The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone. We can finally pair draft capital and landing spots with our evaluations. In this mock draft, we will give you our initial impressions of the incoming class. Let the Nerds set the scene with our latest 4 round 1QB rookie mock draft. Join “Doc” Matthew Mitchell, John Hammersmith, Peter Monahan, Steven Pintado, Johnny Goode, and Keith Ensminger for a post-draft breakdown of the 2025 NFL Draft class.

1QB Rookie Mock | Post-NFL Draft

Scoring and Format Overview

The scoring and format for this 1QB Rookie Mock Draft are as follows:

• 6 points per passing touchdown (PPTD)
• 1 point per reception (PPR)

This is a 12-team, start 9 (QB, RB2, WR3, Flex3) mock draft.

Round 1 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft

1.01 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | Las Vegas Raiders

Age 21 | 5’9’’ | 215 lbs

@Peter Monahan: There’s not much to say here. Ashton Jeanty has long been the 1.01 pick in both SuperFlex and 1QB rookie mock drafts since the college season ended, and nothing has changed. Jeanty received top-10 overall draft capital in the NFL Draft, joining Bijan Robinson as the only other player to claim that feat in the last 3 years (although Jahmyr Gibbs isn’t far behind, selected at pick 12). There’s no other rookie in this draft that I would choose over Jeanty, and he immediately slots himself as a top-3 overall dynasty running back when he hits the field in Las Vegas.

1.02 | Omarion Hampton | RB | Los Angeles Chargers

Age 22 | 6’0’’ | 221 lbs

@Johnny Goode: Omarion Hampton gets a dream landing spot with the Los Angeles Chargers. Hampton possesses the ability to be a true 3-down back, which is a fantasy gold mine these days. Factor that with 1st Round draft capital and I think Hampton at 1.02 is the way to go here. I didn’t consider anyone else at this spot. I can understand if someone was extremely WR needy and they took Tetairoa McMillan or Travis Hunter here. That said, I think I’ll be able to trade Hampton away for a larger haul down the road. Not going to over think it here.

1.03 TreVeyon Henderson | RB | New England Patriots

Age 22 | 5’10’’ | 208 lbs

@Keith Ensminger: There are several directions I could have gone with this pick, but I chose TreVeyon Henderson. Why? I love Travis Hunter. I love Tetairoa McMillan. But, as Rich has mentioned several times lately on our podcast, once these rookies are drafted, we have to treat them as NFL players. Where do they fit into the entirety of the NFL landscape, not just in their rookie class? The league is flush with wide receiver talent, but much less so at running back. An amazing player in his own right, I think there is a greater chance that Henderson is a top twelve talent at his position than McMillan or Hunter will be at theirs given the relative competition.

1.04 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Carolina Panthers

Age 22 | 6’5’’ | 212 lbs

@John Hammersmith: The top three players on my board were Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and TreVeyon Henderson, and while I hoped someone would take Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan to let one of those backs fall, it played out exactly as expected, leaving me with my no. 4-ranked player at 1.04: Tetairoa McMillan. No complaints here. In 1QB formats, you rarely get a top-10 draft pick wideout with a WR1 role and a clear path to 110 to 120 targets at this spot. Quinshon Judkins and Hunter were considered, but McMillan offered the safest high-end outcome. I would’ve considered trading back if I missed on the top RBs, but it would’ve taken a 2026 1st plus a late-2025 1st to even start that conversation—otherwise, I’m happy cashing in the McMillan chip.

1.05 | Travis Hunter | WR | Jacksonville Jaguars

Age 22 | 6’1’’ | 185 lbs

@Steven Pintado: For the fifth pick—a decent steal in Travis Hunter. While the concerns with Hunter are valid as we don’t know how much of a two-way player he is going to be in the NFL. The talent is there, and he should be able to thrive with the Jaguars on an offense that looks to be on the rise. The Jaguars lack playmakers on offense, so expect Hunter to see more of an offensive role than be a true two-way player. The rookies drafted after Hunter don’t have the same elite upside he can offer at the 1.05 spot.

