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Scott Barrett’s 2025 Draft Guide

Scott Barrett breaks down his 2025 drat strategy with rankings, must-draft players and his “Exodia” targets.

Upside wins leagues. Exoida players are high upside plays that Scott won’t leave his drafts without…this is the blueprint.

Quarterback Draft Strategy

Scott’s QB approach this year is all about two clear paths—either invest early in one of the elite “Big-4” hyper-mobile QBs or wait until very late rounds (Round 10 or later) to grab a high-upside QB. There’s no middle ground this year, as mid-round QBs don’t offer enough value compared to other positions.

• Early-Round Approach: Target one of the Big-4 QBs, especially Jayden Daniels (who Scott favored last year) or Jalen Hurts (often the cheapest elite option). These QBs provide high floor, ceiling, and consistency week-to-week. Scott believes THIS PLAYER could lead the position in fantasy points this year. Read the full article to find out who he’s talking about.

• Late-Round Approach: If you miss out on the Big-4, wait until Round 10+ to draft a QB with upside, like Drake Maye. The 2024 QB class is deep, so many late-round options could outperform their draft cost. This strategy mirrors last year’s success with Jayden Daniels.

Scott strongly advises avoiding the mid-round QBs like Patrick Mahomes (Round 4), Baker Mayfield (Round 5), or Jared Goff (Round 8), because their draft price doesn’t match their expected fantasy output compared to other positions.

😤 QB Exodia - Drake Maye (TE12, QB13 overall) - Maye gives Josh Allen vibes, with top-5 upside as a late-round QB target going in Round 10-12 range. Not quite a “sure thing” like last year’s Daniels, but a prime late-round gamble with strong rushing potential and a growing connection with his offense.

Late Round Targets:  Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert & Justin Fields

Running Back Draft Strategy

Scott’s RB strategy is built around five core rules to maximize value and upside, especially focusing on cost-efficient players in Rounds 3-5 and beyond.

• Rule No. 1: Draft at least one of these RBs in Rounds 3-5:

  • Bucky Irving (Rounds 2-3)

  • Chase Brown (Rounds 3-4)

  • Kenneth Walker (Round 4 on every site)

  • Omarion Hampton (Rounds 4-5)

• Rule No. 2: Draft THIS ROOKIE in Rounds 6-7 if available. If not, take THIS ROOKIE (Rounds 6-7) as a strong fallback. Read the full article to find out who these players are.

• Rule No. 3: Draft Cam Skattebo in Rounds 8-10 wherever possible. Scott acknowledges the injury risk and his unpopular stance, but he believes Skattebo is a potential league-winner with upside that outweighs his draft capital.

• Rule No. 4: After Skattebo is gone, prioritize Jaguars RBs for potential upside:

  • Bhayshul Tuten (Rounds 11-13)

  • Tank Bigsby (Rounds 11-13)

• Rule No. 5: Draft Miles Sanders (UDFA) in your last 2-3 picks if available. He could start Week 1 for Dallas and is going undrafted on major platforms, making him an excellent late flier.

Scott believes this was the best rookie RB class we’ve seen since 2017, so they all hold tremendous value and upside. Be patient, and you might just draft a couple of league winners.

Wide Receiver Draft Strategy

Scott is more bullish than ever on Round 1-2 WRs, favoring early WR investments over loading up on RBs early. He notes many WRs are going higher than he thinks makes sense, creating value opportunities.

• Early WR Value Targets (Rounds 1-3):

  • Malik Nabers (Round 2 on Yahoo!, Scott’s No. 8 overall player)

  • Brian Thomas Jr. (Round 2 on all sites)

  • A.J. Brown (mid-Round 2 on Yahoo!)

  • Drake London (late-Round 2 on most sites)

  • Ladd McConkey (Round 3 on ESPN)

• High-Upside, Mid-Round WRs:

  • Davante Adams (Round 4 on Yahoo! and NFL.com): Strong value at this price.

  • Rashee Rice (Round 5 on Yahoo! and ESPN): Scott is very bullish despite a 4-6 game suspension. He expects top-12 production after that. Rice is even more valuable in smaller leagues (8 or 10 teams). Patience and risk tolerance needed.

😤 Exodia - ??? (Round 7 on every site): Scott is adamant — draft him or “we’re not friends anymore.” He’s grossly mispriced and can be a value even if taken 1-2 rounds earlier. Read the full article to find out who this player is. Hint, he’s 6-foot-5.

😤 Exodia - Ricky Pearsall (Rounds 9-11): A “must-draft” Exodia WR who is severely undervalued and expected to finish top-30 in FPG with upside similar to prime Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. ADP around WR44-WR46 on major sites — severely undervalued.

😤 Exodia - Luther Burden (Rounds 13-18): Considered an Exodia WR mostly in deep/tournament formats (like FFPC Main Event), with massive breakout potential but a higher chance of being waiver wire fodder in shallower leagues. Has shades of 2021 Amon-Ra St. Brown breakout with Ben Johnson…could be waiver wire fodder, but worth a dart throw.

