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.

Alexander Mattison's arrival with the Miami Dolphins brings a significant shift to their rushing dynamics. Emphasizing a 'downhill, fast, and physical' style, he addresses a critical gap in Miami's run game that struggled with short-yardage conversions last season. With a remarkable conversion rate on crucial runs, Mattison stands out as the heaviest running back at 220 pounds, a stark contrast to the speedster De'Von Achane. His ability to break tackles coupled with his pass-catching skills adds a multi-dimensional threat to the backfield, making him a pivotal asset in coach Mike McDaniel's offense.

Mattison's career boasts a solid performance, highlighted by his ability to convert on key plays and catch passes, which could alleviate the workload on Achane. As the Dolphins explore further options in the upcoming draft or consider bringing back Jeff Wilson Jr., Mattison's physical approach will be essential in reshaping their offensive strategy.

The 2025 NFL offseason has not generated as much buzz for running backs as 2024. However, clarity has emerged regarding team strategies, with several players stepping into starting roles while others are relegated to backups. With a promising draft class on the horizon, teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders may fortify their backfields, potentially selecting multiple running backs in the first round.

This offseason has prompted a reassessment of running back power rankings. While the elite players remain stable, shifts occur further down the list as teams prepare for the upcoming season. For instance, Tyrone Tracy Jr. of the New York Giants and Travis Etienne Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars are both looking to solidify their positions in 2025.

The 2025 NFL rookie draft is shaping up to be an exciting event for fantasy football enthusiasts. With many mock drafts already underway, players like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are being touted as top picks. Ward from Miami stands out as a Tier 1 quarterback, with Sanders from Colorado closely following in Tier 2. Running backs such as Ashton Jeanty are also making headlines, with speculation surrounding which teams will draft them. The upcoming NFL Scouting Combine has significantly impacted player rankings, with some rising and others falling, creating a dynamic landscape for fantasy players to navigate.

Wide receivers, too, are generating buzz, with prospects like Travis Hunter leading the charge. Tight ends like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland are expected to make a splash in the 2025 draft. As the fantasy community turns its focus to the draft, it will be critical to monitor these rankings and draft projections, as they will undoubtedly influence fantasy leagues in the coming season.

Drafting the wrong rookies can tank your fantasy team, particularly players likely to underperform based on their collegiate performance and physical metrics. For instance, Tre Harris from Ole Miss is the top WR for 2025, showcasing elite route-running and after-catch dynamics, making him a must-pick in the first round. In contrast, Kaleb Johnson from Iowa has bust potential due to a lack of speed and poor tackling in college, making him a risky first-round choice. Similarly, Bhayshul Tuten from Virginia Tech emerged as a top RB after impressive combine results, while Shedeur Sanders from Colorado struggles under pressure, making him a potential second-round mistake. Other noteworthy mentions include Tez Johnson from Oregon, who could be a solid third-round pick due to his route-running skills, and Jalen Milroe from Alabama, whose accuracy issues suggest he might not be a reliable choice.