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Fantasy Football Mock Draft 2025 (Way Too Early)

Never Too Early; 2025 Drafts Have Started

Remember that year you drafted Christian McCaffrey first overall and he killed your season?

Of course you do. It was 2024.

And not so long ago, you'd get a few months to recover before deciding if you could bring yourself to draft him again.

It’s different now. Best ball drafts are already live for 2025 on some platforms. And we’re already putting together the 2025 projections that will drive our fantasy football rankings.

So why not go ahead and run our first fantasy football mock draft of the year?

Mock Draft Setup

Jared, Kevin, Shane, and I got together, controlled three teams a piece, and ran through 10 rounds of a 12-team PPR fantasy football mock draft.

Among the 120 selections, you’ll find:

• nine incoming rookies (bolded)
• seven impending free agents (italicized)
• several WRs working back from serious injuries
• and likely more than a few picks that will surprise you

Each round includes some key player questions, with answers from the DS drafter who selected those players.

And if you have questions – or critiques – on any other player selected (or left out), make sure to let us know in the comments section at the bottom.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 1

1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
2. Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings
3. Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
4. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys
5. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons
6. Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions
8. Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
9. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
10. Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
11. Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
12. Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Analysis

What makes Saquon Barkley top back and top-3 PPR pick?

Jared: Barkley just led all RBs in PPR points per game, despite tying for 26th among RBs in targets. He even ranked third at the position in expected points per game.

Rushing volume (345 carries) and TD opportunity (fifth most expected TDs among RBs) offset the lack of targets last year – and I expect similar usage and production in 2025.

This is an elite runner playing behind an elite offensive line.

All that said, I think Barkley vs. Bijan Robinson for RB1 is a near toss-up. My very initial projections have Barkley ahead by 0.1 points per game.

What makes Jahmyr Gibbs a top-4 RB and first-round pick?

Kevin: Ultimately, I’m betting on Gibbs’ talent. He’s just 23 and performed as an elite back down the stretch.

(Editor's note: Gibbs tied for 16th among RBs in expected PPR points per game before David Montgomery’s Week 15 injury. He ranked third the rest of the way.)

We’ll see how new OC Johnny Morton divvies up the backfield pie, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t feed Gibbs another 300ish touches. And at this point, I think we can project Jamaal Charles-like efficiency.

Note: I also considered Breece Hall, Malik Nabers, and Nico Collins. Gibbs, though, beats at least the first two in situation.

Does Breece Hall really belong this high?

Matt: Maybe not. He finished 2024 ranked just 24th in carries per game and RB17 in PPR points per game.

But his 13.1 rushes per contest matched his 2023 rate, when Hall finished second among RBs in total PPR points and sixth in PPR points per game -- despite coming off an ACL tear and starting the year on limited workloads.

Hall also finished 2024 with the third-most targets among RBs. And his 2023 production came in an even worse offense (29th in scoring, 31st in yards) than the Jets puked out there this past season (24th in each).

We'll see what the new coaching staff says about his planned role for 2025. But drafters liked Hall as an easy top-3 RB ahead of 2024. He looks like a potential value if he slides through Round 2 this year.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 2

1. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
2. De’Von Achane, RB, Miami Dolphins
3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Rookie
4. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons
5. A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
7. Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
8. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
9. Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders
10. Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens
11. Trey McBride, TE, Arizona Cardinals
12. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals

Analysis

How high does Ashton Jeanty belong, assuming a first-round NFL Draft selection?

Shane: Jeanty likely goes in the RB4-7 range if he is a first-round selection. 

An NFL team selecting Jeanty in the first round means he will be implemented in a full-time role, likely including a sizable pass-catching role.

Many of the other RBs in this range (Breece Hall, Christian McCaffrey, De’Von Achane, etc.) have similar upside, but we have seen the downside of those situations, injuries, and more.

Jeanty is the mystery box whose team will have just made a major draft investment.

Jeanty will bring RB1 overall upside as a clear lead back, and that makes him one of the best swing-for-the-fences RB options at value.

Why Ladd McConkey over Tyreek Hill?

Jared: McConkey scored 2.1 more PPR points per game than Hill last year. As a rookie. In an offense that opened the season run-heavy.

From Week 7 on – when the Chargers shifted to a pass-leaning offense – McConkey averaged 16.9 PPR points per game. Only seven WRs were better over that span.

