Tue Jul 29 10:38am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Ridley should benefit from new QB
We thought it would be a fun exercise to go over my favorite picks in each round of the draft. So using the ADP, I picked the player that goes in each round that I like to target come draft day. This would kind of be my ideal draft scenario. You can see my starting lineup and full roster at the end of the article for this 12-team league.
Here is what I’m thinking round-by-round. . . . .
Round 1: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys (5.86). I think Lamb might be the safest first-round pick. He is the clear top target in an offense that is going to throw the ball a ton. The Cowboys running game is a mess. And a healthy Dak Prescott is a huge plus for Lamb as well. I think he is going to have a monster season and make a run at top fantasy receiver in the game.
Round 2: Chase Brown, RB, Bengals (18.65). Brown had a breakout season last year, and I don’t think it was a fluke. He didn’t even open the season as the starter and still managed to finish 10th overall in fantasy scoring. He starts from day one in an explosive offense and should get all the goal-line work. Brown is setup for an even better season this year.
Round 3: Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins (26.22). Hill carries some risk, but he was bothered by a wrist injury much of the year, which hindered his production. I don’t think there is a player with a higher ceiling in Round 3 than Hill, which is why I’m taking that risk. He is healthy and has 111 or more receptions three of four seasons. He has something to prove this year, and I think he gets it done.
Round 4: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers (39.12). I have a ton of shares of Hubbard already. I just love the fact he has next to no competition for carries and plays in an offense that could be much better this year if Bryce Young continues his development. Hubbard seems like a really safe pick with a consistent weekly floor. He is an ideal No. 2 fantasy back in my view.
Round 5: Tet McMillan, WR, Panthers (60.83). I hate to target players on bad teams, but McMillan really intrigues me. I just wonder why he isn’t getting the same love as some of the rookie receivers last year - Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas. McMillan is going to get a ton of targets and could have a similar season to Nabers in my view. That is big-time value at this point of the draft.
Round 6: Calvin Ridley, WR, Titans (70.01). Ridley is another one of my favorite targets. He is the clear top option in the Titans passing game. He gets a huge upgrade at quarterback this year, having rookie Cam Ward throwing him passes. Ridley hit the 1,000-yard mark in an awful offense last year with terrible quarterback play. He was targeted 120 times but caught just 64 passes last year. The ceiling is super high for Ridley this coming season. He is going to be a target magnet.
Round 7: Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers (81.93). Rookie Kaleb Johnson is around and is going to get carries, but Warren is clearly the top back in passing situations. And we know new quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants to throw the ball. This is going to have Warren on the field offense. I like him a lot as a flex play or low-end No. 2 fantasy back in this offense.
Round 8: Evan Engram, TE, Broncos (90.60). Engram heads to the Broncos and an offense that likes the tight end, especially in the red zone. And after Courtland Sutton, the options in the passing game aren’t the best. You could see Engram becoming a favorite target of Bo Nix in a hurry. Engram has some potential for a big first season in Denver.
Round 9: Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (101.37). Spears was a bust last year but didn’t get the chances you hoped. The Titans are already stating they want more of a split backfield. Spears is a big-play threat with the ball in his hands, so he is the type of home-run hitter I like to have on my bench. He is a good spot play capable of the huge game any given week. And I look for his numbers to be a little more consistent this year, getting more weekly touches.
Round 10: Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys (110.01). I do like going early on a quarterback at times, but Prescott is a target of mine at this cheap price. He is going to throw the ball a ton in this pass-first offense. I can see him passing for 5,000-passing yards and pushing 40 touchdowns. He can be a top-five fantasy quarterback. If you want to wait a little on a quarterback, Prescott is a guy to target. And I like him even better if I take Lamb in Round 1.
Round 11: Jayden Higgins, WR, Texans (132.85). Higgins is another rookie receiver I like a lot this year. He has a good chance to start opposite Nico Collins from day one. And he plays in a passing attack that looks to be a lot better this year. C.J. Stroud wasn’t great in year two but he lacked a lot of quality options in the passing game because of injuries. Higgins can produce some big games as a reserve fantasy receiver.
Round 12: Brandon Aubrey, K, Cowboys (133.67). Normally, I would never act early on a kicker. Ever. Never done it, but my mind is changing. I recently posted a story about teams being the first to draft a kicker. Of those teams, nearly 1/5 finished first or second in their league. Having the best kicker in the game made a difference last year. So for me, I might try it this season to see if it pays off. The price isn’t super high for Aubrey, either. So why not?
