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We’re closing in on the 2025 NFL Draft. The Combine is over and we’ve learned a lot. In this edition of our 1QB Rookie Mock draft, we dive into the best landing spots for each prospect. Let the Nerds set the scene with our latest four-round 1QB TE premium mock draft. Join “Doc” Matthew Mitchell, Mike Johrendt, Jayson Snyder, Steven Pintado, Mike Hicks, and Keith Ensminger for a post-Combine breakdown of the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Scoring and Format Overview
The scoring and format for this 1QB Rookie Mock Draft are as follows:
- 6 points per passing touch down (PPTD)
- 1 point per reception (PPR)
- 0.5 additional points for tight end receptions (TEprem)
This is a 12-team, start-9 (QB, RB*2, WR*3, Flex*3) mock draft.
Our Rookie App Comes Out April 10th!
The first ever Rookie Draft App will be released in a few short days. In order to get access, sign up to be a NerdHerd member and receive your FREE download code on April 10th. Use code “DraftApp” and save on a monthly or annual membership. Stay ahead of your leaguemates with a Rookie Pick Calculator, In-Depth Film Analysis, League Integration, access to all of our rookie mock drafts, the Nerd Score and Nerd Score+ for the top prospects, and more to come! You won’t want to miss out on the Rookie App for the 2025 season.
Round 1 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
1.01 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State | 5084 | 211 lbs
Mike Johrendt: Locked into the first slot in most mock drafts since the 2024-25 NFL season ended, Ashton Jeanty is the clear choice for your 1.01 selection. Drafting talent over positional need is what helps dynasty rosters remain relevant every season, and Jeanty makes your choice atop your drafts a no-brainer. His collegiate production (2,601 rushing yards in 2024 alone) stands out plenty, but his pro-day performance all but wrapped up his RB1 case.
Regardless of drafting in 1QB or SuperFlex formats, Jeanty is the top talent available in rookie drafts. His blend of size, athleticism, and game-changing abilities are matched by zero prospects this year, giving you the all-clear to draft Jeanty and enjoy.
1.02 | Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina | 5116 | 221 lbs
Keith Ensminger: In 1QB leagues, the second pick in rookie drafts this year will be extremely dependent on draft capital and landing spot. Insider NFL mock drafts have trended consistently towards Omarion Hampton being drafted in the 1st Round of the NFL Draft, so I will select him here over several other worthy candidates. It’s tough to go wrong with a player like Hampton who checks every box I want marked in a fantasy football running back. His explosive NFL Combine numbers (38” vertical and 10’10” broad jump) only excited me more to see what he can do in the NFL.
While I have Tetairoa McMillan ranked higher than Omarion Hampton in my Top 50 Big Board, at this point, pre-draft, I’d rather take Hampton or TreVeyon Henderson earlier. Even if McMillian is drafted early, my concern is that there are enough troublesome landing spots for teams in need of wide receiver depth (Jets, Jaguars, Cowboys, Seahawks) where he could find himself in a situation as the team’s WR2, much like Jordan Addison being drafted to the Vikings a few years ago. Hampton and Henderson simply seem safer picks until we know more.
1.03 | Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State | 6054 | 256 lbs
Steven Pintado: Tyler Warren has a wide range of possibilities in the NFL Draft, but his talent is one to take a chance on. Warren is one of those complete tight-end prospects who will shine at the NFL level. There are not many tight ends in college football history who played at an elite level and finished a season with at least 100 receptions and 1,200 yards. Warren will bring any NFL team a blend of size and speed with ball skills to that of a wide receiver.
Warren seemed like an obvious choice at the 1.03, but there were other considerations at this spot, like Tetairoa McMillan and the duo at running back from Ohio State. Landing spots could potentially sneak them into the 1.03 over Warren. It’s hard to pass on a player like Warren, who can be a difference-maker for a dynasty roster at a position that needs more talent. McMillan is solid but may not be a difference-maker at receiver. This is a deep running back class so you could pass on the Ohio State backs and still get an RB1 value in round 2.
1.04 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona | 5101 | 202 lbs
Mike Hicks: Yes, Tetairoa McMillan has had some of his draft hype calm down a bit in the last few weeks. But, that doesn’t mean that he has fallen from the WR1 ranking. He has the height and overall athleticism that gives him the ability to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL. His frame along with his ball skills makes him an immediate red zone and jump-ball threat.