1.06 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | Cleveland Browns

Age 21 | 6’0” | 219 lbs

@Matthew Mitchell: I might be a little contrarian when it comes to the Dynasty Nerds, but I have Quinshon Judkins as my clear-cut RB3 in the class. He has the size and ability to function as a 3-down RB in virtually any NFL scheme. He is big and fast with the ability to both punish defenses and at the same time take it to the house on any play. We have seen him handle big workloads in the past including bringing in at least 20 passes in each of the last 2 years while twice handling 270 carries.

When you take that raw clay and plug it into the Cleveland Browns you have the makings of fantasy magic. Just think about the usage that Nick Chubb received over his time in Cleveland. Do yourself a favor and grab this dynamic playmaker wherever you can. I would need a good bit more than a future 1st to move this pick. The only other player I considered at this pick was Tyler Warren due to position scarcity, but I simply couldn’t pass on Judkins—you shouldn’t either.

1.07 | RJ Harvey | RB | Denver Broncos

Age 24 | 5’9’’| 208 lbs

Peter: No running back saw their stock rise as much as RJ Harvey when he heard his name called in the 2nd Round of the NFL Draft, 60th overall, to the Denver Broncos. Harvey was my 12th-ranked running back, but now he has skyrocketed up to my RB5, which is where he was selected in this mock. Sean Payton found his guy, and Harvey will now be running behind one of the best offensive lines in football last season. The sky is the limit for Harvey, and personally, he is immediately ranked among NFL veterans like Kyren Williams, James Cook, Josh Jacobs, and Kenneth Walker. The easiest knock on Harvey is coming into the NFL at age 24, but in a league where running backs rarely survive into their late 20s anyway, the age is not a concern for me at all. If I had to choose between the veteran RBs listed above or Harvey, give me the upside swing that Harvey can surpass them, even as early as this season, with the up-and-coming offense led by second-year standout quarterback Bo Nix.

1.08 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age 22 | 6’1’’ | 202 lbs

Johnny: Emeka Egbuka sees his value drop a bit after being selected by Tampa Bay, who seems to have a pretty full wide receivers room. However, Mike Evans is on the last year of his contract, and Chris Godwin is coming back from a dislocated ankle. Egbuka is one injury away from starting—and gaining lots of targets. This pick may be a wait, but it’s worth it in my opinion. I considered Tyler Warren, who landed in a great situation and has elite upside. I stick to my board and go with Egbuka here, who I had as the 1.07 pre NFL draft.

1.09 Tyler Warren | TE | Indianapolis Colts

Age 22 | 6’6” | 257 lbs

Keith: In a league without tight end premiums, this is where I would feel comfortable taking the first available tight end off the board. Why did I choose Tyler Warren over Colston Loveland? If we specifically take away the extra points for tight end receptions, I think there is a good chance Warren outscores Loveland. Warren is the type of red zone threat that Loveland simply isn’t, able to play several gadgety roles on offense, including quarterback. Think Taysom Hill, but younger, better draft pedigree, and a more predictable role. That type of touchdown upside puts Warren over the top of Loveland and other available players in this range.

1.10 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Pittsburgh Steelers

Age 21 | 6’1’’| 224 lbs

John: At 1.10, I was torn between two strong options: Colston Loveland, with his top-10 draft capital and an offensive mastermind calling the shots, and Kaleb Johnson, who landed in a spot built for bellcow usage. I leaned Johnson, chasing the cleaner path to fantasy points and the immediate RB1 volume upside that could either help me now or become a prime trade chip. This pick also marked a clear tier break, and I had no interest in moving back unless someone was willing to pay—a 2026 1st plus a little extra. That may sound steep, but that’s the price to avoid rolling the dice on the next tier down.

1.11 | Matthew Golden | WR | Green Bay Packers

Age 22 | 6’0’’| 195 lbs

Steven: I’ve done so many SuperFlex leagues that seeing Matthew Golden land in the 1st round was weird. This is the exact area he should be drafted in this type of format in a 1QB league. Golden checks off boxes that make him a great asset, as he was a 1st Round pick for an offense that desperately needed someone to step up as a WR1. Golden’s skill set to be a downfield threat should help Jordan Love and the passing offense. Golden is being overlooked in drafts and is of great value here.