He also became just the sixth rookie WR to top 2.3 yards per route over the last five seasons, joining:

• Puka Nacua
• Justin Jefferson
• Ja’Marr Chase
• Chris Olave
• and Brian Thomas Jr.

Nacua, Jefferson, Chase, and Olave all averaged more PPR points per game in their second seasons than they did as rookies.

Tied to QB Justin Herbert, McConkey looks like an annual WR1 going forward.

Hill, on the other hand, turns 31 this offseason and registered career lows last year in:

• Pro Football Focus receiving grade
• ESPN receiver score, yards per route
• and yards after catch per reception.

I think we could see a modest bounce back in 2025. But Hill’s days as an elite fantasy WR appear to be over.

What do you expect from Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2025?

Kevin: To start, an improved connection with Kyler Murray.

Per PFF, Harrison’s catchable target rate was only 59% – 8th percentile.

Perhaps we’ll see more short-range passing in Year 2.

Among 53 qualifiers, only two exceeded Harrison’s 14.2-yard aDOT. He posted the fifth-most deep targets (20+ air yards) but underwhelmed with a 35.7% catch rate on those passes.

Harrison -- just a two-year starter in college -- should take another step forward in 2025. Barring a surprise move at WR, he’ll also have a shot at top-15 target volume.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 3

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
2. Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers
3. Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
4. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints
5. Tee Higgins, WR, Free Agent
6. Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams
8. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
9. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens
10. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
11. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
12. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

Analysis

Want Jayden Daniels in 2025? You'll need to pay for him

Matt: Just like in this draft, Daniels went third among QBs in my first best ball tournament draft of 2025 on FFPC. And he belongs here.

Daniels finished sixth among QBs in fantasy points per game. Take out the two games he left early, and Daniels jumps to third -- hundredths of a point behind Joe Burrow (depending on your format).

That included a strong finish: top-7 fantasy finishes in each of his final five games, including three times among the top 2.

Daniels' combo of passing and rushing production makes him as strong an upside bet as any QB -- plus an attractive fantasy floor.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 4

1. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. D.J. Moore, WR, Chicago Bears
3. Rashee Rice, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
4. James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills
5. Davante Adams, WR, New York Jets
6. Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints
7. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
8. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
9. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
10. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks
11. Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
12. Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers

Analysis

Does Rashee Rice make you nervous as WR21 early in Round 4?

Shane: Despite all the red flags, Round 4 felt like the time to take the risk on Rice.

Tearing his LCL on Sept. 29 should give Rice plenty of time to get back to 100%. The recovery for that injury is generally four months and he will have at least double that before any team events. 

As of this writing, Rice’s legal case hasn’t moved forward. A suspension is still on the table for 2025, but I’ll take the chance that it winds up shorter than what the consensus expects.

Rice third in PPR points per game in 2024. That's based on just three games' worth of stats but reveals WR1 upside.

I’m drafting Rice for the fantasy playoffs. If he's suspended, I can replace him for a few games. After that, I've got a WR1 or WR2 on hand.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 5

1. Omarion Hampton, RB, Rookie
2. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
3. Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins
5. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
6. Tet McMillan, WR, Rookie
7. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
8. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Rookie
9. Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears
10. Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
11. George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
12. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis

What’s your expectation for Brandon Aiyuk – and what's his ceiling?

Shane: I don’t think Aiyuk is as bad as we saw in 2024 (WR58 in PPR points per game). 

Whether it was missing training camp due to his contract dispute or a modified early offense for the 49ers, Aiyuk didn’t come close to meeting expectations.

The ACL injury in October threatens training camp again for him. I'm hoping he'll have time to be ready for the start of the season. But I don't expect a return to WR13 in PPR points per game, as he finished 2023.

I expect a slow start. but if he is healthy, WR2 numbers are realistic for 2024. (I drafted him as the WR27 here.)

Aiyuk’s ceiling in the "X" role (where we saw Jauan Jennings break out this year) is becoming a top-10 fantasy WR -- especially if Deebo Samuel gets shipped elsewhere.

Why Rome Odunze over George Pickens, Jordan Addison, and Jameson Williams?

Kevin: QB questions follow Pickens and Addison. Williams must adjust to life without one of the league’s best play-callers (Ben Johnson).

Odunze has the QB and the coach (Johnson) to take a major step forward.

The Washington product underwhelmed as a rookie but flashed with a pair of 100-yard games. He also caught 13 of 18 balls in contested situations, per PFF.

