2025 Fantasy Football Draft: Adam Schefter’s Top Player Targets

As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, ESPN Fantasy is committed to enhancing your draft preparation with insights from NFL Insider Adam Schefter. This guide highlights potential fantasy standouts who are likely to outperform their average draft positions (ADP). Whether you’re in a 12-team league or a more competitive 16-team setup, these players are worth considering at various stages of your draft.

Quarterback Targets

Early Round Picks

• Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Renowned for his dual-threat capability, Jackson is not just a dynamic runner but also a highly skilled passer, making him a top fantasy quarterback.
• Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: Fresh off an MVP season, Allen aims to build on his success, making him a valuable asset in any fantasy lineup.

Middle Round Options

• Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Since joining Tampa, Mayfield has exceeded expectations, supported by a strong offensive roster.
• Bo Nix, Denver Broncos: A versatile dual-threat quarterback, Nix can accumulate points both through the air and on the ground.

Late Round Gems

• Drake Maye, New England Patriots: A larger version of Nix, Maye has the potential to score both in the air and on the ground.
• Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons: Proving his worth at the end of last season, Penix is set to be a key player for the Falcons.
• Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: Under new coaching, Lawrence is positioned to reach his full potential this season.

Running Back Targets

Early Round Picks

• Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: Considered a top pick this year, Robinson is poised to make a significant impact.
• Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: Known for his explosiveness, Gibbs is a potential touchdown machine.
• Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals: In a high-scoring offense, Brown’s ability to catch and run makes him a valuable asset.
• Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: After a strong rookie season, Irving has secured the starting running back position.

Middle Round Options

• Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers: Expected to be the lead back, Hampton thrives in a run-heavy offense.
• TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots: With impressive speed and elusiveness, Henderson will complement Rhamondre Stevenson.
• Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: After recovering from injury, Pacheco is ready to reclaim his role in the Chiefs’ offense.

Late Round Gems

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders: This seventh-round pick has garnered significant hype.
• Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns: One of these rookies is expected to make an impact this season.
• Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys: Known for his elusiveness, Blue is set to be a key third-down contributor.

Wide Receiver Targets

Early Round Picks

• Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: With no contract issues this year, Chase’s chemistry with Burrow is expected to shine.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: A reliable target, St. Brown is a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense.

Middle Round Options

• Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals: Although he may not be drafted as high, Harrison is likely to produce more this season.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks: After a productive rookie season, Smith-Njigba is set to continue his upward trajectory.

Late Round Gems

• Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings: Despite a three-game suspension, Addison is anticipated to be a significant contributor upon his return.
• Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers: With injuries affecting the Packers’ receiving corps, Golden is poised to step up.

Tight End Targets

Early Round Picks

• Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders: After a stellar rookie season, Bowers is expected to continue his ascent as a top tight end.
• Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals: McBride has shown flashes of greatness, reminiscent of Gronkowski.

Middle Round Options

• Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions: LaPorta’s potential was evident last season, and he is expected to be a focal point in the Lions’ offense.
• Evan Engram, Denver Broncos: With Sean Payton at the helm, Engram is set to thrive as a pass-catching tight end.

Late Round Gems

• Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens: Likely has the talent to be a starting tight end, despite competition from Mark Andrews.
• Theo Johnson, New York Giants: Johnson’s development last season positions him for a breakout year.

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In summary, this comprehensive guide offers a strategic approach to your fantasy football draft. By targeting these players at various stages, you can build a competitive roster that maximizes your chances of success. Good luck this season!