5 Biggest Dilemmas in 2025 Rookie Drafts (Fantasy Football)
The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and dynasty managers are now shifting gears as rookie draft season is in full bloom. Ashton Jeanty is the near-consensus 1.01 across all platforms, but the real intrigue starts with the picks that follow. While it is tempting to draft for positional need, your odds of landing a true difference-maker go up when you prioritize talent over fit.
In this article, I will walk you through the toughest decisions in the first round, sharing my personal lean on each situation and offering guidance to help you navigate the pressure-filled picks ahead.
Editor’s Note: For more on each rookie, check out Andy, Mike, and Jason’s exclusive rookie rankings and production profiles found only in the Dynasty Pass, part of the UDK+ for 2025.
1. Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan?
The first dilemma we will dive into centers around the two most sought-after WRs in the class. Both were top-10 picks in the NFL Draft, yet they come with very different questions. We will start with the player who came off the board first: Travis Hunter. The Jaguars stunned the league by trading up to the No. 2 pick to secure him, making it clear just how special they believe he is.
If you have followed this draft class even casually, you know Hunter’s biggest concern as a prospect is not about his talent—it’s about his role. He is an elite talent on both sides of the ball, with legitimate star potential at WR and CB. The NFL has never seen a player dominate both roles consistently, but if anyone can do it, it is Hunter. He is a rare athletic specimen with the drive and stamina to make it work.
But while his two-way potential is electrifying, it creates a potential fantasy dilemma we have never had to deal with. The uncertainty around his usage adds risk to drafting him early in rookie drafts. That said, do not lose sight of the fact that Hunter is every bit the elite WR prospect. The Jaguars have already stated their intention to focus his development on offense to begin his career.
He will benefit from playing with Trevor Lawrence, a veteran QB with a strong arm, and new head coach Liam Coen, who helped guide Tampa Bay’s high-octane offense last year. In 2024, Coen oversaw two top-tier fantasy wideouts in Mike Evans (WR9, 14.5 PPG) and Chris Godwin (WR2, 16.1 PPG). If Lawrence can take a similar step forward in this system to Baker Mayfield, both Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. should have room to thrive.
And while Thomas Jr. currently profiles as the alpha in Jacksonville’s receiving corps, Hunter’s ceiling might actually be higher if he stays locked in on offense. It is not unlike the dynamic Thomas Jr. experienced in college, where he played second fiddle to Malik Nabers but still posted nearly 1,200 yards and led the nation with 17 TDs. In Jacksonville, this duo could follow a similar blueprint.
Tetairoa McMillan, on the other hand, is another highly athletic WR prospect with prototypical WR1 size and premium draft capital. The Panthers selected him at No. 8 overall, hoping he can become their true WR1 and help elevate Bryce Young and this offense to the next level. While Carolina’s offense has struggled for years, the second half of last season showed promise. Young, after a miserable start to his career, bounced back and looked far more comfortable down the stretch. With McMillan now in place, there is hope that pairing a big-bodied target with a developing QB will ignite a long-overdue breakout for the offense.
Still, McMillan is not a flawless prospect. His struggles with separation and inconsistency could create problems at the next level. He is often viewed as a safe pick who is unlikely to bust, but that does not necessarily make him the better option here. Despite being five inches taller than Hunter, his wingspan is only one inch longer, which highlights just how special Hunter’s physical profile is.
McMillan’s target competition is manageable, with Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, Hunter Renfrow, and Jalen Coker as the main names in the mix. But even with an easier path to volume, he simply does not offer the same high-end talent as Hunter. Most managers taking McMillan first are not doing it because they believe he has more upside than Hunter. They are simply more comfortable avoiding the unknown.
Verdict: While there is real risk that Hunter’s role could eventually become unpredictable due to his desire to play both ways, his ceiling is simply too high to pass up. McMillan is a talented receiver with elite draft capital and a clear path to being Carolina’s WR1. But he is not the same caliber of prospect Hunter is, and that is ultimately why I lean Hunter every time I am faced with this decision. You will have to decide for yourself if the juice is worth the squeeze. As for me, I will be enjoying a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade after drafting Hunter all offseason.
