The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a buffet of skill position talent — deep, dynamic, and ready to reshape the offensive identities of several teams. Elite skill position talent can change the trajectory of an entire franchise — just ask the Bengals with Ja’Marr Chase or the Lions with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Here’s a look at the top skill position prospects and a few logical destinations where their skill sets would allow them to make immediate contributions.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Landing Spot 1: Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have struggled mightily to establish a consistent run game over the past two seasons, finishing last in rushing yards in 2024 and ranking near the bottom the year before. Their running backs combined for just 1,120 yards last season — the lowest total by any team since 2020.
While Las Vegas brought in Raheem Mostert during free agency, the 33-year-old is best suited as a change-of-pace option rather than a full-time workhorse. That’s what makes Ashton Jeanty such a strong fit at No. 6 overall. He’s an explosive, well-rounded back who brings toughness between the tackles and big-play potential every time he touches the ball.
Jeanty runs with power and balance, often breaking multiple tackles on a single carry. He’s also a reliable pass-catcher and a willing blocker — traits that make him a true three-down back. For an offense looking to establish its identity under new quarterback Geno Smith, Jeanty provides an immediate boost and long-term stability in the backfield.
Landing Spot 2: Chicago Bears
While the Raiders may be the better bet to land Ashton Jeanty, the Chicago Bears would be a significantly better situation. General manager Ryan Poles and the front office made it a priority to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, adding center Drew Dalman and guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. All three are expected to start for Chicago in 2025.
Bolstering the offensive line, which ranked 14th in our rankings last season, was an important step to supporting Caleb Williams in his development. Strengthening the running game would also help. The Bears aren’t in dire need of a running back, as they have D’Andre Swift, who’s a more than capable starter. However, Jeanty is a rare playmaker at the position who does all the little things well while also offering game-breaking home-run ability.
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Chicago’s rushing attack didn’t fare too well in 2024, ranking 27th in yards per rush attempt (4.0), 28th in 3rd down conversions on rushes (42.6%), and 30th in yards after contact per rush (2.51). Adding Jeanty would go a long way to improving their efficiency and form a dangerous 1-2 punch that would take immense pressure off their young quarterback.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Landing Spot 1: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos don’t have many holes on their roster heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, but they do need to upgrade at running back. Denver moved on from 2021 second-round pick Javonte Williams this offseason (Cowboys). Williams never really panned out, averaging less than 4.0 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons. Bo Nix finished the 2024 season with just 83 fewer rushing yards than Williams, with 47 fewer attempts.
As a unit, the Broncos averaged 1.62 yards before contact per carry (8th in the NFL) last season. On the flip side, they averaged just 2.51 yards after contact per carry (29th). The disparity suggests the offensive line (1st in PFSN’s OL rankings) wasn’t the issue. Instead, it was an overall lackluster rushing attack. For Denver to take the next step, they need a formidable ground game.
After Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton is the next-best running back in this class. A violent, downhill runner, Hampton offers outstanding size, strength and power. He is a power back first and foremost, but he offers excellent short area quickness and explosiveness. Hampton has a massive frame and is densely built to withstand contact and deliver punishment as a tempo-setting ball carrier.
Landing Spot 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers opted not to retain former first-round pick Najee Harris this offseason. After four straight seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards and at least six touchdowns, the Steelers have a need to fill in their backfield.
Jaylen Warren appears set to take over the lead back role, with free-agent addition Kenneth Gainwell entering the rotation. While Warren thrived as a change-of-pace playmaker for Pittsburgh, it remains to be seen if he can handle the workload of an every-down back.
Omarion Hampton is a well-rounded player who offers the production, high-end physical tools and versatility to excel as a three-down running back. He may not be as nifty in the open field, but he consistently churns positive yards and has the explosiveness to hit a big play every now and then. His physical running style fits within the smash-mouth brand of football we’re used to seeing from the Steelers.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Landing Spot 1: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns finished the 2024 season dead last in our Offense+ metric, one of only two teams to earn an F grade. Despite their massive financial commitment to Deshaun Watson, the results have been disappointing. Watson hasn’t played a full season since arriving in Cleveland and has consistently underperformed when healthy.
In 2024, he ranked near the bottom in nearly every key passing metric — including third-down conversions (19.7%, 39th), net yards per attempt (4.4, 39th), efficiency from a clean pocket, and production under pressure. While Jameis Winston provided the occasional spark, he was never the long-term solution.