Consolation prize - Emeka Egbuka: If you miss out on Pearsall, grab him. He’s got similar upside, especially if Godwin doesn’t come back the same…meaning he could feast in the slot role.

Read the full article for Tight Ends, FAQs and a full breakdown of each position (with rankings and all targets)

The Guru’s 2025 Draft Plan

The Guru John Hansen outlines his strategy for drafting in 2025 - targets, fades & more.

The Twelve

These are the 12 players vital to the Guru’s draft strategy in 2025. Breakouts, values and must-haves.

1. T.J. Hockenson (TE, Vikings) – The cheapest path into the elite TE tier. If you land two WR studs and a strong RB1 early, Hockenson in the 4th is a league-tilting luxury. Top-3 TE upside if things go smoothly.

2. J.J. McCarthy (QB, Vikings) – Echoing his 1999 Daunte Culpepper call, Hansen’s ranking McCarthy top-12 at QB despite zero starts, betting on a second-year leap in an excellent situation.

3. ??? – A dream RB1 target in the 3rd round, enabling an early WR/TE double-tap. As an RB2, he’s a smash if the board falls right. Read the full article to find out who this player is.

4. Brian Thomas (WR, Rams) – After a stellar rookie year, Thomas steps into a Liam Coen offense with a legit shot to justify a late-first pick.

5. Jonathan Taylor (RB, Colts) – Last season’s RB7 in a “lost” year. With better TD luck and more passing-game work, he’s a value at 20–25 ADP—especially if paired with an elite WR in Round 1.

6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, Seahawks) – Locked in as “their guy” in a reduced-volume pass game, JSN’s talent and trajectory make him a safe WR2 with upside.

7. Jameson Williams (WR, Lions) – Well above market in Hansen’s ranks, Williams projects for an expanded role in Year 4. Draftable as a WR3 with league-winning upside.

8. TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Bengals) – Rookie RB with “serious game” who slipped past the top 50 picks—buying opportunity. His passing-game chops make him less risky than most rookies.

9. Calvin Ridley (WR, Jaguars) – Still lightning quick, now with a QB upgrade and a massive role. A WR3 in price only.

10. Ricky Pearsall (WR, 49ers) – Off the PUP early, Pearsall has been making noise in camp. Injury risk, but in games with ≥6 targets last year, he averaged 21.6 FPG (WR6 pace).

11. Davante Adams (WR, Rams) – One of the few “old heads” Hansen will roster—Hall of Fame résumé, elite technique, and an affordable 4th-round price tag.

12. Deebo Samuel (WR, Commanders) – Predicted his move to DC months ago; his skillset is tailor-made for Kliff Kingsbury’s system. Bonus: McLaurin’s holdout could boost early targets.

The Quarterback Plan

Hansen sees 2025 as a “good year to wait on QB” unless one of his elite “Fantastic Five” (Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow) falls at a discount. After those top names, the next tier is crowded with similar profiles, making patience the optimal play. His focus: land value from mid-to-late round passers with upside, pairing safe floors with high-ceiling breakouts. His five favorite QB picks based on player and cost are:

1. J.J. McCarthy (Min, QB19)

2. Jordan Love (GB, QB14)

3. Brock Purdy (SF, QB12)

4. Joe Burrow (Cin, QB5)

5. Trevor Lawrence (Jax, QB21)

Bottom Line: Unless a Fantastic Five QB drops, stack RB/WR early and mine QB value later—ideally from Hansen’s top five targets above.

The Running Back Plan

Hansen is easing off the gas from his RB-heavy approach last year, shifting focus toward wide receivers early, but still sees plenty of value in 2025’s deep running back pool. The theme this year: don’t force RBs early unless it’s for a true anchor — because there’s quality and depth all the way into the double-digit rounds.

Core Targets:

• De’Von Achane (MIA, RB7, Round 2) – Thrived despite awful QB play last season with 281 touches. A foundational, PPR-friendly option who’s safe in the 2nd round.

• Jonathan Taylor (IND, RB10, Round 3) – Quietly posted RB7 numbers in PPG last year despite vulturing by Anthony Richardson. Top-5 playoff schedule and improved offense make him a steady RB1.

• ??? – Bellcow role in a top-tier offense with added passing game work expected. Strong 3rd-round anchor pick. Read the full article to find out who this player is.

• Breece Hall (NYJ, RB13, Round 3) – New coaching staff might use a committee, but Hall’s playmaking and improved O-line keep him in RB1 territory if healthy.

• Omarion Hampton (LAC, RB16, Round 4) – Rookie likely to edge out Najee Harris in a run-heavy scheme. Round 4 upside target.

• RJ Harvey (DEN, RB22, Round 7) – Explosive runner who’s clearly the most talented back in Denver. Could seize the job early.

