Welcome to the final week of the 2025 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:
- Week 18 Replacements
- Re-Ranking the 2025 Rookies
- Biggest NFL Draft Season Red Herrings
- Underrated 2026 NFL Draft Prospects
Let's roll...
Matt Waldman: Give me your top five rookies from 2025's class based on how you'd rank their fantasy value heading into 2026.
Joseph Haggan: Here's my list...
- Ashton Jeanty - Jeanty has found his groove the past few weeks and has shown what managers have been hoping for all season. His volume as a workhorse next year is undeniable.
- Jaxson Dart - Dart proved that he belongs in this league and provides excellent rushing upside. He needs to keep himself healthy before he becomes the next Tua Tagovailoa.
- Emeka Egbuka - Egbuka was thrust into a prominent role early this season due to an injury-riddled receiving corps. He thrived, and though he has fallen down the depth chart since the return of the top wideouts, he showcased plenty that should land him a prominent role.
- Tyler Warren - Warren received six or more targets in over 50% of his games played. He showed versatility as a blocker and was schemed as a runner as well. As long as the Colts solidify their quarterback position properly, Warren should excel in year two.
- RJ Harvey - Harvey can be a workhorse. He showed great hands and wiggle in the receiving game, and showcased his big-play ability in the run game once JK Dobbins went on IR. Harvey should slide in as the lead back in 2026 in a high-powered offense.
Waldman: I agree that Jeanty belongs on that list, and I'd probably have Egbuka, too. If not, he's close.
Tipp Major: Here you go...
- Ashton Jeanty - I'm a Raiders fan, it's as simple as that. I believe bluer skies are ahead for this offense… I hope.
- Luther Burden III - I'm fully bought into this offense, and I think it has top-five potential by 2026. Burden is already flashing Amon-Ra St. Brown–type tendencies in Chicago. Shoot, they've even got me painting my nails.
- Tetairoa McMillan - A popular pick, and for good reason. He's just 71 yards shy of 1,000 this season. I see shades of Mike Evans here—1,000 yards year after year. If not for injuries, he clears that mark easily.
- Harold Fannin Jr. - I just call him that dude. I still remember meeting his family at this year's Fantasy Football Expo. Canton kid, playing in Ohio—he's the real deal and then some.
- Terrance Ferguson - Matthew Stafford hasn't shown any signs of slowing down, and Ferguson is quietly becoming a reliable third option. He just needs more snaps. Don't forget: Sean McVay wanted him in the draft. Year two could be astronomical. We just need Colby Parkinson to find another team.
Waldman: Luther Burden III was my top rookie receiver heading into this year, and I'm doubling down. Who is on your list, David?
David Zacharias: My list...
- Ashton Jeanty - Despite playing for the 2-14 Raiders, Jeanty finished as the PPR RB16, averaging 14.7 fantasy points per game. He's already secured a three-down role and has demonstrated his versatility by scoring five touchdowns both as a runner and a receiver.
- Omarion Hampton - Hampton only played in 9 games for the Chargers in 2025, but he finished as the RB14 on average, putting up 15.1 PPR fantasy points per game. He's a top-10 dynasty asset at his position.
- Tetairoa McMillan - McMillan led all rookie wide receivers with a 12.6 PPR points per game average. His demonstrated connection with second-year quarterback Bryce Young supports his WR11 dynasty ranking.
- Harold Fannin Jr. - The average age for a tight end's peak season is 27.47 years old. Fannin put up the 4th-most PPR fantasy points among tight ends in his rookie season; he doesn't turn 22 until July 20, 2026.
- Tyler Warren - Among tight ends in 2025, Warren finished 5th in total yards, 7th in total PPR fantasy points, 8th in receptions, and 11th in fantasy points per game. There's upside to be had in 2026 should Warren improve his 19th-best touchdown count (4).
Will Grant: Some similar names, but one no one has mentioned, yet...
- Ashton Jeanty - I'm not a Raiders fan, but I had Jeanty on a few of my teams, and he showed real potential for the Raiders this year. With Las Vegas rebuilding, Jeanty is set to become a central part of their offense.
- Emeka Egbuka - It feels like cheating to list Egbuka as someone I expect to shine in 2026 because he's already done so well for the Buccaneers this season. He's a top 25 fantasy wide receiver, and he should move ahead of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. next season to become the top receiver for Tampa Bay.
- Tetairoa McMillan - McMillan has already made a huge impact for Carolina this season. As the Panthers continue to improve, McMillan's role should grow, setting him up for a breakout 2026.
- Jaxson Dart - Dart has done wonders with an offense that is severely lacking in talent. For a couple of weeks, Dart and Cam Skattebo were downright electric, and the Giants were actually fun to watch. If New York can get some talent to support Dart next season, it will be fun to see what he can do.
- Colston Loveland - I agree with Tipp that Luther Burden III will be an excellent weapon for Chicago next year. However, with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the field, Burden will have a lower ceiling than other wide receivers.
I think Loveland will be a top-10 fantasy tight end next season. Loveland was absent from the Chicago offense for the first six games of the season but has since blossomed into a massive target for the Bears.
Waldman: Jeanty, Burden, Loveland, and probably Egbuka would be part of my top-five list. Who is on yours, Corey?
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