2025 Rookie Quarterback / Tight End Revolution
0This breakdown covers four rookie QBs and six TEs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Each player is profiled with physical measurables, draft capital and prospect evaluation to paint a realistic fantasy football outlook using the FFA weighted PPR projections and average ADPs.
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Top 4 Quarterbacks:
In the 2025 NFL Draft, just two quarterbacks were selected in the first round, with Shedeur Sanders slipping to the fifth. While the draft capital for the position was relatively modest, rookies from this class are still set to enter situations where they will have the opportunity to compete for starting roles in the near future.
Cam Ward 6’1 219 (1st TEN / QB1)
Our PPR Projection: 280 FPTS / QB28
FFA AVG ADP: 140th / Keep Trade Cut (KTC): 48th / QB17 / Underdog: 156th / QB25
Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is set to start as the Tennessee Titans’ QB in his rookie season. Last year, Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 TDs, showcasing his aggressive downfield passing and strong, accurate arm. His dual-threat ability added 542 rushing yards and 8 rushing TDs, giving him the unique ability to create explosive plays with his legs without abandoning passing opportunities. He also possesses rare arm elasticity and release speed, allowing him to rip throws from multiple platforms and angles with elite velocity.
Ward’s high risk play led to 7 interceptions and 5 lost fumbles last season, and his aggressive approach could result in turnovers and growing pains in the NFL. The Titans’ lack of proven receiving talent beyond Calvin Ridley and a revamped offensive line may pose challenges for consistent production. While Ward’s mobility provides a fantasy floor, his passing volume and efficiency will be critical to his fantasy success in Tennessee’s offense.
His immediate starting role cements a QB2 floor with QB1 upside if he hits his ceiling as a franchise altering player, but inconsistent stretches and a limited supporting cast may delay steady fantasy production until 2026. Ward is an upside swing for fantasy managers, banking on his elite arm talent and playmaking ability to overcome early NFL growing pains.
Jaxson Dart 6’2 225 (25th NYG / QB2)
Our PPR Projection: N/A
KTC: 92nd / QB28 / Underdog: 214th / QB33
Jaxson Dart, selected by the New York Giants late in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft after a trade up will enter the league with an intriguing situation. During the offseason, the Giants added QB’s Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston with the plans to move up and select Dart. HC Brian Daboll and the current regime are desperate for success, their jobs may depend on it. The organization decided to take a swing on Dart after a strong end to three years as the starter at Ole Miss, finishing his career throwing for 4,279 yards and 29 TDs with a 69.3% completion rate. He also added 493 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs, unveiling a true dual-threat ability during his time at Ole Miss with an additional 614 rushing yards as a sophomore. Dart’s NFL caliber arm and quick release allowed him to excel in college, and his exceptional pocket presence gives him a strong chance at success in the NFL.
When Dart is playing in rhythm, he looks ready to command an offense, but his performances against high caliber defenses raise legitimate concerns about his NFL readiness. His tendency to abandon the pocket and hardships working through progressions were extremely evident against Georgia and Kentucky’s complex defensive schemes. Daboll said Wilson will be the starter, opting to not rush Dart out onto the field early and allowing him to develop without immediate pressure. If the veterans falter or the Giants’ season starts cold, Dart could be starting by mid 2025. The team’s receiving corps led by Malik Nabers will offer support, but offensive line inconsistencies could expose Dart’s occasional decision making lapses under pressure.
The first round draft capital and dual-threat ability make Dart an intriguing QB option. At some point he will be given the opportunity to be a franchise QB, and would be a steal given his current ADP or off waivers during the season if he succeeds. While his immediate production depends on the veteran’s performance and Dart’s adaptation to the NFL, his arm talent and mobility position him as a potential franchise QB by 2026.
Tyler Shough 6’5 220 (40th NO / QB3)
Our PPR Projection: 182 FPTS/QB31
FFA AVG ADP: 151st / KTC: 172nd / QB31 / Underdog: 209th / QB31
Tyler Shough, the New Orleans Saints second round draft selection, steps into an open QB competition following Derek Carr’s retirement. The 25 year old transferred three times, from Oregon to Texas Tech to Louisville, finally playing a full season as a starter in his seventh college season. He threw for 3,195 yards, 23 TDs, and 6 INTs with a 62.7% completion rate at Louisville. A plus athlete at 6’5 220 pounds, Shough can extend plays and pick up chunks with his legs. This frame and athleticism, paired with his impressive arm talent makes him an intriguing prospect. Shough displayed improvement in the decision making category in 2024 posting a career best 23:6 TD to INT ratio, though his completion percentage drops nearly 30% when pressured.
