Podcast Summary: Fantasy Football Today Episode: What Changed with the Rookies Since the Draft + What to Look Forward to in 2026 (Fantasy Football Dynasty Podcast) Release Date: June 27, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, host Heath Cummings welcomes guest Matthew Couch of Couch Scouts to discuss recent developments in rookie evaluations and forecasts for the 2026 draft class. The conversation revolves around the impact of rookies since the draft, adjustments in player rankings, and insights into future draft prospects.

Rookie Class of 2025: Changes and Insights

Favorite Rookies and Most Drafted Players

Matthew Couch opens the discussion by highlighting his favorite rookies from the 2025 class:

• Travis Etienne: "I'm just going to bet on the talent that I saw... getting him in the fourth round pretty much every time" (03:44).
• Oran G. Gatson: "I pray that he bulks up enough and really refines more the nuances of the tight end position" (03:44).

Both players have gained significant attention and shares in leagues, with Etienne's talent outweighing his production concerns and Gatson's potential at tight end being a key factor in his rising draft stock.

Adjustments in Rankings

Ryan Reynolds notes updates in dynasty rankings, particularly for Gatson: "Gadson was probably the rookie tight end that had moved up the most for me" (04:46). This shift reflects increasing confidence in Gatson’s developmental trajectory.

Strength of the 2025 Running Back Class

Matthew emphasizes the depth of the 2025 running back class: "This appears to be a situation like I think it was 2017 running back class where we had CMC Kamara, Ornette, Dalvin Cook, Joe Mixon, Kareem Hunt" (05:47). He predicts that the 2025 class will provide stable running backs for dynasty leagues for the next several years, drawing parallels to the renowned 2017 cohort.

Ryan concurs, stating, "It is an interesting thing... if five or six of them are, then it's going to be hard to overlook this class as the best of the last three" (06:47).

Quarterback Position Adjustments

Current Quarterbacks: Stability and Limited Changes

Ryan Reynolds discusses the quarterback landscape: "I didn't put a specific name here because as I go through my rankings, not much has changed for me at the quarterback position" (10:09). Key points include:

• Jackson Darts: Remains stable with minor positive buzz.
• Tyler Schuck: Uncertainty remains despite Derek Carr’s retirement.
• Shador Sanders vs. Dylan Gabriel: No significant changes in rankings.

Matthew Couch agrees, noting, "I haven't heard enough between him and Dylan Gabriel to really change my opinion there" (11:36). Both analysts maintain a steady outlook on quarterbacks, with limited movement in rankings.

Running Back Position: JR Harvey and JK Dobbins Impact

Impact of New Additions

Ryan brings up the Denver Broncos' addition of JK Dobbins and its effect on JR Harvey’s value: "Does it change his dynasty value at all with the Dobbins signing in Denver?" (12:09).

Matthew responds, "I think slightly... he's going to be an electric running back" (13:11). While Dobbins adds competition, Harvey remains a valuable asset due to his speed and playmaking abilities, although his draft position may shift slightly downward.

Comparison with Other Wide Receivers

The discussion shifts to comparing Harvey with wide receivers like Matthew Golden, Mecca Abuka, and Luther Burden. Matthew evaluates Harvey as an "electric running back" who can thrive in Sean Payton’s offensive schemes, maintaining his status despite increased competition (13:24).

Wide Receiver Assessments

Prospects: Abuka vs. Burden

Ryan contrasts Mecca Abuka and Luther Burden, highlighting concerns about Burden's missed OTAs and injuries: "I think probably the Burden missing matters more to me than the glowing Abuka stuff" (19:24).

Matthew concurs, expressing greater concern for Burden: "I'm definitely more worried about Burden with Loveland not having those kinds of concerns" (19:24). He notes that Abuka meets expectations as a polished receiver, while Burden faces uncertainty due to off-field issues and injuries.

Additional Wide Receiver Insights

Ryan also touches on Trey Harris and Jack Bash, questioning their potential roles and impact. Matthew maintains that both players are "appropriately priced" but unlikely to become early starters: "I think they're just solid prospects" (22:53).

