The 2025 NFL Draft class may not be as deep as previous years. However, it features two to three superstar talents per position, with the running back position showcasing nearly a dozen backs with significant upside. It would not be surprising if at least 10 running backs are selected in the draft’s first three rounds. Dynasty league managers will focus on acquiring top-tier players like Ashton Jeanty, Quinshon Judkins, and Omarion Hampton. If they miss out on these standout prospects, there are still several potential dynasty gems to be found further down the board.
Ultimately, the players’ success often depends on the teams that draft them, as some landing spots are more advantageous for certain players. Let’s discuss and rank the top 10 players for fantasy dynasty leagues in 2025. Additionally, we will mention one specific NFL team for each player that would best unlock their fantasy potential the most.
The 2025 Rookie Class Is Loaded With Dynasty League Gems
1) Ashton Jeanty, RB – Boise State 2024: 2,739 all-purpose yards, 7.0 (YPC), 29 total touchdowns, 2024 Maxwell Award winner
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty had one of the best single seasons in college football history. He finished with over 2,600 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, marking his 2024 season as one of the top five finishes for any running back of all time. Jeanty’s elite versatility, vision, power, balance, and ability to withstand contact while continuing to press forward sets him apart from the competition. Even in a draft featuring several outstanding running backs, he remains far ahead of his peers.
In the upcoming NFL Draft, many teams among the top 20 picks have specific needs, such as quarterbacks or improvements on their defensive or offensive lines. As a result, teams might prioritize their immediate needs before Jeanty. If Jeanty does fall past the top 15 picks, the Denver Broncos would be a fantastic landing spot for him at pick 20. The two parties could be a match made in heaven.
Statistically, both Javontae Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin made up one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL. Denver ranked in the bottom 10 for rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and yards per carry. Regardless, rookie quarterback Bo Nix still almost led the team to the postseason. Imagine how much better the team could perform with a Jeanty-led backfield. On the other hand, with how much volume Jeanty could attract, he is a bonafide home-run dynasty target.
In the past, Sean Payton developed Alvin Kamara into one of the top fantasy players of all time (Saints). Jeanty has a somewhat similar skill set, though he is slightly less speedy than Kamara. This comparison should inspire confidence in fantasy managers as they prepare for dynasty drafts.
2) Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona 2024: 1,834 receiving yards, 84 catches, 8 touchdowns, 2024 All-American
Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan faced significant criticism coming out of college due to his team’s disappointing performance this past season. The Wildcats finished with a 4-8 overall record. Some believe that McMillan’s struggles were largely due to the lack of weapons on the team. However, during his successful 2023 season, when the team finished 9-3, McMillan had an even better performance than in 2024. Throughout his college career, McMillan recorded a total of 213 receptions, 3,423 receiving yards, and 26 touchdowns.
What sets McMillan apart is his size, toughness, and wide catch radius. Additionally, he excels in the red zone, thanks to his outstanding ball-tracking abilities. McMillan’s skill set is reminiscent of Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Mike Evans. Entering the draft, McMillan’s limitation is downfield speed. Although, Evans has built an illustrious career despite lacking speed himself, suggesting that McMillan could have a similar trajectory.
McMillan stands out in a thin wide receiver class for 2025, with a strong chance of being selected in the top ten. The New England Patriots are considered the best landing spots for him. Drake May has the potential to be a star, and having McMillan would speed up his development. Both players possess great physicality, making them an ideal pairing.
In dynasty leagues, the scarcity of other offensive weapons in New England gives McMillan immediate fantasy value.