The developmental ceiling for Shough is likely capped compared to other QB’s in this class given he is already 25 years old. Inconsistency under pressure and late bloomer status suggest a challenging transition to the NFL. Competing with Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, the week 1 starter is still a question mark in New Orleans. The long term outlook for the team’s starting QB also remains uncertain, and Shough may be limited to a one year window if the Saints once again find themselves at the top of the draft.
There is QB2 appeal in Superflex formats if he can secure the starting job, with his size and mobility providing a modest floor. However, his limited supporting cast and inconsistent college metrics temper expectations for significant rookie year impact. Shough’s ceiling hinges on refining his accuracy and decision making, fantasy managers should view him as a high risk, moderate reward option for 2025 and beyond.
Shedeur Sanders 6’1 212 (144th CLE / QB6)
Our PPR Projection: N/A
KTC: 204th / QB33 / Underdog: 215th / QB36
Shedeur Sanders had a shocking fall to the fifth round of the draft and enters the NFL with a wide range of potential outcomes. Last season at Colorado, Sanders threw for 4,134 yards, 37 TDs, and 7 INTs, leading the FBS with a 74% completion percentage. Sanders’ pinpoint accuracy in the short and intermediate levels along with his mastery of timing routes is evident on tape, hence his phenomenal completion percentage. The accuracy, quick release, and strong pre snap reads highlight NFL ready processing ability. While his arm strength isn’t elite, it’s sufficient for professional play combined with his quick release and pocket mobility that allows him to extend plays when necessary.
The fantasy upside for Sanders is limited due to his pocket passer nature and lackluster rushing production (negative rushing yards in 23′ and 24′). The QB room in Cleveland is a massive question mark, with Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel all competing with Sanders for the starting job. He will likely begin the season as the QB2 or QB3 on the depth chart, with a chance to start and show what he can do if the season does not go as planned.
Overall, Sanders is a high variance player with accuracy and processing that gives him a low QB2 floor with high QB2 upside if he secures the starting role. The immediate impact he will make hinges on Cleveland’s QB competition and his ability to adapt to NFL speed. Sanders’ talent makes him a lottery ticket with the potential to become a long term starter, but fantasy managers should temper expectations on viable 2025 fantasy production.
Top 6 Tight Ends:
Moving to the tight end rookie class there is plenty to be excited about. Six prospects were selected in the top 67 picks of the 2025 NFL draft, including two top 15 overall picks. Each garnered noteworthy landing spots and draft capital, leaving plenty of pressure on these prospects to produce quickly in year one.
Colston Loveland 6’6 248 (10th CHI / TE1)
Our PPR Projection: 148 FPTS / TE14
FFA AVG ADP: 107th / KTC: 77th / TE5 / Underdog: 126th / TE12
Colston Loveland lands 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Chicago Bears, entering the league as one of the most exciting and versatile TEs in recent memory. After a standout career at Michigan, Loveland quickly became one of the most coveted prospects in this class. His combination of size, speed, and receiving ability makes him a rare weapon in today’s NFL where offenses are featuring more dynamic TEs. During his three year tenure at Michigan, Loveland posted over 1,500 receiving yards and 11 TDs despite playing in a run heavy offense. His 56 catches in a single season set a Michigan record for TEs and earned him second team All-American honors, further solidifying his resume as one of the top offensive weapons in college football.
While Loveland is a polished pass catcher, his development as a blocker remains a work in progress. In the NFL, his physicality at the point of attack will need to improve, especially if he is expected to contribute as a true three down TE. That said, Loveland holds an exceptional catch radius and body control, making him dangerous in contested situations and as a vertical threat. Loveland’s ability to box out defenders and high point the ball gives him an edge in the red zone and jump ball scenarios. His fluid movement skills lead to crisp routes and will make him a nightmare for linebackers and safeties. Much like former TE greats who thrived as dual threat weapons, Loveland projects to be an immediate contributor in the passing game.
As a rookie, Loveland will likely see time as a detached “F” TE, working from the slot and outside while he hones his blocking skills. Luckily, Loveland landed in a beautiful spot with HC Ben Johnson at the helm who can utilize his athleticism and imagination. Using Loveland alongside a reliable blocking TE as a versatile chess piece in 12 personnel packages (1 RB, 2 TE) will be where he thrives. This will allow him to stretch the field and create mismatches in the middle of the field, hopefully becoming his calling card early and propelling the emergence of the NFL’s newest premier receiving TE.