Travis Hunter's Dual Role

The conversation briefly addresses Travis Hunter’s dual position as a wide receiver and cornerback, with Matthew emphasizing his offensive focus: "So to me, I think he's going to be offense first and defense second" (24:42).

Tight End Position: Gadson’s Rise and Premium League Considerations

Gadson's Development

Matthew praises Gadson’s fluidity and potential as a developmental tight end: "He's just really fluid in and out of his breaks for a big guy" (25:21). Despite being more of a long-term investment, Gadson is seen as a valuable addition for future seasons.

Premium League Strategies

Ryan discusses the challenges of tight end premium leagues, where starting two tight ends is mandatory. He inquires about the value of Gadson in such formats: "Is he worth a third-round pick in that format?" (26:24). Matthew affirms, "Absolutely... in the third" (27:09), highlighting Gadson’s utility in double tight end scenarios.

2026 Rookie Class Forecast

General Outlook

Matthew expresses uncertainty about the overall quality of the 2026 rookie class but identifies promising talents: "I'm going to be watching to see how this gamble of his plays out" (33:50). He anticipates improvements over the 2025 class, especially at quarterback.

Quarterbacks to Watch

• Cape Kick (Clemson): Viewed as the consensus QB1 with significant rushing upside.
• Sellers: Noted for his rushing ability and dual-threat potential.
• Garrett Nessmeyer (LSU): Although lacking elite physical traits, Nessmeyer is praised for his accuracy and anticipation, making him pro-ready: "he's a guy that's going to be pro ready and looks like a player that could really succeed" (31:43).

Running Backs to Monitor

• Jeremiah Love: Expected to be the RB1 with a standout performance.
• Nick Singleton (Penn State): Matthew remains intrigued by Singleton's blazing speed and potential despite positional competition: "I'm really intrigued to see how this gamble... plays out" (32:00).

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

• Jordan Tyson (Arizona State) and Cornell Tate (Ohio State): Both identified as promising wide receivers with high potential.
• Eric Stoves (Vanderbilt) and Andrew Armstrong (Arkansas/Ole Miss): Noted as tight ends with elite athleticism and growth prospects under improved coaching environments.

Rookie Draft Decisions and Trade-offs

Balancing Current Stars with Future Picks

Ryan raises a critical discussion on trade-offs in rookie drafts, such as giving up future 2026 first-round picks for established players like Christian McCaffrey: "I can, I'm willing to make... I have Christian McCaffrey at RB16" (38:24).

Matthew weighs in, expressing reluctance to trade first-round picks for veterans: "I don't think I would... Devonte Adams is probably my favorite contender buy, but I don't know if I could give up a first for him" (37:55). However, he remains open to trading for older assets like David Montgomery, recognizing their immediate value: "Yeah, I think I could because he's only 27, so he could still have a couple more years left in him" (38:24).

Strategic Considerations

The conversation underscores the importance of assessing team needs and league formats when making draft decisions. In tight end premium leagues, investing in developmental tight ends like Gadson becomes more valuable, whereas in standard formats, balancing immediate production with future potential is key.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matthew Couch concludes by directing listeners to Couch Scouts’ resources: "Our podcast is Couch Couch and our website is couchscouts.com" (39:32). Ryan Reynolds wraps up the episode by thanking Matthew and the production team, promising future discussions on rookie drafts and dynasty strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Couch at 03:44: "I'm just going to bet on the talent that I saw and especially at the price where I've been getting him in the fourth round pretty much every time."

• Ryan Reynolds at 11:36: "Has anything at all changed for you at the quarterback position since the draft?"

• Matthew Couch at 25:21: "He's just really fluid in and out of his breaks for a big guy, he needs to add more bulk."

• Ryan Reynolds at 38:24: "I can just throw some names out... Are you taking that deal?"

Resources Mentioned:

• Couch Scouts Website: couchscouts.com
• Matthew Couch’s Podcast: Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms.

This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of rookie evaluations and future draft strategies in fantasy football dynasty leagues.