Fantasy Footballers Podcast – NFL Draft Recap: AFC Winners & Losers

Released April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fantasy Footballers – Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright delve into a comprehensive analysis of the recent NFL Draft, focusing specifically on the AFC division. Skipping the usual advertisements and intros, the trio provides listeners with insightful breakdowns of each AFC team’s draft choices, highlighting the potential winners and losers in the fantasy football landscape.

Overall Draft Impressions

Jason Moore kicks off the discussion by reflecting on the overall draft quality. He questions whether the draft lived up to expectations, asking, “was it, did it live up to the billing? Was it a letdown?” [02:45]

Andy Holloway responds, saying, “I think it did mostly live up. I mean if you take out the Shador Sanders fall… you had a lot of running backs get great draft capital… the skill position players really did. I’m impressed by how many of these rookies appear to now knowing their destination and their draft capital.”

Jason Moore concurs, emphasizing the abundance of opportunity in front of these players. [03:43]

AFC South: Tennessee Titans

The Titans’ draft strategy is thoroughly dissected, with particular attention to their selection of wide receivers.

• Key Picks:
  • DK (Pick 103): Identified as a speedster with potential but not a headline name.
  • Gunner Helm (Pick 120) & Ellic Anor (Pick not specified): Discussed as depth pieces with varying potentials.

Andy Holloway notes the Titans' opportunity with Calvin Ridley returning, stating, “I don't see Tyler Lockett really getting in the way of a rookie's opportunity. But definitely helpful for Cam Ward.” [09:22]

Mike Wright highlights Calvin Ridley as a major fantasy asset, suggesting, “He will be very interesting to see how people respond to the ADP Burns of last year.” [11:10]

Jason Moore predicts Ridley to exceed his previous 1,000-yard season, asserting, “I think he’s over that number.” [10:36]

Cleveland Browns: Strategic Running Backs

The Browns’ approach focuses on bolstering their running back depth.

• Key Picks:
  • Quinshon Judkins (Second Round): Viewed as a fit replacement for Nick Chubb with a bruising offensive line.
  • Dylan Sampson (Fourth Round): Seen as a strong committee back option.
  • Harold Fannin Jr. (Third Round): Discussed as an athletically gifted tight end, though viewed as a potential "faller" [35:00]

Andy Holloway praises Judkins’ fit with Cleveland’s run-heavy system, likening him to David Montgomery in terms of role and potential. [32:00]

Jason Moore expresses excitement about Judkins’ touchdown potential, labeling him a “home run fantasy destination.” [33:29]

Jacksonville Jaguars: Drafting for Fantasy Impact

The Jaguars made significant moves by trading up to select Travis Hunter.

• Key Picks:
  • Travis Hunter (Second Round): Acquired in a trade, expected to be a high-impact fantasy player with a strong snap count offensive role.
  • Bashel Tootin (Fourth Round): A speedy back with potential, though viewed with caution due to his draft position.

Andy Holloway emphasizes Hunter’s immediate impact potential, asserting, “he is going to be the starter,” and cautions against conflating his emergence with the performance of other players like Brian Thomas Jr. [13:03]

Jason Moore discusses the depth and competition within Jacksonville’s wide receiver corps, highlighting the balance between established stars and new rookies. [14:11]

Houston Texans: Balancing the Running Game

The Texans focused on enhancing their running back lineup to support Joe Mixon.

• Key Picks:
  • Jaden Higgins (Second Round) & Jalen Noel (Third Round): Both selected to strengthen the receiving corps.
  • D.J. Giddens (Fifth Round): Viewed as an insurance running back behind Johnny Taylor.

Andy Holloway appreciates the Texans’ strategic additions, noting, “You got a great quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a real need for these players to step up.” [24:40]

Jason Moore praises the selection of Jaden Higgins, predicting his significant fantasy upside, while expressing concerns over Jalen Noel’s immediate impact. [25:21]

Indianapolis Colts: Stability and Depth

The Colts’ draft moves are examined with a focus on their tight end and running back selections.

• Key Picks:
  • Cedric Tillman (Running Back): Retained as a key fantasy asset.
  • Various Tight Ends & Offensive Players: Emphasized the importance of depth and future potential.

Andy Holloway underscores the importance of Mark Andrews, declaring himself a “Mark Andrews apologist” and ensuring his place as a staple in Dynasty leagues. [44:52]

Jason Moore highlights the Colts' commitment to long-term stability by selecting players who can grow into significant fantasy contributors, especially in the tight end position. [45:22]

Kansas City Chiefs: Solidifying the Offense

The Chiefs’ selections are discussed in terms of their offensive enhancements.

• Key Picks:
  • Talented Wide Receivers & Running Backs: Focus on adding depth and flexibility to Geno Smith’s offense.

Mike Wright is enthusiastic about the Chiefs’ offensive prospects, noting, “This Raiders offense has… they're set up for a lot of fantasy.” [58:47]

Andy Holloway agrees, pointing out that the Chiefs’ additions will provide Geno Smith with ample opportunities to produce fantasy points. [58:47]

Cincinnati Bengals: Strategic Waiting

The Bengals opted to wait on wide receivers, instead bolstering their running back depth.

• Key Picks:
  • Chase Brown (Sixth Round): Positioned as a major fantasy winner with high potential.

Jason Moore praises the Bengals’ strategic patience, stating, “Chase Brown's a big time fantasy winner.” [43:33]

Andy Holloway concurs, appreciating the stability and forecasted performance of their running backs. [43:45]

Conclusion and Upcoming Segments

Wrapping up the AFC analysis, the hosts reiterate the importance of understanding each team’s draft strategy and its implications for fantasy football. They anticipate a follow-up discussion covering the NFC teams in the next episode scheduled for Thursday.

Jason Moore wraps up by reminding listeners to check out their Dynasty Pass post-draft updates and upcoming Ultimate Draft Kit (UDK) release scheduled for June 1st, promising even more detailed analyses and rankings for dedicated fantasy managers. [57:46]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Andy Holloway: “We have a lot of running backs get great draft capital… the skill position players really did.” [03:43]

• Jason Moore: “He’s going to be a winner just like a super flex type player.” [11:38]

• Mike Wright: “Calvin Ridley is a major winner this year, being the only guy in an upgraded quarterback situation.” [11:30]

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a deep dive into the AFC's draft outcomes, offering valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts looking to optimize their rosters. With detailed team-by-team analyses and expert opinions, listeners are well-equipped to navigate the post-draft landscape and make informed decisions for their fantasy leagues.

For more detailed rankings and fantasy football advice, visit Fantasy Footballers and join their vibrant community.