2. Quinshon Judkins or TreVeyon Henderson?
The next dilemma features two premium RB prospects who shared a backfield at Ohio State last season: Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Both were selected just two picks apart in the second round, landing in intriguing situations with a mix of upside and risk.
Judkins, a transfer from Ole Miss, had already posted elite production before arriving in Columbus, and still delivered a strong season with the Buckeyes. At 6’0”, 221 pounds, he is built to handle a heavy NFL workload. He racked up over 270 carries in each of his first two seasons at Ole Miss and finished his college career with a 5.1 yards per carry average, showcasing both durability and efficiency. He is also an elite athlete for his size, running a 4.48 40 and posting a 39” vertical at the combine.
Though they were drafted close together, Judkins was the first Buckeye off the board, going No. 36 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland currently lacks a clear answer at QB but has consistently been one of the NFL’s most run-heavy teams under Kevin Stefanski, largely due to the presence of Nick Chubb. With Chubb now a free agent recovering from significant injuries, the door is open for Judkins to step in as a potential three-down back from day one.
The Browns still have Jerome Ford and added Dylan Sampson in the fourth round, both of whom could serve as change-of-pace options and handle most of the passing-down work, an area Judkins was not heavily used in during college. With Cleveland likely leaning on the run to offset shaky QB play, Judkins should see strong volume, though stacked boxes could limit his efficiency and explosive play potential. Still, his workload alone should make him a valuable fantasy asset, even if his TD upside is held back by the team’s offensive limitations.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Henderson, on the other hand, experienced a slight draft-day slide after being projected by many as a potential first-round pick. Despite falling to Round 2, Henderson remains an elite prospect with traits that translate extremely well to fantasy football. His pass-catching ability, vision, and breakaway speed make him one of the most dangerous backs in the class.
He broke out as a freshman at Ohio State, rushing for 1,248 yards and scoring 19 total TDs, setting multiple freshman records and living up to his five-star billing. Even with Judkins joining the backfield last season, Henderson surpassed 1,000 rushing yards and 10 TDs while adding 27 catches for 284 receiving yards and another score. Despite his strong play, the addition of Judkins led to a clear reduced workload in Henderson’s final year. That was most evident in his rushing volume. Even though he played six more games in 2024, he finished with 12 fewer carries than he had in 2023. However, Henderson made the most of his touches, posting a career-best seven yards per carry, compared to the 5.5 yards per attempt on 194 carries for Judkins. Even with 50 fewer rushing attempts, he finished just 47 yards behind Judkins on the season.
If there are knocks on Henderson as a prospect, they involve size, durability, and age. While each is worth noting, none should overshadow his upside. At 5’10” and 202 pounds, Henderson is slightly lighter than the prototypical NFL back, but his frame is sturdy and his play style is anything but soft. His elite receiving skills and advanced pass protection give him the tools to stay on the field in all situations. He also runs with authority, averaging 4.43 yards after contact last season, third-best among draft-eligible backs, trailing only Ashton Jeanty and Damien Martinez.
While many hoped Henderson would land in a more established offense, his fit in New England is quietly exciting. The Patriots appear to have found their franchise QB in Drake Maye, who showed several flashes of promise despite a challenging rookie year. The team also invested heavily in the offensive line and added key weapons in the passing game. With Mike Vrabel now at the helm, the Patriots are shifting toward a tougher identity, and spending high draft capital on Henderson suggests he is a major part of their future.
Although Rhamondre Stevenson remains under contract, his efficiency has declined in recent seasons and ball security has been a concern. He may still factor in on early downs and poach some goal-line work, but he is not part of the team’s long-term vision and should not deter managers from targeting Henderson in rookie drafts. In today’s NFL, where committee backfields are the norm, it is critical to target RBs who can deliver fantasy value on limited touches. Henderson fits that mold to a tee. His receiving ability and big-play potential give him weekly upside regardless of his role. Whether he becomes a lead back or shares the workload, he has the skill set to be a difference-maker in both real football and fantasy lineups.
