Most NFL fans watch their fair share of college ball and there's no shortage of top talent coming into the league every year. Who are some of the staff's favorites for 2025?
Welcome to Week 13 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Thanksgiving Day Sleepers
- Favorite 2025 NFL Draft Prospect (see below)
- Aaron Rodgers in 2025
- Tee Higgins in 2025
Let's roll.
Favorite 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
Matt Waldman: Tell us about a prospect you're excited about for this coming draft cycle.
Matt Bitonti: Quinshon Judkins, RB Ohio State. Linemen aside, my Dynasty league's RB corps needs help. Judkins--sixth on Bruce Feldman's "Freaks" list--is a cheat code player in the NCAA 25 football video game. In other words, when top NCAA 25 players face off, Judkins isn't allowed. Now, I'm more of a Baldur's Gate 3 guy myself, but it will be interesting to see if Judkins' real workout numbers match the virtual hype.
Waldman: I am also excited about Judkins. I like the conceptual and technical potential of his game more than I like his athletic ability.
Quick cuts with explosion out of the move common with Quinshon Judkins’ game. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/o2RSVC8lGT
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 9, 2024
Quinshon Judkins understands what pace to use. He has a strong feel for the open lane when tied up. He uses his hips and stride to return to balance and bleed yardage. #NFLDraft #OhioState pic.twitter.com/fEyyrAvSid
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 8, 2024
Quinshon Judkins the Creator.
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 8, 2024
How he manages his hips, feet, and hands to repurpose the broken play design and turn ? into lemonade is noteworthy.
Marshawn Lynch, Darren Sproles, Frank Gore Jr., and Nick Chubb all know how to do this in tight spots. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Mat8mLaLUf
He's one of my favorites in this class, and I would have listed him if you hadn't.
Sean Settle: There are several intriguing prospects, but I am most excited to see Ashton Jeanty. The progression of his career at Boise State has been amazing.
He has increased in almost every offensive category each year and has put up video game numbers this season. He should be the top player on the board for Dallas, even if they are picking in the top 10 after this season.
He could have the Adrian Peterson effect for that offense and should not be overlooked. There were no running backs taken in the first round last season, but Jeanty should easily change that in 2025.
Dan Hindery: The 2024 NFL season has been a strong reminder that workhorse running backs can dominate in fantasy football when placed in the right offense, even without catching 80 passes. As Sean pointed out, Ashton Jeanty has been posting incredible numbers every week, proving his ability to handle a heavy workload.
Despite not being the tallest player, Jeanty is solidly built, resembling the physical profile of Josh Jacobs. If he joins a team with a strong offensive line, he has the potential to enter the NFL as a top-five dynasty running back.
Waldman: At the very least, Jeanty can earn a role similar to Jahmyr Gibb's.
Ashton Jeanty is ready to roll as a receiver out of the backfield.
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 14, 2024
Check out the transition downhill, the hip shift, and stiff arm.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/OKs3dDK9Mz
Curvilinear speed and precise footwork and hip mobility in traffic from Ashton Jeanty #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/lPErtE6kJC
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 15, 2024
I'm looking forward to digging deep into his work between the tackles. That will be the difference for his career long term.
Justin Howe: I love slot specialists who do more in school than merely run quick slants and fall down. That’s why Miami’s Xavier Restrepo was one of my favorite players to watch this year. The do-it-aller claimed 25% of the Hurricanes’ yardage and led the ACC with 10 touchdowns. He’s small but has a muscular frame that can likely take on more. And, unlike many slot-only prospects, he’ll likely run well in the offseason and prove his downfield ability.
He’s older for a prospect, but in this weaker tight-end class, I think there’s a good chance he tests well and works his way into the Round 1/2 turn. Contenders and near-contenders like the Steelers, Commanders, and Broncos will be looking for do-it-all types to make life easier for their No. 1 guys.
Craig Lakins: I've been looking forward to Tetairoa McMillan's reaching the NFL since he graduated high school. The Arizona Wildcat wide receiver is a 6-foot-5 Mike Evans clone. During his collegiate career, he has 207 receptions for 3,355 yards and 25 touchdowns.
With a massive catch radius and sure hands, he's a quarterback's best friend. I've seen him mocked as high as second overall in the 2025 draft. Playmaker-needy teams like Tennessee and New England could target him early to provide some juice for their offense.
Jason Wood: Let me preface my response by acknowledging that I do not consider myself a college scout. I rely on the diligent analysis of people like you, Matt, and would be lost without your Rookie Scouting Portfolio and the work of a few other disciplined college analysts.
That said, I'm most excited to see what Travis Hunter does in the NFL. He’s the kind of two-way player we haven’t seen in a long time, and from what I can tell, he could have a bright NFL future as either a receiver or a cornerback. Will the team that drafts him with a high first-round pick make him specialize, or will they allow him to thrive as a two-way playmaker?
Since Hunter is likely going first or second overall, I’ll also mention someone further down the prospect rankings. Tyler Warren is the engine that drives the Penn State offense, and he’s a versatile tight end who fits right in with the recent surge of dynamic playmakers at the position.
Waldman: Hunter is, without a doubt, one of the most entertaining prospects in this class.
Thanks for reading. Check out the links below for all of this week's roundtable topics:
Good luck!
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