1.12 | Colston Loveland | TE | Chicago Bears

Age 21 | 6’5” | 245 lbs

Doc: I was extremely pleased to snag Colston Loveland here at the end of the 1st round. This pick just shows you how deep this draft is. Even in a 1QB draft I was able to get a top-10 NFL pick at a position that his starving for high end assets. Loveland is a really intriguing prospect that offers the highest of upside for your dynasty teams. The only issue with Loveland is his landing spot. The Chicago Bears are currently extremely crowded at the pass-catching positions. The addition of Luther Burden later in the 2nd round by the Bears only further muddied the situation. But, that being said, here at the back of the 1st I simply couldn’t pass on this type of player. This is a perfect example of talent over situation. Loveland has everything you want and situations can quickly change. Hopefully you are already patient with you young TE’s on your roster. This is exactly the type of player that could reward said patience. I considered Burden, Harris, and Bech here at this pick but ended up using the NFL draft capital as the decision maker. It would have taken a future 1st and 2nd or a 1st and and an intriguing player to make me consider moving this pick.

Round 2 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft

2.01 | Luther Burden III | WR | Chicago Bears

Age 21 | 5’11’’| 208 lbs

Peter: Luther Burden was a very polarizing draft prospect with a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde profile when comparing his final two college seasons of 2023 and 2024. His 2023 sophomore season is what put him on the map and was considered by many to be an almost surefire 1st Round NFL Draft pick once he was eligible to declare. This past season left a lot to be desired, causing him to “slip” in the minds of most NFL mock drafters. However, the Bears believe Burden has the talent to be the former version of himself, selecting him very early in the 2nd Round with the 7th pick (39 overall).

Burden does find himself in a crowded skill position group with the Bears also adding 1st Round tight end Colston Loveland to the mix of talent already on the roster in wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. There will be hype around Burden given the familiarity of his name and now being in a Ben Johnson-led offense. It was hard to pass up Burden with this pick, but if your team is a true contender who cannot afford to wait for Burden’s production in year one, you can likely trade this pick for a proven veteran wide receiver like Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin, or Devante Adams, among others.

2.02 | Jayden Higgins | WR | Houston Texans

Age 22 | 6’4’’ | 214 lbs

Johnny: Jayden Higgins was one of the very few true “X” wide receivers in the draft this year. He lands on a team who… has a really good X wide receiver. Prior to 2024, Higgins was used in the slot quite a bit. With Tank Dell likely out for 2025, and possibly never the same again, Higgins stands to be a bit of a matchup nightmare for defenses. A 6’4 4.4 speed wide receiver running routes not just from the outside but also the slot, that’s going to be fun to watch. I strongly considered Jack Bech, who I have side by side with Higgins. I go with Higgins here for the massive upside with Stroud throwing the ball.

2.03 Cam Skattebo | RB | New York Giants

Age 23 | 5’11” | 215 lbs

Keith: One of my mantras going into rookie drafts this season is to always split a tie by leaning toward the running back, and that plays out here for me with this pick. I did consider Jack Bech, but I ultimately chose Cam Skattebo. They are the final two players for me in this tier of single quarterback league rookie drafts. Both of these fan favorites are often available at the top of the second round, so this is a choice many dynasty managers in my position will have to make. If we are chasing upside, though, Skattebo has to be the pick, doesn’t he? The potential of landing a three down running back is just too good to pass up.

Pick 2.04 | Tre Harris | WR | Los Angeles Chargers

Age 23 | 6’2’’ | 205 lbs

John: Big fan of the talent, the draft capital, and the landing spot—Tre Harris to the Chargers feels like a perfect fit and a clear sign this new regime has a plan for him. With Ladd McConkey underneath and the run game pulling attention, Harris should see plenty of high-value targets from Justin Herbert. Skattebo went right before, marking the end of a tier for me, and Harris was the last guy I was genuinely excited to draft. After him, things get murkier, so I held firm and locked in the final player I trust to rise above the chaos.

2.05 | Jack Bech | WR | Las Vegas Raiders

Age 22 | 6’2’’ | 215 lbs

Steven: In the 2nd round, we secure Jack Bech, wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, at the 2.05 selection. Bech is a competitive receiver who should be able to be used all over the Raiders offense. Outside of Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, they don’t have a third option in the passing game. We know that Meyers is in the last year of his contract, so Bech could quickly move into the WR1 role as early as 2026. He may never be elite but could offer WR2/Flex value in dynasty as an upside.