I expect Johnson to get the most out of this offense. And that could include a heavy dose of Odunze – particularly if free agent Keenan Allen departs.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 6

1. Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
2. Jordan Addison, WR, Minnesota Vikings
3. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
4. Chris Godwin, WR, Free Agent
5. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
6. James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
7. David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions
8. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
9. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
10. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
11. Khalil Shakir, WR, Buffalo Bills
12. Deebo Samuel, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Analysis

Does Jakobi Meyers belong ahead of Jordan Addison, Jameson Williams, and Chris Godwin?

Matt: Godwin has a knee recovery and impending free agency working against his early draft position.

Addison and Williams are fine and probably in the same tier. I don't know yet about Addison's QB, and Williams sits in a crowded offense that needs to replace a heralded OC.

Meyers quietly finished 20th among WRs in total PPR points last year; 24th in points per game. He was even better after the Davante Adams trade. From Week 8 (Meyers' first game after the trade) on, Meyers ranked:

• 12th in expected PPR points per game
• 10th in targets
• tied for 16th in receptions

His 15.7 PPR points per game over that span would have ranked 17th among WRs for the season. 

Meyers also finished 28th in PPR points per game in 2023.

He should feel offended to go in this range of drafts. Consider Meyers a potentially strong value in early drafting -- and a guy who could continue to be so.

Why do you like Patrick Mahomes as QB6?

Jared: Only four QBs scored fewer fantasy points vs. expected than Mahomes last year.

That’s insane considering we’re talking about one of the most talented QBs ever.

Mahomes’ 20.1 expected points per game last year ranked second to only Joe Burrow. This remained a pass-centric offense (second in pass rate over expected) that should have produced a lot more fantasy points than it did.

Why do I expect that to change in 2025? Because Mahomes is really freakin’ good. And because he’ll have his best WR duo since at least 2019.

First-rounder Xavier Worthy emerged down the stretch of his rookie season, and Rashee Rice should be back by October (pending a potential suspension and his recovery from 2024’s knee injury).

I’ll have a lot of Mahomes if his ADP settles in the sixth or seventh round of drafts.

Deebo Samuel: Intriguing value ... or 2025 trap?

Kevin: I think he’s a worthwhile risk at the end of Round 6. Ideally, he’d get traded to a team with much less target competition.

If the 49ers are comfortable with Brandon Aiyuk’s ACL rehab, I think the multi-year trade rumors that’ve followed Samuel might actually materialize.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 7

1. Sam LaPorta, TE, Detroit Lions
2. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants
3. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Rookie
4. Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans
5. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings
6. Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers
7. Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers
8. David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns
9. Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
10. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Rookie
11. Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens
12. Michael Pittman II, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Analysis

What’s your expectation for Jauan Jennings in 2025?

Jared: Jennings was awesome this past year.

His 2.26 yards per route ranked 14th among 84 qualifying WRs – right behind CeeDee Lamb and just ahead of Zay Flowers. He ranked 15th among those 84 wideouts in PFF receiving grade. And 10th among 113 qualifiers in ESPN’s receiver scores.

Jennings’ 14.1 PPR points per game as a full-timer from Week 10 on ranked 29th among WRs.

I believe he can deliver that type of production in 2025, making him a nice value at his WR42 price tag in this draft. 

WR Deebo Samuel is a prime trade or cut candidate for a 49ers team that needs to find cap space to sign QB Brock Purdy to a long-term deal. And WR Brandon Aiyuk will be returning from October’s multi-ligament knee injury.

Are we over-correcting on Jayden Reed here?

Shane: Reed disappointed fantasy managers late with six of his seven games after the bye producing fewer than 12 PPR fantasy points.

But he flashed some strong pass-catching talent in 2024 with crazy catches and burst with the ball in his hands.

Reed still ended as the WR27 overall and WR39 in PPR points per game in PPR.

He went WR43 in this draft.

If the Packers' pass rate increases even slightly, Reed could be a steal. 

He’s locked into the starting slot role and entering his third season.

I expect a bounce back to WR2-type numbers.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 8

1. Jaylen Warren, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Rookie
3. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
4. Jonnu Smith, TE, Miami Dolphins
5. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Free Agent
8. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
9. D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears
10. Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
11. Luther Burden III, WR, Rookie
12. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots

Analysis

Why take Jaylen Warren with starting RBs left on the board?

