5 Players picked in the 2025 draft who could be immediately fantasy relevant and outperform ADP.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders.

Draft Context and Team Fit -

Ashton Jeanty, selected sixth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders, enters a backfield reshaped by Alexander Mattison’s move to Miami and Davante Adams’ trade to the Rams. The Raiders have pivoted to a run-heavy offense under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Jeanty joins Raheem Mostert and Zamir White, but his elite college production (2,601 rushing yards at Boise State in 2024) and 91 Super Model score (a metric blending production and athleticism, among the highest since 2017) position him as the lead back. Kelly’s history with the Eagles and 49ers, where his offenses ranked top-seven in rush attempts, suggests Jeanty will see significant volume, potentially as a three-down workhorse.

Fantasy Implications -

Jeanty’s fantasy outlook is compelling due to his projected role. With the Raiders’ passing game weakened by Adams’ departure, the offense will likely lean heavily on the run, projecting 250-270 carries, 1,200-1,400 scrimmage yards, and 8-10 touchdowns over a 15-game season. His receiving skills, with reliable hands on screens and wheel routes, enhance his value in PPR leagues, making him a fringe first-round pick in redraft leagues (Rounds 1-2) and the consensus RB1 in dynasty formats. However, the lack of a potent passing threat may lead to stacked boxes, slightly capping efficiency, though his volume should mitigate this. Pairing him with a high-floor WR like Jakobi Meyers, who remains with the Raiders, can balance roster risk.

Risk Factors -

The Raiders’ offensive line, while serviceable, isn’t elite, which could impact Jeanty’s rushing efficiency. If Mostert or White siphon early-down reps, his ceiling might be limited, though his draft capital and skill set make this unlikely. The absence of Adams may lead defenses to focus on stopping the run, but Jeanty’s elusiveness and power should help him overcome this. Monitor training camp for snap distribution to confirm his workload.

Will Howard, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Draft Context and Team Fit -

Will Howard, selected in the sixth round (No. 185 overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers, enters a quarterback room in flux following the departures of Russell Wilson (now with the Giants) and Justin Fields (now with the Jets). The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Howard under contract, with ongoing talks to sign free agent Aaron Rodgers, though no deal is finalized. If Rodgers joins, he’d likely start, relegating Howard to a backup role. If not, Howard could compete for the starting job in Arthur Smith’s run-first, play-action offense, supported by new receiver D.K. Metcalf.

Fantasy Implications -

Howard’s fantasy value depends heavily on the Steelers’ quarterback situation. If Rodgers signs, Howard’s immediate fantasy relevance is minimal, making him a late-round flier in superflex dynasty leagues with little redraft value. However, if Rodgers doesn’t sign and Howard wins the starting job, he could be a steal. Coming off a national championship win and MVP performance, Howard’s skill set and size (6’4”, 236 lbs) draw comparisons to Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger. Despite his size, he has sneaky rushing upside when plays break down, projecting 3,000-3,200 passing yards, 15-18 TDs, and 250-300 rushing yards if he starts. In redraft, he’d be a mid-to-late round pick if starting, and in dynasty, a top-10 rookie QB in superflex formats. The uncertainty makes him a speculative add, with fantasy managers needing to monitor camp developments.

Risk Factors -

The biggest risk is Rodgers’ potential signing, which would limit Howard’s playing time. Even if he starts, the Steelers’ conservative passing scheme under Smith (26.8 attempts per game in 2024) might cap his passing stats. Competition with Rudolph and Thompson, though less experienced, could also affect his development. Preseason reps will be critical to gauge his standing.

Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

Draft Context and Team Fit -

Matthew Golden, selected 23rd overall by the Green Bay Packers, joins a receiver room that rotates heavily but lacks a true WR1 due to Christian Watson’s injury concerns. Golden’s versatility (six receiving and six rushing TDs in 2024 at TCU) and explosive athleticism (96th-percentile burst score, 4.29 40-yard dash) make him a natural fit for Matt LaFleur’s motion-heavy offense. He’ll compete with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, but his draft capital and skill set position him to emerge as Jordan Love’s primary target in the Packers’ high-octane passing attack. Notably, the Packers last selected a wide receiver in the first round in 2002 (Javon Walker), highlighting their high expectations for Golden.

