The 2025 NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror. While everyone is focused on dynasty rookie drafts, let’s not forget about the veterans. Several veteran players saw their fantasy football value rise or fall following the NFL Draft. Let’s dive into a few fantasy football draft risers & fallers.
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Fantasy Football Draft Risers & Fallers
Let’s dive into a few fantasy football draft risers & fallers following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Fantasy Football Draft Risers
What a difference a year makes for the Patriots offense. New England added multiple offensive linemen and wide receivers in free agency, including Morgan Moses and Stefon Diggs. However, that didn’t stop them from aggressively improving Maye’s supporting case during the NFL Draft. New England spent their first four picks on offense, selecting Will Campbell and Jared Wilson to enhance their offensive line. Furthermore, the Patriots added TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, giving Maye two explosive weapons in the passing game. The second-year quarterback has top-10 upside in 2025.
The Bengals did their homework on the running back class, leading many to think they would draft one on Day 2. Instead, Cincinnati waited until the sixth round to add Tahj Brooks, meaning Brown’s role as the lead guy is safe. Furthermore, the Bengals used a third of their draft picks to improve their offensive line, including Dylan Fairchild, who should start at guard as a rookie. Last year, Brown was the RB6 from Week 4 through Week 17, averaging 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as the starter.
Tennessee entered the NFL Draft with massive holes everywhere on offense. They added a trio of veteran wide receivers before the draft, including Tyler Lockett. Yet, none of them will challenge Ridley for targets. More importantly, the Titans wisely selected Cam Ward with the top pick, giving the veteran wide receiver a massive upgrade at quarterback. Furthermore, the team waited until the fourth round to select a pass catcher. Last year, Ridley finished 21st in targets (120). Don’t be surprised if he finishes inside the top 10 this upcoming season.
Fantasy Football Draft Fallers
Harris’ 2025 fantasy value skyrocketed after he signed with Los Angeles in free agency. He was on track to be the featured running back in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Unfortunately, his outlook has drastically changed over the past few weeks. The Chargers used their first-round pick on Omarion Hampton. Furthermore, the team placed the rarely used unrestricted free agent tag on J.K. Dobbins, improving his odds of returning to Los Angeles for next season. Harris’ best hope for a successful fantasy year is to get traded during training camp.
I was against drafting Metcalf in all fantasy formats before the NFL Draft. However, you couldn’t pay me to draft the veteran wide receiver anywhere near his ranking in the ECR (WR26, 56th overall). Hopefully, Aaron Rodgers signs with the Steelers soon because the team waited until the sixth round of the NFL Draft to select a quarterback, picking Will Howard. Furthermore, Pittsburgh did nothing to improve their offensive line in the NFL Draft after ignoring the position in free agency despite losing two key members from last year’s roster.
Many called Kmet an early sleeper candidate earlier this offseason after Chicago hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach. However, the Bears spent their first two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on players who will take snaps and targets away from the veteran. Colston Loveland was the first tight end drafted and a better fit to fill the Sam LaPorta role in Johnson’s offense. Furthermore, the drafting of Luther Burden III in the second round will limit the number of two tight end sets Chicago will use.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