I like getting Tetairoa McMillan here at the 1.04, however he definitely wasn’t my only option. I was debating between McMillan and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who is my RB3 of the draft class. I have both players close in my rankings and position scarcity was my tiebreaker. The reassurance that there will still be good running backs available in the 2nd round makes the McMillan pick more enticing for me.
1.05 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State | 5115 | 221 lbs
Doc Mitchell: Quinshon Judkins is an absolute beast. From his breakout season where he was named SEC Freshman of the Year to his national championship season at Ohio State, he has been a bruising all-purpose RB. Judkins combines excellent production with physical attributes. He has never run for fewer than 1,000 yards in a season and has always scored a minimum of 14 rushing TDs. Judkins has also shown himself to be a capable receiver, pulling in over 20 catches in each of the past two seasons. At 221 pounds with 4.48 speed, he literally brings it all to the table.
I had a really tough time deciding between Judkins and his college teammate TreVeyon Henderson. I think both players had some really special traits. Henderson has more as a pass catcher and therefore offers a higher floor. But, Judkins has a chance to provide a Zeke Elliott type 3-down skill set. He has the size and ability to be a true bell-cow and therefore the higher ceiling. You can’t go wrong with either, but give me Judkins here at 1.05.
1.06 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State | 5101 | 202 lbs
Jayson Snyder: The 2025 draft class is chock-full of compelling running backs. To secure one of the studs in this group, I have chosen to lock down TreVeyon Henderson at the 1.06. He is highly athletic, has excellent vision, and a tremendous burst through the hole. The Ohio State product is well-rounded, with top-notch receiving chops. Additionally, Henderson’s pass protection is regarded by some as the finest of this running back crop. This trait will endear him to coaches and lead to increased playing time.
I was torn between Henderson and wide receiver Luther Burden III here. Burden’s standout performance at the NFL Combine only threw gasoline on the proverbial fire. His upward momentum is very real and, depending on his landing spot, he may consistently be a reliable top-5 selection by the time your rookie draft rolls around. However, I prefaced this recap by saying that I wanted to obtain a top back in this class, and (for now) I stand by that decision.
1.07 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa | 6010 | 224 lbs
Mike Johrendt: The depth in this year’s RB class is one of the best in recent memory, as a player like Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson gets pushed down draft boards. In other years, Johnson would be in contention for the RB2 spot, but in this year’s class, he presents solid value near the end of the 1st round. Johnson is a load to tackle, as he has solid balance and always runs with his shoulders over his feet.
With the RB group dominating the 1st round, Johnson was in contention with Travis Hunter and Luther Burden III for this spot. The advantage went to Johnson due to his ability to take over a game if drafted into the right spot – that isn’t to say either of the WRs can’t do the same, but Johnson feels like a safer bet at this point in your rookie drafts.
1.08 | Travis Hunter | WR | Colorado | 6003 | 188 lbs
Keith Ensminger: We have never seen a player quite like Travis Hunter. He is the ultimate wild card in this year’s dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts. Hunter is unquestionably talented, and in fact, many see him as the most talented wide receiver in this draft class. We know with a fairly high degree of certainty that he will be drafted early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Not only does he exude elite ball skills, but I love hearing that Hunter is a student of the game and by all accounts a respectable, coachable player.
When it comes to this entire rookie draft process, the biggest question this year is here with Travis Hunter. Put simply, will he play enough on offense to warrant drafting him over other talented players like Emeka Egbuka? Over the next tier of running backs like Cam Skattebo? What about Colston Loveland? We may not get a definitive answer to this question until the leaves begin to change and football season begins again, and even then, as a rookie, will the team drafting him to ease him into the offense? We can project and pretend we know it all, but the reality is that every player in the draft has questions. Few though have the immense ceiling of Travis Hunter. I would not let him drop below this spot in 1QB rookie drafts.
1.09 | Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri | 6000 | 206 lbs
Steven Pintado: At 1.09, we drafted a dynamic playmaker in Luther Burden III. Drafting the potential WR2 in the class here is an excellent value. In 2024, Burden did not see the same production as his 2023 numbers, where he finished with 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns. He offers big play ability with post-catch yardage to take the ball to the house. He can be someone who can be crafty in an offense and be a weapon playing in the slot. Burden’s slot usage was heavy in college, which can be concerning, but we’ve seen other receivers run the slot and thrive for dynasty. Burden has the talent to be a true weapon at the NFL level.
