Fri Jun 20 10:53am ET
By HOWARD BENDER
Fantasy Writer
My wife just told me I was insane. Between the Beat Bender Best Ball drafts, the Fantasy Life Fantasy Championships and a variety of other industry drafts and events, I’m already 32 drafts into my 2025 fantasy football season and it’s only mid-June. Is that a lot? By who’s standards? She just doesn’t get it.
It’s not that I want to be drafting this much in June. It’s that I have to be drafting this much in June. Who else is going to help shape the fantasy football ADP properly? Who will determine where the best value picks can be found in a draft? Who else is going to help you sort through the reasons behind recent ADP risers and fallers? Exactly.
OK, maybe I’m overinflating my place in the universe a bit here, but I ask you this – who do you trust to guide you through fantasy football draft season, a person who didn’t start drafting until August or the guy who has been in the trenches from the moment last year’s Super Bowl ended? To quote Colonel Nathan Jessup, “You want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.”
You can jump over to Fantasy Alarm and find everything from my rankings to NFL coaching system breakdowns to all sorts of draft strategy articles in our Fantasy Football Draft Guide, but for today, I’m going to drop you my five favorite ADP draft values before I give them to anyone else.
Drake Maye, QB New England Patriots (ADP: 146.18)
Drafting quarterbacks has changed so dramatically over the years, thanks to the increase in mobile quarterbacks. No longer is the industry sour on drafting the position early as many recommend the early move to Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels and Josh Allen. A guy who can rush for 50 yards and steal a rushing touchdown each week has huge value over some of the more traditional pocket passers, so it makes complete sense.
Personally, I would rather continue bulking up on top running backs and wide receivers and roll with Bo Nix or Kyler Murray who both check the mobile-QB boxes, but regardless of which direction you take, getting a backup quarterback who has the upside of a Nix or Murray in the final few rounds of your draft is huge and Maye fits the bill.
The Patriots made a commitment to Maye when they signed Stefon Diggs to be his WR1 and drafted a premier pass-catching running back in TreyVeon Henderson. They want Maye to succeed, to be the leader of this team and to feel confident in throwing the football. But he also has the rushing upside. I don’t think he’ll ever be a Jackson or a Daniels, but can he produce sixth-round value from the 14th round? Absolutely.
Chuba Hubbard, RB Carolina Panthers (ADP: 42.45)
He’s the Rodney Dangerfield of fantasy football and if you’re too young to know who that is, just click here and enjoy 12 minutes of comedy gold. But here’s a guy who rushed for over 900 yards and five touchdowns in 2023 and then managed almost 200 more yards and five more touchdowns on just 12 more carries over two fewer games last year when he finally had a coach who knew how to run the football. I have strong expectations for Hubbard in Year 2 of Dave Canales’ Panthers rebuild.
Don’t worry about Rico Dowdle. He’s only there to replace Miles Sanders who was a non-factor in Canales’ system last year. Don’t worry about Trevor Etienne. They drafted him for depth and there is little in expectations for this season. And, of course, there is no reason to worry about Jonathan Brooks because he’s not even going to play this season. Maybe not even another down in the NFL. This backfield in a run-heavy scheme belongs to Hubbard and yet, people are still looking at rookies and split-backfield guys ahead of him. Maybe he’s not a sexy pick, but he certainly will prove to be reliable.
Jerry Jeudy, WR Cleveland Browns (ADP: 67.15)
A lot is going to depend on who wins the starting quarterback job, but Jeudy at his current ADP could be a huge steal. He remains the No. 1 receiving target in this offense and should be leaned on fairly often. The ceiling is that guy who saw double-digit targets in four of six games last year between Weeks 9 and 15 and if Joe Flacco is under center to start the year, we could see just that. But even if it’s Kenny Pickett or Shedeur Sanders throwing the football, Jeudy will still be peppered with targets, albeit low aDOT ones.