Tyler Warren 6’5 256 (14th IND / TE2)
Our PPR Projection: 148 FPTS / TE16
FFA AVG ADP: 108th / KTC: 68th / TE4 / Underdog: 116th / TE9
Selected 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren enters the NFL as one of the most dynamic and physically gifted TE prospects in years. A former high school QB turned All-American TE at Penn State, Warren broke out with a monster 2024 campaign. He posted 104 receptions, 1,233 yards, and 8 receiving TDs, adding another 218 rushing yards and four rushing TDs. His dominant performance against USC (17 catches for 224 yards), was a great showcase of his rare blend of size, athleticism, and toughness that allowed him to dominate at the collegiate level. At 6’5 256 pounds, Warren plays with a fiery edge, often drawing comparisons to George Kittle for his violent YAC style and refusal to go down on first contact.
The Colts clearly see Warren as a cornerstone offensive weapon, but the landing spot raises questions for his year 1 production. Indianapolis currently lacks stability at QB as Anthony Richardson continually struggles to stay healthy and former Giants QB Daniel Jones lurks on the depth chart. The Colts also ranked near the bottom of the league in red zone passing rate and neutral situation pass rate last season, another potential limiting factor to his immediate fantasy ceiling. While Warren’s ability to produce as a runner adds a creative layer to his usage potential, but it’s unsure whether his usage will be enough to combat below average QB play.
Warren’s first round draft capital and unique skill set make him a strong long term bet, especially in dynasty formats. He offers rare versatility, capable of lining up with his hand in the ground, in the slot, or even taking direct snaps. His former QB instincts make him a savvy route runner with a knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage, and his red zone presence gives him weekly TD upside. If the Colts can stabilize their QB situation, Warren’s ceiling is immense. He may not burst out of the gate in 2025, but Tyler Warren’s talent is undeniable.
Mason Taylor 6’5 251 (42nd NYJ / TE3)
Our PPR Projection: 117 FPTS / TE29
FFA AVG ADP: 152nd / KTC: 160th / TE7 / Underdog: 187th /TE24
Mason Taylor, selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, arrives with a polished and dependable skill set that could earn him an early role in a less than impressive passing offense. Taylor finished a memorable career at LSU, becoming the first TE in program history to surpass both 100 career receptions and 1,000 receiving yards. With a school record 55 receptions in 2024, his consistent production showcases a reliable receiving ability, the type of target a QB can trust.
The Jets offense that has sorely lacked consistency at TE and overall passing attack in recent years. The only receiving competition standing between him and becoming the second receiving option behind Garrett Wilson comes from veterans Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, and rookie fourth rounder Arian Smith. Taylor could see significant volume as a rookie, particularly over the middle and on short to intermediate routes. His reliable hands, advanced route nuance, and feel for zone coverage make him a natural security blanket for QBs under pressure. Though he lacks the explosive traits to consistently separate from defensive backs in man coverage, Taylor compensates with savvy tempo, polished technique, and spatial awareness. In 2024, 37 of his 55 receptions moved the chains and he caught at least three passes in every game, exhibiting his consistency and dependability.
Projecting as a late second to early third round pick in dynasty rookie drafts, Taylor has a real shot to provide decent floor value in PPR formats, especially if he becomes a featured option in short yardage and red zone situations. While his ceiling may not match the elite tier of TEs, his volume potential and easy path to targets make him a worthwhile stash. If the Jets’ QB situation stabilizes with Fields and Taylor continues refining his blocking, he could evolve into a dependable TE2 with occasional upside. Expect modest rookie production, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a trusted piece of the Jets’ offense by midseason.
Terrance Ferguson 6’5 247 (46th LAR / TE4)
Our PPR Projection: N/A
KTC: 168th / TE19 / Underdog: 213th / TE33
The Los Angeles Rams used their second round pick on Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson, who enters the league as an athletic, well rounded TE with the potential to become a long term staple in Sean McVay’s offense. Ferguson steadily built his resume over four years at Oregon, with a first team All-Pac-12 junior season and finishing tied for fourth all time in receptions by Oregon TEs. His blend of size, reliable hands, and sharp route running made him a threat, totaling 144 receptions, 1,537 yards, and 15 TDs in his college career.
Ferguson’s athleticism made him a top 50 pick. Boasting a 9.32/10 Relative Athletic Score, 4.63 second 40 yard dash, and 91st percentile explosiveness marks (vertical and broad jump), Ferguson has the movement skills needed to thrive in the modern NFL. In 2024, he was one of the most efficient TEs in the country, averaging 9.0 yards after the catch and 7th in yards per route run. His ability to create after the catch and win in space aligns well with McVay’s scheme, particularly play action and boot concepts that create mismatches across the middle of the field.