• Jaylen Warren (PIT, RB32, Round 8) – Opened camp as clear RB1, should rack up carries and catches. Strong 8th-round steal.

• Isaac Guerendo (SF, RB46, Round 11) – Only a Christian McCaffrey injury away from league-winning upside in Shanahan’s scheme.

Bottom Line: Start WR early unless a top RB falls and aim for one RB in the first 3 rounds, often in the 2nd or 3rd. Be comfortable waiting until Rounds 6–8 for RB2/RB3 because depth is strong this year and target explosive talents with potential to gain full-time roles as the season progresses

The Wide Receiver Plan

Hansen is loading up on wideouts early in 2025, especially if an elite option is available in the first three rounds. He’s prioritizing high target shares, proven production, and strong QB situations, while still finding upside in the middle and late rounds.

Core Targets:

• Brian Thomas – Round 2 (WR8) - Broke out as a rookie and is still ascending. The addition of Liam Coen as OC and a healthy Trevor Lawrence make him a strong WR1 candidate.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Round 3 (WR17) - Set for 140+ targets even with a slight QB downgrade. A strong WR2 target in the third round.

• Garrett Wilson – Round 3 (WR12) - Locked in for double-digit targets weekly. Tyrod Taylor provides stability if Fields falters.

• Davante Adams – Round 4 (WR15) - Still wins with route running and lands in a great spot with Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford.

• DeVonta Smith – Round 5 (WR18) - Consistently beats ADP and should see more passing volume after Philly’s unusually low pass rate last year.

• Calvin Ridley – Round 6 (WR23) - Highly underrated with a top-three air-yard share. Could be a steal if rookie QB play is solid.

• Rashee Rice – Round 6 (WR27) - Elite per-route efficiency and the clear top target in Kansas City. Has 100-catch potential.

• Jameson Williams – Round 6 (WR29) - Expected to take on a leading role in Detroit despite some coaching changes. Strong upside.

• Deebo Samuel – Round 8 (WR40) - Should thrive in a high-volume passing offense and remain a threat as both receiver and runner.

• Ricky Pearsall – Round 9 (WR46) - Showing strong camp performance with upside to break out if healthy.

• Jayden Higgins – Round 9 (WR51) - Rookie with strong potential in Houston, could emerge quickly.

• Jack Bech – Round 11 (WR61) - Versatile rookie in Las Vegas with a chance to be a key part of the offense.

• Josh Palmer – Round 11 (WR69) - Reliable route runner and leader on Buffalo. Could exceed ADP with injury concerns ahead of him.

Bottom Line: Target elite WRs early to anchor your team, then mix in proven mid-round players with upside late to build depth and high-ceiling WR3/4 options. Depth is crucial because WR quality drops sharply after Round 10.

The Tight End Plan

The Guru is all-in on TJ Hockenson as his main TE target in 2025. This is the year to invest early in a top tight end due to the sharp drop-off after the elite few, similar to the QB position. Scott favors the cheapest elite options: Joe Burrow at QB and Hockenson at TE.

• T.J. Hockenson (Min, TE5) — ADP: Late Round 2 (Pick ~24-30) - Scott’s top tight end target this season. Healthy ACL, improved offensive line, and heavy usage expected from QB J.J. McCarthy. The absence of Jordan Addison for the first three games should boost his early-season targets.

• Brock Bowers (LV, TE1) — ADP: Late Round 1 / Early Round 2 (Pick ~12-20) - A major playmaker with elite upside. Scott would consider taking him as early as 12th overall to secure a positional advantage. His ADP usually falls just outside the top 12.

• Travis Kelce (KC, TE6) — ADP: Round 5 (Pick ~50-60)- The backup plan if Hockenson is unavailable. Kelce remains a top fantasy tight end despite age and a recent drop in touchdown rate. High ceiling in a potent offense.

• Mark Andrews (Bal, TE7) — ADP: Round 7 (Pick ~75-85) - A value pick priced right around the seventh round. Led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns last year and continues to be a reliable red zone target.

Bottom Line: Lock in a top-5 tight end early for positional advantage — Hockenson or Bowers are preferred. If unavailable, target Kelce or Andrews in the mid-to-late rounds. Use later rounds for sleepers and upside plays to balance risk and reward.

The Dirty 30

These are players that the Guru is passing on this year

• Pricey/old: Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon

• Pricey: ???

• Just-not-feeling-it-at-ADP: Terry McLaurin, Jalen Hurts, Chuba Hubbard, Travis Hunter, Bo Nix, Baker Mayfield, Tetairoa McMillan, Tyrone Tracy, Khalil Shakir, J.K. Dobbins

• Boring: DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, Patrick Mahomes, Isiah Pacheco, Kaleb Johnson, Evan Engram, Jared Goff, Brian Robinson

• Too risky: ???

Read the full article for the full strategy per position, the entire list of players the Guru is targeting and key tips to win your league.

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