For me, Jeudy is a safe, high-floor WR3. The kind of guy you can just leave in your lineup without much fanfare. If you have someone with an even higher ceiling in a softer match-up, then maybe he sits on your bench for a week, but overall, as the No. 1 receiver for the Browns, he could just be a “set it and forget it” player.
Michael Pittman, WR Indianapolis Colts (ADP: 114.12)
Here’s another No. 1 receiver who has fallen so dramatically, it’s almost impossible not to take him at his ADP. The drop stems from two things – injury risk and quarterback concerns. Though he opted to play through the pain, last year’s back fracture hindered production and it’s rare to see a guy bounce back in full from such an injury. His ability to play through is a nice confidence-booster for those looking to draft him, but it’s really about his opportunity to be a WR1 at such a low cost that gives him so much value.
We obviously prefer Daniel Jones to Anthony Richardson from a passing standpoint. He’s got a bigger arm, better field of vision and better accuracy. If he’s throwing the football, we should see a return to the 100-catch, 1,000-yard form and from there the touchdowns will come. But even if it’s Richardson, Pittman should be just fine and will still rack up the targets and receptions. Will he be as productive? Maybe so, maybe not. But for this price? We’ll take those shots.
Mark Andrews, TE Baltimore Ravens (103.37)
People, please. Stop with the nonsense. Andrews was injured heading into training camp last year and he got into a car accident about two weeks before the season started. No wonder his production through the first five weeks was garbage. But from Week 6 on, he was as strong an option as almost any of the tight ends not named Brock Bowers. He caught 11 touchdowns over the next 12 regular-season games and finished the year among the top 10 TEs for the season. But you wanted Isiah Likely. Pffffffft!!!
Yes, Andrews is getting older, but he’s not turning over the keys to the kingdom. Likely finds himself on the field more because the Ravens are running more with Derrick Henry and of the two tight ends, he’s the better blocker. But when it comes to running routes and being the most consistent, Andrews is still my guy. Coming off the board outside the top 100 is criminal.
Bender out!
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Los Angeles Chargers linebacker is a "name to watch" in the competition to start next to Daiyan Henley at linebacker in 2025, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. A third-round pick in 2024, Colson played 11 games and made just one start as a rookie last season. Pro Football Focus graded Colson 180th out of 189 qualified linebackers in 2024. However, he missed time in training camp last summer after undergoing an appendectomy and then landed on injured reserve for a portion of the regular season due to an ankle injury. Popper notes that the Chargers re-signed veterans Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye over the offseason and that those two figure to be Colson's main competition in camp.
From RotoBaller
The Baltimore Ravens "figure to make a push to extend" tight end Isaiah Likely, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec also writes that the team believes Likely to have "star potential." A fourth-round draft pick back in 2022, Likely is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He's played a complementary role to star Ravens tight end Mark Andrews to this point in his career, but that sounds as if it could be changing. Likely set career-highs in catches (42), receiving yards (477), and touchdowns (6) in 2024. While he probably still needs Andrews to miss time to be a must-start fantasy tight end this season, the workload split between the two will be one to monitor throughout training camp and the preseason.
