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John breaks down his first post-combine 2025 fantasy mock draft for 12-team, single quarterback leagues. Which players are good and bad picks for 12-team, 1QB redraft fantasy football leagues for 2025?
There's never any reason not to do more fantasy football mock drafts and break down the efficacy of every pick. Or so the saying goes. Sun-Tzu probably said that in The Art of War. I haven't read the whole thing, so I'm not sure.
Either way, it's never not interesting to speculate on what the first two rounds of next year's fantasy football drafts might roughly look like. Today, we'll cover all the potential selections in Round 1 and Round 1 for 12-team, single-quarterback leagues.
As with most seasons, there are plenty of obvious picks, as the elite players that maintained their high level of production typically populate the top of draft boards for multiple years in a row. I'm gonna go pretty deep in-depth on these because it's worth discussing -- they could be your early picks, after all. By the way, this mock is for full-PPR and non-TEP leagues. Let's dive in!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
For a deeper dive into dynasty strategy, rankings, and trade tactics, be sure to check out our complete Dynasty Fantasy Football Guide.
Round 1 Mock Draft
1.01 - Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
The triple-crown winner from 2024 became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history in the offseason after signing a four-year contract worth $161 million.
The plan? Win every game 40-37 https://t.co/oqkeyMfaTJ pic.twitter.com/p4s92DfS9F
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 6, 2025
The Bengals will have to make some sacrifices on their defense, which was already a terrible unit in 2024, to afford both wideouts. We could see a team involved in weekly shootouts yet again. We already know that Chase is elite, the question was whether Cincy would be forced to score a ton of points week after week, yet again.
The answer to that is now leaning toward yes. Chase was already the No. 1 pick by consensus, and that shouldn't change. If you get the top pick, consider yourself lucky. If he stays injury-free, he should be a league winner yet again.
1.02 - Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Barkley rushed 345 times for 2,005 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns and caught 33 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season in 2024. Then, in the playoffs, he took 91 carries for 499 yards and five scores, and caught 13 passes for 78 yards.
And with that contract extension, we probably forget Saquon Barkley was ever a Giant, and he will retire a hall of fame Eagle
It never ceases to amaze we landed Saquonpic.twitter.com/lkFMvObRAf
— Aidan Powers (@aidan_34_powers) March 4, 2025
Not only did he put the team on his back at several points before the playoffs, but he also elevated the team above the Los Angeles Rams. Without him, they probably wouldn't have won that game and made it to the Super Bowl. The Eagles rewarded him with the biggest contract for an RB in NFL history.
He's on a team with an elite offensive line, an elite receiving corps, a quarterback with wheels that threaten defenses with another dimension of offensive prowess, and one of the league's best defenses. The only nitpick with Barkley's fantasy game is Hurts stealing so many rushing touchdowns with the tush push.
Still, Barkley is an elite back, and we're finally seeing what he can do with a good roster around him. He's a threat to hit a home-run touchdown on every play. That creates massive value. He should have another stellar season if he stays healthy.
1.03 - Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
If you really don't believe in quarterback J.J. McCarthy, it probably doesn't matter, because Jefferson had a fantastic season even with Sam Darnold leading the show. Things were fine for most of the year, and even though Darnold collapsed in the final game of the regular season, Jettas finished as the No. 2 WR for fantasy football, behind Chase.
The NFL instagram has ranked Sam Darnold’s bomb to Justin Jefferson as the top throw of the 2024 NFL Season pic.twitter.com/03iLJlfWhB
— Jason Harmon (@_jason_777) February 21, 2025
He caught 103 passes on 154 targets for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is quarterback-proof. After his career is over, he'll likely be in the Hall of Fame, and he'll be remembered as the best receiver in his team's history and one of the best to ever play the game.
1.04 - Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Robinson's volume in both the run and pass game and the Falcons' elite (as in extremely easy) strength of schedule both aided him in finishing as the RB3 overall in 2024. He rushed 304 times for 1,456 yards (just under 4.8 yards per carry) and caught 61 of his 72 targets for 431 yards and one receiving score.
a crazy good run and effort from Bijan Robinson pic.twitter.com/xouqij7mQZ
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 5, 2025
There is only one thing that Robinson lacks in his game: pure explosiveness to hit home runs. That doesn't matter, though, because he's likely to continue to earn 350 or more touches and maintain his solid efficiency.
There's little reason that his usage and efficiency won't remain steady in 2025. The team is unlikely to draft anyone close to his skill level, and backup Tyler Allgeier isn't great.