Round 13: C.J. Stroud, QB, Texans (153.32). If I’m going to wait on a quarterback, I like to double up pretty quickly. And Stroud is a favorite target of mine. He is dirt cheap after disappointing last season. Stroud gets all sorts of help at receiver this year through the draft and free agency. Remember, this guy was 11th in fantasy quarterback scoring as a rookie.
Round 14: Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (166.13). Monangai is a big back that could be a real asset in short-yardage work. And we all know new head coach Ben Johnson likes to have a split backfield, so it would not surprise to see Monangai earn a role quickly in this offense. Plus, Johnson has a history of producing some fantasy backs with big touchdown numbers. I like taking a chance on Monangai at this point of the draft, hoping he becomes the goal-line back in Chicago.
Round 15: Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns (169.35). I like to have boom or bust players on my bench. You might have figured that out from the rest of my roster. Tillman certainly fits the bill. He had some big games last year when getting a chance to start, but disappeared in others. He should start from day one, and if Joe Flacco is throwing him passes, you have to like his chances for some more big games this season.
Round 16: Kansas City Chiefs (185.00). I might wait another round or two to grab a defense because the data shows going early on a defense doesn’t really help your chances of winning the league. But for the purposes of this article and filling out my lineup, I’ll go with the Chiefs if I’m taking a defense a little sooner than normal. You can get them after a lot of the top options at the position, but I think they can still be a top-five fantasy option this season. They have an innovative defensive coordinator that gets after the quarterback and causes turnovers. This unit has a lot of talent on that side of the ball, especially at cornerback and along the defensive line.
LINEUP | |
QB: | Dak Prescott |
RB: | Chase Brown |
RB: | Chuba Hubbard |
WR: | CeeDee Lamb |
WR: | Tyreek Hill |
WR: | Tet McMillan |
TE: | Evan Engram |
FLEX: | Calvin Ridley |
K: | Brandon Aubrey |
DEF: | Kansas City Chiefs |
BENCH: | Jaylen Warren |
BENCH: | Tyjae Spears |
BENCH: | Jayden Higgins |
BENCH: | C.J. Stroud |
BENCH: | Kyle Monangai |
BENCH: | Cedric Tillman |
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Champs Draft Live Stream Event (7-30)
According to Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones will play in Thursday's preseason matchup with the Ravens. While Steichen didn't reveal who would start the contest, he did indicate that both players would see a "good amount" of action against Baltimore as well as versus Green Bay on August 16. Richardson has had his share of ups and downs throughout training camp. However, he has seemingly improved in several areas. In 15 regular-season appearances, the 2023 No. 4 overall selection threw for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 10 more trips to the end zone on the run. He also completed only 50.6% of his attempts while missing plenty of time. As far as Jones is concerned, after throwing 24 touchdowns as a rookie in 2019, he hasn't been nearly as potent ever since. The next two games will be important for both men, considering it could decide who will be under center come Week 1. Richardson has a higher upside, or at least it seems. Still, both men have a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers released wide receiver Marquez Callaway on Sunday. The 27-year-old is best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints, where he totaled 83 catches for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 regular-season games. Since then, he spent time on practice squads for several teams before agreeing to a deal with San Francisco on July 31. However, Callaway now finds himself back on the market. It's safe to assume he'll see some attention from clubs around the National Football League, although his fantasy value can't get any lower. That isn't expected to change anytime soon. In a corresponding move, the 49ers signed wide receiver Robbie Chosen.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (groin) didn't practice on Sunday. The wideout signed a three-year deal with the Bills in March after spending his first four seasons with the Chargers. He appeared in 59 regular-season games in Los Angeles, catching 82 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bills lack depth at the wide receiver position, so Palmer has a legitimate chance to secure a meaningful role with the club throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he'll need to shake off his current ailment. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. With Khalil Shakir (ankle) week-to-week, Elijah Moore and Keon Coleman should get more first-team work in the days ahead, at the very least.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. The 32-year-old began his career with the Jets. He had some quality years in New York, amassing 207 catches for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns in 62 regular-season contests. Since then, Chosen has made stops in Carolina, Arizona, and Miami, although it's safe to say he wasn't nearly as productive. It's unknown how long the relationship between Chosen and the 49ers will last. However, he could find himself on the field in Week 1, especially since the team is dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position. Still, Chosen has a long way to go before earning a spot in fantasy lineups. In a corresponding move, San Francisco released wideout Marquez Callaway.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks continues to make waves during training camp, with Chris Roling of USA Today reporting that the rookie "just keeps impressing." The Bengals held their annual night practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans on Saturday. While there were more than a few standouts, there was no denying that Brooks was one of them after he "ripped off a few big runs." The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season at Texas Tech, he amassed 1,505 yards off 286 touches while finding the end zone a total of 18 times. Of course, Chase Brown is expected to get the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. However, with the team recently releasing Zack Moss, Brooks may find himself getting more work over Samaje Perine, who the team brought back this offseason.. Although that won't make Brooks a starting fantasy option in redraft leagues, he could have increased value as an insurance policy for Chase's managers, assuming he continues to trend in the right direction heading into Week 1.