Welcome to 2025 NFL Draft week — the culmination of months of anticipation and speculation, packed into a three-day celebration of football. Hope and optimism return as new names are called, giving fan bases across the country a reason to dream again. It's one of the best weeks of the year for any football fan — but for dynasty managers, it’s also one of the most important.
For most dynasty leagues, rookie drafts are scheduled about one week after the NFL Draft. That means months of planning and scouting prospects quickly give way to a frantic reshuffling of rankings and values — in a matter of days. It’s fast, furious, challenging, and we love every minute of it.
But in the NFL, when one door opens, another closes. A new draft pick often means someone else enters shaky ground. With the 2025 NFL Draft, a number of players are on the brink of having their dynasty value significantly decreased — or even destroyed.
All of these players are tilting situations for dynasty managers, and rostering them will make for some uncomfortable moments during the NFL Draft. But there are also a few names whose dynasty values could increase after potential draft weekend trades.
DYNASTY VALUES ON THE BRINK
Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals, 25 Years Old
Chase Brown managers are officially tilting. Cincinnati has brought in Ohio State standouts TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, as well as Kaleb Johnson, for Top-30 visits. This hardly supports the narrative that the Bengals will simply draft a cheap Day 3 back to compete with Samaje Perine for scraps, while Brown continues his dominant usage from 2024.
If we want to put on our GM hats and be rational, then there’s no way the Bengals would use a first- or second-round pick on a seemingly unnecessary position like running back — especially considering how effective Brown was last season. But here’s the sobering reminder: Cincinnati selected him in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. They have almost no significant investment in him and could see him as a back on borrowed time.
Brown is also not a destroyer in pass protection — a significant need for a team completely built around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and now the re-signed Tee Higgins.
Brown managers: prepare for a sweat during the NFL Draft.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets, 25 Years Old
There is a massive disconnect between fantasy football managers and the New York Jets regarding Breece Hall's value. Hall has never averaged fewer than 15 fantasy points per game in any season of his career and finished as the RB2 overall in 2023. The hiring of Tanner Engstrand as offensive coordinator should theoretically benefit Hall, but there are ongoing rumors connecting the Jets to Ashton Jeanty with the No. 7 overall pick.
It also seems like Aaron Glenn prefers a committee approach at running back. He has publicly praised not only Hall, but also Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis — not exactly the kind of coach speak Hall managers want to hear. Hall would likely generate interest on the trade market if the Jets chose to shop him, but the idea that he would command a Day 2 pick seems incredibly optimistic and fantasy-driven. His injury history further complicates his trade value.
Tyrone Tracy, RB, New York Giants, 25 Years Old
James Robinson (2021). Tyler Allgeier (2023). Tyrone Tracy (2025)?
Tracy was effective — and at times exciting — as a rookie, winning the job after being drafted in the fifth round. He dodged one bullet this offseason with Brian Daboll returning as head coach, and another with New York not signing any free agent running back competition.
Right now, Tracy managers feel like they’ve found money, but that feeling could quickly evaporate during the NFL Draft. While running back is not a pressing need for New York, it would seem very unlikely that there isn’t newfound competition in this backfield sooner rather than later.
This is your classic “if he survives, he’s a value” — but there’s a real possibility he could get obliterated.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys, 26 Years Old
Let me let you in on a little secret: fantasy managers don’t need Jake Ferguson — they need Dak Prescott’s tight end. Whether it was multiple seasons of Dalton Schultz, followed by Ferguson’s 2023 breakout season, fantasy managers have grown accustomed to having lineup utility from the Dallas TE.
Ferguson’s 2024 production dipped — he averaged nearly 3 fewer PPG than the year before. Could he be replaced during the NFL Draft? It certainly seems so. Dallas is right in the wheelhouse to select Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland at pick No. 12, and there will be enticing TE options like Elijah Arroyo available in the second round.
He is currently the TE18 on KeepTradeCut — a number that feels a bit too high. There’s also a chance that Dallas uses uber-athletic third-year player Luke Schoonmaker more this season.
Cole Kmet, TE, Chicago Bears, 26 Years Old
See Ferguson. Insert Cole Kmet.
A narrative is being whispered in the fantasy football streets that Kmet could be a sneaky offseason winner in the Sam LaPorta role of the Ben Johnson offense. It’s wishful thinking.
In reality, Kmet is a replacement-level talent who may be staring down a Tyler Warren-sized torpedo when Chicago is on the clock with the 10th overall pick. His days as the starter in Chicago could be numbered.
James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills, 25 Years Old
There are often shocking trades during NFL Draft weekend. Could James Cook be this year’s version?
Cook had his best season as a pro in 2024, finishing with 18 touchdowns — the second-most in team history behind only O.J. Simpson — and 16.7 PPG in fantasy. The Buffalo Bills offered Cook a contract extension, but both sides seem far apart at the negotiating table.
Cook has earned his spot as an RB1 in dynasty with his robust production, but he could quickly fall to the depths of RB2 land on a new team. Buffalo also has 10 picks to work with, including two second-rounders, giving them multiple chances to draft Cook’s replacement.
Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers, 25 Years Old
The Najee Harris hype train could be cut short. He had the best possible landing spot of any free agent running back this offseason, landing in the free-square volume Greg Roman offense. Harris has gained ADP value in best ball, and his dynasty outlook and value have both gone up considerably. But the narrative could quickly change if LA drafts Omarion Hampton at 22 overall.
A Harris-Hampton backfield would be a terrific pairing for real-life football, but a nightmare for fantasy. Harris could go from lead dog to the 40 in a 60/40 split with a younger back with elite athleticism and a lot of juice.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders, 26 Years Old
This one doesn’t need much context. Brian Robinson scored 17 touchdowns over the last two seasons combined, with RB22 and RB28 finishes in PPG. He has provided utility to fantasy managers and not much more. Washington seems like one of the teams most likely to select a running back during the NFL Draft. At the very least, Robinson is going to face additional competition. If Washington uses an early pick on a player like TreVeyon Henderson or Omarion Hampton, he will be nothing more than a roster-clogging backup.
D’Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears, 26 Years Old
D'Andre Swift has a history with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson. He finished as the RB15 in PPG in 2023 and was rewarded by being shipped off to Philadelphia during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend. He may not make it that far this season. Chicago holds the 10th, 39th, and 41st picks — multiple chances to annihilate Swift’s role and value.
DYNASTY VALUES THAT COULD INCREASE AFTER TRADES
Isaiah Likely, TE, Baltimore Ravens, 25 Years Old
There are rumors circulating that Mark Andrews could be traded as early as NFL Draft weekend. That would create a clear path to a massive fantasy ceiling for Isaiah Likely in 2025 and beyond. Likely just turned 25 years old and has thrived in an elite backup role. When Andrews misses games, Likely has consistently stepped up, giving fantasy managers glimpses of his spike-week ability.
Toward the end of the 2023 regular season, Likely scored 18 or more fantasy points in three of four games. He opened the season with 9 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, shredding the Kansas City defense and putting defenders on skates. It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Likely could post top-five tight end numbers this season if finally given the opportunity to be the full-time starter.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Miami Dolphins, 26 Years Old
Tyreek Hill could get traded, and if a deal does not materialize soon, he could be cut after June 1st. Jaylen Waddle’s 2024 season was a massive disappointment, but he could be in store for a huge rebound if Hill were to move on.
Waddle began his NFL career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, finishing as the WR15, WR12, and WR22. Last season was a significant letdown for Waddle managers, with the Miami passing game turning into a dumpster fire. Hill and Waddle’s production both came crashing down.
There is a ton of pressure on Mike McDaniel to win games, and there should be some self-scouting that could help get Waddle’s usage and production back on track. Miami also gave Waddle a massive three-year, $84.75 million contract last season, and the front office will want to see a return on that investment.
Not all buy-low opportunities in dynasty need to be complicated ones.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles, 30 Years Old
Dallas Goedert is a sneaky one. He has quietly finished as a top-12 scorer at the tight end position in points per game for six straight seasons. He’s now 30 years old, but athletically, he’s still fully intact.
In Philadelphia, he faces a limited target ceiling and is clearly the No. 3 option in the passing game behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. There are rumors he could be traded during the NFL Draft. Could he be this season’s Jonnu Smith in the right offensive situation?
It might be worth sending a buy-low offer — especially in tight end premium leagues.
RECENT TRADES I HAVE MADE
SENT: Marvin Harrison JR; RECEIVED: 1.10, 2026 1st, Jaylen Waddle
FFPC $500 ENTRY SINGLE QB PPR TE PREMIUM START 10
Moving Marvin Harrison Jr. is not without risk — potentially a great deal of it. This isn’t my only share of Harrison, and he’s not a player I’m actively trying to unload. However, he’s also not someone I would automatically decline offers for. His range of outcomes this season is wide.
Arizona just rewarded Trey McBride with a massive contract extension, and he’s looking more and more like the long-term foundational piece in that offense. Harrison could take the next step with more consistent usage and fulfill his WR1 destiny. If he does, I might regret this trade.
But with three chances — including access to Waddle — to hit, I like my odds of coming out ahead. This team won it all last year and has plenty of firepower, along with the flexibility to make big, bold moves.
SENT: Tyrone Tracy, Cole Kmet; RECEIVED: Dalton Kincaid
FFPC $750 ENTRY SINGLE QB PPR TE PREMIUM START 10
I read my own advice. My dynasty rosters were loaded with Tyrone Tracy shares, and I’ve pivoted off several of them. This trade gave me access to “buy low” on Dalton Kincaid and his newly depressed value. It also gave me a player with a clear and defined role for 2025.
Kincaid was a disaster of a pick at ADP in redraft last season, but he’s only entering his third year as a pro (25 years old), has NFL first-round draft capital, and plays in one of the league’s best offenses. If Kincaid can return to his 2023 rookie year numbers (73 catches), he’ll be a useful player — especially in this TE premium scoring format.
My team finished out of the money last year after a championship finish and a top-3 finish in the two years prior. I am hopeful that this team will be set for a deep run in 2025.
