2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft for 1QB Leagues

May 6, 2025

Mike Fanelli analyzes his latest 2025 fantasy football rookie mock draft for 1QB leagues. What players should dynasty fantasy football players target in their rookie draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, meaning it’s time for dynasty rookie draft season.

While the 2025 class lacks the superstar upside of last year’s group, there are several appealing prospects in the draft class.

So, let’s not waste any time and dive into a two-round, 12-team, 1QB mock draft.

For more good information on strategies for dynasty for the 2025 season, be sure to check out RotoBaller's Dynasty Fantasy Football Guide.

First Round Rookie Mock Draft

Pick 1.01 – Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

Jeanty is the clear-cut No. 1 pick in dynasty rookie drafts, regardless of the scoring or format. He was the top running back in college football, totaling more yards after contact than any other player had total rushing yards. Not only does Jeanty have high-end draft capital behind him, but he landed in an excellent spot for his fantasy value. Expect Pete Carroll to make him the focal point of the offense and his new Marshawn Lynch.

Pick 1.02 – Travis Hunter (WR – JAC)

Unfortunately, Ashton Jeanty is the only elite prospect in the draft class. However, Hunter would be an elite prospect if he only played offense. Reportedly, the Jaguars will allow Hunter to play both sides of the ball, but primarily be used on offense. While Brian Thomas Jr. had an impressive rookie season, the rest of Jacksonville’s receiving core is lackluster. Hunter is the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in the draft class, but is worthy of the 1.02 pick.

Pick 1.03 – Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)

Carolina is an up-and-coming offense with Bryce Young under center. However, the team lacked a go-to No. 1 wide receiver until they drafted McMillan in the first round. The former Arizona star had at least 1,300 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in back-to-back years to end his college career. While Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker had solid moments as rookies, they won’t keep McMillan from seeing over 140 targets as a rookie.

WOWWW!!

Huge TD for @ArizonaFball 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/z49jPt9EUP

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 16, 2024

Pick 1.04 – Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)

The former North Carolina star should be a top-five pick in every dynasty rookie draft. Unfortunately, fantasy players must play the long game with Hampton. The Chargers signed Najee Harris in free agency and could bring back J.K. Dobbins. Therefore, Hampton will be part of a crowded backfield this upcoming season. However, he should be the featured guy starting in 2026. The former North Carolina star will thrive as the featured guy in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.

Pick 1.05 – Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

Judkins wasn’t the Browns’ first or most talked-about pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he is the team’s most valuable fantasy asset. Cleveland has always wanted a run-first offense under head coach Kevin Stefanski. Therefore, Judkins should become the team’s new Nick Chubb, providing fantasy value early in his career. While the Browns’ offensive line is far from an elite unit, it can block well enough for Judkins to succeed.

Pick 1.06 – Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)

Many had Tyler Warren as the top tight end in their rookie rankings before the NFL Draft. However, Loveland will go ahead of him in most rookie drafts because of draft capital and landing spot. While the Bears have Cole Kmet, the veteran has an out in his contract after the 2025 season. Furthermore, Loveland can play all over the field, giving Ben Johnson a creative new toy for Caleb Williams in his offense.

Pick 1.07 – TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)

No one expected the Patriots to spend a high draft pick on a running back after investments into Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson over the past few years. Yet, Henderson was the team’s early second-round pick and new lead running back. The former Ohio State star is an explosive runner who can play a massive role in the passing game. While Stevenson and Gibson should still have a role, the backfield now belongs to Henderson.

Pick 1.08 – Tyler Warren (TE – IND)

Warren was my favorite prospect heading into the NFL Draft, taking him as early as pick 1.02 in rookie mock drafts. Unfortunately, his fantasy value took a hit following the NFL Draft, coming off the board as the second tight end. More importantly, the Colts have the worst quarterback situation in the NFL. Yet, fantasy players should avoid making the mistake of letting Warren become this year’s Brock Bowers, sliding down draft boards because of his less-than-ideal situation.

Pick 1.09 – Cam Ward (QB – TEN)

The 2025 NFL Draft class lacked star power at the quarterback position. Furthermore, Ward is the only quarterback who should get drafted in the top 18 picks in a 1QB rookie draft. The former Miami star will be Tennessee's Week 1 starter. While Tennessee lacks an elite set of weapons, they improved their offensive line in free agency while adding a couple of wide receivers in the NFL Draft, giving Ward fantasy upside as a rookie.

Pick 1.10 – Matthew Golden (WR – GB)

Green Bay spent a Day 1 pick on Golden, making him the first wide receiver they drafted with a first-round pick since Javon Walker in the 2002 NFL Draft. However, the former Texas star should have an immediate impact with the Packers. Meanwhile, Christian Watson is coming off a torn ACL and may miss most of the upcoming season. In addition, Dontayvion Wicks has struggled with drops, and Jayden Reed had a rough second half last year.

Pick 1.11 – Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

Unfortunately, Egbuka’s short-term fantasy value took a tremendous hit when the Buccaneers drafted him. Mike Evans is the team’s clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver, while Tampa Bay signed Chris Godwin to a massive extension this offseason. Meanwhile, Jalen McMillan had a strong finish to his rookie year. Egbuka is a talented player, but stuck in a crowded wide receiver room. However, he should have a starting role after the upcoming season when Evans’ contract expires.

Pick 1.12 – Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)

Johnson was the sixth running back selected in the NFL Draft and a third-round selection. However, the former Iowa star is one of the best values in dynasty rookie drafts. He landed in an excellent spot, replacing Najee Harris in the Steelers’ offense. While Jaylen Warren is still around, he is playing on a one-year deal and struggled last season. Johnson should be a focal point of the offense, especially with a lackluster set of quarterbacks on the roster.

