Draft day is coming fast, and we all know the stress that comes with deciding who to take and when. Sometimes the best way to build a winning roster is to have a clear plan for every round. So I’ve put together one player to target in each of the first ten rounds based on value, opportunity, and upside. These are the guys I believe can help you dominate your league in 2025.
Round 1 – Bijan Robinson
Despite Saquon Barkley coming off a historic season where he claimed the OPoY, Bijan Robinson, in my eyes, is the number one overall pick in this year’s draft. He finished last season with the second-most touches in the league, and I only see that number going up as he gets more involved in the passing game with Michael Penix. Robinson has been the star of the show at the Falcons training camp, making highlight-worthy plays daily. It looks like spending his offseason training alongside star running back Christian McCaffrey has paid off.
Round 2 – De’Von Achane
Sticking with the trend of running backs, which I see as the most valuable position to strike gold on, De’Von Achane is the true league-winner this year, especially considering his RB1 upside despite being valued as a mid-to-early second-round pick. Achane is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL, and with the checkdowns coming to him non-stop, I don’t see how you could pass on a player who had nearly five catches per game last season. Recently, there has been some tension between Achane and star receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill openly expressed that Achane shouldn’t be in the game on 3rd-and-short, where they had a conversion rate of 36.32 percent. Hill wants the Dolphins to go with their power running back, Jaylen Wright. Despite this, I still believe Achane’s volume will increase.
Round 3 – Ladd McConkey
I originally wanted to put Terry McLaurin here off the sheer dominance I thought he and Jayden Daniels would bring, but amid the trade request I felt I couldn’t. However, Ladd McConkey is not being sold short here. McConkey is coming off one of the best rookie receiver seasons in recent history: 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and 7 touchdowns to top it off. During that season, he achieved the 15th-highest catch percentage by a rookie wide receiver at 73.2 percent. His connection with Justin Herbert seemed to get stronger week by week, and there is no doubt he will be Herbert’s go-to guy this season.
Round 4 – D.J. Moore
Despite coming off a career low in yards per reception at 9.9, the hiring of offensive mastermind Ben Johnson as head coach makes D.J. Moore a steal in the fourth round. Under Johnson, I see Caleb Williams flourishing with high-level play calling, along with a rebuilt offensive line that is sure to provide more time in the pocket. It’s anticipated Moore will return to his prime deep-threat role from 2022, when he finished eighth in deep passing yards. Luther Burden joining the receiver room does create some uncertainty, but with the range of Burden and Moore, I see them complementing each other rather than taking away opportunities.
Round 5 – David Montgomery
My original pick here was James Conner, but with ongoing reports that Conner is set to split carries with Trey Benson, combined with his age, his value has dropped for me. David Montgomery has proven to fantasy football players that you do not need to be your team’s RB1 to be a dominant fantasy player. In the last two seasons with the Lions, while behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has scored 12-plus touchdowns and finished as a top-15 fantasy running back. Looking closer at last season, Montgomery averaged 16.5 fantasy points per game in Weeks 1-14 (he missed the final three regular season games due to injury) and finished second in the NFL in goal-line carries. Even in this talented Lions offense, Montgomery will continue to produce regardless of his spot on the depth chart.
Round 6 – TreVeyon Henderson
TreVeyon Henderson has been the standout player at Patriots training camp so far, particularly in the passing game. Henderson may be more of an investment for late fantasy season since he is currently behind Rhamondre Stevenson. However, with Stevenson fumbling seven times last season, we may see Henderson more often than expected. Although Stevenson will be used as the goal-line running back, Henderson should be a monster in PPR leagues as a major receiving threat. As the year goes on, he should see more snaps, and ultimately I see him ending up with a nice total of fantasy points.
Round 7 – Evan Engram
Bo Nix and the Broncos got their much-needed middle-of-the-field target in Evan Engram. People may shy away from the 30-year-old veteran after a lackluster previous season, but I look past the injuries. In 2023, a healthy Engram nearly put up 1,000 yards while finishing 12th in target share across the NFL, earning him a trip to the Pro Bowl. A big athletic tight end, Engram is a nightmare for defenses in man coverage, and he finished fourth in the NFL for yards per route run vs. man coverage. With an ADP of 90.8, selecting Engram in Round 7 may seem like a reach, but with his upside under Sean Payton and catching passes from Bo Nix, there is a good shot he finishes as a top-five fantasy TE.
Round 8 – Kyler Murray
I am a strong believer that if you’re not getting one of the top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, then you should wait. Kyler Murray is the perfect late-round starter: two dangerous offensive weapons in Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr., a top-13 finish in attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns last season, and strong rushing ability. Murray ran for 572 yards and five touchdowns last year. A quarterback who can rack up points on the ground is a fantasy asset. The only downside was his late-season slump, where he threw for 1,793 yards and nine touchdowns with eight interceptions over the final seven games. I’m not superstitious, but the Kyler Murray Call of Duty curse might be real, so let’s hope this year’s release is forgettable.
Round 9 – Jauan Jennings
It is surprising to see Jauan Jennings fall this late in drafts, coming off a season where he ranked 27th in points per game. Jennings had a breakout year last season with 77 catches for 975 yards and a massive 46.5 fantasy points in Week 3, the third-highest total among all players. With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk expected to miss almost half the season, Jennings is the clear WR1 in this 49ers offense. He could be a valuable pickup here, potentially slotting in as a solid flex or even WR2 option.
Round 10 – Tyler Warren
The tight end position in fantasy is tough. If you are not getting one of the top three studs in Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, or George Kittle, the options can be shaky. Tyler Warren is one of the most versatile rookies entering the league. Whether he lines up at tight end, receiver, fullback, or even wildcat quarterback, Warren will make an impact. He joins a Colts offense with a major question mark at quarterback, but that may help his case. A QB fighting for a starting spot often leans on a big, physical tight end over the middle, and Warren fits that perfectly. At Penn State, Warren racked up 104 catches for 1,233 yards, placing him in the top seven receiving leaders nationwide. Warren himself says he has the “best player on the field” mentality, which could carry him to a successful rookie season.
Parting Shot
Every draft unfolds differently, but going in with a short list of go-to targets at each stage can help you adapt without panicking. The key is finding players with the right blend of talent, opportunity, and value at the spot you draft them. Good luck on draft day, and here’s to you hoisting your fantasy trophy when the season ends.
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