Verdict: While I would not necessarily fault anyone for leaning toward Judkins, I am taking Henderson every time. For me, it is simple: he is the more dynamic talent. His game-breaking speed and elite receiving ability give him the kind of fantasy upside that is hard to pass on. Judkins may see more rushing volume, but Henderson has already proven he does not need a heavy workload to make a major impact. I will take the lightning over the thunder, and in this case, Henderson looks like a storm ready to strike the league immediately.
3. Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren?
While the first two dilemmas came with strong opinions for me, this next one is a bit more difficult. We are turning to the most challenging position to evaluate in fantasy football: TE. Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren headline this year’s rookie class of TEs, and both were selected inside the top 15 picks, a major victory for their fantasy outlooks. Though they play the same position, they offer very different skill sets.
Loveland brings towering size, receiver-like athleticism, and advanced route running for a TE. Many believe he is just beginning to tap into his full potential, which helps explain the Chicago Bears‘ surprising decision to take him at No. 10 overall. The pick shocked most draft analysts, as Loveland was widely projected to go after Warren and well outside the top 10.
While that draft capital is a huge plus, his immediate role in Chicago is less certain. New head coach Ben Johnson will try to recreate the offensive success he had in Detroit, now with QB Caleb Williams. With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze already in place, the Bears added to their receiving corps by selecting Luther Burden in the second round, giving them one of the deepest WR groups in the NFL. On top of that, veteran TE Cole Kmet remains on the roster and could be a thorn in Loveland’s side early on, especially near the goal line. It could resemble the situation Dalton Kincaid encountered as a rookie, sharing snaps with Dawson Knox in Buffalo. Even so, Loveland’s diverse skill set and premium draft capital give him high fantasy upside, even if his impact is not immediate.
Warren, on the other hand, is a player who took some time to find his footing but exploded during his senior season at Penn State. After posting modest numbers over his first three years, he became the focal point of the Nittany Lions’ passing attack in 2024. He finished the year with 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight TDs, while also adding 26 carries for 218 yards and four scores on the ground, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability. While Loveland brings a finesse element to the TE position with his WR-like athleticism, Warren plays with a bulldozer mentality. He is a physical force who embraces contact and could develop into a player in the mold of Trey McBride or George Kittle if he hits his ceiling.
Though Warren had to wait a few more picks than Loveland to hear his name called, landing at No. 14 to the Colts is not much of a drop-off. The bigger concern is that Indianapolis currently lacks a QB known for consistent accuracy. Ironically, Warren might be the most accurate passer on the roster (kidding, but not really). He was a standout dual-threat QB in high school, which gives the Colts added flexibility to use him in wildcat packages as a runner or passer. Even with Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones under center, Warren should be just fine. He is dangerous after the catch and can thrive on short-area targets.
He also walks into a wide-open TE room, giving him a clear path to start from day one. With only Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce competing for targets, Warren has a legitimate shot to lead the team in receptions as a rookie. That type of opportunity is rare for the position and exactly what we look for in breakout fantasy options.
Verdict: While choosing between the TEs is close to a coin flip, I ultimately lean toward Warren. I had him rated higher as a prospect pre-draft, and although Loveland was selected slightly earlier, the difference was not significant. Both landed in situations that offer a mix of opportunity and uncertainty. When deciding between similarly ranked players, I recommend prioritizing talent over perceived landing spot. With that in mind, Warren would be my choice, though I would feel confident selecting either player.
4. Emeka Egbuka or Matthew Golden?
As we move into the later picks of the first round in rookie drafts, the decisions only get tougher. While several positions are worth targeting in this range, one of the most debated choices is between Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden. Despite playing the same position and receiving similar draft capital, the two could not be more different in evaluation and projection.
