The 2024 fantasy football season has come to an end, which means mock draft season is officially underway. Some players can proudly hoist their championship trophies, while others are left in tears. Fantasy football is tough, and many people take it very seriously. For five to six months each year, it becomes a significant part of their lives, often to the dislike of family and friends. Some participants are reliving football dreams they missed out on in their youth, so it’s important to give them the benefit of the doubt.
For these dedicated fantasy players, the focus quickly shifts to the next season. They begin studying potential targets and planning their draft strategies early on. A key point that most understand is that a first-round selection is crucial; it can significantly influence the success of their upcoming season. Fortunately for managers, the pool of fantasy players and their various talents is exceptional.
It Is Never Too Early To Start Planning For The Future
Below is a 2025 first-round fantasy football mock draft, let’s jump right in!
1.01) Ja’Marr Chase WR – Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase has consistently ranked among the top five players in fantasy football over the past few years. If Chase was on your team this season, you were most likely contending for a championship. As his staggering 2024 season concludes, it is clear that he is the definitive number-one option going into 2025. The fourth-year receiver won this year’s triple crown, leading all major receiving categories, and averaged 24 fantasy points per game. This mark was the highest points-per-game total among non-quarterbacks this season. His exceptional speed, athleticism, catching ability, and strong connection with quarterback Joe Burrow make him a fantasy standout. At just 24 years old, Chase is one of the safest picks in fantasy for 2025. Pick him early next season and do not look back.
1.02) Bijan Robinson RB – Atlanta Falcons
After a disappointing first five weeks of the season, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson finally began to shine in mid-October. As the season went on, the Falcons struggled, but Robinson himself emerged as one of the league’s top performers. From Week 6 onward, he had five games in which he scored over 22 fantasy points and was the overall RB2 from Weeks 12 to 18. Robinson’s explosiveness and powerful running style was on full display all year. As a result, Bijan is now one of the strongest fantasy options for 2025. Fantasy managers are optimistic that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. will develop better rapport with the offense. This would ensure Robinson would maintain his productivity. If he reaches his full potential, still just 24, Robinson could easily finish as the top scorer in all of fantasy football. Do not be surprised if he surpasses 20 touchdowns next season.
1.03) Justin Jefferson WR – Minnesota Vikings
In what many considered a “down year” for Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, 2024 was actually impressive. Coming off of an injury-riddled 2023 season, JJ was eager to bounce back. He recorded 103 receptions, 1,553 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns, earning him the position of WR2 behind Ja’Marr Chase. Throughout his five years in the NFL, Jefferson has finished among the top three receivers in four of those seasons.
There were expectations of a slight dip in his production when Sam Darnold became the Vikings’ starting quarterback before Week 1. However, thanks to Darnold’s rise this season, the two formed one of the league’s top QB-WR duos. Looking ahead, Jefferson can be considered one of the most reliable players in fantasy football. He is ranked third on this 2025 list but makes a strong case for the first overall pick. Jefferson is everything you want in a franchise player and is quarterback-proof, performing at a high level regardless of his QB. At just 25 years old, he is everything you want in a franchise player and the best is still to come for him.
1.04) Saquon Barkley RB – Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley has always been an extraordinary player, but when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, he knew he had a lot to prove. Many football fans wondered whether his transition from the New York Giants to Philadelphia would elevate or hinder his career. After leading the league with 345 carries and amassing 2,005 rushing yards (9th all-time) it is safe to say he has completely resurrected his career. The Eagles shifted from being a pass-heavy team over the past two seasons to focusing on Barkley’s talents this year. As a result, he emerged as one of the top fantasy football options of 2024.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion finished the season as the RB1, averaging an impressive 22 fantasy points per game, one of the best averages for a running back in recent memory. In 2025, it will be challenging to draft anyone ahead of him, especially after witnessing him surpass the 2,000-yard mark. That achievement is truly remarkable. Acquire Barkley in any way you can and see the impact for yourself!
1.05) Amon Ra St-Brown WR – Detroit Lions
When you look up the word “reliability” in the football dictionary, Detroit Lions receiver Amon Ra St-Brown’s picture should be next to it. St. Brown has emerged as one of the top receivers in fantasy football over the past three seasons, while the Lions are making strides toward Super Bowl contention. He has recorded over 100 receptions in three of his four NFL seasons and has scored 34 total touchdowns, positioning himself for another strong performance in 2025. The main concern for St. Brown next year is the potential departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has developed a high-powered offense in recent years, and he will likely be promoted to head coach soon.
This uncertainty could force some to be hesitant to draft St. Brown, but his significant involvement in the offense, the high number of targets he receives, and his exceptional talent make him hard to overlook on draft day. With Jared Goff and Gang likely in place, St. Brown is an alpha WR1 candidate going forward.
1.06) Ceedee Lamb WR – Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb went into the 2024 fantasy seasons high on everyone’s draft board. After a 2023 season that saw him break every franchise record, it was clear that Lamb’s target-hogging style of play was perfect for fantasy. Lamb’s 1,800 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns was special to see and a big reason why he came into 2024 riding high.