This front office knows it can’t afford another season without a clear plan at quarterback. Shedeur Sanders gives them just that. He’s one of the top signal-callers in this draft class, with the confidence, leadership, and toughness to lead a turnaround. Sanders may not have elite mobility, but his pocket presence, football IQ, and competitive edge make him a good fit to help reset the direction of this franchise.
Landing Spot 2: New York Giants
The New York Giants’ shaky quarterback situation has become very interesting this offseason. New York brought in two veteran quarterbacks on the outs with their previous squads in Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. Shedeur Sanders may not be needed right away, but Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll’s futures could be determined by their ability to find a quarterback of the future.
The Giants’ instability at the quarterback position is well documented, as they’ve been on the struggle bus for several years now. New York ranked 31st in Offense+ last season, one of two teams to receive an F grade for the year. They ranked 29th in pass success rate and their 9.6 yards per completion was the worst mark in the NFL.
Sanders arguably has the highest floor of any quarterback in the class, and he has the tools to become a solid starter in the NFL. He’s an accurate and tough quarterback with a well-built frame and plenty of throws, hitting his targets in stride from each deep third of the field. Sanders could give Malik Nabers a bright young quarterback to grow with.
Landing Spot 3: New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints’ urgency for quarterback help seemingly increased after reports emerged about Derek Carr dealing with a shoulder injury that may or may not require surgery. Carr was presumed to be the starter heading into the 2025 season, but now his status may be up in the air.
The Saints’ offense started the 2024 season on fire, scoring more than 40 points in each of their first two games. However, the unit caught the injury bug, and they were a much different unit to end the year. Still, Carr enjoyed his best season in New Orleans. He ranked 11th in EPA per dropback (0.11) and finished the year 12th when working under pressure (-0.20 EPA/DB). Carr was also ninth in TD/INT rate (3.0) and inside the top 10 for nYPA (7.5; sixth).
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With Carr’s future uncertain, the Saints could opt to plan for the future and draft Shedeur Sanders. The Colorado product lacks an elite mobility profile and his mechanics are imperfect, but his arm strength and accuracy are two selling points. He can find uncanny ways to hit targets, and with explosive weapons like Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, and Rashid Shaheed, he could thrive.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Landing Spot 1: New York Jets
With the Aaron Rodgers era officially over in New York, many expected the Jets to target a quarterback early in the 2025 NFL Draft. But that speculation cooled after the team made a $40 million investment in Justin Fields. Still, Fields is only signed for two years, and without long-term security at the position, quarterback remains a need for the Jets. That’s where Ole Miss product Jaxson Dart could come into play.
Dart comes from Lane Kiffin’s QB-friendly system, which has helped boost the production of several passers. But Dart showed real year-over-year growth, capping his college career with 4,279 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024. He’s drawn some late first-round buzz thanks to his physical tools — a well-built 6’2”, 223-pound frame, athleticism, toughness, and a fluid throwing motion that allows him to make layered throws at every level of the field.
While his pro readiness is still a question — particularly his ability to work through progressions and handle pressure — Dart has clear starter potential. For a Jets team building a new offense and looking toward the future, he’s a strong developmental option with upside worth betting on.
Landing Spot 2: Pittsburgh Steelers
With Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in different locker rooms, and an Aaron Rodgers decision still looming, the Pittsburgh Steelers enter the draft desperately needing a quarterback.
Pittsburgh leaned on its running game for most of the 2024 season despite ranking 25th in rush success rate. They had a middling passing attack, but it was slightly better than the previous season. The Steelers didn’t give the ball up much through the air, but they finished with the 5th-worst sack rate in the league (8.9%). With an offensive line that’s still a work in progress, a quarterback who can use his legs to create plays could be a worthwhile asset.
Dart is a smooth operator and a gritty competitor with a little moxie. His dual-threat ability stretches the defense thin and keeps them honest in the RPO game, which is what he does best. His ability as a rushing threat and his toughness make him an enticing selection for the Steelers because of how they have historically played the game.
Landing Spot 3: Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams decided to retain Matthew Stafford for the 2025 season, so they’re in a good spot at quarterback for the immediate future. His return could make LA a prime destination for Jaxson Dart.