2.06 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Jacksonville Jaguars

Age 22 | 5’11” | 209 lbs

Doc: I have been higher than Nerds consensus on Bhayshul Tuten from the jump. This is a player who is truly electric with the ball in his hands. As evidenced by his 4.32 speed a the combine, he can take the ball to the house on any play. Tuten did a fantastic job stepping up in competition from North Carolina A&T to Virginia Tech. I expect a similar smooth transition to the NFL. You cannot teach speed. Tuten is a little on the slight side but his new HC Liam Coen made excellent use of Bucky Irving last year in Tampa. I thought about grabbing Mason Taylor here with this pick but I see him in a block of 3 or 4 TEs compared to the pretty big drop at the RB position behind Tuten.

2.07 | Cam Ward | QB | Tennessee Titans

Age 22 | 6’2’’| 223 lbs

Peter: Cam Ward was the number one overall pick to the Tennessee Titans, a team much in need of a quarterback after the failed Will Levis experiment last season. Most of the time, when a team is selecting first overall, there are many areas of need, and that is no exception with the Titans. While they have a solid running back duo of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, they otherwise lack weapons to inspire a ton of confidence for Ward to walk into a good situation and succeed in year one. I agree with most NFL draft analysts in saying the help that the Titans added in this draft for Ward was uninspiring at best.

They selected two 4th Round wide receivers in Chimere Dike (Florida) and Elic Ayomanor (Stanford), along with tight end Gunnar Helm. They later added running back Kalel Mullings in the 6th Round out of Michigan. I don’t normally take quarterbacks at all in a one-quarterback league, given that hopefully my team already has one or two decent options to play on a given week, but I couldn’t let Ward, the number one overall pick, drop any further. There weren’t really any other rookies in consideration at this pick for me, but if you wanted to move this pick for a more proven quarterback, someone like Sam Darnold or Matthew Stafford, or at other positions you might be able to trade for Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, D’Andre Swift or James Conner.

2.08 | Dylan Sampson | RB | Cleveland Browns

Age 20 | 5’8’’ | 200 lbs

Johnny: In 1QB things dry up pretty quickly here. I considered Kyle Williams, as I like his upside quite a bit. Ultimately I go with Dylan Sampson, who I liked a lot predraft and then he ends up drafted after Quinshon Judkins to the Browns. The Browns have shown that they aren’t afraid to play multiple running backs. One of Sampson’s strengths is his pass catching ability. That brings him up into the mid-late 2nd round as you may see 6-8 targets a game for Sampson, which, as we see from other backs, can bring some good value.

2.09 Jaylin Noel | WR | Houston Texans

Age 22 | 5’11” | 200 lbs

Keith: This pick was between Jaylin Noel and Kyle Williams, and while Williams has the clearer path to fantasy production, I like Noel’s athletic profile better. Yes, between Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, it’s tough to figure out quite what to do with Noel. However, we saw how Tank Dell performed in the Texans’ offense with CJ Stroud. With Dell all but certain to miss the entire 2025 season, I think Noel can step into a similar role and find early production in a high volume passing offense.

Pick 2.10 | Kyle Williams | WR | New England Patriots

Age 22 | 5’11”” | 190 lbs

John: At this point in the draft, I’m hunting upside, and while Elijah Arroyo and Terrance Ferguson would be top options in TE Premium, in a standard format I’m leaning ceiling—Kyle Williams fits the bill. He’s got the draft capital, a clear path to relevance in a New England offense desperate for weapons, and the kind of skill set that meshes perfectly with what Drake Maye needs. Williams could emerge as the primary option through the air quickly. I’m usually open to moving back in this range with wider tiers, but Williams was tough to pass up—unless someone came calling with a 2026 2nd and a little extra, this swing was staying mine.

2.11 | Mason Taylor | TE | New York Jets

Age 21 | 6’5” | 255 lbs

Steven: I’ve been pulling off steals in this mock draft, which continues with Mason Taylor. The new New York Jets tight end has been consistently selected in this spot, even in SuperFlex leagues, so getting him here is good value. Taylor has the receiving traits to be a great tight end for the Jets and quickly step in as the second option in the offense. He offers youth, as he is only 21 years old, and a possibility for an immediate role and opportunity that Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland may not get as rookies.