Egbuka offers one of the safest floors in the class. With two college seasons over 1,000 receiving yards and double-digit TDs, he combines reliable production with polished route running and a high football IQ. A former Ohio State standout, Egbuka consistently played a complementary role behind elite talents but still flashed as a technician capable of separating against both man and zone coverage. While he may not project as a team’s alpha receiver, he profiles as a high-end WR2 at the NFL level, an archetype that often proves more valuable than flashy but inconsistent prospects.
His selection at No. 19 overall by the Buccaneers was somewhat unexpected, given Tampa’s existing depth at WR with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan. The pick might hint that Godwin’s return from a dislocated ankle is taking longer than anticipated, potentially opening the door for Egbuka to carve out a significant role early. He is a strong fit for the slot, a position Baker Mayfield has targeted frequently and effectively. While Godwin has historically thrived there, Egbuka could push him outside, giving the rookie a path to immediate production.
Yes, there are plenty of mouths to feed in Tampa Bay, including TE Cade Otton who took an unexpected step forward last season, but Egbuka’s skill set should not be overlooked despite the crowded depth chart. Mike Evans is not getting any younger, and in the long run, Egbuka has a clear path to a larger role. His rookie season may start quietly, similar to his former teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s in Seattle, but the long-term upside is undeniable.
Golden, on the other hand, is the biggest mystery box in the class but appears to have a golden opportunity to step up and be Green Bay’s WR1. The least kept secret in football is that the Packers have been unsatisfied with their WR room since the departure of Davante Adams and have been desperately searching for someone great enough to fill his shoes. While Golden is far from a flawless prospect, he does possess some tantalizing intangibles that hint at superstar potential.
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas wideout Matthew Golden (WO16) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
What makes Golden so intriguing is not just his speed. His tape showcases crisp route running and strong hands rather than the traits of a pure burner who relies solely on outrunning defenders. His 17 yards per reception average, which trailed only Tre Harris (17.2) among notable prospects in this year’s class, underscores his big-play ability. Golden also demonstrated a clutch gene and a knack for rising to the occasion in big moments. This included a jaw-dropping 162-yard performance in the SEC Championship, a 149-yard outing in the semifinals, and a clutch overtime TD and two-point conversion in the Peach Bowl.
While he had standout moments in some of his team’s biggest games, his production profile last season was marked by inconsistency and limitations. In 11 of the 16 games he played, Golden recorded fewer than four receptions. In seven of those, he was held under 50 yards. His overall usage was concerning, as he accounted for just 16% of the team’s receptions, 22% of their receiving yards, and 23% of their receiving TDs. While he outperformed his teammate and fellow prospect Isaiah Bond in these areas, his reception share was slightly lower than that of TE Gunnar Helm, who led the team.
Golden’s 4.29 40-yard dash cements his place among the elite, with only seven WR prospects in combine history ever running faster. While this is undeniably an impressive feat, it also serves as a cautionary tale. Of the eight WRs who have run a 4.30 or better at the combine prior to this year, four were selected in the first round: Xavier Worthy, John Ross, Henry Ruggs, and Darrius Heyward-Bey. While Worthy has shown promise with a strong rookie season and looks to live up to his draft capital, the others are widely considered busts. Elite speed is an invaluable trait, but without refined route running and reliable hands, it often fails to translate to NFL success.
To avoid falling into the same trap as those previous speed-focused busts, Golden must prove he is a complete football player and not just a straight-line sprinter. And while Green Bay lacks a true WR1, the team already has plenty of mouths to feed. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft, and Dontayvion Wicks all earned plenty of targets last year and will not simply fade into the background. This could make it challenging for Golden to make a mark on a consistent basis and stand out early. With that said, he will have the benefit of a talented arm in Jordan Love and one of the brightest offensive minds in head coach Matt LaFleur. If Golden can stay consistent and build trust, he has every chance to be a difference-maker in fantasy football.
