Footballguys Fantasy Football Show: Re-Ranking the 2025 Rookies with Matt Waldman

Date: January 9, 2026
Hosts: Dave Kluge & Alfredo Brown
Guest: Matt Waldman, Footballguys staffer/Rookie Scouting Portfolio

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dave Kluge is joined by Matt Waldman to re-rank the 2025 fantasy football rookie class after their first NFL season. Instead of projecting forward to the 2026 class, the hosts look back to evaluate the biggest winners, surprises, and letdowns among the 2025 prospects. Through a back-and-forth mock draft, they give their updated top 12 rookies for dynasty superflex, highlight biggest risers and fallers, break down positional values, and also discuss notable players who missed the cut.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Approach and Re-Draft Format

• The exercise is for superflex full PPR dynasty leagues.
• Dave and Matt alternate picks, re-ranking their top 12 rookies based on what we now know after their rookie years.
• Focus is on real future outlook, not just past rookie production.

2. Top Picks & In-Depth Analysis

1. Luther Burden – WR, Chicago Bears

Matt’s 1.01 ([02:30])

• Highly graded receiver, compared to Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in skill set.
• Overcame a slow start due to a crowded room and learning curve in Ben Johnson's complex offense.
• “He is excellent after the catch and ... in an offense that is only going to get better.” – Matt ([02:46])

Discussion: Why the Slow Start?

• Ben Johnson installed structure to help Caleb Williams develop first, relying on trusted vets early in the season.
• “It’s not about how talented the player is, but how reliable... Ben Johnson is one of the three to four best coaches in the NFL already.” – Matt ([05:21])

2. Ashton Genti – RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Dave’s 1.02 ([14:25])

• Set Raiders rookie scrimmage yard record, showing tackle-breaking and pass-catching upside (even developing as a downfield threat).
• Overcame poor offensive line and coaching turmoil.
• “Jintzy in the worst possible case outcome…was still the RB11 in fantasy.” – Dave ([17:27])
• Matt: “If I was a team that was pretty good and just happen to get the [top] pick...Genti would clearly be my number one overall.” ([17:59])

3. Emeka Egbuka – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matt’s 1.03 ([18:19])

• Opportunity to step into a larger role as Mike Evans/Chris Godwin potentially age/move.
• “I see him at worst as an excellent WR2 but is capable of WR1 production…in a Puka Nacua-like role.” – Matt ([19:19])

4. Tetairoa McMillan – WR, Carolina Panthers

Dave’s 1.04 ([20:49])

• Big-bodied, contested-catch receiver; immediately became Panthers’ top target in a low-volume offense.
• Matt is more skeptical: “He does not have the footwork…to win against tight man-to-man; eventually, Carolina will need a true No. 1.” ([22:54])
• “He would probably vault three spaces above ... just based on the situation and safety.” – Matt ([25:04])

5. Jaden Higgins – WR, Houston Texans

Matt’s 1.05 ([26:09])

• Big, quick, capable in contested spots, value could climb if Nico Collins moves.
• “He was out there making NFL players look like little boys at times.” – Dave ([27:34])

6. Colston Loveland – TE, Chicago Bears

Dave’s 1.06 ([29:04])

• Missed preseason/training camp from injury but exploded as a starter post-Week 9.
• “Still just 21 years old...I see a ceiling [as] George Kittle, Travis Kelce type.” – Dave ([29:04])
• Matt: “He’s a better version of TJ Hockenson ... Complete player, matchup weapon.” ([30:17])

7. Cam Skattebo – RB, Dallas Cowboys

Matt’s 1.07 ([32:21])

• Rugged, versatile; “a plus version of David Montgomery.”
• “He pretty much inserted himself into that lineup … and was the guy.” ([32:30])

8. Omarion Hampton – RB, Los Angeles Chargers

Dave’s 1.08 ([37:09])

• Breakout start but gave way to Kamani Vidal upon injury return.
• Showed surprising pass-catching skills.
• Matt: “He did look good…still more gap than zone runner, probably stuck in a committee.” ([38:00])

9. Travis Hunter – WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Matt’s 1.09 ([41:14])

• Hybrid playmaker; likely to stick to offense long-term.
• Matt predicts he’ll eventually settle as a full-time WR due to risk of injury playing both ways.
• “It’s hard playing two positions at once, but … he’s a dynamic playmaker.” – Matt ([41:18])

10. TreVeyon Henderson – RB, New England Patriots

Dave’s 1.10 ([47:08])

• Explosive, pass-catching back; stuck behind Rhamondre Stevenson.
• “He’s a big play merchant … on a 50% share, still has league-winning upside.” – Dave ([47:08])

11. Harold Fannin – TE, Cleveland Browns

Matt’s 1.11 ([56:02])

• Leapfrogs Tyler Warren in their rankings.
• “He can win downfield when they have a quarterback…Could be the primary receiver for the Browns.” – Matt ([56:27])

12. Cam Ward – QB, Tennessee Titans

Dave’s 1.12 ([62:16])

• Raw tools, but difficult situation with poor line, few weapons, and uncertain coaching.
• “Still see the same tools … Promising future even if it didn’t happen in year one.” – Dave ([62:16])

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Johnson as a program builder:
  “Ben Johnson … is one of the three to four best coaches in the NFL already and might be the best one just on the merits of how he entered the coaching ranks.” – Matt Waldman ([09:47])

• On rookie injuries and dynasty value:
  “When you see these catastrophic rookie season injuries, does that bump them down your rankings at all?” – Dave ([33:46])
  “Maybe slightly, but I do expect them to make a return for the most part.” – Matt ([34:24])

