Fantasy Football Fallout: The 2025 NFL Draft Aftermath
Okay, fantasy football fanatics, let's talk about the 2025 NFL Draft. The dust has settled, the confetti's swept away, and the analysts are all over the place trying to figure out who won and lost big time. Matt Harmon, one of the sharpest fantasy minds out there, has already weighed in on how this year’s draft shake-up changed the running back landscape. So, let's dive in!
Round 1: Big Winners and (Some) Losers
Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders): Jeanty is a HUGE winner in Harmon’s eyes. He's already projecting as an RB5 in early fantasy rankings! Seriously, who saw that coming? With the Raiders committing to the run under Chip Kelly, Jeanty's got a clear path to a ton of touches. The Raiders' existing backfield wasn't exactly a powerhouse, so no real losers here. It’s a pretty clean win for Jeanty.
Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers): This one's a pre-draft favorite pairing that actually happened! Hampton landing in Los Angeles is a major win for fantasy managers. While veteran Najee Harris will likely start the season strong, Harmon expects Hampton to take the reins by mid-season. Loser? Najee Harris. His value just took a major hit; he's looking at a low-end RB3 at best. Ouch.
Day 2 and Beyond: The Ripple Effect
Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns): Judkins going to Cleveland signals a potential return to a run-heavy attack, which is fantastic news for fantasy owners. He could easily become an RB2. The addition of Dylan Sampson adds a bit of complexity, but honestly, it mostly points to a decline in Jerome Ford’s value. Loser: Jerome Ford. His starting job is definitely in jeopardy.
TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots): Harmon really likes Henderson's fit in Josh McDaniels' offense. He sees him as a solid late-round pick with sneaky upside. Loser: Rhamondre Stevenson. Looks like his role is going to be diminished, probably relegated to situational downs. That’s a tough blow for Stevenson owners.
RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos): Harvey’s talent is undeniable, but Sean Payton's history of RB committees makes it tricky to predict his fantasy ceiling. This one's a bit of a wait-and-see situation. No real losers in this situation, as the Broncos backfield didn't have a lot of fantasy appeal before the draft.
Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers): This is a perfect scheme fit! Johnson projects as a high-volume back with serious RB2 potential among rookies. Loser: Jaylen Warren. His value just dropped significantly.
And we can't forget about some Day 3 picks that shook things up! Bhashul Tuten in Jacksonville? His speed alone is a serious threat to Travis Etienne Jr.'s role. This draft completely changed the outlook for many running backs. Post-draft analysis is absolutely crucial this year for fantasy football success!
The Bottom Line
The 2025 NFL Draft definitely made some waves in the fantasy world. By paying attention to the changing team dynamics and offensive schemes, you can adjust your draft strategies accordingly. Keep your eyes peeled as training camps open and rosters solidify. This is far from over; stay tuned for more updates!
