Dave Kluge and I were joined by Kent Lee Platte of RAS.Football to take a look at some of the best athletes in the 2025 NFL Draft and discuss why having a top-tier athletic profile is so important for fantasy success. After the interview, Dave and I listed six of our favorite dynasty rookie draft prospects who have proven to have excellent athletic profiles. Here's a summary of our conversation:
1. Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ohio State (Watch at 24:19 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: 9.90 (Best among all RBs in the class).
- Pre-draft Knock: Questioned athleticism due to limited long-speed shown at Ohio State and getting chased down in the national title game.
- Post-Combine Evaluation: Blew up those concerns; now clearly above players like Kaleb Johnson.
- Traits on Film: Shows strong acceleration and burst through the line, though not often seen hitting top-end speed.
- NFL Projection: Can be a three-down back with explosive play potential, especially if paired with the right blocking scheme.
2. Emeka Egbuka, WR – Ohio State (Watch at 27:24 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: Estimated 9.27 (Unofficial due to incomplete drills).
- Strengths: Excellent route running, spatial awareness, blocks in the run game, inside/outside versatility.
- Athletic Testing Highlights: 4.49 40-yard dash, 4.15 shuttle, 38" vertical — showing great agility and explosion.
- Comp: Compared to Amon-Ra St. Brown — productive, tough, and versatile.
- NFL Projection: Strong candidate for a top-20 pick, fits well with teams like Baltimore or Houston, likely high rookie fantasy relevance.
3. Jaylin Noel, WR – Iowa State (Watch at 31:03 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: 9.75
- Size Knock: Shorter (5-10) and stockier (194 lbs), but not frail.
- Combine Strengths: Elite speed and explosion with great agility — big plays after the catch.
- Film Takeaway: Explosive, fast, and tough — looks like the video is playing at 1.25x speed.
- NFL Projection: Early-round 2 potential. Slot role early on but could develop into more. Think "explosive Christian Kirk."
4. Mason Taylor, TE – LSU (Watch at 33:24 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: Impressive despite initial athletic concerns — ran a 4.68 at 251 lbs.
- Profile: NFL-ready, consistent contributor with smooth route running, blocking ability, and pro bloodlines (son of Jason Taylor II).
- Production: Modest stats due to crowded LSU offense but steady role.
- Age Factor: Only 20 years old — room to grow physically and as an athlete.
- NFL Projection: Late Round 1 to early Round 2. Ideal for teams like the 49ers or Chiefs to groom behind veteran stars.
5. Terrance Ferguson, TE – Oregon (Watch at 37:42 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: 9.32 — best of any TE in the class.
- Combine Results: Elite speed and explosion, though slightly light at 247 lbs.
- On-Field Production: Huge after-the-catch threat (9 yards after contact per attempt).
- Style: Compared to Mike Gesicki — could serve as a "big slot" TE.
- NFL Projection: Potential to sneak into late Round 1, but more likely early Day 2. Strong TE2 or TE3 in rankings, depending on landing spot.
6. RJ Harvey, RB – UCF (Watch at 40:05 on YouTube)
- RAS Score: Elite explosion and speed grades. Ran a 4.40 at 5-8 and 205 lbs.
- Production: Over 1,400 yards in back-to-back years, 38 rushing TDs in two seasons.
- Film Takeaway: Fast, compact, and explosive — "Sonic the Hedgehog" vibes.
- Size Debate: Same size as top RB prospect Ashton Jeanty, yet often dismissed due to frame.
- Efficiency Metrics: Top 5 in multiple advanced categories (YPC, explosive runs, missed tackles, etc.).
- NFL Projection: Day 3 most likely due to size stigma, but Day 2 wouldn't be a shock. Excellent sleeper candidate.
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2025 NFL Draft