3) Cam Ward, QB – Miami 2024: 4,313 passing yards, 43 total touchdowns, 7 interceptions, 2024 Davey O’Brien winner
In a particularly thin 2025 quarterback class, at least two quarterbacks will likely be selected within the top 10l. In dynasty leagues, you might see two quarterbacks taken within the first four to five picks. Of them all, Cam Ward of Miami has the potential to become the best fantasy quarterback as time progresses. To break it down, Ward’s situation mirrors that of Jayden Daniels from the 2024 draft. Daniels was the most experienced quarterback in the class. But he was not expected to be better than guys like Caleb Williams and Maye. As it seems, Daniels is now the best QB from that class and has enjoyed the most success. Ward is facing a similar challenge; despite being overlooked, he is the most polished quarterback in this class.
The all-time leader in touchdown passes in NCAA Division I history, Ward, similar to Daniels, has great rushing potential. He is a solid pure-thrower but his accuracy could improve. Many teams will also be drawn to Ward for his leadership and poise on the field. Selecting him at pick three makes the most sense for the New York Giants. Surprisingly, coach Brian Daboll is still in charge, and if 2025 is indeed his last year in New York, he cannot go down without a fight.
After averaging just 16 points per game last season, the Giants need a playmaker to help move the ball. With weapons like Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Tyrone Tracy Jr, Ward’s value in a dynasty league would increase. Ward’s extensive college experience has equipped him to work with various types of wide receivers, suggesting he would thrive as a Giant.
4) Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ohio State 2024: 1,060 rushing yards, 5.5 ypc, 146 total touchdowns, 2024 3rd team All-Big 10
After two seasons at Ole Miss, running back Quinton Judkins established himself as the best RB in the SEC. For his junior year, he transferred to Ohio State, where he shared the backfield with TreVeyon Henderson. Although Judkins’s playing time decreased significantly due to this competition, his performance in 2024 still showed his potential to be an excellent NFL running back. His explosive speed in the open field, combined with his ability to break tackles, makes him difficult to defend. Notably, Judkins has shown that he can effectively handle a three-down role and should be a key player in goal-line situations.
In the upcoming draft, Judkins is likely to be the next running back selected behind Jeanty even if it is not until the second round. The Las Vegas Raiders, picking at number 37, seem to be the best fit for him. The Raiders are trying to maintain a hard-nosed image, and Judkins aligns well with that identity. Furthermore, the team missed Josh Jacobs, who helped control the pace of the game. While Judkins may not yet be on Jacobs’ level, he can handle a significant workload similar to Jacobs throughout his career.
During Judkins’s first two seasons at Ole Miss, he carried the ball 271 and 274 times, respectively, demonstrating that he is more than capable of being a workhorse. With the Raiders lacking offensive weapons outside of Brock Bowers, Judkins could receive substantial opportunities right from the start of the season. Overall, this might be a little high given other names yet to be named but you cannot deny that Judkins is an excellent option for dynasty leagues.
5) Omarion Hampton, RB – UNC 2024: 1,660 rushing yards, 38 rec, 17 total touchdowns, 2024 First Team All-ACC
If only Bill Belichick signed with North Carolina to become their next head coach sooner. Belichick could have had the opportunity to coach Omarion Hampton. However, the attention he is receiving from draft scouts suggests that entering the draft early will be beneficial for him. During his three seasons in Chapel Hill, Hampton accumulated over 3,700 total yards and consistently demonstrated power, great vision, and inside-zone running ability.
The only criticism of Hampton is that he lacks the breakaway speed of other players in this class. However, his effectiveness running both inside and outside, positions him to be a standout NFL running back. Additionally, Hampton is one of the toughest runners in college football. He ranked in the top five in the country for missed tackles.
In the NFL, similar to Judkins, Hampton is expected to be selected early in the second round. His track record however suggests that he could break into the first round. For dynasty drafts, his skill set makes him worthy of a top-five pick. Some readers might find it surprising to say that Hampton’s “best fit” is a team that already has a superstar running back, but when looking at it from a dynasty perspective, it could fit Hampton like a glove.
The Baltimore Ravens currently have the great Derrick Henry on their roster. However, with Henry turning 31 soon, the Ravens need to begin planning for the future. Hampton’s build is reminiscent of Henry and this could get Hampton on the field quickly. His catching ability would help also make him a key factor in some form. Among all RBs in this draft, one could argue that Hampton is the most NFL-ready. Consequently, he is a must-have dynasty target.