From RotoBaller
There have been no rumors indicating that an extension for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is on the team's radar, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The former number four overall pick in the 2021 draft, Pitts has been a disappointment relative to the hype he received as a prospect. Last season, Pitts logged 47 catches for 602 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. The four touchdowns were actually a career-high for the 24-year-old, who has 10 receiving touchdowns in 61 career games played. Pitts enters 2025 on the last year of his rookie contract. He's still the presumptive starter for Atlanta heading into training camp, but the news that he's not in the team's long-term plans could mean his role in the offense will continue to be de-emphasized.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns are seeking clarity around rookie running back Quinshon Judkins' domestic violence incident and are in "no rush to sign (him) to his rookie contract or get him to camp," according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Judkins was arrested on domestic battery charges on Saturday night in Florida. The Browns used a second-round selection on him in this year's draft but have not yet signed him to his rookie contract. Judkins is due to report to training camp on Friday alongside the quarterbacks and the rest of the rookies. However, Cabot writes that the Browns have stressed to Judkins that he must "make his domestic incident the high priority over football." If Judkins misses time in camp or during the season due to potential suspension, more playing time would open in the Browns backfield for both incumbent back Jerome Ford and fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-year cornerback Tykee Smith, who also has experience at safety, could become an every-down player for the team in 2025, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Smith's production as a nickel corner in his rookie season -- 54 tackles (38 solo), two interceptions, seven pass breakups and three forced fumbles in 13 games (six starts) -- led head coach Todd Bowles to consider playing him more. The 24-year-old could be a safety-nickel combination player this year, writes Pompei, and playing next to a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. could elevate his game. Bowles has also said that he's considering moving the former third-rounder out of Georgia to full-time safety after 589 of his 672 defensive snaps in 2024 came as a slot corner. Tampa has an opening at safety after releasing Jordan Whitehead.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks third-year outside linebacker Derick Hall has a high ceiling going into 2025 after recording 37 tackles (20 solo), eight sacks, six tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in 17 games (14 starts) in 2024. The Athletic's Michael-Shawn Dugar writes that Hall's combination of strength and athleticism makes him one to watch this year. The 24-year-old mostly wins with power by bull-rushing offensive tackles on his way to the quarterback. While learning from veteran DeMarcus Lawrence, Hall could improve even further in 2025 and make Seattle's pass-rushing fourseam a feared unit between him, Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafa. Hall isn't really a viable fantasy target in IDP formats as a linebacker that hasn't racked up many tackles, but he's one to keep an eye on.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that rookie third-round running back Kaleb Johnson is an ideal scheme fit for Pittsburgh Steelers coordinator Arthur Smith's offense after Iowa alum excelled on wide-zone runs with the Hawkeyes. Although the Steelers weren't very efficient, only three teams ran the football more in 2024. The 21-year-old Johnson has plenty of competition in Pittsburgh's backfield in his rookie campaign with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell in the fold, but he profiles as the team's back of the future and should get more chances out of the backfield as the season plays out. Johnson has a physical, bruising style and is also patient, which is reminiscent of former RB Najee Harris, but he should produce more big plays after racking up 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries in his final season at Iowa. He'll be more attractive in standard-scoring fantasy formats as an RB3/flex candidate.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles didn't make any external moves this offseason to replace cornerback Darius Slay, which shows the confidence they have in Kelee Ringo, according to The Athletic's Brooks Kubena. Despite his struggles in his second year in 2024, Kubena adds that Ringo has the physical tools to become a starter for the Eagles this year. The 23-year-old is younger that five of the rookies that Philly took in 2024, and the Eagles think they can unlock his potential after developmental years. The former fourth-rounder (105th overall) in 2023 out of Georgia had just 36 tackles (29 solo), one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 34 games (five starts) in his first two NFL seasons. Heading into training camp, it appears that Adoree' Jackson will be Ringo's primary competition in the secondary.