Everyone is panicking about the 2025 class. "It's not 2024," they say. Well, yeah. Obviously. We aren't getting three high-end franchise quarterbacks in the first ten picks this time around. But honestly? That might be a good thing for your roster.
The 1.01 in your rookie dynasty mock draft 2025 is basically a one-horse race at this point, but the chaos starting at the 1.04 is where leagues are going to be won or lost. If you're sitting there holding a mid-first-round pick, you're probably sweating the "Travis Hunter Problem." Is he a WR? Is he a corner? Does it even matter if he’s scoring touchdowns?
Let's get into the weeds of how this actually shakes out now that we have some landing spots and early-season data from the 2025 NFL kickoff.
The Consensus Top Tier (1.01 - 1.03)
If you have the 1.01, don't be that person who tries to get cute. Ashton Jeanty is the prize. Period.
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After landing with the Raiders, Jeanty has stepped into a "volume is king" situation. While some scouts worried about the tread on his tires after that massive final season at Boise State, the dude is a contact-balance freak. He's already showing that his 4.4 speed translates just fine when he's pinballing off NFL linebackers. In most Superflex drafts, he’s going 1.01 because the quarterback class just doesn't have a Caleb Williams-level "safe" bet.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Raiders): He’s the undisputed 1.01. The Raiders are feeding him. He’s catching passes. He’s the closest thing to a "can't-miss" RB prospect we've seen since Bijan, even if the draft capital wasn't quite as high.
Omarion Hampton (RB, Chargers): Jim Harbaugh found his new Blake Corum, but with more size and better receiving chops. Landing in LA with the Chargers is a dream for fantasy. He’s fighting Najee Harris for touches early, but we all know how that story ends. Hampton is the long-term workhorse in a run-heavy scheme.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Panthers): At 6’5”, McMillan is basically a skyscraper playing football. People were worried about the Panthers' offense (rightfully so), but he’s already demanding a massive target share. He’s the "X" receiver everyone wanted Drake London to be.
The Mid-Round Headaches: Travis Hunter and the QB Gap
This is where your rookie dynasty mock draft 2025 usually falls apart.
Travis Hunter is the most polarizing player in dynasty history. The Jaguars took him at No. 2 overall and said he’s a wide receiver. Cool. But then he takes ten snaps at nickel corner because the secondary gets torched. If your league gives points for IDP, he’s the 1.01. In standard PPR? He’s a terrifying boom-bust asset. He attacks the ball like Justin Jefferson, but if he’s playing 100 snaps a game across both sides of the ball, his career longevity is a massive question mark.
Then there’s the Cam Ward situation.
The Titans took him to be the savior. He’s got the arm. He’s got the "vibe." But he’s also prone to those "What was he thinking?" interceptions that make coaches pull their hair out. In Superflex, he’s a top-five pick by default. In 1QB? He might slide to the late first or early second. Don't reach for him just because you're desperate for a QB.
Why Quinshon Judkins is the 1.05 "Steal"
Early mocks had Judkins as a top-three lock. Then he landed in Cleveland. People saw Nick Chubb’s shadow and panicked.
Stop doing that. Judkins is 22. He’s a bell-cow. In the early weeks of the 2025 season, he’s already outshining Jerome Ford. He’s the "heir apparent." If he falls to you at 1.05 or 1.06 because someone reached for a WR like Emeka Egbuka, you thank them and smash the "draft" button.
The "Overthought" Tier: Luther Burden and the Chicago Crowd
Is there a more disrespected prospect right now than Luther Burden III?
The guy was a YAC god at Missouri. Now he’s in Chicago, and everyone is crying because the depth chart is "crowded." Look, talent wins. Burden is a vertical weapon who can play inside or out. People are overthinking the landing spot and ignoring the fact that he’s one of the youngest, most dynamic players in the class.
If you're doing a rookie dynasty mock draft 2025 right now, you'll see Burden sliding to 1.08 or 1.09. That's insane value. He’s a playmaker at all three levels. He reminds me of a blend between Jaylen Waddle and D.J. Moore. You want that on your roster.
Tight End Triage: Warren vs. Loveland
If you’re in a TE-Premium league, you have a tough choice.
- Tyler Warren (Colts): He’s a touchdown machine and doesn't have much competition in Indy.
- Colston Loveland (Bears): He’s more talented than Warren, but he’s fighting for targets with Burden, Keenan Allen, and DJ Moore.
Honestly? Take Warren if you need points now. Take Loveland if you’re rebuilding and can wait for the Chicago depth chart to thin out in 2026.
Tactical Moves for Your Draft
Drafting is about more than just a list. It’s about the board state.
If your league is RB-hungry, you might see TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots) and Kaleb Johnson (Steelers) fly off the board earlier than expected. Henderson is a PPR dream, even if he’s stuck behind Rhamondre Stevenson for a minute.
Don't be afraid to trade back. If you're sitting at 1.07 and the "Big Five" (Jeanty, Hampton, McMillan, Hunter, Judkins) are gone, the difference between 1.07 and 1.12 isn't as huge as you think this year.
Actionable Insights for Managers:
- Prioritize RBs Early: This class is deep at RB but shallow at "elite" WR. If you miss the top three RBs, you’re looking at committees.
- The "Hunter" Hedge: If you draft Travis Hunter, try to grab his "handicap"—a boring but steady WR like Emeka Egbuka or Tre Harris later in the draft. It offsets the risk of Hunter playing more defense one week.
- Watch the Browns Backfield: Quinshon Judkins is the long-term play, but Dylan Sampson is the "sleeper" who could cannibalize touches.
- Target 2nd Round RBs: Players like Bhayshul Tuten and Jaydon Blue are going to be absolute steals in the mid-second round. They have clear paths to meaningful touches by mid-season.
Stop waiting for the "perfect" prospect. They don't exist this year. Take the volume, bet on the elite traits of the RBs, and let the rest of your league-mates argue over which WR3 in a bad offense is going to "break out."
Next Steps for Your Dynasty Offseason:
Check your league's scoring settings for IDP—if Travis Hunter gets points for tackles and interceptions, he is your 1.01. Otherwise, verify your draft order and start shopping your 1.04 if you aren't a believer in the Ward/Hunter tier. You can likely net a 2026 1st plus a proven vet from a rebuilding team.