While Burden was the pick at 1.09, I was considering Emeka Egbuka, out of Ohio State. Egbuka is also a great receiver, but he feels like he is more of a floor option. Luther Burden III offers immense upside with his speed and acceleration, which feel unmatched, compared to the other options.
1.10 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State | 6007 | 202 lbs
Mike Hicks: Emeka Egbuka will look to be the next Ohio State wide receiver to succeed in the NFL. In 16 games this season, he finished with 81 receptions, 1,011 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Egbuka does many things very well, but one of his best attributes might be his route running. Furthermore, his ability to play on the outside and in the slot makes him one of only a handful of wide receivers I am willing to draft in the 1st round of rookie drafts.
For me, here at the 1.10, it was a two-horse race between Emeka Egbuka and tight end Colston Loveland. In tight-end premium formats, it is very hard not to take Loveland here, and obviously, the landing spot (like the Los Angeles Chargers) could change my decision. However, with Egbuka’s ability and overall upside, he is the last wide receiver I would take before focusing on the running back and tight end positions.
1.11 | Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan | 6056 | 248 lbs
Doc Mitchell: Here at the end of the 1st round I decided to go with the No. 2 TE in the class. That is in no way meant to be a slight. Colston Loveland would be at the top of many recent TE classes. Loveland is a big, smooth athlete who will most likely be taken in the 1st Round of the upcoming NFL Draft. He has the ability to contribute as both a pass catcher and blocker at the point of attack. Playing under Jim Harbaugh, you know that Loveland has an NFL skill set. He put up back-to-back seasons of over 550 receiving yards.
I had a couple of other targets here. I really like Tre Harris and a couple of the other RBs as well. The thing that put me over the top was his likely draft capital. Loveland has been a rock solid 1st Round prospect throughout the entire draft process. I cannot say the same for any of the other non-QBs in this class. Loveland has the ability to be an immediate TE1 for your dynasty squad. I figured if I miss Harris, there will be some other nice WRs in this class as well. Loveland represents a huge cliff at his position.
1.12 | Cam Ward | QB | Miami | 6015 | 219 lbs
Jayson Snyder: As the consensus top quarterback option in the 2025 draft class, I have chosen to select Cam Ward at the tail end of round 1. I recently went with Ward at 1.02 in our Dynasty Nerds SuperFlex Mock and remain enamored with his talent, regardless of format. He possesses many traits that will appeal to NFL personnel evaluators, but his tremendous arm strength and escapability should be particularly interesting to fantasy players. Currently projected as a Top-5 selection, Ward’s dynasty value will be well-insulated regardless of his rookie contributions, which is more than you can say for most of the remaining options at this point in the mock.
Had I gone in a different direction, receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas would have likely been my selection. The combination of underwhelming college production and eye-popping athletic measurables make him a controversial prospect. However, a sub 4.3s time in the 40-yard dash is difficult to overlook. Golden is seen by many as a riser in this draft class, but Cam Ward is a safer bet in my eyes. And, ‘’safe’’ is exactly where I like to invest my 1st round draft capital.
Round 2 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
2.01 | Tre Harris | WR | Ole Miss | 6023 | 205 lbs
Mike Johrendt: Tre Harris helps kick off the 2nd round, and I have been beating his draft stock drum for quite a while now. His blend of height, athleticism, and route running stand out in a strong receiver class. Harris was the leading receiver for Ole Miss last season, racking up over 1,000 yards, even while missing 5 games. Size and speed define his game, but so do his route-running abilities, as he shouldn’t have any issues getting open at the next level.
With the top two TEs off the board and many of my 1st round RBs and WRs taken, Harris made sense at the top of the 2nd round. Harris didn’t really have much competition for this selection, as he felt like the perfect player to kick off the next tier of prospects.
2.02 | Jayden Higgins | WR | Iowa St. | 6041 | 214 lbs
Keith Ensminger: As a college fantasy football player, my dynasty radar has been beeping loudly for Jayden Higgins over his past few seasons at Iowa State. With great size and a knack for winning contested catches, Higgins has been getting early Day 2 buzz in the NFL mock draft community. He put teams on notice at the NFL Combine, and I think he is a great upside play in a draft class lacking difference-making talent at wide receiver.
I did consider Matthew Golden with this pick, but I am not as high on him as others. I see Golden as being a great second option in a passing attack, but Jayden Higgins has the upside of being the team’s leading wide receiver. Golden will almost certainly be drafted before Higgins in the NFL Draft, but my ultimate pick between them will come down to which team selects each player.