1.05 - CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb is an absolute target hog and one of the NFL's most reliable receivers. The issues with his fantasy production never stem from a fault of his own but from the quarterback situation. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott still has some solid years as a passer ahead of him, though.
He should be healthy to start the 2025 season, and even less likely to run the ball, though that wasn't a huge factor. Dallas doesn't have another good receiver on its roster -- while tight end Jake Ferguson commands at least a decent target share, it will remain to be Lamb hogging the passes.
No CeeDee Lamb ball for 193 days 💔 pic.twitter.com/AN8JMbNbeW
— FergSZN (@FergSZN) February 20, 2025
1.06 - Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Nacua's rookie season wasn't a fluke, and he became an even more significant part of the Rams' offense than he was during his breakout campaign last year. In the final few weeks of the season, he became nearly half of the Rams' offense, in terms of targets, at least.
WR target share leaders Weeks 14 to 17
1) Puka Nacua 43.7%
2) Brian Thomas Jr. 38%
3) A.J. Brown 37.6%
4) DeVonta Smith 35.5%
5) Ja'Marr Chase 33.5%WR air yard share leaders Weeks 14 to 17
1) Courtland Sutton 55.1%
2) Tyreek Hill 53.9%
3) Brian Thomas Jr. 52.1%
4) Marvin… https://t.co/8Gtc1UraIo— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) January 2, 2025
Los Angeles brought in Davante Adams on a two-year contract worth $8 million to serve as the No. 2, while Jordan Whittington will likely grow into the No. 3 role. Data suggests that Whittington was very good in his first season because of the opportunities that he had.
Nacua's injury issues are a bigger concern. Other than his 2023 season, his career has been marked by a litany of ailments. Still, his league-winning upside makes him deserving of this spot, and he could have a legendary season of dominance over his offense with one of the best target shares of all time in 2025.
1.07 - Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
A rough start to the 2024 season became irrelevant as St. Brown returned to his elite ways. He finished as the WR3 in PPR for the second season in a row, catching 115 passes for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ben Johnson, the Lions' former elite offensive coordinator, is gone now, but that shouldn't matter much.
St. Brown is one of the NFL's best receivers, will be on a team with a fantastic offense and great offensive line, and should be totally fine.
1.08 - Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
Despite being in a committee backfield with fellow Lions running back David Montgomery, Gibbs' second season was even better than his first. He finished as the overall RB1 with 250 carries for 1,412 yards (5.65 yards per carry) and 14 rushing touchdowns and caught 52 of his 63 targets for 517 yards and four receiving scores.
Fun Fact: this rush by Jahmyr Gibbs was the fastest rushing attempt recorded by any player from the 2024-25 NFL season, 22.03 MPH ⚡️#OnePride pic.twitter.com/VINrLFhInh
— 𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔇𝔢𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔦𝔱 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢𝔰 📰 (@the_det_times) February 16, 2025
Gibbs' lower volume allows him to limit his workload, and thus his chances of injury, and he runs behind an elite offensive line, so he gets plenty of space to work. Johnson's departure should cause the whole offense to take at least a slight step back, but that's not a huge deal.
I'd probably take Gibbs at the 1.09, below the player listed as the next pick, just because Johnson is gone.
1.09 - Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
Even with quarterback C.J. Stroud having a terrible sophomore slump and failing to lead a consistent offense for most of the season, Collins had a dominant Year 4, only marred by a hamstring injury. In 12 games, he caught 68 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns.
Collins is the engine of the offense, and his first four games had him on pace to finish as at least a top-2 wideout in the league for fantasy football. He's a fantastic pick, as he'll still be just 26 years old for the 2025 season and is fresh in his prime. He's one of the most physically dominant WRs in the NFL and moves like someone shorter and lighter, which is a good thing.
He's another quarterback-proof stud.
1.10 - Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Injuries to fellow WRs Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis and tight end Evan Engram made Thomas the only viable pass-catching option for much of the second half of the season. His pace of 12 targets per game over the last six contests isn't sustainable season-long.
But that's irrelevant now because Jacksonville got Liam Coen, former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Evans' performance in 2024 clearly indicates that Coen can put together a fantastic passing offense, and he's publicly stated that Thomas will be the core of that game.
Liam Coen on Brian Thomas Jr:
“Our Pass Game will run through him” 📈
pic.twitter.com/c8by0vvJNL— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) February 25, 2025
Thomas is the most physically gifted WR in the league from a size, speed, and acceleration perspective. And he was absolutely elite when lined up in the slot. If Coen gives Thomas significant slot snaps, he could have a monster season and flirt with WR1 overall status.
