for any team needs you might have. Let’s get to it.
Round Three
Schwesinger was a one-hit wonder at UCLA. But even with the relatively small sample size, his 18.8% career tackle efficiency is outstanding. Schwesinger is fluid and covers a lot of ground. He is equally as good against the run as he is the pass. Off-ball linebackers are really thin in this draft class. The Browns needed a lot of help throughout the roster, so the fact that they used the top pick in the second round to grab the LB makes me think he is in line for immediate playing time. In tackle-heavy leagues, he gets the slight edge over the next player I’m drafting.
I have already said that this is a slim off-ball linebacker group. Campbell was the first true linebacker selected in the draft when the Eagles traded up one spot to snag him with the 31st pick in the draft. He has prototypical NFL size, great instincts against the run, and in coverage. He also provides nice upside as a situational pass rusher. In sack-heavy and TFL leagues, Campbell might be the pick over Schwesinger. I think Campbell, who is recovering from an injury he suffered last season, might take a little longer to acclimate to the NFL and see immediate dividends, so that’s why I’m slightly leaning toward Schwesinger before him, but this is a nice spot to get either of them.
Ferguson is an elite athlete who was taken in the second round. Rumor has it the Rams were considering taking him with their pick in the first round before they traded out with the Giants. Tyler Higbee has been very solid for Los Angeles, but he suffered a tough knee injury late last season. Ferguson had a RAS of 9.32 and a speed score in the 86th percentile. He also led the FBS with 9.0 YAC per reception at Oregon in 2024. Ferguson should challenge Higbee for the TE1 spot as early as this season. If you missed out on one of the top three tight ends this is a great spot to snag one in a tight end premium league.
I have been going back and forth in drafts between taking Ferguson or Arroyo early in the third round. I think Ferguson is the safer play and probably has quicker returns, but Arroyo has a higher ceiling if you are willing to wait on him. He struggled with injuries in college, but he was an elite prospect coming out of high school. Arroyo was finally able to stay healthy last season at Miami and was a prime target for Cam Ward. Arroyo showed out at the Senior Bowl, upping his draft stock. In 2024, Arroyo ranked 2nd among TEs in YAC/receptions, and 6th in ADOT. He has the ability to be an explosive downfield receiver who can run by linebackers and safeties alike. With all the changes in Seattle this offseason, I wouldn’t be surprised if Arroyo becomes one of the team's top receiving weapons in the next couple of seasons.
With the news coming out that Quarterback Derek Carr is retiring because of a shoulder injury, this is probably going to be way too late to get Shough. I can see him jumping to the middle of the second round in a lot of leagues. The issue for me is I just don’t love him as a player. I know the Saints spent a second-round pick on him, so they must really like him, but I just don’t understand the intrigue. Shough played seven years of college football. He only played one full season, in 2024 at Louisville. While he was solid for the Cardinals, he wasn’t spectacular by any means. While I know he has some intriguing traits, I just get the hype. He was closer to QB10 than QB3 for me. If Shough lasts this long, I will draft him just for the value, but I won’t be going out of my way to acquire him.
Sampson had one of the best seasons in school history at Tennessee last year, leading the SEC in rushing yards and touchdowns. But he is undersized at 5-8, 200 pounds, and wasn’t picked until the fourth round. With Quinshon Judkins being taken in the second round, Sampson looks like he will take on the sidekick role behind Judkins. I do think the Browns will work Sampson into the mix, and if an injury occurs, Sampson would quickly jump up the rankings. He is a top handcuff. He has great vision, elusiveness, and offers nice potential as a pass-catcher. In this range of the draft, I just like Sampson more than the other running backs still left on the board.
