2025 NFL Draft Landing Spots: Full Breakdown by Position
The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and it’s time to get excited about the next generation of NFL stars. With rookies landing across the league at every position, fantasy football managers, dynasty players, and hardcore NFL fans have plenty to look forward to. Let’s dive into the major rookie landing spots — focusing on quarterbacks (QBs), running backs (RBs), wide receivers (WRs), and tight ends (TEs) — and see who could make the biggest impact right away.
Quarterbacks (QBs): New Franchise Leaders?
Jaxon Dart - New York Giants
Jaxon Dart finds himself in New York, a team desperate for consistency under center. Dart has the tools to develop into a long-term starter. If the Giants strengthen their O-line, Dart could surprise a lot of people.
Cam Ward - Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward heads to Tennessee, where he’s expected to compete for the starting job immediately. With the Titans undergoing an offensive rebuild, Ward’s dual-threat ability could be a huge weapon. He could turn into a fantasy sleeper if he secures the starting role early.
Tyler Shough - New Orleans Saints
The Saints add Tyler Shough, a high-upside passer with mobility. New Orleans could be the perfect place for Shough to grow behind an experienced roster and eventually lead their next era.
Jalen Milroe - Seattle Seahawks
Jalen Milroe brings electric athleticism to Seattle. Though Geno Smith is still there, Milroe could be groomed as the future starter. His legs will make him a fantasy threat once he sees the field.
Dillon Gabriel - Cleveland Browns
The Browns double-dip at quarterback, adding Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel offers accuracy and decision-making, fitting nicely into Cleveland’s offensive system.
Shedeur Sanders - Cleveland Browns
Cleveland also grabs Shedeur Sanders, one of the most highly-touted QBs in the class. Sanders is NFL-ready with elite poise and mechanics. Don’t be shocked if he wins the starting job sooner rather than later.
Kyle McCord - Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle McCord lands in Philadelphia, giving them a talented developmental backup. McCord has a big arm and could turn into a solid starter if needed.
Will Howard - Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh picks up Will Howard, who offers prototypical size and underrated mobility. He may sit behind the starter initially but has long-term upside.
Riley Leonard - Indianapolis Colts
Leonard will battle for a backup spot in Indy, but with his strong arm and frame, he could develop into a starter if given time.
Other Notable QBs:
- Graham Mertz (Houston Texans) – Solid depth behind Stroud.
- Cam Miller (Las Vegas Raiders) – A developmental QB with tools.
- Kurtis Rourke (San Francisco 49ers) – Classic Kyle Shanahan project.
- Quinn Ewers (Miami Dolphins) – Could challenge for backup duties behind Tua.
Running Backs (RBs): New Playmakers in the Backfield
Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a gem with Ashton Jeanty. Explosive and versatile, he should smash immediately and become a top 5 dynasty RB.
Omarion Hampton - Los Angeles Chargers
Hampton fits perfectly into the Chargers’ system as a powerful runner who can also catch passes out of the backfield.
Quinshon Judkins - Cleveland Browns
Judkins gives the Browns a bruising back who lead the backfield right now.
Treyveon Henderson - New England Patriots
Henderson’s quickness and pass-catching ability could make him a major contributor in New England’s often unpredictable backfield.
RJ Harvey - Denver Broncos
Harvey brings versatility and explosiveness to Denver. He is definitely someone to consider reaching for in the upcoming draft.
Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers)
A perfect fit for Johnson. The Steelers use a zone run scheme and Johnson could feast as the primary back in Pittsburgh.
Other Notable RBs:
- Bhayshul Tuten (Jacksonville Jaguars) – Will compete for carries behind Etienne. Love the talent!
- Trevor Etienne (Carolina Panthers) – Yes, the younger brother of Travis Etienne; exciting upside!
- Woody Marks (Houston Texans) – A potential pass-catching weapon.
Wide Receivers (WRs): Game-Changers Out Wide
Travis Hunter - Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, the electric two-way star, lands with the Jaguars. While some wondered if he might play DB, he’s set to stick at WR. Trevor Lawrence gets another elite weapon — fantasy gold!
Tet McMillan - Carolina Panthers
Carolina needs offensive weapons badly, and McMillan offers size, speed, and reliable hands. He could quickly rise to WR1 status there.
Emeka Egbuka - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs score a massive win with Egbuka. He’s polished, fast, but if Godwin is ready Week 1, which he should be, then the volume questions will arise similar to when JSN debuted in Seattle a few years ago.
Matthew Golden - Green Bay Packers
Golden gives Jordan Love another explosive target. He should carve out a role early on and could become a fantasy flex option by midseason.
Jayden Higgins - Houston Texans
With C.J. Stroud leading the way, Higgins will have opportunities. He’s a physical receiver who could thrive in the red zone.
Luther Burden III - Chicago Bears
Paired with Caleb Williams, Burden could become a fantasy star. His route-running and YAC skills are elite.
Other Notable WRs:
- Tre Harris (Chargers) – A deep threat who could stretch defenses.
- Jack Bech (Raiders) – Don’t sleep on Bech who has very similar skills to his teammate Jakobi Meyers.
- Kyle Williams (Patriots) – This is exactly what Drake Maye and the Patriots offense needed. A speedster with elite separation skills.
Tight Ends (TEs): The Future is Bright
Tyler Warren - Indianapolis Colts
The Colts needed more firepower at TE, and Tyler Warren fits the bill. He could immediately step into a starting role and be a red-zone favorite.
Coleston Loveland - Chicago Bears
Chicago quietly built a powerful offense, and Loveland’s versatility will make him a key piece in 2-TE sets.
Mason Taylor - New York Jets
Mason Taylor, Jason Taylor’s son, could become another reliable weapon for Justin Fields. He has the skill set to be a top-12 fantasy TE eventually.
Terrance Ferguson - Los Angeles Rams
Ferguson could become a key weapon for Matthew Stafford’s successor in the Rams' offense.
Elijah Arroyo - Seattle Seahawks
Dynamic after the catch, Arroyo could eventually take over as the primary pass-catching TE in Seattle.
Other Notable TEs:
- Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns) – Adds another dimension to Cleveland’s offense.
- Gunnar Helm (Titans) – Solid depth; blocking specialist.
- Mitchell Evans (Panthers) – Red-zone weapon upside.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Draft class brought a deep group of offensive talent across the board. Whether you’re looking at quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends, plenty of rookies have landed in great situations. Expect several of these players to become household names by the end of their first NFL season.
For fantasy football and dynasty leagues, now is the perfect time to add these rookies to your watchlists (or rosters!) before they explode in value.
Which rookie are you most excited about for the 2025 season?