Let's be real for a second. We’ve been spoiled. After years of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Anthony Richardson falling into our laps, the 2025 rookie superflex rankings feel... different. It’s not that the talent isn't there. It is. But if you’re walking into your rookie draft expecting a "can't-miss" franchise savior at quarterback, you’re probably going to leave disappointed. Honestly, this is the year of the running back and the "unicorn" athlete.
I’ve been staring at these boards for months. The consensus is shifting. While Superflex usually dictates that you grab any quarterback with a pulse in the first round, the 2025 class is forcing us to break the rules.
The Tier 1 Breakdown: It's Ashton Jeanty's World
If you have the 1.01, don't overthink it. Seriously.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders) is the undisputed king of this class. It’s rare to see a running back sit atop superflex rankings, but Jeanty is a statistical anomaly. We’re talking about a guy who finished his college career with a 99.9 rushing grade. He’s compact, he catches everything, and he landed with a Raiders team that is basically begging to give him 300 touches. He’s the closest thing we’ve seen to a "safe" pick in years.
Then things get weird.
Usually, the 1.02 is a locked-in QB. In 2025, that spot belongs to Cam Ward (QB, Tennessee Titans). Ward is the only signal-caller in this class who feels like a legitimate top-five NFL draft talent. He’s got the arm, and he’s got the "it" factor, but he isn't a "cheat code" rusher. If he doesn't hit as a passer, he doesn't have the 800-yard rushing floor of a Jayden Daniels to save your fantasy week.
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The Top 5 Consensus
- 1.01: Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV) - The true 1.01. Don't let the "positional value" nerds talk you out of it.
- 1.02: Cam Ward (QB, TEN) - The clear QB1. Pro-ready, but needs to prove he can handle NFL pressure.
- 1.03: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, CAR) - At 6’5”, he’s the "X" receiver the Panthers have desperately needed.
- 1.04: Omarion Hampton (RB, LAC) - Moving to the Chargers is a dream. Jim Harbaugh is going to run him until the wheels fall off.
- 1.05: Travis Hunter (WR/CB, JAX) - The most interesting player in the draft. If he plays mostly WR, he's a top-three talent. If the Jaguars use him as a true two-way player, his fantasy floor is a bit of a mystery.
Why the Quarterback Class is Scaring People
Look at the names behind Cam Ward. It’s a bit of a minefield.
Jaxson Dart (QB, NY Giants) and Shedeur Sanders (QB, Cleveland Browns) are the polarizing figures here. Dart has the path to starting early in New York, which boosts his superflex value significantly. But is he a long-term starter? Some scouts think he’s a high-end backup.
Then there’s Shedeur. The talent is undeniable—his accuracy is elite. However, landing in Cleveland behind a messy contract situation makes his immediate impact questionable. In many 2025 rookie superflex rankings, Sanders has slid into the late first or even early second round. That’s a massive fall for a guy who was once projected as a top-five NFL pick.
If you’re desperate for a QB, keep an eye on Jalen Milroe (QB, Seattle Seahawks). He’s the ultimate project. His legs are world-class, but his passing is still a work in progress. In a Superflex league, his rushing upside makes him a "swing for the fences" pick in the late first round. If he hits, he’s Lamar Jackson lite. If he misses, he’s out of the league in three years.
The Depth at Running Back is Ridiculous
I can’t stress this enough: do not reach for a mediocre QB when you can get a potential RB1 in the second round. This class is deep.
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TreVeyon Henderson (RB, New England) and Quinshon Judkins (RB, Cleveland) would be the RB1 in almost any other year. Henderson is an explosive home-run hitter who should eventually take over the backfield in Foxboro. Judkins is a physical grinder who catches the ball better than people give him credit for.
Even deeper down, you have guys like Kaleb Johnson (RB, Pittsburgh) and RJ Harvey (RB, Denver). Sean Payton loves a compact, versatile back, and Harvey fits that mold perfectly. These are the players who will win people their leagues in 2026 and 2027 while the people who drafted "safe" WRs are stuck in mediocrity.
Tight End Premium? Pay Attention to the "Big Two"
If your league gives a bonus for Tight Ends, the 2025 rookie superflex rankings shift dramatically.
Tyler Warren (TE, Indianapolis) and Colston Loveland (TE, Chicago) are both first-round talents. Warren is a freak. He played QB in high school and was used all over the field at Penn State. Landing with Shane Steichen in Indy is a masterclass in fit.
Loveland, on the other hand, is the "smooth" operator. He’s going to be Caleb Williams’ best friend in Chicago. Think of him as a Travis Kelce type who wins with IQ and route running rather than just raw speed. In TE-premium drafts, I’ve seen Loveland go as high as the 1.06.
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Strategy for Your Draft
So, how do you actually play this?
First, stop valuing draft capital as the only metric. In this specific year, landing spot is everything. Luther Burden III (WR, Chicago) is a great example. He’s a monster after the catch—sorta like Deebo Samuel—but he’s entering a crowded room in Chicago. He might take a year to truly "pop."
Second, be comfortable trading out of the mid-first round. If you’re sitting at 1.07 and the top RBs and Cam Ward are gone, see if you can swap that pick for a 2026 first and a 2025 second. The tier drop-off after the top eight players is steep this year.
Third, look for the late-round stashes. Brashard Smith (RB, Kansas City) is my favorite "dart throw." Andy Reid has a history of making late-round or undrafted backs relevant (remember Isiah Pacheco?). Smith has that same "angry runner" vibe.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your QB room. If you have two solid starters, ignore the 2025 QBs entirely. Focus on Jeanty, Hampton, or the top-tier WRs.
- Target the "Raider Connection." Both Ashton Jeanty and WR Jack Bech landed in Vegas. If Jeanty is gone, Bech is a great value in the second round.
- Watch the waiver wire for Tyler Shough. He might start for the Saints sooner than people think. In Superflex, a starting QB is gold, regardless of "pedigree."
- Prioritize RBs over WRs in the mid-rounds. The WR depth is okay, but the RB depth is historic. You can find starters in round three.
The 2025 rookie superflex rankings aren't about finding the next Patrick Mahomes. They're about realizing that the "boring" path—drafting high-volume RBs and elite TEs—is actually the way to build a dynasty powerhouse this season.
Don't get cute. Take the points.