With 41 starts over four years, the 21-year-old is a seasoned prospect. However, he is far from the perfect prospect. He needs to improve his deep-ball accuracy, arm strength, and refine his mechanics, marrying his eyes, hips, and feet. Dart’s offense at Ole Miss was predicated on speed and efficiency, and minimized his responsibility as the QB. He has the necessary tools and pedigree to have success in this league, but he’d be better served landing in an organization where he can sit behind an established starter for a year or two.
Stafford is 37 years old and heading into his 17th NFL season. While still solid, he can’t play forever. Dart has a lot of potential and can learn from a Super Bowl-winning quarterback. The Rams have a strong group of skill players, led by Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, and Kyren Williams. Not to mention, Sean McVay is one of the league’s best play-callers. That kind of stability would benefit a developing QB like Dart.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Landing Spot 1: Carolina Panthers
Although the Carolina Panthers finished last season with a bottom-10 offense in our Offense+ metric, there’s reason for optimism heading into next season. Bryce Young had the best game of his career in Week 18, becoming the first player in franchise history to record three passing TDs and two rushing scores in a game.
Carolina has a promising but unproven young trio of pass-catchers in Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. To put Young in the best position to carry momentum into 2025, the Panthers’ front office must continue to put talent around him. Tetairoa McMillan is one of the best in the class and would give Young a weapon he doesn’t already have at his disposal.
McMillan may not have the speed to create home-run threats down the field, but he does have the size, strength, and ball skills to be a high-volume target at the next level as well as a tremendous red-zone threat. His ability after the catch would provide a boost to a Carolina offense that ranked last in average YAC per reception (4.2).
Landing Spot 2: Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been searching for a true complement to CeeDee Lamb for years. Lamb has been the engine of Dallas’ passing game — commanding 152 targets in 2024 — and has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
Behind him, production has been inconsistent. Tight end Jake Ferguson (86 targets) and wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (79 targets) were the next most involved, but while Tolbert was efficient (+0.25 EPA per target), he doesn’t bring the explosiveness or high-end traits of a true No. 2 option. That’s where Tetairoa McMillan comes in.
McMillan offers an enticing blend of size, precise route-running, and strong hands — a skill set that could give Dallas a legitimate second alpha on the outside. With Dak Prescott playing at an elite level (top-5 QB+ grade in three of the last five healthy seasons), McMillan has the potential to immediately elevate the Cowboys’ offense and help them return to playoff contention.
Landing Spot 3: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a team trending upward, and they don’t have too many glaring holes on their roster after free agency. They could use more talent on offense to continue to support Bo Nix, though.
Denver finished the 2024 season as a middle-of-the-pack offense in Offense+ (16th). Courtland Sutton was Nix’s primary target (81 receptions on 135 targets), but he doesn’t profile as a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. Marvin Mims emerged as an explosive playmaker with six touchdowns. The Broncos have several complementary pieces, but an alpha talent like Tetairoa McMillan could elevate this offense to new heights.
McMillan is a big-bodied pass catcher with an outstanding catch radius and hands. He has rare ball skills and is an outstanding contested catch and red-zone threat. While McMillan has everything you would want in a big-bodied possession-type receiver, what sets him apart is that he actually has the athleticism of a receiver who is smaller in stature. This would give Nix another playmaker to help him build on a strong rookie season.
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Landing Spot 1: Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Golden recently visited with the Dallas Cowboys, and if he made an impression on them, it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him playing in Jerry World next season. It would be wise for the Cowboys to upgrade their wide receiver room after losing Brandin Cooks in free agency. CeeDee Lamb is one of the best in football, but Dallas needs to put another legitimate threat on the field to keep opposing defenses honest.
The Cowboys love to put the ball in the air. Even though Dak Prescott missed more than half of the season, they finished with the 3rd-most passing attempts in the NFL (637). They were highly inefficient, though, ranking 28th in passing success rate and 29th in EPA per dropback. For this offense to improve in 2025, they’ll need to add some juice, and Golden can provide that.
Golden combines fantastic athleticism with the ability to do all of the little things at a high enough level to carve out a role within an offense. His ability to create consistent separation with his speed or quick feet makes him a reliable target. He also made a number of highlight-worthy catches in his final few games of the season.
Landing Spot 2: Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have shown a willingness to go against the grain in recent drafts. Taking Matthew Golden could spark a similar reaction, especially since his speed-driven game overlaps with current deep threat Jameson Williams.