Fantasy Implications -

Golden’s immediate opportunity in a high-powered Packers offense makes him a WR3 with WR2 upside in PPR leagues. His ability to line up as an X receiver or power slot, combined with his rushing contributions, projects to 70-80 targets, 50-60 catches, 700-800 yards, and 5-7 total TDs over 15 games. His Deebo Samuel-like gadget role ensures a safe floor, while Love’s 2024 breakout (4,159 yards) hints at big-play potential. In dynasty leagues, he’s a top-5 rookie pick, and in redraft, a mid-round target (Rounds 7-9).

Risk Factors -

LaFleur’s tendency to rotate receivers could limit Golden’s snap share, especially early in the season. If Watson returns healthy or Reed commands a larger role, Golden’s target share may be inconsistent, making him a boom-bust flex. However, his draft status and talent suggest he’ll have ample opportunity to carve out a significant role, with early rapport with Love in camp being key. Brian Gutekunst, reportedly assured Jayden Reed's agent that the team still considers him the top receiver, despite the recent draft picks of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams. Gutekunst reportedly had a meeting with Reed's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to address concerns about Reed's role on the team after the draft.

Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Bronws

Draft Context and Team Fit -

Quinshon Judkins, picked 36th overall in the second round by the Cleveland Browns, enters a backfield with Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson, with Nick Chubb remaining unsigned. Judkins’ physical running style (6’0”, 221 lbs, 4.48 40) and three straight 1,200+ scrimmage-yard seasons at Ole Miss and Ohio State (leading the 2025 national champions with 1,060 yards in 2024) make him a perfect fit for Kevin Stefanski’s top-quartile offensive line and run-first scheme.

Fantasy Implications -

Judkins projects as a three-down threat with RB2 production, given his goal-line prowess (15 TDs in 2023) and receiving skills (52 catches in college). His role could expand if Chubb doesn’t return, making him a solid RB2 in PPR leagues with RB1 upside, projecting 191 carries, 838 yards, 5 TDs, and 41 receptions for 298 yards. In redraft, he’s a Round 5-6 pick, and in dynasty, the RB3 behind Jeanty and Omarion Hampton. The Browns’ commitment to the run ensures ample opportunities. Many players might be downplaying the Brown's offense with the QB situation murky at best. Stefanski has been able to get decent results from his offense despite his personnel.

Risk Factors -

A committee with Ford or Sampson could limit Judkins’ early-down volume, and Cleveland’s potentially less potent passing game, due to the ongoing QB carousel, may reduce scoring chances. However, his talent and draft status suggest he’ll be a focal point, with training camp splits critical to confirm his role.

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Draft Context and Team Fit -

Kaleb Johnson, a third-round pick (No. 83 overall) by the Steelers, joins a backfield where Jaylen Warren is the primary holdover after Najee Harris signed with the Chargers. At 6’1”, 224 lbs, Johnson’s bruising style and straight-line acceleration (21 runs of 20+ yards in 2024 at Iowa, 1,537 rushing yards) align with Arthur Smith’s outside zone scheme. He’ll compete with Warren for touches, likely handling early-down and goal-line work, filling Harris’ vacated role (255+ carries annually).

Fantasy Implications -

Johnson’s fantasy outlook is as a low-end RB2/flex. His touchdown dependency suits standard leagues, while improved receiving (22 catches in 2024) adds PPR appeal, projecting 178 carries, 777 yards, 4 TDs, and 28 receptions for 207 yards. Target him in Rounds 8-10 in redraft or mid-second in dynasty as a high-volume handcuff. With Warren likely handling passing downs, Johnson’s role is primarily on the ground, but his power and vision make him valuable in goal-line situations. I would also target a Warren and Johnson handcuff strategy late in drafts if I want 0 RB, or multiple early WR.

Risk Factors -

Warren’s established pass-catching role (57 targets in 2024) could cap Johnson’s ceiling, and the Steelers’ uncertain QB situation (pending Rodgers’ decision) might stall drives. A committee approach could limit his production, but his draft status and the Steelers’ need for a power back suggest he’ll have a significant role from the start. Kaleb's skillset also lends itself to needing a good offensive line. He doesn't have a top end home run speed, but he is very good in between the tackles, and can find soft spots as plays develop. His skillset lends itself greatly towards a goal line back as well, but he will give up a lot of work to Warren.