FantasyPros Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode 1666: High-Upside Fantasy Football Draft Picks

Released: August 23, 2025
Host: Chris Welsh
Guest: Jake Seeley (The Athletic)

Episode Overview

On this episode, Host Chris Welsh and fantasy football analyst Jake Seeley dive into high-upside fantasy football draft picks for the 2025 season. The conversation centers on players that offer league-winning potential – including rookies, post-hype sleepers, and deep dart throws. While discussing potential risks, the duo highlights why these picks might be difference-makers for savvy managers looking to outmaneuver their league mates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. High-Upside Players with Risk

[00:35–03:49]

• Travis Hunter (WR, Jaguars)

  • Jake names rookie Travis Hunter as a swing-for-the-fences pick.
  • Concerns: dual usage on offense and defense; how many offensive snaps will he play?
  • The unknowns include the new OC Liam Cohen's plans, Trevor Lawrence's development, and potential for reduced rookie usage.
  • Jake:

    “If he plays 90% of the snaps and he’s as good as advertised and Trevor Lawrence does take a step forward … then Travis Hunter is going to be a top 25 wide receiver." [02:36]

  • Chris notes Hunter’s value as a WR3 with huge upside.

• Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers)

  • Godwin’s early-season injury drops his draft cost, yet his upside remains enormous, particularly as a stash.
  • Encourages managers to use IR spots.
  • Jake:

    “Chris Godwin, as we just saw, has top five upside… still wide receiver one potential when he’s back to healthy.” [03:24]

  • Both hosts recall Godwin and Hunter being highly chased prospects six weeks earlier, suggesting their current draft values are strong bargains.

2. Post-Hype Sleepers

[06:19–09:44]

• Jalen Warren (RB, Steelers)

  • Once hyped, now discounted due to timeshare concerns.
  • Upside mainly as a PPR pass-catcher, given uncertainty around Caleb Johnson and the RB depth chart.
  • Jake:

    “He’s the pass catching upside option … I think for people who were cool on him like me… Well now you might still get the same Jalen Warren, but at a discount.” [06:58]

• Chris Olave (WR, Saints)

  • Once seen as a breakout WR1 candidate, now falling in drafts due to injury concerns (concussions) and a poor QB situation.
  • Still the clear No. 1 WR for the Saints; “cheapest number one wide receiver on a team across the board.” (Chris, [09:44])
  • Jake:

    “Is Olave still the best wide receiver in the Saints? I bet, yes… If Olave never gets there, that’s fine… But he cost you a wide receiver for price for somebody that should be a top 25 if he plays the full season.” [09:08]

3. League-Winning Dart Throws

[11:26–13:17]

• DJ Giddens (RB, Colts)

  • Premium handcuff to Jonathan Taylor, who has missed time with injuries each of the last three years.
  • Colts rely heavily on a main RB, boosting potential for Giddens to become an RB2/flex if he starts.
  • Jake:

    “If David Montgomery was the backup to Jonathan Taylor, we’d be drafting him in the eighth and ninth round. … Absolutely last pick, stash them everywhere you can.” [12:18]

• Trey Harris (WR, Chargers)

  • Offers a big-play skillset and could leap ahead in the WR rotation due to Keenan Allen’s decline and Quentin Johnson’s injury/underperformance.
  • Path to top-30 upside if opportunities arise.
  • Jake:

    “Trey Harris can step past both and be on the field… and now you’re looking at a potential top 30 wide receiver.” [13:04]

Memorable Quotes

• On Travis Hunter's Upside:

  “Why are we worried about the clear number two for the Jaguars... if he plays 90% of the snaps and he’s as good as advertised... then Travis Hunter is going to be a top 25 wide receiver.”
  — Jake Seeley, [02:36]

• On Chris Olave’s Discount:

  “He actually might be the literal, cheapest number one wide receiver on a team across the board… there’s no question about Olave. He’s like literally the cheapest number one that is out there.”
  — Chris Welsh, [09:44]

• On DJ Giddens as a Stash:

  “Absolutely last pick, stash them everywhere you can.”
  — Jake Seeley, [12:20]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• High-Upside Draft Targets:
  [00:35] — [03:49]
• Post-Hype Sleepers:
  [06:19] — [09:44]
• Dart Throw League Winners:
  [11:26] — [13:17]
• Summary/Recap:
  [13:17] — [13:55]

Quick Reference: Players Discussed

• High-Upside Picks:
  • Travis Hunter (WR, Jaguars)
  • Chris Godwin (WR, Buccaneers)
• Post-Hype Sleepers:
  • Jalen Warren (RB, Steelers)
  • Chris Olave (WR, Saints)
• League-Winner Dart Throws:
  • DJ Giddens (RB, Colts)
  • Trey Harris (WR, Chargers)

The hosts conclude by urging listeners to use FantasyPros’ Draft Assistant and go into their drafts prepared, swinging for value and upside.