Immediate fantasy and real life impact may be limited by a crowded target landscape in Los Angeles. With Puka Nacua and Davante Adams commanding attention on the outside and Tyler Higbee entering a contract year, Ferguson will likely begin 2025 in a rotational role. His path to starter status likely begins in 2026 when Higbee hits free agency, but Ferguson’s willingness as a blocker and ability to line up across formations should earn him snaps early in two TE sets or as a mismatch piece in the red zone.
For fantasy managers, Ferguson is a sharp late second or early third round target in dynasty rookie drafts. His long term upside is tied to his elite athletic profile and strong offensive environment, but short term production may be lackluster unless injuries open up more opportunities. Possessing all the traits necessary to develop into a productive TE1, count on his athleticism, landing spot, and system, to give Ferguson a solid chance to break out by Year 2.
Elijah Arroyo 6’5 250 (50th SEA / TE5)
Our PPR Projection: 106 FPTS / TE33
FFA AVG ADP: 161st / KTC: 155th / TE15 / Underdog: 188th / TE26
Elijah Arroyo has the opportunity to carve out a significant role sooner rather than later after being selected 50th overall by the Seattle Seahawks. Shaking off two injury plagued seasons at Miami to put together a standout 2024 campaign: 35 receptions, 590 yards, and 7 TDs while earning second team All-ACC honors. A former four star recruit with high expectations out of high school, Arroyo saved his best for last and proved he’s an electric athlete who can win against any defender. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl only further solidified his status as one of the most complete receiving TEs in the class.
Veteran Noah Fant has been released, leaving second year TE AJ Barner on the depth chart and a massive opportunity for a TE to step up in Seattle. There is a very realistic path to snaps immediately, and the long term outlook could be even brighter. Kupp will demand attention in 2025, but Arroyo can still emerge as the No. 2 option in the passing attack behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba by 2026. His college tape shows a confident route runner with savvy pacing, strong hands, and legitimate seam stretching speed (4.69 40 yard dash).
From a fantasy perspective, Arroyo is best viewed as a late second or early third round dynasty rookie pick with long term TE1 upside. Seattle’s offense should remain balanced and conservative depending on QB play, but may not offer immediate volume for a TE with Cooper Kupp and JSN commanding targets. Arroyo will need to improve his blocking to stay on the field in all situations, though his willingness and technical growth in 2024 were encouraging signs. The team investment, versatility, and potential role in the Seahawks’ future passing game make Arroyo a player to monitor closely.
Harold Fannin 6’3 241 (67th CLE / TE6)
Our PPR Projection: N/A
KTC: 198th / TE25 / Underdog: 215th / TE36
At pick 67, the Browns selected hometown kid Harold Fannin Jr. from Bowling Green, one of the most productive TE prospects we’ve seen in recent years. A former defensive back turned TE, Fannin exploded onto the national radar with a record setting junior season at Bowling Green, catching 117 passes for 1,555 yards and 10 TDs. He became the first TE in FBS history to lead the nation in both receptions and receiving yards, capping his year by earning All-American honors and being named MAC Offensive Player of the Year (first MAC OPY tight end).
Though Fannin doesn’t check all the traditional boxes physically (far below standard NFL inline TE size), his skill set makes him a compelling weapon in today’s NFL. He’s a polished route runner with elite ball skills (two drops on 171 career targets), and is dangerous after the catch, leading all TEs with 873 yards after the catch and 34 forced missed tackles in 2024 alone. He lined up all over the field at Bowling Green, providing the kind of versatility that modern coordinators crave. His film shows shades of a big slot weapon rather than a traditional hand in the dirt TE, more Zach Ertz or Mark Andrews than George Kittle.
Unfortunately for fantasy managers, Fannin’s rookie year path to relevance is blocked by David Njoku who remains entrenched as the Browns’ TE1 for at least one more season. Combined with Fannin’s likely hybrid usage and steep jump in competition from the MAC to the NFL, a meaningful 2025 breakout is unlikely. There is still plenty of long term intrigue and Njoku is set to hit free agency in 2026. Fannin has proven to handle volume and win against top tier competition, averaging 141 yards per game against AP Top 25 opponents last year (Penn State and Texas A&M).
In dynasty formats Fannin is an auto pick in the early mid third round, especially in TE premium leagues. His elite production, strong hands, advanced route running, and mismatch potential gives him top 10 upside at the position if deployed creatively. While the short term fantasy outlook is murky, Fannin has the talent to eventually carve out a feature role in Cleveland’s passing game. Patience may be required, but the payoff could be substantial.