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is in line to start in his second year in the NFL now that both Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are out of town, according to Larry Holder of The Athletic. The former second-rounder (41st overall) out of Alabama became a starter for the Saints midway through his rookie season when Lattimore was traded and Adebo was injured. The 22-year-old defensive back held his own with opposing passer ratings below 78.0 in five of his final seven games, per Pro Football Reference. QBs only combined for a 30 percent completion rate when targeting McKinstry in the final three contests. McKinstry finished his first year with 42 tackles (32 solo) and six pass breakups in 15 games (nine starts). He will have many more opportunities to make an impact for New Orleans' secondary in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Jim Ayello writes that a double-digit sack season for Miami Dolphins second-year linebacker Chop Robinson is well within reach in 2025. Robinsons, who was taken 21st overall in 2024 by the Dolphins, finished fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after producing 26 tackles (16 solo), six sacks, eight tackles for loss, 14 QB hits and four pass breakups in 17 games (one start). The 22-year-old pass-rusher also ranked fourth in pressure rate (17.2 percent) among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Only Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons and Alex Highsmith ranked ahead of Robinson in that statistic. It's pretty good company to be in and gives you an idea of how high Robinson's ceiling is. With Jalean Phillips and Bradley Chubb returning to health this year, Robinson could put the Dolphins over the top with a ferocious pass rush.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. burst onto the NFL scene last year after being taken with the No. 23 overall pick out of LSU. Even on a bad team with spotty quarterback play, Thomas managed to catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games (16 starts). The Athletic's Jeff Howe thinks that if the Trevor Lawrence-Liam Coen pairing works out the way it's envisioned, Thomas could be even better. Rookie first-round wideout Travis Hunter will be on the other side of the field drawing attention away from Thomas, too. It's not a stretch to think that Thomas could become a household name in his sophomore season in 2025, which is why RotoBaller has him ranked as a top-10 fantasy pass-catcher. The 22-year-old had si straight games with at least 10 targets and 76 yards a year ago.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts second-year defensive end Laiatu Latu is primed to take a step forward this year after starting defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo left in free agency to join the Chicago Bears. The Colts took Latu 15th overall last year, and he finished his first year in the NFL with 32 tackles (16 solo), four sacks, five tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 17 games (just one start). In addition to having a bigger role naturally in his second season, the 24-year-old pass-rusher should benefit from the addition of new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who is known for varying schemes that are designed to bring a lot more pressure than former D coordinator Gus Bradley did. While an every-down role might not immediately put Latu on the IDP fantasy radar, he's certainly one to watch this year.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions coaches think that cornerback Terrion Arnold is set up to take a big jump forward in his second year in the league in 2025, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Because the team thought he could handle it, they threw a lot at Arnold in his rookie campaign -- he played the most man-coverage snaps of any cornerback in the NFL. The 22-year-old fell to 24th overall in last year's draft, and the Lions pounced and traded up for him. Arnold definitely wasn't perfect in his first year in the league while playing meaningful snaps, but Detroit believes that exposure will serve him well moving forward. The Alabama product finished 2024 with 60 tackles (47 solo), 10 pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games (15 starts). It's possible Arnold will be the team's top corner in 2025.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Daniel Popper writes that if Los Angeles Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) misses time in training camp with an eye injury that he suffered during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July, the possibility of rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton beating out Harris for a lead-back role becomes even more likely. Harris' injury is deemed minor, and he should be fully ready for the start of the 2025 regular season, but he could miss some practice time to begin training camp later this week. That could open the door for Hampton, who has tremendous upside and will have a chance to be an immediate difference-maker in the team's run-first offense. The 22-year-old has the explosiveness to score every time he touches the football, and he could see the majority of the first-team work early in camp. RotoBaller has Hampton ranked as the RB21 in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson was selected by the team with the No. 46 overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon. It was rumored that the Rams were interested in trading up for Brock Bowers in 2024 and one of Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren in 2025, so Sean McVay and company have been eyeing an impact tight end, which makes Ferguson intriguing right away for fantasy football purposes. While Tyler Higbee remains in Los Angeles, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic believes Ferguson could be a breakout player if the offense utilizes more 12-personnel (two tight ends) this season. "While McVay's scheme was still largely run through 11 personnel (82 percent of the Rams' offensive plays in 2024), he also deployed 12 personnel on 15.5 percent of offensive plays and hit that average or higher between Weeks 15 and 18." Rodrigue wrote. "The Rams ran 12 personnel on an average of just 5 percent of offensive plays in 2023. Veteran tight end Tyler Higbee's return from injury across that period gave McVay two healthy starting-caliber tight ends. He has reiterated his hope for his offense to be more multiple." With the Rams lacking a quality wide receiver behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, it would not be surprising to see Ferguson on the field often in his rookie season. That said, it usually takes tight ends some time to develop, and he'll have plenty of target competition in Year 1. He's not worth drafting in traditional fantasy setups, but he is worth monitoring as a potential later-season waiver wire pickup.