Taken within the top three picks in over 70% of fantasy drafts in 2024, fans were hopeful for the same production. However, because this year’s Dallas Cowboys team had everything go wrong, Lamb’s production was less than expected. He managed to still collect 101 receptions, 1,200 yards, and six touchdowns to finish as the WR9. This is quite impressive considering he lost his starting quarterback after just five games. Overall, Lamb was still a solid fantasy asset for most of the season but there is room for more.
Going into 2025, his average draft position (ADP) has dropped somewhat. The Cowboys’ team still has a lot to consider with this roster and they have holes everywhere. If these are fixed and Prescott is back to full health, the Cowboys are likely back to a pass happy team. If this happens, Lamb will be a 2025 fantasy gem. Lamb’s terrific catch radius, breakaway ability in the open field and target share merits him as elite WR1 upside next season.
1.07) Jahmyr Gibbs RB – Detroit Lions
Lions’ running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the second coming of the fantasy great Alvin Kamara. The two have similar speed, great vision and are threats in both the rushing and passing game. Over his career, Kamara has been one of the best fantasy football players over the years and Gibbs is on his way to similar stardom. As the Lions as a team are blossoming, so is Gibbs. The former Alabama running back finished as the RB3 last year and regardless of David Montgomery’s involvement alongside him, Gibbs will still be a viable fantasy asset. His talents and volume in this offense bring him into the first-round pick range going into 2025.
Gibbs is the type of runner who is dynamic in all phases and when a runner is like that, they open themselves up to more injuries possibly. So for a guy of Gibbs’ skill set, you do not want him getting 300 carries or being on the field for 80% of the game. He is a factor when he is on the field regardless and fantasy managers have to trust that every time he hits the field, he will be productive.
Even if Gibbs’ performance dips slightly, you cannot pass up the opportunity to draft him. He is a strong candidate to finish among the top five running backs next year, with the potential to secure the number one spot. Therefore, while he might not justify a seventh overall pick, he absolutely should not fall past the middle of the second round. Gibbs is destined to be a superstar in this league, and in terms of fantasy football, we should not second-guess it.
1.08) Nico Collins WR – Houston Texans
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins first jumped onto the fantasy football scene in 2023. That year, Collins recorded 80 catches for 1,297 yards. His combination of quickness and size (6’4″) gives him an advantage in most matchups. This year, Collins had an average draft position (ADP) of 28, placing him near the end of the second round according to Fantasy Pros. Before injuries hindered him this season, Collins was on track to break several franchise records for the Texans and was having one of the best starts anyone could have. By week five, he had accumulated 36 catches, 567 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. At that pace, he could have posed a serious challenge to Chase and Jefferson in the race for WR1 in 2024.
The Texans had a somewhat underwhelming performance as a team, particularly CJ Stroud, but they still managed to make it to the NFL Playoffs. During the Wild Card round, the teams’ second-half surge helped them thump the Los Angeles Chargers to advance. In this game, Collins and Stroud looked strong, giving signs of good things to come.
In terms of fantasy football, Collins enters 2025 ranked among the top five receivers, and rightly so. Despite the presence of Stefon Diggs, Collins is still able to be effective and has the edge between the two. Therefore, Diggs’ presence should not shy away managers from drafting Collins. If you have the chance to draft Collins towards the end of the first round, it would be an outstanding way to start your team. Draft Collins with complete confidence in 2025.
1.09) Puca Nacua WR – Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua’s nickname should be “Usage,” as it perfectly describes his skill-set. Nacua is a target share monster and he seems to always find himself open during games. This makes him one of the most used players in all of the NFL. After breaking the rookie record for receptions in 2023, he elevated his performance this year, despite missing parts of the season. Nacua’s physicality does put him at a higher risk for injuries, but his potential makes him too valuable to overlook in 2025.
The hope is that Matthew Stafford has some productive years left, allowing them to continue racking up impressive stats together. Nacua is emerging as the future of the league and is quickly becoming a fantasy superstar. He is dead-locked as a top-tier wide receiver and he has the intangibles to merit that status next year.
1.10) Malik Nabers WR – New York Giants
When discussing the “next generation” of superstars, New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers stands out above the rest. The former LSU Tiger entered the 2024 season as the clear WR2 behind Marvin Harrison Jr. in fantasy football rankings. Likely drafted 4-5 rounds later, Nabers proved everyone wrong, outperforming MHJ. In fact, Nabers showed that he could be the best WR in the class when it is all said and done. On the field, Nabers’ versatility and ability to gain yards after the catch give him an advantage in most matchups. What makes this year particularly impressive is his stat line of 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and 7 touchdowns (WR8), which came from catching passes from Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito. All three may never start another NFL game.
Malik Nabers is asked what he’d like to see in the next QB of the Giants:
“Somebody that can be a leader, come into this offense and learn as quickly as possible…give us a chance to compete” pic.twitter.com/La5Nve0PLf
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) January 6, 2025
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Nabers’ ability to shine under the current circumstances instills confidence in fantasy managers that 2025 will be even greater. He has the potential to finish in the top three among wide receivers thanks to his volume. This would make him a steal if drafted at the end of the first round. With no chance for his situation to be any worse in 2025, the only direction for this superstar is up.
Outside looking in: Brian Thomas Jr, Jonathan Taylor, Josh Jacobs, Brock Bowers
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