The first round of this year’s NFL Draft concluded last night with 32 young studs set to make big league debuts with their respective teams this fall. The level of play from these propsects won’t only impact their teams success but our fantasy football successs. I’m going to give you 3 first round picks selected last night who will take your fantasy team a long way next fall.
1. TE Colston Loveland (CHI)
The Chicago Bears decision at No. 10 to take the first TE off the board in Loveland was a shock to many front offices and NFL media. This comes after many big boards had the diverse Penn State player, Tyler Warren, at the top of their TE rankings. Though Warren seemed like a great fit for Ben Johnson’s variety filled offense, Loveland will serve as a sneaky threat for Caleb Williams. The past 2 drafts have featured tight ends that not only made immediate impacts on their team but finished 1st overall in fantasy points among their position. I believe Colston Loveland can continue this streak of great first round tight ends that Sam LaPorta (DET) and Brock Bowers (LV) have started.
In 2024, the Michigan Wolverine brought in 56 catches for 582 yards and 5 TDs. I love this choice for the Bears because of Coach Johnson’s ability to make play makers out of guys who aren’t the featured receiver. Loveland will do his best work as a 3rd or 4th option on pass plays for Caleb Williams, and you can expect to see him grabbing many receptions in the flats or in short yardage territory across the middle (which makes this a great pick for anyone in PPR leagues). We can also assume Ben Johnson will draw up plays that causes defenses to be distracted by other threats, leaving Loveland open down field. Bringing a consistent pass catcher like Colston Loveland to one of the best offensive schemes in football is a sure fire win for any of his future fantasy owners.
2. RB Omarion Hampton (LAC)
This is another guy I like solely for the fit in the system he’s entering. Last year’s Chargers offense, under new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, featured a running back tandem that resulted in career years for both JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. If there’s one thing we know about Harbaugh and his coaching style – its that he LOVES to run the ball. Putting Omarion Hampton behind an impressive offensive line will help to acheive the Charger’s goal of improving the scoring ability in their offense. I would also expect Hampton to be a big player in the pass game for QB Justin Herbert. Hampton rushed for over 1600 yards last season and put up 15 TDs for the Tar Heels. His ability to bounce off the point of attack and get north quick will make his fantasy owners very happy next fall.
3. WR Matthew Golden (GB)
Golden was the third receiver taken off the board last night and was given an uproaring approval from the Green Bay crowd. The Texas Longhorn put up 9 touchdowns last season in a pass heavy offense that featured him and Isaiah Bond (likely a day 2 pick in this year’s draft). Golden is heading to Green Bay to give QB Jordan Love some much needed support. Love’s two years as a starter has been successful as the team made playoff pushes in both seasons, but Coach LaFleur is expecting more from the QB who they just sunk $220 million into. The best way to make JLove a $50+ mil per year passer is by surrounding him with talent.
The receiver room in Green Bay during Love’s tenure has been underwhelming and has lacked a true WR1. Jayden Reed has been successful in the slot and Romeo Doubs has exhibited extraordinary pass catching ability. But neither has taken the jump to be a top reciever in this league. Golden has the chance to be a featured receiver immediately and be a part of a team that is looking to make a long playoff push. His 4.29 40 yd dash time will make the Packers offense one of the fastest in the league. I love this pick for Green Bay. Golden will be a sneaky late round steal for fantasy owners this year.
There are other guys selected that will be big fantasy names as well – Hunter, Jeanty, Ward, just to name a few. My goal was to give you players you can find late in the draft and have everyone else in your league looking back thinking how did they know? Save this article and come back to it next August when you’re preparing for your fantasy football draft!
Written by Colby Shannon, Friday April 25th 9:24 am
As the draft continues OnlyFootball will be diving further into NFL teams and their expected outcomes for the draft and the 2025 season.
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