The team no longer has Kirk or Engram. They're probably targeting a receiver in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft, though. That won't change much for Thomas' outlook.
1.11 - Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
Nabers is an elite talent stuck on a terrible team with (debatably) poor coaching and (not debatably) terrible quarterback play. The Giants will need to figure out their QB situation to maximize Nabers' abilities for fantasy football. Nabers is incredibly explosive, plays with great strength, has excellent jump-ball skills, and changes direction with great burst and fluidity.
He was targeted 170 times last season despite missing two games. But he should have gotten the ball even more than he did. New York lacks another viable pass-catching option, which isn't necessarily a good thing, since defenses will likely bracket him as much as possible moving forward.
Giants need to focus on one thing: Get Malik Nabers a QB who can consistently throw with anticipation
Outside of that, keep investing in the trenches. The rest will fall into place.
I cut this video up back in Week 5. Through just five games, he put this on tape for all to see.. pic.twitter.com/dzqDaTUCXx— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) February 3, 2025
By the way, before I forget, last season receivers had a bit of a down year, but don't expect that to repeat itself in 2025. Between Chase, St. Brown, Nacua, Nabers, Thomas, Jefferson, Lamb, and more, we could see a serious resurgence at the position for fantasy football.
Regarding the quarterback situation... yikes. We got teased with what might have been an insane connection with QB Jameis Winston. Now we instead get Russell Wilson throwing to Nabers. Wilson doesn't like taking risks throwing it over the middle of the field, and will willingly ignore receivers in that area because he's scared of hurting his already padded stats and passer rating. Sucks.
If Russell Wilson ends up being the NY Giants starter (which seems likely at this point), it could be bad news for Malik Nabers.
Wilson has a real tendency to avoid throwing over the intermediate and deep middle of the field, limiting his pass attempts targeting posts, slants,… https://t.co/nhLPtuNcPz
— Dataroma (@ffdataroma) March 26, 2025
Don't let his stats or few big games trick you -- this will be a downgrade for Nabers in 2025. I would shy away from Nabers here. Pick a good player on a good offense.
1.12 - Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Like Barkley, the move to a new team worked wonders for Henry's production. He immediately returned to consistent and elite form, racking up 1,921 yards (over 5.9 yards per carry) and 16 touchdowns, and caught 19 balls for 193 yards and two TDs.
He didn't show many signs of age-related decline, though his absolute top speed has dipped since his first year. But he probably has at least one more year of elite play ahead of him. Playing on a team with a good offensive line, the best rushing quarterback to ever play the game, and a great offensive coordinator who utilizes him heavily, he's a fine pick here.
Round 2 Mock Draft
2.01 - De'Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
Achane's dominance in the passing game was of particular note in 2024, and most of his value came from his receiving upside. His 203 rush, 907-yard, six-touchdown rushing line wasn't exactly stellar, but he caught 78 passes for 592 yards and six touchdowns, so that made up for it. That included a short and terrible stretch where quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was injured.
De’Von Achane ran more pass routes from the slot (120) and out wide (58) than any other RB in the league last season
He ranked 1st in the number of screen, go, slant, post, wheel and dig routes among RBs#GoFins pic.twitter.com/hF4mYTgXER
— Ryan Smith (@PFF_RyanSmith) March 6, 2025
I have five concerns with Achane. One is that if the run blocking improves, head coach Mike McDaniel should prefer to cut back on Achane's volume and let another back, like Jaylen Wright, handle more carries. The second is that No. 28 isn't a great goal-line back, and was often stuffed in short-yardage situations, largely owing to his small size.
The third is that the entire offense was condensed, and Tagovailoa threw deep passes far less often in 2024 than he did in the two years prior. If that shifts back the other way, we could see fewer targets for Achane.
My fourth worry is the possibility that defenses adjust and try to shut down the Achane train in the passing game more. We could see him with less space to run after catches, leading Tagovailoa to throw the ball his way less.
Dolphins have asked De’Von Achane to pass block just 20 snaps in the last two years, 19 of which came in 2024
He allowed six pressures (one sack) and committed a penalty in those limited reps#GoFins pic.twitter.com/JUO7PdIoWB
— Ryan Smith (@PFF_RyanSmith) March 6, 2025
Also, he's a terrible pass-blocker. Having him on the field for a huge number of snaps is a detriment to the passing game. Generally, backs with such poor pass-blocking skills aren't asked to be on the field often, but Wright and Raheem Mostert had little success in Miami's backfield last season.