2.12 | Elijah Arroyo | TE | Seattle Seahawks

Age 22 | 6’4” | 245 lbs

Doc: Here at the end of the 2nd round I am looking at the TE position with the selection of Elijah Arroyo. This play maker was one of a number of TEs who went of Day 2 of the NFL draft. Seattle is currently undergoing an overhaul. Arroyo looks to be a big part of their future plans. Now, as when I spoke about Loveland before, patience will be necessary when dealing with this young TE. Brock Bowers is one for the few exceptions to the rule. Most of the time TEs take a number of years to fully develop and break out at the NFL level.

Thankfully for Arroyo, he will get at least a year to develop as he learns behind former 1st round pick Noah Fant. I love to draft players like Arroyo to stash on my taxi squads. Harold Fannin Jr. and Terrance Ferguson were a consideration with this pick but in the end I went with the more stable coaching situation. Seattle is in the very early stages of a new regime whereas McVay has been rumored to move on in recent years and Cleveland is set to ensure a difficult run with their QB position. It would have taken at least two future 2nd round picks to make me give up this pick.

Round 3 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft

3.01 | Woody Marks | RB | Houston Texans

Age 24 | 5’10’’| 208 lbs

Peter: From here on out in my rookie drafts I’m only selecting running backs or quarterbacks (in superflex leagues). Running backs are always one injury away from receiving an opportunity and playing time while there are only a handful of quarterbacks on each team and 60+ quarterbacks have played each season the last few years. These two positions have the highest chance of increasing in value during the season and with your late rookie picks you should just be shooting for ultimate upside and value gains. With all of that being said, I liked Woody Marks as a late-3rd round selection pre-NFL Draft in my own rookie rankings. He landed in a favorable spot in Houston along with a solid team investment going in the 4th Round as well as the Texans trading future draft capital as well to land their guy.

3.02 | Harold Fannin Jr. | TE | Cleveland Browns

Age 20 | 6’3’’ | 241 lbs

Johnny: In round 3 I prefer to swing for running backs or tight ends. Harold Fannin Jr’s route tree is what has me all in on him for 2025 Rookie Drafts. After leading college in receiving from his position, Fannin is my tight end 3 heading into rookie drafts. He lands with the Browns, which have David Njoku. Some may see this as a bad thing, however Njoku is more of a straight line receiver, so his skill set doesn’t overlap with Fannin’s. Njoku is also expected to be a free agent in 2026, which presumably moves Fannin up to the lead role. Lastly, Stefanski runs a lot of 12 personnel, which gives Fannin a chance to get on the field at the same time as Njoku. Lock this pick in during your early round 3 drafts.

3.03 Jaylen Royals | WR | Kansas City Chiefs

Age 22 | 6’0” | 205 lbs

Keith: What happened here? We aren’t sending Jaylen Royals to the moon with the landing spot? Perhaps it is a case of a crowded wide receiver room, but getting Royals, a wide receiver many people liked pre-draft, this late in rookie drafts is somewhat surprising to me. Doesn’t landing with Patrick Mahomes at least balance out landing in a crowded depth chart? More importantly, it’s likely most of those receivers aren’t coming back to the Chiefs next season. Ultimately, if we’re chasing a high ceiling in the third round (and we should be) then it is hard to argue against drafting Royals here..

3.04 | Terrance Ferguson | TE | Los Angeles Rams

Age 22 | 6’5’’ | 247 lbs

John: I was eyeing Terrance Ferguson with the last pick, so I was fired up to land this kind of upside in the third round. He’s the classic athletic, project tight end, the type that often breaks our hearts, but this time there’s reason to believe. Landing with Sean McVay and the Rams gives him both the opportunity and the creative coach to unlock his traits, and the draft capital backs it up. Jaxson Dart was also in consideration with his rushing upside, but the wait-and-see timeline was a turnoff. I’m always open to flipping these types of picks for a future 2nd if the value’s right, but my approach at tight end is simple: stockpile talent, play the long game, and increase my chances of hitting. Ferguson fits that plan perfectly.

