Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode 1603
Title: FantasyPros - 12 Draft Picks With MASSIVE UPSIDE You Should Be Targeting in 2025
Release Date: July 5, 2025
Host/Authors: Joe Dolan, Pat Fitzmaurice, and Andrew Erickson from iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: In this episode, the hosts delve into twelve fantasy football players poised for significant breakthroughs in the 2025 drafts. They analyze each player's potential, considering recent trades, injuries, and team dynamics to identify high-upside targets across various positions.
1. Introduction to Massive Upside Draft Picks
Joe Dolan kicks off the discussion by highlighting the focus of the episode: identifying twelve players with substantial upside for the 2025 fantasy football drafts. He emphasizes the depth and range of the picks, ensuring listeners gain comprehensive insights into potential breakout candidates.
2. Early Ceiling Picks
a. Devon Achan (RB)
Andrew Erickson introduces Devon Achan as an expert consensus RB6, currently projected for the second round. With the departure of John Smith from the Miami Dolphins, Achan's role in the passing game is expected to surge.
“With John Smith gone, I think there's massive upside for Achan in the passing game.” [08:18]
Joe Dolan concurs, noting Achan's enhanced target share and potential for increased design targets.
“He is going to be a screen master in the second round of drafts.” [09:51]
Pat Fitzmaurice adds that Miami's offensive shift could further elevate Achan's value, especially if the team restores verticality to their passing game.
“...if Miami returns the verticality to their passing game... Achan's value gets a big boost.” [11:49]
b. T. Higgins (WR)
Pat Fitzmaurice pivots to T. Higgins, highlighting his vast upside despite being the second receiver on a high-powered Bengals offense.
“There are very few receivers with the sort of upside Higgins has.” [13:17]
He underscores Higgins' potential to outperform his current ranking, especially given the Bengals' projected offensive struggles and increased targets in high-scoring games.
“If I see a Bengals game with a Vegas Total below 50, I am auto betting the over.” [16:02]
Joe Dolan explores whether Higgins can leapfrog his number one receiver, Jamar Chase, emphasizing his consistent performance in Chase's absence.
“His final eight games, he had eight touchdowns... He's been productive when Chase was out.” [19:20]
3. Mid-Round Breakout Picks
a. Rasheed Rice (WR)
Andrew Erickson discusses Rasheed Rice as a high-upside player who had his suspension issues delayed, allowing him to return without immediate penalties.
“Rasheed Rice is the equivalent of wide receiver 12.” [21:25]
He believes Rice can capitalize on the Chiefs' offensive explosiveness, projecting him as a top-tier WR if he regains his form.
“He could be your wide receiver one with Patrick Mahomes.” [22:59]
Pat Fitzmaurice notes the potential competition for Rice with Xavier Worthy but remains optimistic about Rice's impact.
“Rice is going to be really impactful.” [23:38]
b. Ken Walker III (RB)
Pat Fitzmaurice presents Ken Walker III as a running back with significant upside, especially if he stays healthy and thrives in the Seahawks' newly optimized outside zone running scheme.
“Walker is plugged into a historically successful scheme that fits him best.” [25:19]
Joe Dolan and Andrew Erickson further discuss Walker's dual-threat capability as both a runner and a pass catcher, enhancing his fantasy value.
“He turned into a pretty prolific pass catcher with 46 catches last season.” [27:37]
“He could be your number one if you go wide receiver heavy early.” [28:34]
4. Deep Shots for League-Winning Plays
a. Isaiah Likely (TE)
Andrew Erickson highlights Isaiah Likely as a tight end with all-Pro potential, especially if Mark Andrews steps back due to age or injury.
“Mark Andrews has had some drops and fumbles, creating an opportunity for Likely.” [48:37]
Pat Fitzmaurice emphasizes Likely's role in the Ravens' offense, projecting him as a breakout candidate if Andrews' presence diminishes.