The run-blocking schemes and the offensive line both seemed to be less successful in 2024, after the departure of two of the best run-blocking offensive linemen in the NFL, guard Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams.
They won't be returning. It's hard to envision what they'll do to address their lackluster interior run-blocking, if anything.
Also, it's funny how everyone just forgot about his injury-riddled rookie campaign. The narrative was that he was "too injury-prone" heading into 2024. Of course, injuries are luck-based, so you never know what will happen there. I wonder if the narrative will shift again if he gets hurt this year (it probably would).
2.02 - Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
London had his breakout season in 2024 because he finally had quarterbacks better than Desmond Ridder to throw him the ball, and quarterback Kirk Cousins didn't even play that well. Of particular note, rookie QB Michael Penix Jr., who replaced Cousins for Weeks 16-18, targeted London at a much higher rate than Cousins did.
Since Michael Penix Jr. took over at quarterback Drake London has 18 catches for 272 yards and a TD and a 39% (!) Target Share in Two and a Half games.
The Penix-London connection in 2025 will feed families pic.twitter.com/QOHoeoBCyz
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) January 5, 2025
The upside of this connection is tremendous. London is a great pick here, and should return league-winning value if Penix never gets benched.
2.03 - A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Brown still had a great season in 2024 from a fantasy perspective, but this iteration of the Eagles' offense, which is much more run-heavy than it was last season, is probably here to stay. Philly passes the ball at the lowest rate in the league because they have elite running back Saquon Barkley, an elite offensive line, and an elite defense.
The Eagles are
*11-2
*17th in EPA/Pass
*31st in Pass YPG
*31st in Neutral Pass RateWinning games but I dont blame AJ Brown for being annoyed https://t.co/f2VMIhhOLa
— Ron Stewart (@RonStewart_) December 9, 2024
Brown's upside is capped, though he should continue to be highly efficient and finish as a low-end WR1 or high-end WR2 at worst if he stays healthy. It's just a shame that it could be so much better if he were hyper-targeted in an offense with a high pass rate.
2.04 - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
I have serious concerns about Smith-Njigba heading into the 2025 season. The Seahawks passed at an unsustainable pace last season, and their old offensive coordinator was fired for it. Also, DK Metcalf, who was the clear WR1 before his injury, could resume his role as the top wideout. JSN seemed to take over that role, but Metcalf had a serious decline after his MCL issue, and he should be fully healthy next season.
But with WR Tyler Lockett being released and Metcalf potentially being traded to another team, and new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak having authored a highly explosive (when reasonably healthy) offense with the New Orleans Saints last season, there are reasons for optimism. It's unlikely Seattle brings in a receiver that's clearly better than JSN.
I still won't be drafting him in any leagues, because I believe he's overpriced. But he at least has a shot of returning good value if Metcalf leaves. Personally, I don't think he can be a great "X" receiver, though slot reps certainly help him pad his stats against less-skilled defensive backs. And credit to him for developing nicely in Year 2. There are just other WRs I'd rather have here.
“Place the white flag at the 33 yard line, now we’re starting to get killed” -Paul Allen
Al Quadin Mohammed and a host of other Lions sack Sam Darnold,
Called by Paul Allen and Pete Bercich for KFXN in Minneapolis pic.twitter.com/C2RKgKCpyX
— will: Riley Greene Truther (@wrhiv_72) January 6, 2025
And now..... the Seahawks get... QB Sam Darnold! Who's objectively worse in every way than the now-departed (to the Las Vegas Raiders) Geno Smith. Yikes. Darnold will operate behind a terrible offensive line courtesy of general manager John Schneider, who doesn't like building a good offensive line because of reasons.
Smith bailed out the poor OL performance last season with his mobility. Darnold won't. I'm not picking JSN here, though I do have plenty of faith in Kubiak.
2.05 - Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas
I get nervous any time new Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll gets his grimy hands on a tight end ever since he ruined Jimmy Graham's fantasy value the first year he was with the team. Carroll's offenses split the work among tight ends far too evenly for my liking.
Am I worried about Brock Bowers? Heck no.
Is the Pete Carroll / Russell Wilson combo terrible for his near-term production? Heck yes.