2.03 | Matthew Golden | WR | Texas | 5110 | 191 lbs
Steven Pintado: In round 2, I selected former Texas receiver Matthew Golden, who has been rising boards since his 4.29s 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. He offers both long speed and bursts off the ball to be a downfield threat in the NFL. He shows off great separation with sharp route-running ability. Golden falls in round 2 due to his issues dealing with physical contact. His play strength against strong defenders can mess with his routes more than you’d like. He also needs to clean up some of his drops, as he accounted for 13 over his three seasons.
Golden was the clear choice during the mock draft with his impressive talent. Cam Skattebo, Bhayshul Tuten, & Devin Neal were all in consideration as they were solid running backs in round 2. Since the receiver position isn’t as deep as the running backs, it was easy to stick with Golden as the pick here.
2.04 | Cam Skattebo | RB | Arizona State | 5094 | 219 lbs
Mike Hicks: Cam Skattebo is not just a running back, but he’s an absolute wrecking ball. In 2024, he rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns. Skattebo has good vision and is not afraid of contact. I expect him to be a goal-line monster in the NFL. His best attribute might be his versatility. Last season, he had 605 receiving yards on 45 receptions. He has the skills to be a three-down back, which is hard to find in today’s NFL.
Cam Skattebo was ultimately my pick at 2.04, but he was not my only option. The running back talent in this year’s draft is deep, and it shows in my ranks. If Skattebo was off the board, Devin Neal would have been my pick. Neal’s upside and ability to be a three-down back are why I considered him in the first place. Dylan Sampson was also in consideration, but he is behind both Skattebo and Neal for me.
2.05 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Virginia Tech | 5092 | 206 lbs
Doc Mitchell: Bhayshul Tuten is one of the most explosive RBs in the class. His 4.32 40-yard dash at the combine was the best among this year’s RB class. Beginning with his time at HBCU North Carolina A&T and continuing on to Virginia Tech, Tuten put up some really nice numbers. At Virginia Tech he improved drastically as a runner from his junior to senior seasons, improving from 863 yards and 10 TDs to 1,159 yards and 15 scores. He also managed to boost his efficiency from 5.0 YPC to a robust 6.3. In addition to his success as a runner, he showed himself to be a capable pass catcher, hauling in over 20 passes each of the last 3 years.
My big holdup on this pick was deciding between Tuten and Devin Neal. I have been a big fan of Neal for the past couple of seasons. He reminds me of David Montgomery. Neal doesn’t have that top gear you hope for in runners, but he does everything else so well that you have a hard time taking him off the field. That being said, the speed asset is what sent me in the direction of Tuten. You cannot coach speed and NFL teams love it. I believe that Tuten will likely be drafted a round or so before Neal and therefore be the safer dynasty pick.
2.06 | Elijah Arroyo | TE | Miami | 6051 | 250 lbs
Jayson Snyder: With my previous selection, I grabbed quarterback Cam Ward from Miami. At the 2.06, I will go with a major beneficiary of Ward’s talents in his teammate, Elijah Arroyo. Arroyo is a big-bodied tight end who exploded on the scene in a breakout senior season with the Hurricanes. Despite his large frame, he can create challenging matchups with great speed and mobility. In the right landing spot, it’s reasonable to suspect an immediate return on investment for this selection.
Shedeur Sanders was my prime alternative at this draft spot. Much like Ward, Sanders figures to draw premium draft capital. There’s no doubt that he has top-notch talent, however, I do question whether he has the maturity to turn around a losing culture, an intangible requisite that often comes with being a top draft selection. In the end, I could not reconcile the thought of spending two of my top three picks on rookie signal callers in a 1QB format, and thus went with Arroyo instead.
2.07 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado | 6014 | 212 lbs
Mike Johrendt: The QB class is a bit lacking this year, as the first quarterback in this mock draft wasn’t drafted until the final pick of the 1st round. While that speaks to the talent of this group, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any other draftable prospects at that position. Shedeur Sanders, who is in contention for the first QB drafted in April, finally comes off the board near the end of the 2nd round. He is a pro-ready quarterback with strong arm and limited mobility, so he will need to play behind an above-average offensive line in the NFL to be successful.
Sanders was in contention with the next two running backs that were drafted, but he earned the nod because of his upside. At this point in your rookie drafts, you can consider roster fit and positional needs over best player available, but Sanders checks both of those boxes as the second QB off the board.