3.05 | Devin Neal | RB | New Orleans Saints

Age 21 | 5’11” | 215 lbs

Steven: In the early 3rd round, we selected Devin Neal, running back with the New Orleans Saints. Due to the landing spot, Neal is an interesting running back to grab in this round. Alvin Kamara is pushing 30 years old, and Kendre Miller has yet to show us that he can fully be an NFL asset. In the early down runs, Neal could find a role in the Saints’ offense. We’ve seen Kamara be less efficient as a runner than his talents as a pass catcher. Neal could help take the burden off of him.

3.06 | Jaxson Dart | QB | New York Giants

Age 22 | 6’2” | 225 lbs

Doc: Here in the middle of the 3rd round I am turning to the QB position. I understand that this isn’t a TE premium league, but, Dart offers all the things we love in a high end QB1. He is big and athletic offering really nice rushing potential. He also has the makings of a nice corps of weapons at his disposal with Malik Nabers, WanDale Robinson, and Theo Johnson. If Brian Dabol can manage to keep his job I also really like the fit of Dart in his offensive system. Think a smaller version of Josh Allen. There were some RBs I considered here with this pick such as Devin Neal and Jaydon Blue but I eventually chose to go with Dart. It is always nice to be able to stash high end rookies on your taxi squad and Dart is a prime candidate for that. I would have gladly moved this pick for any future 2nd.

3.07 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | Los Angeles Rams

Age 22 | 5’10’’| 209 lbs

Peter: I did not give Jarquez Hunter much attention pre–NFL Draft where he was ranked as my RB19 and 44th overall player in fantasy rookie draft rankings. However, things changed when the Rams selected him in the 4th Round. Hunter will likely start the year behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum but I think he has the change to quickly surpass Corum which might be a surprise to some. Corum did receive earlier draft capital being selected in the 3rd Round by the Rams just one year earlier, but Corum was unable to carve out much of a role in his rookie season. Hunter brings an explosive element that is lacking in this Rams backfield. I believe Hunter can bring a different skillset to this offense and might even see a substantial value increase next offseason if Kyren Williams were to leave in free agency. I have Hunter ranked right in the middle of the third round where I selected him and I’m comfortable making the choice on the running back here.

3.08 | Jordan James | RB | San Francisco 49ers

Age 21 | 5’10’’ | 205 lbs

Johnny: Don’t let his 5th round draft capital fool you, Jordan James is great grab in the 3rd round of rookie drafts. We saw a lot of talented running backs go late in the 2025 NFL Draft, which may speak more to the depth of the position than lack of talent. Jordan James is another player I am trading up to go get if I can. He’s got size and speed, not to mention receiving chops. He had 26 receptions in 2024. The key here is if you think he’s better than Isaac Guerendo, then he’s one injury away from being the guy in San Francisco.

3.09 | Trevor Etienne | RB | Carolina Panthers

Age 20 | 5’9” | 205 lbs

Keith: When Trevor Etienne was first drafted, I was hesitant to value him too highly due to a crowded backfield in Carolina. Upon further inspection, though, I think I like the landing spot for a player who I liked in the pre-draft process. Jonathan Brooks will not play in 2025. Chuba Hubbard got paid, but he may turn out to be a one-year wonder. Rico Dowdle is on a one year deal. If the Panthers’ offense continues to ascend, maybe we should be more excited about Etienne. He is another player being drafted in the later rounds of rookie drafts with a sneaky-high ceiling, and he was easily my favorite player left on the board.

3.10 | Jalen Milroe | QB | Seattle Seahawks

Age 22 | 6’2’’ | 216 lbs

John: Jalen Milroe might be the biggest wild card in this entire class—a dual-threat QB with the kind of athletic profile that can break fantasy football if it clicks, the classic Lamar-effect. At this point in the draft, it’s all about chasing difference-makers or busts, and Milroe offers the kind of ceiling that could turn him into a weekly cheat code. The odds are long, sure, but the payoff is massive, and that makes this pick an easy call. I’ll gladly stash him on the taxi squad and see what happens—if he hits, I’ve got a weapon; if not, that’s just the cost of swinging in the third.