— Dynasty Zoltan (@DynastyZoltanFF) January 24, 2025
Drafting TEs in the early rounds is often a recipe for disappointment. In 2024, Sam LaPorta, Dalton Kincaid, and Travis Kelce were all awful picks to make at their ADPs. Bowers had one of the best seasons by a rookie pass-catcher ever, so it would be a war crime if Carroll were to cut down on his route participation.
At least it looks like the Raiders want to move on from TE Michael Mayer, maybe in a attempt to stop Carroll from ruining their star receiver. So Bowers is probably a fine pick, but I was nervous about selecting him here, before the QB situation changed.
Brock Bowers TD to close out his rookie season‼️
112 catches / 1,194 yds / 5 TD’s
WHAT A ROOKIE SEASON #DGD pic.twitter.com/TtdPw31xSA
— Thumser (@JeffreyThumser) January 6, 2025
In that vein, to make things better, the Raiders will have a much better quarterback in 2025 with Smith having joined the team through a trade with the Seahawks. This is massive news for Bowers. I don't really like the idea of drafting a tight end this high, but Bowers was the best TE prospect of all time (arguably).
And there's not much competition for targets. He's the clear No. 1 pass-catcher here, and I imagine Smith will target him very heavily. I imagine defenses will sell out to stop him in the passing game, though, unless Las Vegas invests more in the position in the draft and gets someone who can be a legitimate threat.
2.06 - Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay
I'm not a big fan of this pick. I can't deny that he had a fantastic season in 2024, scoring 16 total touchdowns and eclipsing 1,650 yards from scrimmage. But he hogged the vast majority of the volume in the backfield, and I'm suspicious it's because both A.J. Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd were injured and played almost zero ball.
In Lloyd's one game of action, he got seven touches (six rushes and one reception) on just 14 percent of snaps. If he's healthy in 2025, I see this being a committee backfield, with Lloyd and/or Dillon eating into enough touches to drive Jacobs managers absolutely insane.
I'm not convinced that the Packers won't have more of a committee backfield in 2025. They always did (before 2024) under Matt LaFleur, even though AJ Dillon sucks. 2 UDFAs and Jacobs were the only healthy RBs in 2024. And Aaron Jones >>> Dillon. pic.twitter.com/avg43eslFm
— JohnJohn Analysis (@JohnJohnalytics) March 6, 2025
I'm getting shades of when everyone thought WR Jayden Reed would be the clear WR1 for the Packers all season. LaFleur was a bit more emphatic in stating that he would have the ball spread around in the passing game, but I doubt Jacobs gets near the volume he got last season, even if he is still a very good running back.
Thus I don't really like picking him here. But he's a good RB on a good offense, so even if his volume dips, he should still be solid for fantasy. Just don't expect another 1,600 YFS and 16 total TD season.
2.07 - Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore
Jackson is one of the few quarterbacks that can elevate a 1QB fantasy team and is worth picking early in drafts. He's still in his prime, still has Henry in the backfield, and most of his offense is staying intact. I wish Baltimore would just suck it up and try to acquire another great receiver. That could elevate this offense even further.
Baltimore's never had a dominant, alpha WR1. Tight end Mark Andrews and wide receiver Zay Flowers play reasonably well, but football fans get nausea thinking about the insistent usage of TEs Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar (what's a Kolar, exactly?) in the passing game. The wideout market is very weak this year though, so it probably won't happen.
Still, Ravens OC Todd Monken is sticking around as well. Another borderline MVP season for Jackson is probably on the way. He'll be fine.
2.08 - Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay
Late-round running backs typically don't have long and productive tenures in the NFL. Irving's pass-blocking isn't very good, and a lot of that is owed to his size. Thus, he'll likely be stuck in a committee backfield for much of his career, or at least next season. His backup, Rachaad White, is a much better pass-protector.
Bucky Irving in his rookie season
⭐ 90.8 PFF Grade (4th among RBs)
⭐ 1,597 total yards
⭐ 38 explosive plays
⭐ 82 missed tackles forcedNot bad for a 4th round pick 💪 pic.twitter.com/V40miup9Pj
— PFF (@PFF) January 16, 2025
But he's remarkably elusive. That's the best part of his game. He's so elusive that it makes him nearly impossible to bring down at times. He probably won't ever play 70 or more percent of the snaps, though, so he'll need to maintain his elite efficiency to keep his production up. I'm lukewarm about taking him in the second round.
I think there's enough risk, especially after the departure of his former offensive coordinator Coen, to pump the brakes. Choosing him here means he's your RB1. One of the more underreported reasons late-round RBs might falter, eventually, is that it's not until their second year that defenses have spent the whole offseason preparing to stop them.