2.08 | Devin Neal | RB | Kansas | 5111 | 213 lbs
Keith Ensminger: A four-year starter for Kansas, Devin Neal is a pro-ready prospect likely to be selected early on the third day of the NFL Draft. While his NFL Combine performance did not set the draft community on fire, those who have watched Neal play on Saturdays know what they’re getting. With quick feet, Neal is dangerous in open space, but he also has the strength to gain yardage in tight spaces.
I considered drafting Miami’s Xavier Restrepo here, but in the end, the running backs in this class are simply too talented to be taking a chance on a slot wide receiver, no matter how much I like the player. My general plan for this season’s rookie drafts is to err on the side of breaking ties by picking a running back over any other position available, especially as we get into the later rounds.
2.09 | Dylan Sampson | RB | Tennessee | 5081 | 200 lbs
Steven Pintado: In late round 2, Dylan Sampson was the pick, as he has tons of potential. Sampson is an elite one-cut runner who is instinctive inside the tackles. He offers an excellent burst off the ball, solid vision to find the hole, and is explosive through it. Despite his size, Sampson is a tough runner who can still be used as a short-yardage player. He’d likely be higher on his list if it wasn’t for his ball security issues.
Others that were considered at the 2.09 were Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) and RJ Harvey (UCF). Despite the size, Sampson is a more natural runner who could handle an NFL workload. He will be a great sleeper in this class, which shows the depth of this running back class.
2.10 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | Oklahoma State | 6013 | 226 lbs
Mike Hicks: A lot has changed in only one season. Ollie Gordon II was one of the top prospects entering the 2024 season, but a disappointing season changed that. He finished with only 880 yards. But, at this spot in the draft, it is hard not to take a chance on his talent. Gordon has the prototypical size for a running back. As you can tell, I like backs who can also play a role in the passing game, and Gordon proved that with 68 receptions in his last 2 seasons.
This is a draft class in which I want as many chances at the running back position as I possibly can. Otherwise, I would have taken Jalen Royals, the wide receiver out of Utah State, at this spot. I also considered RJ Harvey. However, my ultimate decision was between Royals and Gordon. The talent at running back and the possibility of Gordon being a three-down back is something I could not pass up.
2.11 | Jalen Royals | WR | Utah State | 6000 | 205 lbs
Doc Mitchell: Jalen Royals one of my favorite second-tier WRs in this class. When you play at a smaller program like Utah State, you better put up some nice numbers. During his final season, Royals averaged over 100 yards per game. He had his best game of the season against the top team he faced, Boise State, putting up 9 catches for 211 yards and 2 scores. He has nice size and athleticism for the position and does really well with the ball in his hands, similar to DJ Moore.
I thought about going back to the RB pool on this pick. There are a couple of players here that I value higher than most. But, the opportunity to grab a player like Royals was too good for me to pass up. I believe that he could enjoy a very nice career as an NFL No. 2, putting up quality fantasy points for your dynasty squads no matter the format.
2.12 | Jaxson Dart | QB | Mississippi | 6022 | 223 lbs
Jayson Snyder: Jaxson Dart is a highly polarizing prospect. Some love him. In fact, the former Ole Miss quarterback is often lauded by the analytics crowd for his strong performance in data-based metrics like accuracy rate, big time throw percentage, and sack avoidance rate. He also captivated pro scouts with an impressive performance at the NFL Combine. That said, there are some who feel that his tape is somewhat lackluster. That his talents don’t quite jump off the screen. Generally, I prefer to remain openminded to all sources. However, for a player with starting potential, I feel that a certain discount is baked into Dart’s value, and thus I am excited to procure him at the close of round 2.
The alternative option here for me was LSU tight end, Mason Taylor. Projected by many as a Day 2 selection, Taylor has a lot of attributes that make him attractive. He’s athletic, has good hands, and profiles as a valuable move tight end in the NFL. However, with Dart currently favored to be a 1st Round NFL Draft selection, his potential was simply too rich to pass up as we crossed over into round 3 of our mock.
Round 3 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
3.01 | RJ Harvey | RB | Central Florida | 5080 | 205 lbs
Mike Johrendt: It took a bit for me to come around on him, but RJ Harvey is one of my favorite mid-round draft dart throws, especially in the 3rd round. The former UCF running back has solid vision and isn’t afraid to stick his foot in the ground and make cuts, and his surprising acceleration allows him to run away from defenders. If you’re searching for a mid-round RB with upside, Harvey should be your target.