3.11 | Jaydon Blue | RB | Dallas Cowboys

Age 21 | 6’0” | 200 lbs

Steven: This was a surprise selection in 3rd round with Jayden Blue. Blue has risen on draft boards as early as a late 2nd rounder in SuperFlex drafts. Selecting Blue at this spot is currently a good value for his ADP in this 1 QB draft. Blue offers some explosiveness to an incumbent backfield with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. There is no reason that Blue couldn’t beat out both veteran running backs to be the starter on opening day. He is a good risk to take in the round.

3.12 | Tyler Shough | QB | New Orleans Saints

Age 25 | 6’5” | 225 lbs

Doc: This one might not be the most popular pick but I decided to go with new Saints QB Tyler Shough. Shough has some decent weapons at his disposal, and with the news of Derek Carr’s retirement, will have an opportunity to immediately start. The Carr news makes me wonder of the Saints knew more than they let on to the public. At 6’5” 225 lbs with a 4.64 40-yard dash, he could return some immediate QB2 value. I ended up going with this QB over a handful of Day 3 RBs. I would have moved this pick for any future 2nd or a future 3rd and an intriguing prospect.

Round 4 | 1QB Rookie Mock Draft

4.01 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | Miami Dolphins

Age 21 | 6’2’’| 225 lbs

Peter: I had mentioned with my previous selection at 3.01 that I was only taking running backs or quarterbacks from here on out. Ollie Gordon is the first player I’ve selected in this rookie mock draft that was a faller from my pre-NFL Draft rankings. Gordon was a late second round player for me which was quite the fall from his projected NFL status as a future RB1 after his sophomore college season back in 2023. I think Gordon offers a different element to the Miami backfield as the big, bruising back that they did not have. Gordon can likely carve out a role as the short yardage and goal-line running back for the Dolphins.

Pick 4.02 | Brashard Smith | RB | Kansas City Chiefs

Age 22 | 5’10” | 194 lbs

Johnny: Brashard Smith is a former Wide Receiver converted to Running Back, who lands with the Kansas City Chiefs in round 7. He comes with 4.3 speed and is an excellent weapon in the screen game. In college he had >10% of his production coming off screen. Other notable running backs with the same statistic include James Cook, Alvin Kamara, Tyrone Tracy, and Tony Pollard. KC missed Jerrick McKinnon last year, but they just may have found his replacement in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. For a 4th round rookie pick, you could do much worse!

4.03 Pat Bryant | WR | Denver Broncos

Age 22 | 6’3” | 200 lbs

Keith: Although I’m still learning towards fading wide receivers in this draft and taking the running backs and tight ends instead, there are a few flankers who have fallen that deserve attention. I considered Elic Ayomanor here, but I went Pat Bryant instead. I have consistently been lower than most on Ayomanor, and Pat Bryant being taken by Sean Payton at pick 74 is nothing to sneeze at. Bryant has excellent ball skills and plays a role similar to Courtland Sutton in Denver’s offense. Sutton is 30 years old and on the last year of his deal, so when he moves on, Bryant could slide into a productive spot in 2026.

4.04 | Isaac TeSlaa | WR | Detroit Lions

Age 23 | 6’4’’ | 213 lbs

John: Snagging an NFL 3rd-rounder in the 4th round of a Dynasty rookie draft always feels like finding free money—unexpected and instantly satisfying. Isaac TeSlaa is a massive projection with under 900 career receiving yards, but come on… this screams Dan Campbell. Raw athleticism? Check. Bite-your-kneecaps energy? Check. He’s got the tools to be molded into something wonderful, and while the odds of fantasy relevance are low, if he hits, this could be one of those “remember when… ?” picks you brag about for years.

4.05 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | Tennessee Titans

Age 21 | 6’2” | 210 lbs

Steven: In the 4th round, we selected Elic Ayomanor. The former Stanford receiver was high on my prospect list among receivers. He lands in Tennessee, where he could compete for a starting job. We know that Calvin Ridley will handle one starting role. Ayaomanor will compete with aging Tyler Lockett, NFL bust Treylon Burks, and other rookie receivers in Chimere Dike and Xavier Restrepo. Ayomanor size makes him a threat in the Titans’ offense and a red zone option for Cam Ward.

