Way too Early 2025 First Round Mock

Hit your resolutions early by preparing for the 2025 Fantasy Football Season

2025 Fantasy Football: Way-Too-Early First Round Mock Draft

It’s the first day of 2025 and it’s never too early to start drafting for the upcoming fantasy football season. If you’re a degenerate like me you’re already looking for an edge for the release of Best Ball Mania 6 on Underdog Fantasy.

1. Ja'Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati Bengals)

Chase has established himself as fantasy's premier wide receiver, outscoring Justin Jefferson by 70 points – the same as the gap between WR2 and WR15. His 1,612 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns, and 117 catches demonstrate both consistency and explosive upside that make him worthy of the first overall selection.

2. Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams)

Nacua's early NFL campaign has been historic by every metric. Among all pass-catchers since 2014, he ranks first in targets per route and explosive receptions per route run, while placing second in first downs per route. From Weeks 8-17, he performed as WR2 in points per game (min. 8 games), showcasing elite production that should carry into 2025.

3. Saquon Barkley (RB, Philadelphia Eagles)

Outscoring Derrick Henry by 40 points and finding the end zone 13 times, Barkley proved he remains an elite fantasy option. His dual-threat ability and guaranteed volume make him a safe first-round selection with league-winning upside.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Detroit Lions)

Gibbs emerged as the ultimate "handcuff with extreme benefits," averaging over 20 points per game without Montgomery. As the only NFL player with 70+ scrimmage yards in every game, he combines a reliable floor with explosive ceiling – a rare combination for a running back. There’s upside then there’s Jahmyr Gibbs potential 2025 ceiling.

5. Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota Vikings)

Despite a "down year," Jefferson finished as WR2, with only two single-digit scoring games. While quarterback uncertainty looms, Kevin O'Connell's offensive system should continue maximizing Jefferson's talents regardless of who's under center.

6. CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys)

Lamb's ability to produce even with Cooper Rush at quarterback showcases his quarterback-proof nature. His established rapport with Dak Prescott and central role in Dallas's offense cement his first-round status. We’ve seen his ceiling but Dallas needs to add some help to feel better about Lambs fantasy upside.

7. Bijan Robinson (RB, Atlanta Falcons)

Early signs point to improvement under Penix at Quarterback for the Atlanta offense. Robinson commanded the fourth-most opportunities among running backs and 63% of Atlanta's red zone carries. This volume combined with his talent makes him a safe first-round selection.

8. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, Detroit Lions)

Ho-Hum ARSB only finished second in both receptions and touchdowns, St. Brown thrived in Detroit's high-powered offense. Even if offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departs, St. Brown's role appears secure in this explosive system. There is not a more consistent player in fantasy and it’s hard not to want that round 1.

9. Nico Collins (WR, Houston Texans)

Ranking sixth in WR points per game, Collins could emerge as Houston's uncontested alpha receiver. With C.J. Stroud likely gaining more freedom in protection adjustments, Collins's ceiling remains largely untapped. If Houston can’t add another WR to this room the overall offense might take a hit, but Collins could see more volume.

10. Malik Nabers (WR, New York Giants)

Despite playing with four different quarterbacks in the NFL's 29th-ranked scoring offense, Nabers posted 1,000 yards and 5 touchdowns. With more stable quarterback play, he possesses WR1 upside.

11. Devon Achane (RB, Miami Dolphins)

Achane's versatility shined with 78 receptions – 10 more than the second-placed running back Alvin Kamara and 19 more than Bijan Robinson. His 42% snap rate out wide suggests a unique role that gives real dual threat running back usage. Achane possesses the unique upside of volume and explosiveness in 2025.

12. Breece Hall (RB, New York Jets)

Hall's elite talent is undeniable. His 2025 outlook could improve dramatically depending on New York's coaching and quarterback situations. He will likely be a riser in my ranks as the fog clears in New York.

Honorable Mentions:

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

BTJ had a more proven rookie season than Malik Nabers in a uniquely difficult environment. Finishing with a league winner season. Despite this, I’m still hesitant to rank him over more talented players especially with a lot of unknowns in Jacksonville this off season.

AJ Brown (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)

AJ Brown is a top 5 Wide Receiver in talent. Unfortunately, AJ Brown is locked into another team with low volume. With only 7.5 targets per game in 2024 it’s hard to rank him above target hogs with similar talent.

Brock Bowers (TE, Las Vegas Raiders)

He finished 3rd in receptions, broke multiple rookie records and played with 3 QB’s on a team that was 27th in total offense. I expect better days ahead with more consistency and better quarterback play.

Josh Jacobs (RB, Green Bay Packers)

Jacobs finished 3rd among running backs in total touchdowns despite missing games with his QB1. It shows in his box scores weeks 1-3 he was RB 28, weeks 3-17 he was the RB5. Age and wear and tear are a bit of a concern but he’s the lead back in an electric offense where his prime competition Marshawn Lloyd struggled to see the field.