But smart franchises plan ahead. With several key players on big contracts and a massive extension looming for Aidan Hutchinson, it may not be financially feasible to keep Williams on what could be a $20–25 million per year deal. Drafting Golden not only gives Detroit insurance for the future but also strengthens their receiver depth right now.
In a post-Ben Johnson offense, keeping explosive playmakers in the building will be essential — and Golden’s game-breaking speed could help the Lions stay dangerous, no matter who’s calling the plays.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Landing Spot 1: Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders shocked everyone last season, posting a 12-5 record in the regular season and making an impressive run to the NFC Championship game. Although they were dominated in that final game, they have momentum heading into 2025. The main reason for optimism is Jayden Daniels’ seamless transition to the NFL. The Commanders must continue to build around him, and they have already shown a willingness to do so by trading for Deebo Samuel this offseason.
Washington finished the 2024 season with the 6th-best offense, according to Offense+. They were efficient across the board, including having a 48.5% pass success rate, which ranked seventh in the league. The Commanders were also 5th in points scored per game (28.1) and 6th in red zone efficiency (63.4%).
Samuel and Terry McLaurin could be dynamic together, but the Commanders lost Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown this offseason. Emeka Egbuka would add another weapon to an already dangerous offense. Egbuka is a well-built slot receiver who projects as a reliable chain mover at the next level. He offers good overall size for the position and has good strength and athleticism. His instincts, play strength, and ability to get open all translate, and he should excel on third downs just as he did at the college level.
Landing Spot 2: Houston Texans
After a pleasantly surprising 2023 season, the Houston Texans’ offense took a significant step back last season. The unit finished the year ranked 28th in Offense+. Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Houston’s passing attack was potent in 2023, finishing 9th in pass success rate (44.7%), 2nd in yards per completion (12.3), and 3rd in TD/INT ratio (3.4). Each mark dropped in 2024, as they ranked 25th in pass success rate (40.8%), 13th in yards per completion (11.1), and 20th in TD/INT (1.7).
The Texans’ offensive struggles last season were disappointing, especially considering Stroud’s strong rookie season. The unit also had more explosive weapons than the previous season, adding Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. Diggs is now with the Patriots, and Tank Dell suffered another season-ending knee injury, so he’ll miss at least a chunk of the 2025 campaign. Joining Nico Collins in the WR room will be free-agent signings Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson. That group leaves much to be desired.
Emeka Egbuka is the type of player who can help elevate this offense, and he already has a rapport with Stroud since the two were teammates at Ohio State. He’s a third-down machine who consistently gets open and moves the chains. Egbuka also has extremely strong hands and outstanding body control, ball skills, and strength to make catches in contested situations and over the middle of the field.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Landing Spot 1: New York Jets
The New York Jets have had an interesting offseason. The failed Aaron Rodgers experiment is officially over, and Justin Fields is on track to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2025. There are still concerns about whether or not Fields is a starting NFL QB, but in order to make an informed conclusion, New York has to give him the best chance to succeed.
After moving on from Davante Adams this offseason, the Jets are left with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall as the only weapons who keep opposing coaches up at night. The passing offense was already below average in 2024 under Rodgers, finishing 20th in EPA per dropback and 21st in pass success rate. There’s a massive hole at tight end, and Tyler Warren is a dynamic playmaker at the position who could become a go-to option for Fields.
Warren offers versatility, capable of lining up in-line or split wide. He’s a natural pass-catcher with strong hands, a wide catch radius, and a knack for making every ball his. He high-points the football exceptionally well and thrives in contested catch situations. He’s also a physical presence in the run game and a willing blocker, which makes him a good fit for a team that will want to establish the ground game.
Landing Spot 2: Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ offense lacked consistency in 2024, finishing 21st in EPA per play (-0.04) and 19th in points per drive (1.91). While instability at quarterback played a major role, the team needs to surround Anthony Richardson with more support in order to properly evaluate his long-term potential.
Indianapolis already has a promising trio of wide receivers in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, but the tight end room remains underwhelming. That’s where Tyler Warren comes in. He checks every box for a modern NFL tight end — size, athleticism, blocking ability, and pass-catching skills — and has the potential to make an immediate impact in both the passing game and run game.
With the Colts’ offensive line slipping from its usual top-tier form (ranked 16th in our 2024 rankings), Warren’s versatility adds even more value. Whether it’s Richardson or Daniel Jones under center, Indianapolis needs playmakers who can elevate this offense — and depending on how the draft unfolds, Warren could be the best available player to do just that.