4.06 | Kyle Monangai | RB | Chicago Bears

Age 22 | 5’9” | 209 lbs

Doc: Kyle Monangai has been one of the popular late round RB selections within dynasty circles following the NFL draft. Many in and around the NFL believed that the Bears would take a RB during the NFL draft. New HC Ben Johnson was part of the Detroit Lions brain trust that traded D’Andre Swift from Detroit to Philadelphia a few years back. There is an opportunity for another RB to emerge as the hammer role filled by David Montgomery in Detroit. Kyle Monangai will have a legitimate shot at earning that role with a solid camp and pre-season. I also considered Tahj Brooks here with this pick but went with Monangai as I believe that Chicago will be more open to RB competition. It would take an decent looking future 3rd to move out of these late round lotto tickets.

4.07 | DJ Giddens | RB | Indianapolis Colts

Age 21 | 6’1’’| 212 lbs

Pete: I don’t have a ton to say about my selection of DJ Giddens here other than he can likely carve out a role and become the backup to Jonathan Taylor. This position can certainly pay dividends as Taylor typically always misses multiple games a year. Giddens is a solid running back and although he was only a 5th Round selection I think he landed in a great spot. As a final pick dart throw you could certainly do worse than selecting Giddens here.

4.08 | Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Los Angeles Chargers

Age 21 | 6’5” | 236 lbs

Johnny: One of my favorite late round 4/UDFA targets is Oronde Gadsden II. He is my TE6 in this deep class, and lands in a great spot with the Chargers. Will Dissly had success last year in this offense, but I think Gadsden is more talented, stronger, and faster. He is a matchup nightmare who could be a big redzone weapon for Herbert.

4.09 Tory Horton | WR | Seattle Seahawks

Age 22 | 6’3” | 185 lbs

Keith: With my final pick in this mock, I took an unheralded player I think more people should be talking about – Tory Horton. He fell to the end of the fifth round, but I have to believe that was due to injury concerns. Horton injured his knee in mid-October, but came back to run a 4.41 in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. If Horton continues to heal and Cooper Kupp doesn’t work out, Horton could find himself with a big opportunity on a wide open depth chart behind Jaxon Smith–Njigba in 2026.

4.10 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | Washington Commanders

Age 24 | 5’11’’ | 208 lbs

John: The 245th pick in the NFL Draft usually isn’t worth a look—and Jacory Croskey-Merritt wasn’t even on my radar pre-draft. But I do love the Washington offense, and I absolutely do not love their current backfield situation. Brian Robinson has squeezed every drop out of his skill set, and Ekeler looks like he’s running on fumes. There’s a real chance for someone to make noise in camp and carve out a role, and at this stage of a rookie draft, that’s exactly the kind of dart I want to throw. An RB in that offense? Worth the shot.

4.11 | Tahj Brooks | RB | Cincinnati Bengals

Age 23 | 5’10” | 230 lbs

Steven: The second to last pick in this draft goes to Tahj Brooks. Brooks was an interesting running back prospect with a significant upside in the receiving game. Brooks is likely more of a long-term taxi squad player in hopes that 2026 can open up a role for him. Chase Brown is currently the starter in Cincinnati, but Brooks must beat out Zack Moss and Samaje Perine for work. Brooks would have to show up in camp to have a shot. I’d expect the Bengals to lean on a veteran like Perine. Brooks has long-term talent that will eventually be reached at the NFL level.

4.12 | Tai Felton | WR | Minnesota Vikings

Age 22 | 6’2” | 181 lbs

Doc: With the last pick, I went with former University of Maryland star Tai Felton. Felton broke some long-standing records at College Park after a historic 2024. He has some really nice size and speed that will translate to the NFL. His 4.37 40, 39.5” vert, and 10’ 10” broad jump were all at or near the very top of the class. Many will look to his situation in Minnesota and see it as a road block to his future production. My argument would be that he will immediately challenge and earn the role as the 3rd WR in the building. Jordan Addison has something of a Stefon Diggs feel to me in that he will want an opportunity to be the no. 1 in an NFL offense. Felton could be the eventual replacement for Addison.

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In Case You Missed It!

If you want a second look at these rookies and which ones–given the choice–you’d rather keep, trade, or cut, check out John Hammersmith’s latest article:

Keep Trade Cut | How to Handle the Rookie Hype

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