Matt: It's easy to forget about his intriguing upside after the injury-muddled 2024 Warren just had. Beyond the two full games he missed, Warren opened the year limited by an August hamstring strain, dealt with mid-season knee trouble and added a back issue later in the year.

He wound up declining in carries per game, receptions per game, and yards per rush and trailed well behind Najee Harris in both touches and production.

But Warren remained the more efficient receiving producer between them. And he proved more efficient than Harris as a runner and receiver each of the previous two seasons. That's why Warren siphoned a good bit of Harris' work in 2023 vs. their 2022 roles.

Harris faces free agency in March. It'll obviously help Warren's outlook if the Steelers let the incumbent starter walk. In that case, I'd bet they'll draft a RB at some point. But if it's a Day 3 player -- maybe even Day 2 -- then Warren could be set to lead the backfield in his contract year.

How much should we expect this year's crop of rookie RBs to affect the landscape?

Shane: A lot.

As of this writing, I have 27 incoming RBs with a draftable grade, meaning we should see a heavy investment from NFL teams (including undrafted free agents).

NFL RBs on the fringe could lose playing time and jobs -- even from late-round picks in this draft.

We could even see the top of ADP shaken up if RB1s such as Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, or Derrick Henry see their teams draft RBs in the Round 2-4 range.

Expect some real debate over RB ADP after the NFL Draft.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 9

1. Jalen McMillan, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. Aaron Jones, RB, Free Agent
3. Najee Harris, RB, Free Agent
4. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
5. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, WR, Free Agent
6. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills
7. Rashid Shaheed, WR, New Orleans Saints
8. Xavier Legette, WR, Carolina Panthers
9. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
10. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, New York Giants
11. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
12. Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys

Analysis

Why bother taking Dak Prescott as QB8?

Matt: I won't arm-wrestle over Prescott's specific ranking among QBs. And you'll probably be able to wait longer and get the Dallas QB at greater value. But he belongs in this range.

Just look back at his 2023: Prescott finished third at the position in total fantasy points and fourth in points per game. And that year found his scoring average lower than it was in 2021, 2020, or 2019.

Prescott's past three seasons of 16+ games all found him among the top 7 fantasy QBs. Sure, he has also lost 5+ games to injuries in three of the past five seasons. But it's easy to draft injury insurance at this position. In most fantasy leagues, it's not even difficult to find in-season QB replacements.

The Cowboys need to bolster a WR corps that counted Jalen Tolbert, Brandin Cooks, and KaVontae Turpin as top-5 targets last year. But they could easily add an enticing talent via free agency or the draft.

I grabbed Prescott here to highlight his case and to stack him with CeeDee Lamb. That's not a "must" for redraft rosters. But it can be a helpful tactic to carry over from DFS and best ball lineup building.

Kevin selected six second-year WRs. Focal point or did it just work out that way?

Kevin: Call it a coincidence. I think the prices were right on a couple of them, including Xavier Legette and Jalen McMillan.

On Legette: The 32nd overall pick was just OK as a rookie but should start in Year 2. Bryce Young’s late-season surge certainly helps.

On McMillan: He finished as the WR5 from Week 14 on. A league-high 7 TDs helped, but there’s reason to believe the trend can continue – if Chris Godwin departs in free agency.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Round 10

1. Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons
2. Tank Bigsby, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
3. Marvin Mims, WR, Denver Broncos
4. Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
5. Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
6. Matthew Golden, WR, Rookie
7. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
8. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans
9. Amari Cooper, WR, Free Agent
10. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens
11. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
12. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers

Analysis

Why do you like Caleb Williams as QB10 here?

Jared: Ben Johnson.

The upgrade in play calling from Shane Waldron to Johnson, who led the Lions to top-5 finishes in points and yards each of the last three seasons, is as big as it gets.

I believe in Johnson’s ability to unlock Williams, who had a relatively disappointing rookie season but flashed plenty to get excited about.

The arm talent is obvious. But the 489 rushing yards he piled up are just as exciting for Williams’ fantasy outlook.

The offensive line needs work, but the coaching staff, QB, and weapons are in place for this Bears offense to take a huge leap in 2025.

Best Way to Draft

We've been drafting fantasy football teams for a looong time around here. And that has developed some pretty clear guidelines. Learn more about the best way to draft. And check out the video:

Matt Schauf, Editor

Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.