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jacob Cowing had a quiet rookie season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Arizona. The 24-year-old produced just four receptions for 80 yards and rushed once for seven yards. Otherwise, he did the majority of his work as a punt returner. Entering 2025, Deebo Samuel Sr. is now with the Washington Commanders, and Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is likely to miss the start of the new campaign. According to Vic Tafur of The Athletic, Cowing has a chance to earn touches in Kyle Shanahan's offense. "[Cowing] could take a lot of the departed Deebo Samuel's gadget plays. The 49ers like his toughness, speed, and nose for yards after the catch," Tafur wrote. "Cowing added more weight in the offseason to his once 168-pound frame to handle sweeps and other running plays. He looked sharp at offseason workouts and, with Brandon Aiyuk still sidelined, could carve out an important role at training camp." Add in the fact that Jauan Jennings has requested a new deal or to be traded, and Cowing is now slightly on the fantasy football radar. That said, he's more of a deep-league flier or best ball dart throw. For now, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional 12-team setups.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins was selected with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after an outstanding collegiate season at Iowa State. As a senior, he tallied 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns despite sharing the field with Texans third-round pick Jaylin Noel. Texans reporter Mike Jones of The Athletic believes Higgins could be the team's breakout player in 2025. "The 6-foot-4, 214-pound receiver out of Iowa State brings size, athleticism, and speed," Jones said. "Lining up along with Nico Collins and new veteran addition Christian Kirk, Higgins should receive plenty of opportunities to help the Texans. He can win 50-50 balls, gets good separation, and should make a name for himself in Houston this season." While competing for targets with Collins is not ideal, Stroud has shown the ability to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers in the past, and the Jaguars being willing to send Kirk to a division rival for pennies on the dollar isn't exactly a screaming endorsement for Kirk. At Higgins' WR50-55 price tag in preseason drafts, he presents intriguing upside, especially since Kirk and Collins have missed a combined 21 games over the last two seasons.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets are signing All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to a four-year, $120.4 million contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The new deal that includes a $30.1 million average salary makes the 24-year-old the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. Since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, Gardner has earned two first-team All-Pro honors and been selected to two Pro Bowls. In 48 career games, he has tallied 181 tackles (128 solo), three interceptions, 41 pass deflections, one sack, and one forced fumble. The team recently reached an agreement on a contract extension for wideout Garrett Wilson, locking up its premier players on offense and defense for the foreseeable future.
From RotoBaller
The Athletic's Nick Kosmider suggests that Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. could be poised for his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 with another year of chemistry with second-year quarterback Bo Nix. Mims was selected in the second round (63rd overall) in 2023 out of Oklahoma, and he's already been a Pro Bowl returner on special teams twice. However, the 23-year-old's progress as a pass-catcher could unlock another element in the Broncos' offense. He showcased his ability to win on contested deep balls -- no example greater than his amazing Week 17 touchdown grab against the Cincinnati Bengals to force overtime. Mims had 434 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his final seven games in 2024 and is probably the favorite for WR2 duties behind Courtland Sutton. For his big-play abilities alone, Mims is worth a bench stash as a WR5/6.
From RotoBaller
In addition to wide receiver Mike Williams, the Los Angeles Chargers placed receiver Jaylen Johnson (undisclosed), safety Elijah Molden (knee), linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (undisclosed) and offensive tackle Savion Washington (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday for the start of training camp. The Chargers can activate Johnson at any time during training camp this summer, but if he remains on PUP to start the regular season, he'll have to miss the first four games. The 25-year-old will be competing for a depth role in L.A. whenever he gets back on the field behind Williams, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, rookies Tre Harris and Keandre Lambert-Smith and Derius Davis. Johnson didn't see any targets in his rookie season in 2024 and is nowhere near the fantasy radar.
From RotoBaller