“Likely could absolutely be a league-winning type guy.” [51:34]
b. Luther Burden (WR)
Pat Fitzmaurice introduces Luther Burden as a rookie wide receiver poised to take on a significant role in the Broncos' offense alongside Cortland Sutton.
“Devon Vale is poised to be the starting slot receiver and could dramatically outkick his ADP.” [52:03]
Joe Dolan probes the potential scenarios that could elevate Burden's performance, considering the team's offensive dynamics.
“Does the new offensive staff design the same high percentage of targets?” [53:16]
5. Additional High-Upside Picks
a. Jordan Addison (WR)
Pat Fitzmaurice and Joe Dolan discuss Jordan Addison's underappreciated value, especially in relation to his consistency and performance under varying quarterbacks.
“Jordan Addison is way too underpriced for a wide receiver consistently producing alongside different QBs.” [33:24]
b. Javante Williams (RB)
Pat Fitzmaurice presents Javante Williams as a running back with breakout potential if he returns fully from his knee injuries and secures a leading role in Dallas.
“If we get the old Javante, he could give people a pretty huge return on investment.” [57:12]
“Javante is going to get the first crack at being the lead guy for Dallas this year.” [59:06]
6. Strategic Insights and Recommendations
The hosts provide strategic advice on drafting these high-upside players, emphasizing the importance of balancing risk with potential reward. They recommend targeting these players in specific rounds to maximize draft efficiency and team performance.
Pat Fitzmaurice advises keeping an eye on undervalued players and utilizing draft strategies that accommodate potential breakout performances.
“If there's some sort of role reduction or Andrews gets hurt, Likely could absolutely be a league-winning type guy.” [51:34]
7. Announcements and Promotions
Throughout the episode, the hosts make announcements about giveaways and promote their associated media channels for listeners to engage with additional content and opportunities to win prizes.
Joe Dolan announces the winner of the George Pickens dealer jersey giveaway and introduces a new giveaway for a signed James Cook Bills jersey.
“Congratulations Huff and Puff 2025. But we ain't done. We got a new one.” [19:51]
Andrew Erickson promotes the return of the Fantasy Football Morning show on SiriusXM, highlighting the show's schedule and content focus.
“Fantasy Football Morning presented by Fantasy Points will be back Monday through Friday, 7 to 8am Eastern on Sirius XM.” [12:11]
8. Conclusion and Resources
The episode concludes with reminders to listeners about the Fantasy Pros Draft Guide and encourages them to explore various resources available on their website to enhance their fantasy football strategies.
Pat Fitzmaurice encourages listeners to visit the Fantasy Pros website for comprehensive draft kits and positional primers.
“Go to fantasypros.com and check it out. ... I've got some positional primers where it's not just talking about some of the players.” [63:18]
Joe Dolan reiterates the importance of utilizing the expert consensus rankings and staying informed through their platforms.
“You can check out the rankings that we were referring to and talking to at fantasypros.com/rankings.” [63:38]
Notable Quotes:
- Joe Dolan [08:18]: “He is going to be a screen master in the second round of drafts.”
- Pat Fitzmaurice [13:17]: “There are very few receivers with the sort of upside Higgins has.”
- Andrew Erickson [21:25]: “Rasheed Rice is the equivalent of wide receiver 12.”
- Pat Fitzmaurice [25:19]: “Walker is plugged into a historically successful scheme that fits him best.”
- Pat Fitzmaurice [51:34]: “Likely could absolutely be a league-winning type guy.”
Resources Mentioned:
- Fantasy Pros Draft Guide: A comprehensive resource with positional primers and tactical approaches.
- FantasyPros.com: For accessing expert consensus rankings and additional fantasy football tools.
- SiriusXM Fantasy Football Morning: Hosted by Andrew Erickson and Paul Kelly, offering daily fantasy insights.
This episode provides valuable insights for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to secure players with significant upside in their 2025 drafts. By analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and potential breakout scenarios, the hosts equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed drafting decisions.