6) Shedeur Sanders, QB – Colorado 2024: 74% completion, 4,134 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, 2024 Big-12 OPOY
Shedeur Sanders is the most publicized athlete in college sports over the last decade. He has a standout appearance, and flair, and is the son of Deion Sanders. Beyond his popularity, Sanders possesses NFL-worthy quarterback skills. He demonstrates great accuracy and elite athleticism, allowing him to maneuver in the pocket and make most throws. However, Sanders has more concerns than any other player on this list. To put it bluntly, he has not been a winning quarterback during the last two seasons while facing high-level competition.
In those two years, he won only 13 games and had one win over a top-25 team. Moreover, Sanders has been coached by his father for most of his life, and it remains to be seen how he will adapt to another coach. Lastly, more than half of his 37 passing touchdowns were to one player, Travis Hunter. NFL scouts do not typically look for this statistic.
There are many questions surrounding Sanders, but like any dynasty league, taking a chance on a player is a part of the process. In simple terms, Sanders is a high-risk, high-reward player. To maximize his potential, he needs to find a suitable situation where he can start early and has reliable weapons to connect with. Among the teams in the top 10, the Las Vegas Raiders at pick 6 are ideal. The spotlight in Las Vegas is perfect for a player like Sanders.
Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers are reliable targets for Sanders. If the Raiders would upgrade the running back position during this draft, that could benefit Sanders even further. Now that the Raiders have the right coach in place, with Pete Carroll in town, Shedeur-experience could pan out. Ultimately, in the right situation, Sanders has the tools to be the best player in the class.
7) Travis Hunter, ATH – Colorado 2024: 96 rec, 1,258 rec yards, 15 touchdowns, 35 tackles, 5 int, 2024 Heisman winner
Perhaps the most dynamic and multi-dimensional player in college football, Travis Hunter capped off an electrifying junior season by winning the Heisman Trophy. Although his award race victory was a narrow one, it’s undeniable that Hunter is a one-of-a-kind talent. He possesses speed and exceptional ball skills in both offensive and defensive positions. The main reason for his slip in this mock draft is the uncertainty about what his primary position in the NFL will be.
Hunter’s ability to play both WR and CB in the NFL is minimal as the level of competition is light years above what Hunter faced at Colorado. He could be a fantasy gem if made a full-time receiver. If Hunter is made a full-time cornerback, his fantasy value would take a hit, even though he would be one of the best dynasty IDP picks of the year.
Hunter’s flash and skill set proves that he will need to be in the perfect place to succeed. This may ruffle some feathers but the Cleveland Browns would be the best situation for Hunter. The Browns could give Hunter the most field team than anyone else. As a result, his fantasy value would be enormous. On defense, the team could use a tough cornerback opposite Denzel Ward. On offense, the team could use a number one receiver and Hunter could be the team’s go-to option early on.
Many believe that Cleveland takes either Ward or Sanders at pick three however the team is still all in on Deshaun Watson. Jameis Winston is a reliable backup as well so taking Hunter and waiting until 2026 to draft a QB makes sense. Cleveland needs a superstar to shake things up for this troubling franchise. These fans deserve better and getting Hunter is a step in the right direction.
8) Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State 2024: 104 rec, 1,233 receiving yards, 12 total touchdowns, 2024 John Mackey Award
Penn State University has produced several exceptional tight ends over the years, but Tyler Warren stands out the most. The 2024 John Mackey Award winner, Warren is a versatile tight end who has climbed up many dynasty draft boards following an impressive 2024 season. His 104 receptions set a new school record at Penn State, while his 1,233 receiving yards rank as the second most for a single season in Nittany Lions history. Beyond his accolades, Tyler Warren is simply a remarkable football player. He combines athleticism and physicality with elite tight-end size, standing at 6’6″ and weighing 260 pounds.