• On the RB Committee Trend:
  “Do you think this is the way more teams should look at their backfield?” – Dave ([49:43])
  “My, I grew up in…a generation with bellcow backs, and I still long for that day…Offensive coordinators are system first, player second…but the best coaches meld the two together.” – Matt ([51:08])

• Tight End Philosophies:
  “Tyler Warren is basically an aspiring Tucker Kraft, but he’s not a guy who wins one on one. Harold Fannin…could be the primary receiver for the Cleveland Browns.” – Matt ([56:27])

• Quarterback Development:
  “The margin of difference between quarterbacks, production-wise, is narrow unless I see a guy with [elite upside].” – Matt ([68:11])

4. Notable Omissions & Who Missed the Top 12

Close Considerations:

• Quinshon Judkins (RB, CLE): Great talent, but injury and lack of targets as a receiver plus dysfunctional offense drop him out. ([63:13])
• Tyler Warren (TE, IND): Good, but more scheme-dependent “two-beat wonder” than athletic mismatch like Fannin/Loveland. ([56:27])
• Mason Taylor (TE, NYJ): Injuries and situation issues, but still a buy-low in dynasty. ([31:49])
• Kyle Monangai (RB, CHI): Gained more appeal as season progressed; team may be comfortable featuring him going forward. ([64:10])
• Jalen Noel (WR, HOU): Flashed as injury replacement; could be a fantasy starter within 2–3 years. ([65:24])
• Matthew Golden (WR, GB): First-rounder, but didn’t stand out; teammates like Isaiah Bond outplayed him in college and early in NFL. ([66:58])
• Quarterbacks outside Ward:
  • Tyler Shough (BAL), Jalen Milroe (SF)—intriguing upside, but not enough separation from replacement level; preference for established/proven QBs in dynasty. ([68:11])
  • “Milroe is the only one that might have [that Mahomes-level] potential, but he’s stuck behind Sam Darnold.” ([68:35])
  • Shough and Curtis Rourke mentioned as late-round dynasty stashes.

5. Honest Evaluations and Player Development Themes

• Don’t overreact to rookie year stats—context matters, and development curves are not always linear.
• Coaches like Ben Johnson and Liam Coen tailored gameplans for rookie QB support, not instant rookie fantasy production.
• Dynasty managers must anticipate long-term trends (changing roles, aging vet departures, coaching stability).
• Avoid chasing RBs with committee roles unless they have elite traits or contingency upside.

6. Rapid-Fire Rankings Recap (Top 12)

| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Drafted By | Timestamp | |------|-------------------------|----------|--------------|---------------|-------------| | 1 | Luther Burden | WR | Bears | Matt | [02:30] | | 2 | Ashton Genti | RB | Raiders | Dave | [14:25] | | 3 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Buccaneers | Matt | [18:19] | | 4 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Panthers | Dave | [20:49] | | 5 | Jaden Higgins | WR | Texans | Matt | [26:09] | | 6 | Colston Loveland | TE | Bears | Dave | [29:04] | | 7 | Cam Skattebo | RB | Cowboys | Matt | [32:22] | | 8 | Omarion Hampton | RB | Chargers | Dave | [37:10] | | 9 | Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Jaguars | Matt | [41:14] | | 10 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Patriots | Dave | [47:08] | | 11 | Harold Fannin | TE | Browns | Matt | [56:02] | | 12 | Cam Ward | QB | Titans | Dave | [62:16] |

Notable Quotes (Speaker Attribution & Timestamps)

• Matt Waldman ([05:21]):
  “Ben Johnson said ... I'm getting my guys first and that's part of the deal. And then I'm going to sit my guys because I already got free agent veterans … I'm plugging the pieces in when they're ready and that's why ... the delay of [Burden's] launch was actually a great thing.”

• Dave Kluge ([17:27]):
  “Jintzy in the worst possible case outcome…was still the RB11 in fantasy.”

• Matt Waldman ([20:23]):
  “Good route runners, and that’s what [Emeka Egbuka] is ... long-term, [having] him and Burden as anchors on my receiving core—I'm happy for that.”

• Matt Waldman ([56:27]):
  “Tyler Warren is basically an aspiring Tucker Kraft ... But he's not a guy who wins one on one. Harold Fannin ... could be the primary receiver for the Cleveland Browns.”

• Matt Waldman ([51:08]):
  “Offensive coordinators [are] system first, player second—even though the best coaches ... meld the two together.”

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

• Don’t overreact to raw rookie fantasy points—analyze development curves, scheme fit, and long-term opportunity.
• Covet rookie WRs who can be target leaders in evolving offenses; be patient with early setbacks if the talent is there.
• Running backs with pass-catching chops and upside in committees still have significant dynasty value, even if they aren't immediate three-down horses.
• Don’t chase rookie quarterbacks early in superflex unless they have exceptional upside—“proven” is safer for core builds.
• Tight ends who can be primary receiving threats (Loveland, Fannin) are major dynasty value spikes—target these profiles over scheme-dependent, stationary types.

For More Insights:

• Follow Matt Waldman:
  • Twitter/X/Bluesky: @MattWaldman
  • YouTube: Matt Waldman’s RSP Film Room
  • Rookie Scouting Portfolio: mattwaldman.com
• Read the full Rookie Scouting Portfolio (Preorder available!).

This summary aims to distill the Footballguys Fantasy Football Show’s rookie re-draft episode, providing context, key takeaways, and timestamps for digging deeper. Use this guide to upgrade your dynasty rookie evaluations and spot trade/cut values for the 2025 class going into 2026 and beyond.