How Mike Tomlin sees Kaleb Johnson fitting in the Steelers backfield pic.twitter.com/5yFUSPinMo

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 28, 2025

Second Round Rookie Mock Draft

Pick 2.01 – RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

Many will want to draft Harvey in the first round of their dynasty rookie drafts. While fantasy players can make an argument for the former UCF star, he slides into the second round of this mock draft because I’m a big fan of Kaleb Johnson. However, Harvey could be the second-best rookie running back this upcoming season because of his landing spot. He is now the lead back for the Broncos in an extremely fantasy-friendly offense.

Pick 2.02 – Luther Burden III (WR – CHI)

The Bears didn’t waste any time during the 2025 NFL Draft, using their top two picks to improve Caleb Williams’ receiving core. Burden will be one of the more controversial picks in rookie drafts. Some believe he will fill the Amon-Ra St. Brown role in Ben Johnson’s offense. Others think Burden joined a crowded wide receiver core with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze ahead of him on the depth chart. Either way, he is worth an early second-round pick.

Pick 2.03 – Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU)

Higgins is one of my favorite wide receivers in the draft class. He reminded many scouts of Nico Collins, which makes his landing spot an interesting one. However, the former Iowa State star will walk into the No. 3 wide receiver role as a rookie, playing opposite Collins with Christian Kirk in the slot. Furthermore, no one on the roster can keep Higgins from becoming C.J. Stroud’s No. 2 guy in the passing game starting in 2026.

Pick 2.04 – Jack Bech (WR – LV)

While the Raiders didn’t draft a quarterback until the sixth round, their passing attack should be significantly better after trading for Geno Smith earlier in the offseason. Bech had a career year in 2024, totaling 1,034 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. More importantly, the former TCU is already locked into the team’s No. 2 wide receiver role. Furthermore, Bech could take over as Smith’s top guy behind Brock Bowers, starting in 2026 when Jakobi Meyers’ contract expires.

WE'RE NOT DONE YET ‼️@TCUFootball takes a late fourth-quarter lead courtesy of the Josh Hoover ➡️ Jack Bech connection.#Big12FB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/kFpv6mYQxZ

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 31, 2024

Pick 2.05 – Tre Harris (WR – LAC)

Los Angeles hit a home run with their second-round pick last year, as Ladd McConkey turned into a superstar as a rookie. While he won’t have the same success, Harris landed in the perfect spot for his fantasy value. He is a big-play touchdown machine, totaling at least 935 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three consecutive years to end his college career. Harris should be the Chargers’ No. 2 wide receiver as a rookie.

Pick 2.06 – Kyle Williams (WR – NE)

The Patriots spend most of their NFL Draft picks on improving Drake Maye’s supporting cast. However, Williams was the only wide receiver the team drafted. He is an explosive receiver who reminds some of Tyler Lockett. More importantly, Williams has a clear pathway to a starting role. Stefon Diggs is the only proven wide receiver on the roster. Therefore, Williams only has to beat out DeMario Douglas and last year’s disappointing rookie duo to earn a starting spot.

Pick 2.07 – Jaxson Dart (QB – NYG)

Head coach Brian Daboll told Dart in his draft call that he looked forward to developing the former Ole Miss star. Therefore, don’t expect him to start Week 1. Furthermore, the Giants didn’t pay Russell Wilson all that money in free agency to hold a clipboard. However, Dart will start at some point as a rookie. More importantly, he landed in an underrated situation with a solid offensive line in front of him and Malik Nabers on the outside.

Pick 2.08 – Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)

While some expected New York to select a running back on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, they waited until the final day to add to their backfield. Fantasy players with Tyrone Tracy Jr. on their roster were happy with the Giants until they drafted Skattebo early on Day 3. While he won’t take over as the featured guy in the backfield, the former Arizona State star offers more fantasy upside than Tracy.

Pick 2.09 – Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)

Despite being a fifth-round rookie, Blue is one of my favorite targets in dynasty rookie drafts. The former Texas star had nearly 1,100 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns last season, including six in the passing game. More importantly, he landed in an excellent situation. The Cowboys have an up-and-coming offensive line, limited weapons in the passing game, and two ineffective veteran running backs ahead of him on the depth chart.

Jaydon Blue was a BEAST through the air in his Junior year, catching 42 passes to go with 6 TDs🔥

Could Blue be a PPR monster in 2025? pic.twitter.com/eNxM7D4n7d

— FastDraft Fantasy (@fastdraftapp) April 29, 2025

Pick 2.10 – Jalen Milroe (QB – SEA)

Milroe is the ultimate wild-card pick in dynasty rookie drafts. He is far from a good passer but an elite rushing threat, making him potentially a fantasy superstar. Furthermore, the former Alabama star landed in an appealing situation. While the Seahawks signed Sam Darnold in free agency, the team can get out of his deal after the 2025 season. Milroe could get on the field as a rookie if the veteran quarterback struggles.

Pick 2.11 – Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU)

Houston spent four of their first five draft picks on improving C.J. Stroud’s supporting cast, including two on wide receivers. While Jayden Higgins was the first Iowa State receiver drafted, Noel quickly joined him. The Texans lost Stefon Diggs in free agency, while Tank Dell likely won’t play in 2025. Therefore, the team has plenty of open targets for their rookies. More importantly, Noel should replace Christian Kirk in the slot starting in 2026, if not sooner.

Pick 2.12 – Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)

After two tight ends came off the board in the first eight picks, we wrap up the second round with another. Taylor didn’t have the draft profile of Loveland or Warren, but he did land in a fantasy-friendly spot. The Jets have one reliable weapon in the passing game – Garrett Wilson. Furthermore, Justin Fields has had success targeting his tight ends. Don’t be surprised if Taylor ends his rookie year as a top-15 tight end.

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