4 Early-Round Draft Picks to Target (2025 Fantasy Football)

The Scott Fish Bowl is wrapping up, meaning the start of redraft fantasy football season is finally here. Everyone knows practice makes perfect, and there is no better way to practice than with the FantasyPros Mock Draft Simulator. Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite fantasy football draft picks to target.

Fantasy Football Draft Picks to Target

My goal for this superflex mock draft was to use a Zero-QB draft strategy while spending my third-round pick on an elite tight end. Let’s see how it turned out.

Pick 1.07 – Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)

Some might be nervous drafting Jefferson because of J.J. McCarthy. However, the superstar is quarterback-proof. He was the WR2 last season, averaging 18.7 PPR fantasy points per game with Sam Darnold under center. Furthermore, Jefferson was the WR3 from Week 15 through Week 18 during the 2023 season, averaging 11 targets and 22.1 fantasy points per game with Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall under center, totaling 15.4 or more in all but one contest.

Pick 2.06 – Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

The former Boise State star is coming off one of the best seasons in college football history, totaling 2,601 rushing yards. Furthermore, Jeanty’s 1,970 yards after contact would have ranked as the second-most total rushing yards in college last year. More importantly, he should be the focal point of the offense, with Pete Carroll and Chip Kelley running the show. Don’t be surprised if Jeanty finishes as a top-three running back as a rookie.

Pick 3.07 – Brock Bowers (TE – LV)

Bowers was outstanding as a rookie, finishing the year as the TE1, averaging 15.5 PPR fantasy points per game. Yet, the former Georgia star finished 50th in the NFL and ninth among tight ends with five receiving touchdowns. He should have better luck finding the end zone with Geno Smith under center. While the Raiders drafted Ashton Jeanty, they didn’t add any significant target competition this offseason. Therefore, Bowers should rank among the league leaders again in 2025.

Pick 4.06 – Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Despite doing their homework on the rookie class, Cincinnati waited until the sixth round to draft Tahj Brooks. Therefore, Brown will have a featured role again in 2025. Last year, he was the RB6 from Week 4 through Week 17, averaging 20.3 touches and 18.3 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Brown had the same route participation rate (46.6%) as Jahmyr Gibbs and a higher target per route run rate (20% vs. 15%) than Saquon Barkley (per Fantasy Points Data).