2025 NFL Draft Rookie Fantasy Fallout: Wide Receivers (Part 1)
The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone! Now, we can shift from a theoretical to a slightly less theoretical analysis of the rookies. Knowing landing spots helps us see how these players could be utilized and how they affect their new teammates.
I will be hitting on the WRs for the 2025 NFL Draft Rookie Fantasy Fallout series, starting with the first-rounders! You can find breakdowns on the other positions here!
1.02: Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, Colorado
For months, the question has been whether Hunter would see most of his snaps on offense or defense. Jacksonville sold out to get Hunter, who they have stated will major on offense. Even if Hunter splits reps, knowing the team wants him to be an offensive threat is great news. However, he still will be playing on defense, where many (myself included) think he was a more dynamic prospect. The workload at the NFL level should give fantasy managers at least some pause. Hunter will not need to be the focal point of the offense with Brian Thomas Jr in the room. That could end up being a blessing, as it will allow the Jaguars to keep him on the field, but allow him to stay fresh with more decoy routes than other teams could afford. I project Hunter, similar to Chris Olave’s rookie year, as a borderline WR2.
Taking all the noise out, he should be projected as a WR2 for your fantasy team like Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Tee Higgins have been recently. His presence is great for Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr, who both have pressure shifted off of their plates. Teams will not be able to fully key in on BTJ, or will risk getting torched by Hunter. Lawrence has an elite secondary target added, giving him more places to make plays. Hunter may have had higher fantasy potential in Cleveland, as the clear WR1, but Jacksonville gives him the best mix of floor and stability. Hunter enters the season in the WR14-20 range for me while keeping BTJ in the top-7 and pushing Lawrence back into the top-12.
1.08: Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
This draft involved many “volatile” front offices making good decisions for their teams. One of those teams was the Panthers, who secured a true WR1 for their ascending QB. McMillan’s media fall was halted as the Panthers grabbed their X-receiver of today and tomorrow. McMillan may not have been in the same prospect tier as the top-3 from 2024, but he is still a true team WR1. In 2025, it would be unfair to expect a Brian Thomas Jr.-level performance, but he still can be viewed as a fantasy WR2. A season slightly better than Tee Higgins’ rookie year (WR30: 67/908/6) is more than possible.
TMac’s arrival in Carolina is excellent for the team as a whole. As a true X-receiver, he allows 2024 first-rounder Xavier Leggette to move back to the flanker role, where he attacks vertically and in space. Leggette’s stock rises with this change as he does not have the pressure to be the top dog and can be utilized most efficiently. Leggette is a borderline top-40 WR now, especially if Bryce Young and the offense continue to develop. Young should see his stock rise the most, however, with a true WR1 on the team. He had a strong back-half of 2024 and should be able to build on that. McMillan will be the undisputed WR1, who should be in a similar range as Travis Hunter (14-20). He ranks higher than Hunter on my board today as he is the clear top target and not playing on defense.
1.19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Now, this was one of the most shocking picks of Day 1. Not a bad pick by any stretch, but it was a shocker nonetheless! The Bucs have an elite 1-2 punch in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but both are aging and have faced numerous recent injuries. Egbuka was viewed as a true first-round prospect, but his fantasy status is in flux for the near future. Without injury, Egbuka will not be more than the team’s WR3 for the next few years, lowering his ceiling and floor. He shouldn’t have a spectacular fantasy season, but an oft-injured room makes him rosterable. He could produce similarly to Rome Odunze in 2024 (~50/700/3). Dynasty-wise, Egbuka will be tough to rank but should remain in the top-30 WRs.
The biggest mover of the Egbuka pick is, to me, QB Baker Mayfield. He has been a top-10 quarterback in both seasons in Tampa with the help of two great wide receivers. Bringing Egbuka – who has one of the highest floors of anyone in 2025 – keeps that room stronger for longer. Mike Evans is not affected much by this ranking, as the only things that can hold back the future HOFer are age and injury. Chris Godwin should also be unaffected in the near future (assuming there are no setbacks in recovery), as he just inked a massive extension. Jalen McMillan had a solid rookie year but has now dropped to WR4. He should remain rostered if Evans and/or Godwin miss time, but he is a stash. Cade Otton and the RBs may also drop a tick, as Egbuka should take many check down/security blanket targets.
1.23: Green Bay Packers – Matthew Golden, Texas
After an uninspiring start to his collegiate career at Houston, Golden moved up to Texas and broke out in 2024. Over the back half of the season and pre-draft process, he moved himself to WR1 on many expert boards. He was lower on my board, but the talent is still good, with high-end WR2 potential. He fits well with Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs/Dontayvion Wicks, taking over the deep/catch-and-run threat that Christian Watson gave them. The Packers continue to build their roster around WR2s, but they fit well with various skill sets. In 2025, I expect him to have a similar season to Jordan Addison (my comp) or teammate Jayden Reed, a borderline WR3 year with some boom-or-bust weeks. He should slot in behind Emeka Egbuka in dynasty rankings, but he is still a borderline top-30 WR.
Golden does not affect the rest of the Packers’ WR room much. Jayden Reed has received assurances he is still the top target, keeping his stock where it was. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks will fight for the X-receiver role, but they should still be similarly difficult weekly plays. Golden’s selection marks the end of Christian Watson’s time in Green Bay, which is not a surprise. This pick may hurt TE Luke Musgrave the most, as Golden fits mostly as a vertical-seam threat. Musgrave’s bread-and-butter is in this area, but injuries have made him unreliable for the role. Golden’s presence does not affect Jordan Love’s stock much, though the Packers supporting him is a great sign. Golden is not the level of talent to change a passing game, but he rounds out a solid room and gives a legitimate threat at all levels.