Warren can make any catch and often poses a matchup nightmare for defenses. His versatility was evident this season, as he took carries from the backfield. He recorded 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns, which is impressive for a tight end of his size.
In the NFL, Warren would thrive in the Los Angeles Chargers‘ system. As a team striving to take the next step, the Chargers would greatly benefit from Warren’s athleticism and his wide catch radius, which would provide quarterback Justin Herbert with a reliable target. Coach Jim Harbaugh has consistently valued tight ends throughout his coaching career and would know how to position Warren for success. This level of attention warrants a first-round selection in dynasty drafts for 2025.
From 2022 to 2024, tight ends like Trey McBride, Dalton Kincaid, and Brock Bowers were all first-round picks in their respective rookie years. Warren is poised to be the next standout tight end to emerge. Draft Warren with confidence on draft day and do not look back.
9) Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State 2024: 81 rec, 1,010, 10 touchdowns, 2024 All-Big Ten 2nd team
Emeka Egbuka may not have been the best wide receiver on his team. Regardless, he was still one of the top WRs in college football. Egbuka concludes his Ohio State career with 205 receptions, 2,868 yards, and 24 touchdowns over two and a half seasons. Often compared to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Buckeye 2020-2023), Egbuka excels in the slot as his smooth route-running style consistently puts him in a position to get open. Similar to Smith-Njigba, who is expected to thrive in 2024, Egbuka could quickly develop into a well-rounded wide receiver. From a pure talent perspective, one could argue that Egbuka ranks in the top three of this draft class, thanks to a skill set that makes him a potential dynasty gem, particularly in PPR formats.
However, quarterbacks and running backs typically garner higher value each year, which lowers Egbuka’s ranking on this list. Despite being ranked ninth, that does not mean he can’t emerge as one of the best rookies.
In the NFL, a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers would provide the best dynasty value for Egbuka. The Steelers’ passing attack features George Pickens, who is capable of making acrobatic catches and going downfield like Randy Moss. Other times, he is also prone to being overthrown, which often leads to sideline antics. Beyond Pickens, the team’s options are limited. Acquiring Egbuka would be a significant asset and he would serve as a versatile pass catcher. Egbuka would be an effective chain mover. He brings a playmaking style reminiscent of Hines Ward, allowing him to challenge defenses in various ways. Egbuka would be an excellent fantasy pick in the latter portion of dynasty drafts.
10) Kaleb Johnson, RB – Iowa 2024: 1,537 rushing yards, 6.4 ypc, 23 total touchdowns, 22 rec, 2024 All-American
Perhaps one of the biggest risers in dynasty mock drafts, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson was “Mr. Touchdown” in 2024. The Big Ten’s leading rusher (1,537 yards and 21 TD), Johnson is the sole reason that his Iowa Hawkeyes were able to finish 4th in a loaded Big Ten this year.
Deemed the ultimate workhorse running back, Johnson had 240 carries this season and made it look effortless. Do not let his 225 frame fool you, give Johnson one open lane and he is going to attack it. His vision, speed,d, and power is what will separate him in the eyes of many draft scouts. A superb 40-yard dash time could also benefit his draft case.
Johnson’s skill set molds well for the modern NFL. Early on in his career, Johnson can still be effective and his usage history is hard to ignore. From a dynasty perspective, a team like the Minnesota Vikings (pick 24) could uplift Johnson. Running back Aaron Jones is coming off of a fantastic year, but his injury history and age are worrisome. Johnson could mold into a three-down back in no time. If he has to play limited snaps, his versatility makes him useful in the passing game. This will get him on the field in some way early on.
With just under one month until the combine begins, these players mentioned could catapult or plummet their dynasty draft stock.
Early 2nd Round Dynasty Targets: RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Luther Burden II, QB Jalen Milroe, WR Tre Harris, RB Devin Neal
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
