Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today – Episode: NFL Draft Prep: TE and QB Preview! (Released April 9, 2025)
Hosted by Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamie Eisenberg, and Chris Trapasso, this episode of Fantasy Football Today delves deep into the upcoming NFL Draft with a focused analysis on the Tight End (TE) and Quarterback (QB) positions. The discussion offers valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to dominate their leagues.
1. Introduction to the Episode
The episode kicks off with the hosts transitioning seamlessly from promotional segments into the main content, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of TE and QB prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft.
2. Tight End (TE) Position Analysis
a. Overview of the TE Class
The hosts highlight that the TE class this year is notably young, with many prospects in the 21-23 age range. This youth brings potential upside but also uncertainty regarding immediate impact and development.
Jamie Eisenberg remarks, “Young players still developing 100%” [04:17], emphasizing the developmental aspect of the TE class.
b. Key TE Prospects Discussion
-
Tyler Warren
- Highlights: Dominant in college with 104 catches in 16 games, 218 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns. Known for his physicality and versatility.
- Concerns: Dependence on target volume for fantasy success.
Jamie Eisenberg enthuses, “Happy birthday. Coast and Loveland out of Michigan... Mason Taylor is going to turn 21 next month, too. I forgot to mention him. Young players still developing 100%.” [04:21]
-
Colson Loveland
- Highlights: Speed and ability to run NFL-style routes. Young with significant upside.
- Concerns: Lack of contested catches and physicality. Only eight missed tackles in his college career raises doubts about his ability to excel against NFL defenses.
Dave Richard expresses skepticism, “He only forced eight missed tackles in his career at Michigan. ... Colson Loveland reminds me of Noah Fant” [12:39].
-
Harold Fannin Jr.
- Highlights: Record-setting with 117 catches in 13 games. Exceptional yards after catch and contested catch ability.
- Concerns: Smaller frame (6'3", 241 lbs) may raise questions about longevity and blocking capabilities in the NFL.
Jamie Eisenberg notes, “... he had 54 or 53 missed tackles forced in his college career... He’s a more explosive version of Isaiah likely” [05:27].
-
Additional Prospects
- Mason Taylor, Elijah Arroyo, and Terrence Ferguson are discussed as promising talents with specific strengths and areas for improvement, particularly in physicality and blocking.
c. Tight End Rankings and Evaluations
The analysts present their rankings, considering factors like catch volume, physical traits, and potential fit within NFL systems.
Adam Azer ranks:
- Tyler Warren
- Elijah Arroyo
- Colson Loveland
- Mason Taylor
- Harold Fannin Jr.
Chris Trapasso prefers Mason Taylor ahead of Arroyo but places Loveland second [22:57].
Dave Richard supports Tyler Warren as the top TE, followed by Terrence Ferguson and Harold Fannin Jr., expressing reservations about Loveland's readiness [11:05, 13:43].
d. Mock Draft Implications
The hosts discuss potential landing spots and fantasy implications based on their mock drafts.
Jamie Eisenberg shares a mock draft scenario:
- Tyler Warren to the Chargers (13th overall)
- Colson Loveland to the Broncos (20th overall)
- Harold Fannin Jr. traded to the Rams (78th overall)
Chris Trapasso elaborates on team needs and fit, noting the Chargers’ inclination to invest in playmaking TEs [09:32].
e. Final TE Rankings and Fantasy Implications
Concluding the TE discussion, the hosts finalize their thoughts on which tight ends are likely to be impactful fantasy contributors.
Jamie Eisenberg emphasizes the importance of youth and upside, advocating for Warren and Loveland as first-round contenders, while recognizing Fannin Jr.'s explosive play potential despite lower target volumes [07:11].
3. Quarterback (QB) Position Analysis
a. Overview of the QB Class
Transitioning to quarterbacks, the episode critiques the QB class as shaky with no standout elite prospects, raising concerns about consistency and readiness for the NFL.