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was absent from practice on Sunday after appearing to injure his hamstring during Saturday's practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans. The veteran appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for Cincinnati in 2024. While he wasn't consistently productive, he still finished the year with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns. Gesicki has built a strong relationship with Joe Burrow, who urged the team to re-sign him this offseason, so it's reasonable to assume he could be a little more involved. He should be considered day-to-day. Hopefully, the team releases a positive update regarding his health in the next day or two. If for some reason Gesicki can't get on the field in Week 1, Noah Fant, who has looked good so far since signing with the team on July 31, would be in line for more opportunities.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's (knee) suspension from the NFL is "still in the works." While the league's internal process is being resolved, Rice could be available to play from Week 1. He is currently attending training camp and is working his way back from a brutal knee injury he sustained last season. The 25-year-old is facing a possible suspension of six or more games, but the exact length is unclear at this time. RotoBaller currently projects Rice as a borderline WR2, but if his suspension is deferred, his value could easily rise to the WR1 category. Fantasy managers should monitor his situation closely for updates on his status.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (undisclosed) was not dressed for practice on Sunday, as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury. While Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not list the injury as more significant than day-to-day, his absence is still a development to monitor. Austin is trying to secure a starting receiving role and develop chemistry with the new Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Austin, who posted a stat line of 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns last season, could be a player to watch in the later rounds of fantasy drafts and comes in as WR84 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (groin) did not practice on Sunday while dealing with a groin injury. It was the second consecutive practice that he missed. Pittman Jr. posted a stat line of 69 receptions for 808 yards and three touchdowns last season, while playing through a back fracture. His absence from practice is a concern as he looks to develop chemistry with quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, who are currently battling for the starting job. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely, as the severity and duration of the injury could impact Pittman Jr.'s value heading into the regular season, where RotoBaller currently has him as WR47.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith continues to turn heads at training camp, following up his impressive preseason debut with another standout performance on Saturday. According to beat reporter Kris Rhim of ESPN, Lambert-Smith caught two deep touchdowns from quarterback Justin Herbert, with one being a 53-yard catch. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman praised the rookie, stating, "He took the practice field to the game." This consistent play follows his strong outing in the Hall of Fame Game, where he led the team with 43 receiving yards on two catches and a touchdown. While Lambert-Smith is currently not a factor in fantasy drafts, his strong camp and early preseason play are worth monitoring as he looks to climb the depth chart.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed (leg) suffered a "severe leg injury" and had to be carted off the field from the team's practice on Sunday, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Ahmed was reportedly the victim of an (inadvertent) hip-drop tackle from his teammate, rookie safety Trey Washington. Ahmed did not appear in an NFL game in 2024, but played in 38 games (four starts) between 2020-2023 for the Miami Dolphins. He had been fighting for a depth role in the Colts' backfield with Tyler Goodson, but it sounds as though this injury could potentially end Ahmed's 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been "wildly down and wildly inaccurate in recent days," according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Jackson notes that Gabriel still gets reps ahead of fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders but "has done nothing to make anyone observing believe he's ready to be trusted as a No. 2 quarterback." A third-round pick out of Oregon, Gabriel appears to be significantly behind veteran Joe Flacco, who is the reported favorite to win the starting quarterback job in Cleveland out of camp. It seems like both Gabriel and Sanders are likely also behind Kenny Pickett (hamstring), who is recovering from a hamstring injury but is the favorite to win the backup job. Based on this report, Gabriel should not be expected to push for playing time early in his rookie season.