3.02 | Xavier Restrepo | WR | Miami | 5097 | 209 lbs
Keith Ensminger: One of my favorite players in this draft, Xavier Restrepo, is the kind of player football coaches dream about. He is relentless, dependable, and always putting in extra work. While he may not be the most explosive athlete in this class, his skillset and tenacity make him a prime candidate to be a “budget-friendly” version of Ladd McConkey from last year’s rookie class. Restrepo has elite hands and an uncanny ability to create separation, and he should carve out a long, productive career in the slot.
3.03 | Harold Fannin Jr | TE | Bowling Green | 6032 | 241 lbs
Steven Pintado: Early in round 3, there are still great values, especially at the tight end position. Harold Fannin Jr. out of Bowling Green is a very interesting option. If Fannin can land with a great offensive mind, he’ll have a place in the NFL. There aren’t too many times you see a tight end finish with 117 receptions, 1555 yards, and 10 touchdowns, even at a smaller school. Fannin has the combination of speed and ball skills that could make him a dangerous weapon in the NFL. Despite the limitation of his size and blocking ability, Fannin offers upside at a position that needs more electric players.
3.04 | DJ Giddens | RB | Kansas State | 6002 | 212 lbs
Mike Hicks: It’s not very often that I feel comfortable with the running backs remaining in the 3rd round of rookie drafts. But, getting DJ Giddens at this spot in the draft is a plus. He has had back-to-back 1,200-yard rushing seasons and has had a total of 50 receptions in his last two seasons. His receiving game, elusiveness, and ball security are reasons I am willing to take the chance on Giddens here at the 3.04.
3.05 | Tahj Brooks | RB | Texas Tech | 5092 | 214 lbs
Doc Mitchell: Tahj Brooks was one of the backs I considered taking at the end of the 2nd round. He is big and physical. Coming in at 214 pounds, he is built to carry the load for an NFL offense. Need further proof? How about his back-to-back 1,500-yard rushing seasons at Texas Tech? He was the Red Raiders offense. He might not have that top gear, but he can grind down a defense. I could see an Alfred Morris or Jordan Howard-like career if he lands in the right system.
3.06 | Mason Taylor | TE | LSU | 6051 | 251 lbs
Jayson Snyder: You may recall that I was debating the idea of selecting Mason Taylor with my 2.12 draft pick. The son of Dolphins Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Mason comes to the NFL with a unique understanding of the family business. He is a smooth hands catcher who is a threat to make plays all over the field. Some have him rated firmly as the number 3 tight end of this class, even above Elijah Arroyo, who I selected a full round earlier in this mock. Current projections have him fetching early Day 2 draft capital, and if he finds his way to a juicy landing spot you can expect his value to explode.
3.07 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | Stanford | 6016 | 206 lbs
Mike Johrendt: The draft stock of receiver Elic Ayomanor has fluctuated a ton this offseason, as the Stanford product has been seen as a sure-fire 2nd-round pick, at times. His physical play style jumps out on tape as do his vertical abilities. While a bit inconsistent, Ayomanor is a solid value at this point in the 3rd round, as he can be plugged in as a team’s “X” receiver right out of the gate.
3.08 | Trevor Etienne | RB | Georgia | 5086 | 198 lbs
Keith Ensminger: Trevor Etienne has taken an interesting path to the NFL, beginning his career at Florida before making the jump to Georgia. The younger brother of Travis Etienne, he surprised some by declaring for this year’s draft. While concerns about his size and durability could impact his stock, Etienne’s skill set is undeniable. He is agile, shifty, and has good vision to make plays out of the backfield. Factor in his pass-catching ability, and he could offer sneaky value in upcoming rookie drafts, especially given that I’m taking him here in the late stages of the 3rd round.
3.09 | Jaylin Noel | WR | Iowa State | 5102 | 194 lbs
Steven Pintado: In the late 3rd round, I went with Jaylin Noel from Iowa State. Noel is an interesting receiver prospect who is a crafty route runner. He knows how to create separation from defenders. He is someone who can thrive in the slot for an NFL team, as he can be a mismatch for an offense. Noel has dealt with some drops in his career, which is a struggle for him. While he is crafty before he gets the ball, after the catch, he could use some improvement, especially when he gets into some contact. Noel’s risk in round 3 is worth the upside he could offer.
3.10 | Jordan James | RB | Oregon | 5094 | 205 lbs
Mike Hicks: Jordan James will end up on a lot of my dynasty rosters if I can get him late in the 3rd round of rookie drafts. He shows tenacity and strength between the tackles even though that will not be his main role once he gets to the NFL, due to his size. I like his upside In the passing game where he had a total of 41 receptions in his last two seasons. His upside in PPR formats is too hard for me to pass up here.