Jamie Eisenberg states, “I don't really know what to. This is really not a good quarterback class” [52:20].
b. Key QB Prospects Discussion
-
Cam Ward
- Highlights: Playmaker with strong improvisational skills. Compared to David Garrard for his ability to exceed expectations.
- Concerns: Limited size and consistency; not projected as a top-tier NFL QB but seen as solid and serviceable.
Dave Richard praises his improvisation, stating, “Cam Ward is head and shoulders above everybody else in this draft class” [08:25].
-
Jalen Milroe
- Highlights: Dual-threat capabilities with strong arm strength and running ability.
- Concerns: Short-area accuracy issues, increased interceptions and fumbles in his latest season.
Dave Richard critiques Milroe’s decision-making, “he thought it was all on him and he had to hit those big plays” [41:24].
-
Shadir Sanders
- Highlights: Led the nation with a 74% completion rate on certain throws, strong in intermediate areas.
- Concerns: Over-reliance on short throws without converting into big plays.
Jamie Eisenberg points out his high completion rate but questions the depth of his playmaking ability: “how often is he breaking a tackle and turning a seven-yard catch into a 35-yard play?” [17:37].
-
Jackson Dart and Will Howard
- Both are noted for their arm strength and potential to execute complex routes and deep balls effectively.
c. Quarterback Rankings and Evaluations
The analysts provide their QB rankings based on traits, performance metrics, and potential NFL fit.
Dave Richard ranks:
- Cam Ward
- Jalen Milroe
- Shadir Sanders
- Jackson Dart
- Will Howard
Adam Azer adjusts the rankings slightly, placing Jackson Dart above Jalen Milroe [38:06].
Chris Trapasso supports Dave’s rankings but underscores Ward as the only true first-roundable QB [53:08].
d. Performance Metrics and Concerns
The discussion delves into crucial metrics such as completion percentage and yards after catch, highlighting areas where prospects excel or fall short.
Jamie Eisenberg analyzes completion percentages, noting Shadir Sanders led the nation at 80.6% [59:11]. However, concerns about IZ("_mid-run statistics and contextual performance metrics are explored throughout the discussion.
Adam Azer and Dave Richard debate the importance of quick decision-making and the ability to make plays under pressure, citing examples like Cam Ward’s improvisational success [50:38].
e. Mock Draft Implications
Mock drafting scenarios illustrate where quarterbacks might land, considering team needs and potential fits.
Jamie Eisenberg presents mock selections:
- Cam Ward likely first overall
- Jalen Milroe to high-demand QB-needy teams
- Shadir Sanders to the Jets or Saints due to their needs [35:14]
Chris Trapasso explores the implications of team strategies, such as the Rams potentially taking a gamble with Cam Ward [35:49].
f. Final QB Rankings and Fantasy Implications
Concluding the QB analysis, the hosts assess the potential fantasy value and NFL projection of the top prospects.
Adam Azer anticipates Cam Ward to be a solid NFL starter with mid-tier fantasy value, akin to Kyler Murray’s profile [55:10].
Dave Richard compares Cam Ward to David Garrard, suggesting he’s an overachiever with a high floor but limited ceiling [55:10].
4. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the depth and potential of the TE class while expressing cautious optimism about the QB prospects. They emphasize the importance of staying informed through mock drafts and player evaluations to make strategic decisions for fantasy football success.
Dave Richard concludes, “I think it is a very deep class and it's a lot more than just Tyler Warren” [63:48], underscoring the richness of the TE class discussed.
Notable Quotes
- Jamie Eisenberg [04:17]: "Young players still developing 100%."
- Dave Richard [12:39]: "He only forced eight missed tackles in his career at Michigan. ... Colson Loveland reminds me of Noah Fant."
- Jamie Eisenberg [07:11]: "That's the list. That's it."
- Adam Azer [08:25]: "I think he's every bit a man among boys making contested catches."
- Jamie Eisenberg [52:20]: "This is really not a good quarterback class."
This comprehensive analysis provides fantasy football enthusiasts with actionable insights into the TE and QB prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential fantasy impacts based on detailed discussions and expert evaluations from the Fantasy Football Today team.