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) was not able to participate during Saturday's practice. It's worth noting that Wicks missed practice time earlier in the week due to a calf issue. It's unclear if Saturday's absence was a planned rest day or if Wicks couldn't participate due to the injury. The absence of Wicks meant more snaps for Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, and Malik Heath. Last season, Wicks saw a career-high 76 targets, but finished with 39 receptions for 415 receiving yards with five touchdowns in 17 games. The addition of Golden is going to make it more difficult for Wicks to see consistent snaps in Green Bay. Right now, the focus is getting Wicks back on the field, so fantasy managers should check back later on Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Jerome Sampson is "essentially playing the 1-B role" next to veteran Jerome Ford, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. A fourth-round rookie out of Tennessee, Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 13 games last season for the Volunteers. With second-round running back Quinshon Judkins still unsigned by the team due to a July arrest, Sampson appears to be in line for a significant role as a rookie. Ford is entering his fourth season in Cleveland, but he's never truly earned a workhorse role throughout a full season. The backfield mix for the Browns will remain a bit muddled until Judkins' legal situation gets ironed out, but it sounds like Ford and Sampson will share the workload relatively evenly while Judkins is out.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has "already played his way into significant snaps with the No. 1 offense," according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. A third-round pick out of Bowling Green, Fannin Jr. led FBS in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) while scoring 11 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. The Browns have established veteran David Njoku atop their tight end depth chart, but Jackson writes that Fannin Jr. is "going to play a role" as a rookie. The Browns could deploy both of their tight ends on the field together, but it's also possible that Fannin Jr. eats into Njoku's snaps and targets. Fannin Jr.'s deployment is something to monitor throughout the preseason, both for 2025 and beyond.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not practice at training camp on Sunday and when asked why he wasn't present, responded, "Business." When asked if he would return to practice on Monday, Cook said, "business." ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg says that Cook kept repeating "business." There were questions as to whether Cook would hold out during training camp this summer as he seeks a new contract extension, but he showed up and had been practicing with the team until now. The 25-year-old sounds unhappy that he hasn't been able to lock up an extension with the Bills so far in camp, so he may refuse to practice until that happens. The two-time Pro Bowler had 1,009 rushing yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns in his third season in 2024 and is heading into the final year of his deal in 2025. A hold-in will allow both Ray Davis and Ty Johnson more reps in Buffalo's backfield.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is doing everything he can to get back to full speed but also acknowledged he's losing ground in the QB competition with veteran Joe Flacco, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Flacco's two best throwing days at training camp have been on Friday and Saturday, and he's "gone from presumed favorite to strong favorite." There's still a lot to be settled with Flacco and Pickett and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but as things currently stand, it would be a surprise if Flacco wasn't starting under center in Week 1. Neither Gabriel nor Sanders never had a realistic shot to win the QB competition this summer. For fantasy purposes, nobody should be putting their faith in the 40-year-old Flacco in 2025, especially since he'll likely be on a short leash.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (undisclosed) has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Sunday and will return to the individual portion of practice at training camp. Meanwhile, head coach Dan Campbell said that Dan Skipper (ankle) will be out of practice for around a week. Decker will now be able to practice with the rest of the team due to a minor undisclosed injury that kept him sidelined for the start of camp. The 30-year-old veteran should be ready for the start of the regular season this fall and will be the Lions' starting left tackle on quarterback Jared Goff's blind side. Decker has been a stape for the up-and-coming Lions team, starting all 131 regular-season and playoff games that he's appeared in since being a first-rounder in 2016. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is the team's unquestioned No. 1 tight end and "the heartbeat of this offense," according to Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show. Kaboly adds that Jonnu Smith was a late addition to the roster and "will provide a significant target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers." It sounds like the Steelers plan to use Smith in a lot of different ways, but as of right now before the start of the preseason, Freiermuth is going to be the team's top pass-catching tight end. Freiermuth caught a career-high 65 passes on 78 targets last year for 653 yards and a career-high-tying seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (11 starts). Both Friermuth and Smith should be on the field together plenty, and it's probably going to be impossible to predict which one might go off for fantasy purposes on any given week.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (back) returned to practice in pads at training camp on Sunday after missing the previous four practices with back tightness. Smith being held out of practices this week was likely just a precautionary move by the Eagles early in camp. For now, there should be nothing to worry about with the 26-year-old, who has become one of the best No. 2 wideouts in football for the reigning Super Bowl champions. The former 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft out of Alabama actually had a career-low 833 receiving yards on 68 catches (career-low 89 targets), but he found the end zone a career-high eight times in 13 regular-season games. Smith has at least seven touchdowns in each of the last three seasons. Volume is an issue in this Philly offense, but Smith has been efficient with his opportunities and is on the WR2/3 borderline in fantasy.
From RotoBaller