3.11 | Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Syracuse | 6045 | 243 lbs.
Doc Mitchell: Oronde Gadsden II is another of those “my guy” type of players. Analysts seem to either really like him, or really hate him. Count me in the former category. Tall and lanky, he will likely need to grow into the NFL TE position. However, he does bring legitimate receiving chops to the next level, having twice gone for over 900 yards at Syracuse. Gadsden also has excellent bloodlines, being the son of a former 10-year veteran WR, Oronde Gadsden Sr. Overall, he looks to be to offer some really nice upside if he lands in the right spot. Think former Raiders great Darren Waller.
3.12 | Jack Bech | WR | TCU | 6012 | 214 lbs
Jayson Snyder: Another repeat selection that I have made in a prior Nerds mock, what more can I say about Jack Bech? The TCU product is the epitome of strength, on and off the field. For those who may not know his backstory, Bech’s older brother Tiger was tragically killed in the horrific New Year’s terror attack in New Orleans. Just one month later, Jack secured a walk-off touchdown in the 2025 Senior Bowl, earning MVP honors in the annual all-star classic. There’s no doubt a feel-good aspect to Bech’s appeal, but he also has the talents to support my endorsement. A converted tight end, he operates exceptionally in traffic and shows great after-the-catch power. He seems ideally suited to a role as a large slot receiver, a position with massive red zone potential. Jack Bech is a name that you should be familiar with and, at the end of the 3rd round, I consider him an absolute steal.
Round 4 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft
4.01 | Kyle Williams | WR | Washington State | 5105 | 190 lbs
Mike Johrendt: The Chris Simms hype train for Kyle Williams came out of nowhere in March, as the Washington State product has finally entered rookie draft conversations. A fluid route runner with plus speed, Williams works extremely well in areas around the line of scrimmage but has plenty of tape backing up his game in downfield targets. Above-average in separating from his defender, Williams could find himself going in Round 2 in April, which should catapult him ever further up your rookie draft boards.
4.02 | Gunnar Helm | TE | Texas | 6050 | 241 lbs
Keith Ensminger: In a tight-end class full of potential, Gunnar Helm has flown under the radar. Helm made the most of his opportunity last season, emerging as a reliable target for Quinn Ewers in the Texas offense. He has soft hands, smooth route-running, and the kind of receiving skills that we love as fantasy managers. He delivered big games against Michigan, Georgia, and Clemson, while also playing a key role in Texas’ College Football Playoff win over Arizona State. While his blocking needs work, which could limit his early snaps at the next level, the upside is there. With the right development, Helm has the tools to become a better-than-average fantasy starter at the position.
4.03 | Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama | 6017 | 217 lbs
Steven Pintado: Even in a 1 QB rookie draft, Jalen Milroe could be of tremendous value at 4.03. There are a lot of flaws in Milroe’s game as a passer, and teams aren’t considering him high in the NFL Draft. Milroe’s upside is intriguing as a rookie prospect in this draft, especially due to his rushing upside. He had 1,200 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns over the last two years. He averaged 55 rushing yards per game in 2024, which could translate to the NFL. Milroe’s situation could go the Jalen Hurts route or the Anthony Richarson route, but the risk is small in the 4th round.
4.04 | Isaiah Bond | WR | Texas | 5105 | 180 lbs
Mike Hicks: If you had told me in January I could get Isaiah Bond at the top of the 4th round at the end of the 2024 college season, I would have said you were crazy. His lack of college production is made up for in a trait that all NFL teams love in a wide receiver: speed! I don’t expect Bond to last in the NFL Draft past early in the 3rd Round. If an NFL team takes a chance on him, I’ll also be willing to do so later in my rookie drafts.
4.05 | Kyle Monangai | RB | Rutgers | 6014 | 226 lbs
Doc Mitchell: This pick is one of those where you can’t help but root for the player. Kyle Monangai is a player who exerts maximum effort on every single play. He managed to get the most out of his body. putting up consecutive 1,200-yard rushing seasons in the Big 10. He was the focal point of the Scarlet Knights’ offense and it didn’t matter if defenses were focused on stopping him, he still buckled it up and brought a physical running style that fans love to see. He could make some noise as an early down thumper at the next level if he lands in the right spot.
