In the lead-up to the NFL draft, Mike Clay's 2025 fantasy football rankings highlight the top offensive players without including rookies. Bijan Robinson from the Atlanta Falcons leads the list, showcasing a stellar 2023 season with an average of 23.3 touches and 22.8 fantasy points per game. Following him is Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions, who excelled with 20 touchdowns while maintaining top stats in rushing and receiving. Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey also rank highly, with Barkley achieving an impressive fantasy points average of 22.2 and McCaffrey returning from injuries with expectations of a strong comeback. Other notable mentions include De'Von Achane from the Miami Dolphins, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, and Josh Jacobs, who had a standout debut season with the Green Bay Packers. As the rankings unfold, the analysis provides valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts preparing for their drafts.

With free agency settling, the Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for the 2025 season, aiming to solidify their starting offensive lineup. Although the NFL draft is forthcoming, projections indicate that Anthony Richardson will remain the starting quarterback, having made strides last season. Jonathan Taylor at running back is a certainty, while the tight end position appears open, with Colston Loveland potentially being a selection at the draft. The offensive line will need adjustments, especially after losing Will Fries, with Matt Goncalves expected to transition from tackle to guard. The wide receiver corps includes Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, who will likely be integral to the passing game, alongside AD Mitchell anticipating further development.

The Indianapolis Colts have significantly revamped their roster following the initial wave of NFL free agency. General manager Chris Ballard has taken a new approach to improve the team's competitive edge, particularly in the secondary with the signings of safety Cam Bynum and cornerback Charvarius Ward. Additionally, the team has made strategic depth acquisitions across various positions, including the offensive line and running back, although gaps remain at defensive end and interior offensive line due to player departures.

On offense, the Colts feature promising talents like quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor, while the wide receiver corps showcases Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Josh Downs. The tight end position, however, remains largely untouched following free agency. On defense, the Colts boast standout players like DeForest Buckner and new cornerback Charvarius Ward, but they will need to address the loss of Dayo Odeyingbo's pressure production as the offseason progresses.

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a pivotal year for running backs, with Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry rejuvenating interest in high-end talent at the position. Both are coming off impressive performances, with Barkley achieving his first 2,000-yard season, making him a top choice heading into the season. Henry, defying age, continues to dominate, making him crucial for the Ravens. Young stars like Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are anticipated to break out, while veterans like Christian McCaffrey and Jonathan Taylor remain key players. The depth of this year's backs promises exciting fantasy implications, and understanding each player's situation is critical for draft strategies.

Running backs saw a renaissance in 2024, largely due to standout performances from Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, the latter contributing to a Super Bowl win. Barkley’s achievement of becoming the NFL's first $20 million running back establishes a new standard for contracts. However, elite running backs seem to shine primarily on competitive teams, as shown by Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson's struggles with the Colts and Falcons. The upcoming 2025 free agent class is weaker, prompting teams to consider the draft more favorably. Key free agents include Najee Harris, Aaron Jones, and JK Dobbins, all of whom could reshape rushing strategies across the league.