Verdict: When deciding between these two very different WRs, it ultimately comes down to risk versus reward. Egbuka offers a far more proven production profile, while Golden carries a plethora of red flags despite his upside. If you are chasing pure ceiling, Golden is probably the pick, but doing so means embracing a much higher level of risk. You are gambling on traits (and hype) over track record. For that reason, I would ultimately lean toward the safer option in Egbuka, who offers a reliable floor with a respectable ceiling. This choice is really about whether you prefer a steady, dependable asset or a volatile swing for the fences.
5. RJ Harvey or Kaleb Johnson?
No player did more to boost their rookie draft stock than RJ Harvey. While his athleticism and production profile were always impressive, few expected him to rise into second-round territory. His landing spot only added to the excitement, as he was drafted by one of the most appealing teams for RB value: the Denver Broncos. Although many expected Denver to target a top back with the No. 20 overall pick, they instead addressed a defensive need and later revealed that Harvey was their intended target to lead the backfield all along.
In Denver, Harvey projects as the clear RB1, with Audric Estimé and Jaleel McLaughlin likely to serve in change-of-pace roles. He will run behind one of the league’s strongest offensive lines and benefit from the presence of promising QB Bo Nix. On top of that, Sean Payton has a proven history of getting the most out of his RBs for fantasy purposes.
Harvey was electric in 2024 at UCF, racking up nearly 1,600 rushing yards and 22 TDs while adding 20 receptions for 267 yards and three more scores, all in just 12 games. He consistently makes defenders miss in tight spaces and has the speed to turn the corner and break big plays.
At the combine, he posted a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, the fourth-fastest among RBs, and he averaged 13.3 yards per catch as a receiver last season. With his explosive ability and three-down potential, it is easy to get excited about what he brings to the table. Still, it is fair to ask whether his rising draft stock is being driven more by landing spot and opportunity than raw talent alone.
Kaleb Johnson, on the other hand, saw his draft stock slip slightly due to underwhelming combine testing, most notably a disappointing 40-yard dash. But the numbers from his final college season speak for themselves. Johnson earned first-team All-American honors after piling up over 1,700 all-purpose yards and 23 TDs, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. Adding to his resume, Johnson logged 240 carries without a single fumble, showcasing his reliability and workhorse potential. He also posted the highest dominator rating in our Production Profiles in the Dynasty Pass at 52%, a metric that highlights a player’s share of team yards and TDs per game. That figure underscores just how significant he was to Iowa’s offense.
Despite being one of the most productive RBs in college football, Johnson slipped into the third round, but landed in an ideal situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only does he get to keep wearing black and yellow, he also walks into a backfield where he projects as the clear lead option. While Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell may siphon off some touches, especially on passing downs, Mike Tomlin has historically favored a bell-cow approach when he has the right player. Just look at the usage of Le’Veon Bell and Najee Harris in their prime. Interestingly, Johnson profiles as a strange hybrid of both, combining Harris’s size with Bell’s patience and vision.
That said, as we have seen across the NFL, an RB is often only as effective as the blocking in front of him. At Iowa, Johnson benefited from one of the most dominant offensive lines in the country, raising fair questions about whether his production was more a result of his environment than his ability to create on his own. His rookie season in Pittsburgh should provide a clear answer. If Johnson can replicate his success without the benefit of Iowa’s dominant offensive line, he has the talent to immediately outperform his draft capital and emerge as a high-impact fantasy asset.
Verdict: While draft capital might suggest Harvey is the better pick, this decision is unique because it largely depends on your dynasty team’s current situation and outlook. Harvey has the potential to be an immediate fantasy contributor, but he is already 24 years old and will turn 25 during his rookie season. He is older than Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Breece Hall, and De’Von Achane.
Johnson, meanwhile, is still only 21. That age gap matters in dynasty evaluation, especially at a position where production and value often start to decline by age 27 to 29. It is something worth factoring into your rookie draft decisions. If you are a contending team aiming to win now, Harvey’s landing spot in Denver and potential role in the passing game make him the more appealing short-term option. However, if you are playing the long game, Johnson may be the smarter investment.