Irving wasn't on their radars much heading into 2024. Now, he'll be at the forefront of their preparation. I think I'd rather go in another direction than Irving in the second round, and that's coming from me, who insisted that he was a good player to make a move for ahead of Week 4 of last season.
2.09 - Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo
Allen is the second quarterback, along with Jackson, that can just will your teams to victory. He maintained his elite rushing upside in 2024, rushing 102 times for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also passed for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.
He'll be 29 during the 2025 season. It's not yet known when they'll stop having him run the ball so much, but he's still bigger than both the team's backs, and using him in goal-line scenarios makes sense. And he still has plenty of athleticism in the run game and a rocket launcher of an arm to work with.
He'll probably still be an elite fantasy QB1 if he stays healthy in 2025.
2.10 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati
It looks like the Bengals are serious about giving Higgins enough money to stay in Cincinnati for 2025 and beyond. The main issue here is health. Cincy probably will field another terrible defense next season, unless their new defensive coordinator somehow figures things out with an even weaker roster -- as it appears they are open to trading star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Las Vegas Raiders are signing Pro Bowl DE Maxx Crosby to a three-year, $106.5 million extension that includes $91.5 guaranteed, making him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, per sources.
For the third time in four years, the Raiders are addressing the contract of… pic.twitter.com/TKdIQdqqia
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025
Hendrickson is one of the NFL's elite at his position. So when the Las Vegas Raiders awarded Crosby a record-breaking contract, there were two major issues. The first is that the Bengals stated that they planned on making WR Ja'Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL this offseason. That price may have just been bumped up.
The second is that it seems there's no way they can afford to pay Hendrickson. The point of all this is that the Bengals could become a coveted "No Defense" team, which would be fabulous for the values of quarterback Joe Burrow and the receivers Chase and Higgins.
I love picking Higgins here. He has a ton of game-winning upside each week, and the state of the Bengals defense and offense collectively form a fantastic volume situation for No. 5. I hope he can stay injury-free.
2.11 - Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers desperately need another viable pass-catching option to complement McConkey, or defenses will start completely selling out to stop him in the passing game. They have no one else to throw it to right now. WR Quentin Johnston is a bust, and it's time for them to accept that.
Ladd McConkey as a ROOKIE:
➖MORE Yards than Garrett Wilson (1,149)
➖MORE Receptions than Tyreek Hill (82)
➖MORE TD’s than CeeDee Lamb (7)His Win Rate Vs. Man Coverage (41.0%) was 7th in the NFL
He set the Record for MOST Receiving Yards (197) by a Rookie in a Playoff Game pic.twitter.com/WcAJG6DCqj
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 12, 2025
As of right now, Metcalf hasn't been traded, but if he goes to LAC, that will be good news for McConkey. A full season of opposing defensive backs bracketing and blanketing McConkey in ever conceivable manner would not be good for his value, even if he becomes a target hog.
And Chargers QB Justin Herbert can support two great fantasy wide receivers. Just ask Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, or anyone who watched them when they were with the Chargers.
2.12 - Trey McBride, TE, Arizona
McBride actually seems like a nice pick here. I'm a bit less nervous about picking tight ends the closer to the third round they get, though I still don't personally do it. But he's the top pass-catching option for the Cardinals right now, and if WR Marvin Harrison Jr., who had a disappointing rookie campaign, doesn't develop nicely, we could see a repeat of that in 2025.
McBride only caught one touchdown all season, but he caught 111 passes on 147 targets for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns. His first score didn't come until Week 17, which is concerning.
And if Harrison makes strides in his game heading into Year 2, which seems highly likely, since he was such an elite prospect out of college, we could see less-than-ideal volume for McBride. Arizona's current offensive coordinator prefers a run-first offense.
There is a lot of the route tree left on the whiteboard that Trey McBride is really good at because of Kyler Murray's......habits in the middle of the field in true dropback.
He smokes Branch off the break here and he doesn't see/process it, and reflexively his feet look to run… pic.twitter.com/aNs0RbZu31
— Max Toscano (@maxtoscano1) February 18, 2025
And Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray doesn't really have the prowess as a passer to support two great fantasy options. The offense will be very concentrated on McBride and Harrison, at least, so that helps. I'm skeptical we'll see McBride flirt with 150 targets again. And unless he compensates for that with more touchdowns, he could be a slight disappointment at this ADP in 2025.
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