4.06 | Tez Johnson | WR | Oregon | 5097 | 154 lbs
Jayson Snyder: No, that’s not a typo. Tez Johnson weighed in at an ultralight 154 pounds at the NFL Combine. And, yes, it’s fair to criticize his 4.51s 40-yard dash time as a bit more sedate than analysts may have preferred. However, let’s rewind the offseason back a few more weeks to where Johnson repeatedly dazzled scouts with crisp route running and 1-on-1 dominance against some of the nation’s top corner prospects at the Senior Bowl. There are more ways to win in the passing game than long speed and physical supremacy. Johnson uses short-area quickness and tactical know-how to create space consistently. Savvy NFL personnel will recognize and harness these valuable traits, making Johnson a player to watch late in rookie drafts. Don’t be afraid to buck trends and invest some late-round capital in this player.
4.07 | Damien Martinez | RB | Miami | 5115 | 217 lbs
Mike Johrendt: Miami’s Damien Martinez wraps up my selection in this mock draft, as the former Hurricane RB brings good vision and a physical approach to how he runs the ball. With how deep this RB class is, Martinez is getting pushed down a bit, but he definitely can be a solid RB2 for a team looking for a power back who can add more than expected in the passing game.
4.08 | Kalel Mullings | RB | Michigan | 6014 | 226 lbs
Keith Ensminger: Originally a linebacker, Kalel Mullings transitioned to the backfield in 2022 and gained limited experience on some of college football’s biggest stages, including the Big Ten Championship, Fiesta Bowl, and Rose Bowl. He may have only one full season as a running back under his belt, but he made it count, rushing for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024. I believe Mullings’ size and versatility make him an intriguing prospect, but his fantasy football success is likely limited to establishing a touchdown/volume-dependent career similar to Alfred Morris or LeGarrette Blount.
4.09 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | Auburn | 5093 | 204 lbs
Steven Pintado: In late round 4, I selected Jarquez Hunter, running back out of Auburn. Hunter was solid in his production in college. He seemed to get better each year as more opportunities came his way. He is a great yards-after-contact running back who can extend plays. Hunter is someone who has solid vision and a feel for run lanes. Unfortunately, Hunter has below-average burst on runs. He lacks the ability to make defenders miss, so you see the contact come his way. He is more of a two-down running back at the NFL level.
4.10 | Brashard Smith | RB | SMU | 5092 | 194 lbs
Mike Hicks: With your last pick in rookie drafts, it is time to go get your guy if he is still on the board. Brashard Smith is an undersized running back with speed and good hands in the passing game. He ran a 4.39s 40-yard dash at the combine. Also, let’s not forget that he was a wide receiver in his first three seasons in college before switching to running back. Smith is far from a sure thing, but the value is worth it at this point to take the gamble.
4.11 | Kyle McCord | QB | Syracuse | 6030 | 215 lbs
Doc Mitchell: For my last pick I am going with one of the most overlooked players in this year’s draft. Syracuse’s Kyle McCord led the entire FBS in passing yards in 2024. His 4,779 yards bested his top numbers at Ohio State by over 1,500 yards. He also tossed in 34 TDs for good measure. He has decent enough size and the ability to zip the ball. He was one of the talks of this year’s Shrine Bowl, where he impressed coaches and scouts alike. I could see him landing on a team like the New York Giants, looking to develop a young player behind a veteran like Russell Wilson. If you want to see his true ceiling check out his last game at Syracuse where he torched Washington State in the Holliday Bowl for 453 yards and 5 TDs!
4.12 | Tai Felton | WR | Maryland | 6011 | 183 lbs
Jayson Snyder: With the final pick of this mock, I decided to shine a light on a player with sneaky upside who seems to be consistently underrated. That player is Maryland’s Tai Felton. For those of you who are into measurables, Felton holds an RAS (relative athletic score) of 9.61. Out of a maximum of 10.0 possible points, that score rates 137th out of 3,445 receivers evaluated under the rubric since 1987. He tracks the ball well, is efficient in and out of breaks, and has good hands. As far as I can tell, being slightly underweight is the biggest knock against him, but surely any capable strength and conditioning coach will address that flaw in earnest. It seems Felton has been completely overlooked by the dynasty community. Make their loss your gain and get familiar with Tai Felton. I think you’ll be glad that you did.
In Case You Missed It!
Our SuperFlex Rookie Mock draft was released shortly ago. If you want to see where these QBs slot in among these talented WRs and RBs, along with their best landing spots, check it out and let us know your thoughts:
