Travis Hunter the NEXT Justin Jefferson?! Jalen Milroe's Potential, Cam Ward vs Drake Maye & More! (03/26 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today: “Travis Hunter the NEXT Justin Jefferson?! Jalen Milroe's Potential, Cam Ward vs Drake Maye & More!” Released: March 29, 2025

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosted by CBS Sports' Adam Aizer alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and guest analyst Dan Schneier, the team delves deep into the upcoming NFL draft prospects and their potential impact on fantasy football leagues. The discussion is rich with insights on quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends, providing listeners with comprehensive evaluations to aid their fantasy draft strategies.

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Quarterback Prospects: Evaluations by Dan Schneier

The episode kicks off with a focus on quarterback prospects, where Dan Schneier shares his extensive analysis of the top contenders.

Dan Schneier (01:59):

“From a fantasy standpoint I'm more interested in Jalen Milroe outside of anyone in this class, the exception of Cam Ward. And I'll tell you why. Milroe brings an elite trait to the NFL that no other quarterback brings...”

Schneier highlights Jalen Milroe as a standout due to his exceptional running ability, which he describes as an "elite trait" essential for fantasy football. Milroe's agility and speed, demonstrated by his fast GPS times at Alabama, make him a valuable dual-threat quarterback capable of accumulating significant fantasy points both through the air and on the ground.

In contrast, Cam Ward is praised for his creativity and big-game hunter mentality, though Schneier notes that his traits are not as elite as Milroe's. Ward’s precision in the red zone and his ability to manipulate ball placement through varying arm angles make him a promising prospect, particularly in situations requiring precise passing and timing.

Dan Schneier (04:24):

“Cam Ward throws with such an incredible degree of touch and ball placement and timing that he can get the ball into spots that a lot of NFL quarterbacks can't.”

Schneier emphasizes Ward's skill in the red zone, where his nuanced throws can lead to touchdowns that other quarterbacks might not attempt. He contrasts this with Drake Maye, pointing out that while Maye offers more rushing potential, Ward provides superior intermediate-level passing skills.

Comparison: Cam Ward vs Drake Maye

The discussion moves to a direct comparison between Cam Ward and Drake Maye, two promising quarterback prospects with distinct skill sets.

Dan Schneier (04:24):

“Cam Ward throws from that three-fourths arm slot and can generate a lot of power from different arm angles... He can layer footballs in the red zone over the defender...”

Schneier appreciates Ward’s adaptability in high-pressure situations, such as the red zone, where his ability to adjust throwing angles can lead to game-changing plays. In comparison, Drake Maye is recognized for his rushing capabilities, which can be a boon for fantasy points but might not offer the same level of strategic passing prowess as Ward.

Dan Schneier (05:52):

“I love what he said as pro days. Like I've been watching NFL tape and I think teams are playing a lot of zone two, a lot of zone three... I can take advantage of that. I can hit those hole shots in those areas of the field.”

This highlights Ward’s strategic understanding of defensive zones and his potential to exploit them effectively, making him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Wide Receiver Prospects

Shifting focus to wide receivers, Schneier evaluates several top prospects, with Travis Hunter emerging as a potential game-changer.

Dan Schneier (06:38):

“I think the clear cut best wide receiver prospect on tape to me by far for what I look for in receiver is Travis Hunter... I see shades of Justin Jefferson in his game...”

Schneier draws parallels between Hunter and established NFL star Justin Jefferson, citing Hunter’s hip fluidity, ability to create separation, and exceptional hands. These attributes make Hunter a highly desirable pick for fantasy managers seeking receivers who can consistently produce high yardage and touchdown numbers.

He also discusses Ted McMillan, expressing caution regarding his immediate fantasy impact due to system dependencies and quarterback play.

Dan Schneier (06:38):

“Ted McMillan worries me a little bit at the NFL level for an immediate fantasy impact... It just depends on the fit there.”

Running Back Prospects

In the running back category, Marion Hampton is highlighted as a standout prospect with significant fantasy potential.

Dan Schneier (08:11):

“Hampton RB2 in this class would be RB1 in most classes for me. He reminds me of a better yards after contact version of Jonathan Taylor.”

Hampton's ability to gain yards after contact and his straight-line speed position him as an immediate difference-maker in fantasy football, offering both rushing yards and touchdown opportunities.

Schneier also touches on Matthew Golden, appreciating his explosiveness and raw speed, albeit noting a discrepancy between his measured 4.29-second 40-yard dash and his on-field performance.

Dan Schneier (09:08):

“I like how it gets in and out, breaks the smoothness and 1:1 sleeper...”

Tight End Prospects

The tight end position features promising talents such as Loveland and Warren, both of whom Schneier believes could be valuable fantasy assets depending on their system fits.

Dan Schneier (09:53):

“Loveland is the guy that if he hits the right system, like if you put him in the exact role Trey McBride plays for the Cardinals, he'd be even better than McBride, I think.”

Similarly, Warren is praised for his versatility and potential to contribute in various offensive schemes, making him a strong candidate for fantasy investment.

Dan Schneier (09:53):

“He's definitely someone that could also be an exciting player. I think that both of them have similar traits to a Brock Bowers type...”

Additional Insights and Player Comparisons

Schneier doesn’t shy away from making bold comparisons, likening Travis Hunter to Justin Jefferson and Marion Hampton to a more physically imposing version of Jonathan Taylor. These comparisons help listeners grasp the potential fantasy impact these players might have based on established NFL stars.

Dan Schneier (08:11):

“This guy's good after yards after contact... he's going to be an immediate difference maker in the fantasy game.”

These analogies underline the high expectations and substantial roles these prospects are projected to assume in their respective teams, providing fantasy managers with valuable foresight for their drafts.

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a thorough examination of several key prospects across multiple positions, equipping fantasy football enthusiasts with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions in their leagues. Dan Schneier’s expert analysis offers a nuanced understanding of each player’s strengths, potential challenges, and overall fantasy value, making this episode an essential listen for anyone looking to gain an edge in their fantasy football endeavors.

For those seeking to dominate their leagues with strategic picks and informed insights, this episode of Fantasy Football Today serves as a comprehensive guide to the upcoming NFL draft landscape.

Transcript

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[Host 3]

We're talking about NFL draft prospects, the best of the best here on Fantasy Football Today Express. And we're bringing on Dan Schneier who I think is truly great at breaking down film and giving us prospect evaluations. He told you draft Will Levis and he was right about that. But okay, let's start with the quarterbacks and how many of them have you really gone through and what do you think of them?

[Dan Schneier]

Yeah, so I've evaluated this quarterback, the quarterback position more than any other position right now. I've seen a lot of tape of just about five of them right now. So we've got dart, we've got the two up top, Sanders and Ward. I've done Tyler Schuck who's a sleeper for me, and then Jalen Milroe from a fantasy standpoint. I was going to bring this up on our last show, Adam, when we were Talking dynasty and somebody mentioned oh, should I take Jackson dart at some point in round one. I think from a fantasy standpoint I'm more interested in Jalen Milro outside of anyone in this class, the exception of Cam Ward. And I'll tell you why. Miller brings an elite trait to the NFL that no other quarterback brings. That I would argue Cam Ward brings creativity and a kind of big game hunter mentality position which is great but it's not an elite trait. Melrose running ability is elite. He was timed at Alabama on GPS faster than Jameer Gibbs and you could see it on film. He wins the edge against safeties and linebackers. When he's running outside he can go inside, they run quarterback bash with him, quarterback draw. He's a absolute weapon as a runner. And I went into his tape Adam thinking one thing when it came to Jalen Miller. Wow, this guy must be really bad as a thrower. And he's not that he's not good short and intermediate. He's not good pre to post snap. From a processing standpoint he's not ready to play the position. But from a deep passing standpoint he was actually the most accurate deep passing are in the class and had the best numbers on 20 plus yard air throws or I'm sorry the second best numbers on 20 plus and the best on 40 plus yard air throws. He throws a touch and velocity and.

[Host 3]

He'S process and he can't hit the easy stuff. Can he be an NFL quarterback if.

[Dan Schneier]

They teach him how to do that? Because look, you look back at some of the tape of some of these guys. Josh Allen at Wyoming couldn't hit the easy stuff, didn't process well. It all comes down to will these guys be able to develop the next level. I'm not sold that anyone outside of Ward will be a starter in this class. So if I'm going to take a chance in fantasy, I'd rather take outside of him. I'd rather take take that chance on someone who actually brings an elite trait like his running ability. And I'll say another player who's a sleeper for me is Tyler Schuck from Louisville. Older prospect, big injury history, but when you just watch the tape, he's big frame, athletic, can throw from all different arm angles and has the arm talent to actually get the ball to all spots. That's what the NFL is looking for. That's what you look for in developmental quarterback and it's not a cap ceiling. So those are the two that for fantasy stand out to me long term.

[Host 3]

Okay. How about comparing just real quick, Cam Ward to.

[Dan Schneier]

Sure.

[Host 3]

Drake May.

[Dan Schneier]

So I had, I had Ward as the quarterback four and if we combine both these last two classes, just behind May for me. And they're very different kind of quarterbacks. They're both big game hunters. But Cam Ward throws from that three fourths arm slot and can generate a lot of power from different arm angles. Where Camward really stands out to me on tape. And I wrote about this in my profile. You can find my Cam ward profile on CBSSports.com very detailed scouting report with clips, cut ups and things to kind of back up my points. But where he stands out to me and where he's really going to elevate himself the NFL level. Cam Ward is his ability inside the red zone. Inside the red zone. He throws with such an incredible degree of touch and ball placement and timing that he can get the ball into spots that a lot of NFL quarterbacks can't. By changing that arm slot and changing the trajectory and the pace of the football on his throws, you'll watch him layer footballs in the red zone over the defender who is in that zone or in that area and really attempt. You rarely see quarterbacks in the NFL even attempt and he'll throw it right over the top and it'll drop right in for a touchdown, including everything he can do off script. So I think both are exciting prospects. Drake May, from a fantasy standpoint is going to provide more from a rushing standpoint for your fantasy points. I don't think Ward's the same kind of runner, but Ward is going to be living in that intermediate level, the NFL field. And I love what he said as pro days. Like I've been watching NFL tape and I think teams are playing a lot of COVID two, a lot of too high, a lot of three high. And I can take advantage of that. I can hit those, those hole shots in those areas of the field.

[Host 3]

I thought, I thought that was his strength is.

[Dan Schneier]

Yep.

[Host 3]

Balls over the middle, up the seam, that kind of stuff. He's really good in that area.

[Dan Schneier]

All right, we're.

[Host 3]

Yeah, we're going to talk, take a break and come back and we're going to talk about some non quarterbacks after this.

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[Host 3]

Well, I know you love Ashton Genty. You said you might even love him better than Bijan Robinson. But how do you feel about Ted McMillan?

[Dan Schneier]

So Ted McMillan is I've seen the comp to Drake London. I don't think it's a one to one comp at all. I think they're different prospects. Despite having similar body types. Ted McMillan worries me a little bit at the NFL level for an immediate fantasy impact. I just think about players like Marvin Harrison and even Drake London in his early going in the NFL. I think it will be dependent on the system but also on the quarterback. You need to have a quarterback who's willing to give him the opportunities to make plays outside of his frame. Right? Same thing even could be said about Romo Dunesi at times in his rookie season, times that were slow. So it just depends on the fit there. I actually think from evaluating the tape and I haven't seen every prospect but I've seen the five guys that are considered the top five wide receiver prospects. I think the clear cut best wide receiver prospect on tape to me by far for what I look for in receiver is Travis Hunter, the cornerback receiver out of Colorado. To me I see shades of Justin Jefferson. I said I was too big of a coward to give my NFL comp for him a few weeks ago on Twitter, but I'm giving it now. I see the Justin Jefferson in his game, his hip fluidity and the way that he attacks the football both in the air and on in breakers and Outbreakers as a hands catcher. Travis Hunter, it's just phenomenal stuff he can uncover against any kind of coverage zone. He has those instincts of a cornerback against man. He stacks on the vertical game and he just is able to create separation. And in breakers and Outbreakers against man, I don't see any weakness in his.

[Host 3]

Game at receiver and honestly I've seen him intercept passes like that. Yeah, these hands, interceptions that you just.

[Dan Schneier]

Don'T see any quarterbacks make.

[Host 3]

It's insane. All right, who is oh Marion Hampton? How do you feel about him?

[Dan Schneier]

Hampton RB2 in this class would be RB1 in most classes for me. He reminds me my NFL comp for him is a better yards after contact though. This guy's good after yards after contact version of Jonathan Taylor. That's who he reminds me so much of when he runs the football and I love his Ability to create yards after contact, but I also love his ability to run in a straight line. Once he gets going, once he gets ahead of steam, he's going to be an immediate difference maker in the fantasy game.

[Host 3]

Okay, so who are some other players that you've taken a look at?

[Dan Schneier]

One player I love out of Texas is Matthew golden, the wide receiver. Similar in the way of just. I'm trying to think of the ride receiver I would comp him to from an NFL level. It's not one to one, so I don't want to give that name. But just what I like about him is his explosiveness in and out of breaks and his raw speed. And that's something that can like somewhat like what we got from Xavier Worthy, but a different type of prospect. And I think he was held back by quarterback play at Texas.

[Host 3]

4.29 40 for Matthew Golden.

[Dan Schneier]

Freakish speed.

[Host 3]

Yeah. And interesting because you know we had. We had Mike Renner on for. What was that last week talking about Golden. He doesn't. He's not really sold on him. He says he doesn't see that kind of speed on tape. I sort of agree with that.

[Dan Schneier]

But I like not 429 speed but I just like how it gets in and out, breaks the smoothness and 1:1 sleeper. If you're looking for Kyle Williams is gonna. If. If he hits the right system like an amara, say Brown type of like you know, obviously not to that extent but like plays a slot in a certain role. He will be absolutely in 100 to 120 catch guy on a yearly basis. Kyle Williams, he's gonna go. He's more of a slot guys. He'll probably go around two or three. Okay.

[Host 3]

It's also a really good tight end class.

[Dan Schneier]

Oh yeah.

[Host 3]

You like Loveland or Warren?

[Dan Schneier]

I like them both. They're different types of tight ends. Warren and Loveland up top. Loveland is the guy that if he hits the right system, like if you put him in the exact role Trey McBride plays for the the Cardinals, he'd be even better than McBride, I think. Honestly. But it's going to depend on him joining the right system that's going to evaluate him. But with Warren it's like you put him in and he's just one of the best football players on your roster. That doesn't necessarily translate for fantasy. I like him when they use him in H, back roll and things of that nature block. But he's definitely someone that could also be an exciting player. I think that both of them have similar traits. To a Brock Bowers type because Brock Bowers is really was also used that way at Georgia like Warren was but and Brock bars can also kind of run those in breakers and win the seam like Loveland can. But they're both probably players I would invest in in fantasy.

[Host 3]

Okay, Dan Schneier, thank you very much. You'll be entertaining with your piano and your five fireplace. For those of you not watching, it's got this very funny background. But that's it for fantasy football Today Express. We will talk to you on Monday.

[Host 1]

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[Dan Schneier]

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