The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode 1597 Summary

Title: FantasyPros - Are You DRAFTING Or PASSING on These Players in 2025?

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Hosts: Ryan Wormley, Andrew Erickson, and Pat Fitzmaurice

Introduction

In this episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, fantasy football enthusiasts Ryan Wormley, Andrew Erickson, and Pat Fitzmaurice delve into the critical "Draft or Pass" decisions for the 2025 fantasy football season. Focusing on their half PPR (Point Per Reception) rankings, the trio examines a curated list of players, evaluating whether to draft them based on their current performance, potential, and associated risks.

Early Round Players

Saquon Barkley (RB2)

• Consensus Ranking: 3rd overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([03:49]) praises Barkley's special abilities and his conducive environment in Philadelphia, emphasizing his offensive line and team dynamics. He remains optimistic about Barkley's performance if he stays healthy.
  • Andrew Erickson ([05:33]) expresses concerns about Barkley's heavy workload last season (482 touches) potentially leading to regression. He cites historical data pointing out that running backs with such high touch volumes often face diminished returns the following year.
  • Ryan Wormley ([05:07]) probes whether Erickson's hesitancy is solely due to injury risks or also potential performance regression, to which Erickson confirms both factors play a role.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Supports drafting Barkley as RB2, valuing his consistent performance over potential risks.
  • Andrew: Advises passing due to concerns about workload and regression, recommending alternative RB1 options like Bijan Robinson.

Trey McBride (TE2)

• Consensus Ranking: 22nd overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Andrew Erickson ([09:44]) aligns with the consensus but prefers to wait for late-round tight ends, citing options like Tucker Craft and Evan Ingram as more strategic choices.
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([10:50]) acknowledges McBride's capabilities but argues against spending a second-round pick on him, highlighting potential competition and uncertain touchdown prospects.
  • Ryan Wormley ([10:43]) shares enthusiasm for McBride in earlier third rounds but agrees with the consensus to pass at the second-round cost.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Passes on McBride at his current ranking, advocating for more cost-effective TE options.
  • Andrew: Passes, favoring wait-and-see strategies with tight end futures.

Mike Evans (WR16)

• Consensus Ranking: 34th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([15:14]) commends Evans' consistency and reliability, noting his strong performance despite age concerns and a dip in early-season productivity due to teammate injuries.
  • Andrew Erickson ([17:12]) views Evans as a solid pick with safe production, emphasizing his role in the Buccaneers' offense and his ability to deliver high-scoring weeks.
  • Ryan Wormley ([16:38]) expresses confidence in Evans' Hall of Fame potential but raises concerns about offensive changes under a new playcaller.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Drafts Evans, appreciating his dependable floor and potential for double-digit touchdowns.
  • Andrew: Drafts Evans, valuing his weekly upside and consistent role in the offense.

Mid-Round Players

Jameson Williams (WR26)

• Consensus Ranking: 53rd overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([26:30]) opts to pass, citing high draft cost and fluctuating target volumes due to team dynamics and quarterback performance.
  • Andrew Erickson ([27:34]) advocates for drafting Williams, highlighting his explosive playmaking ability and potential for increased usage with offensive adjustments.
  • Ryan Wormley ([27:23]) Acknowledges the high ceiling but notes the inconsistency, aligning slightly more with Fitz's cautious approach.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Passes on Williams, prioritizing consistency over high-risk, high-reward options.
  • Andrew: Drafts Williams, betting on his breakout potential despite past inconsistencies.

Patrick Mahomes (QB7)

• Consensus Ranking: 60th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Andrew Erickson ([32:03]) Supports drafting Mahomes in Super Flex leagues, anticipating a resurgence in his fantasy performance due to offensive changes and increased passing volume.
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([34:23]) Agrees with a wait-and-see approach, emphasizing competing quarterback talents and the strategic delay in drafting QBs.
  • Ryan Wormley ([37:06]) Plans to avoid drafting Mahomes unless moving into later rounds, preferring elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Waits on Mahomes, focusing on other quarterback prospects.
  • Andrew: Drafts Mahomes in flexible league formats, anticipating improved performance.
  • Ryan: Passes on Mahomes, reserving picks for higher-ranked quarterbacks.

Jameson Williams (WR26)

(Note: Duplicate entry; covered above.)

Late Round Players

Travis Kelce (TE7)

• Consensus Ranking: 83rd overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Andrew Erickson ([44:08]) Decides to pass, citing a decline in performance and uncertainties with offensive dynamics impacting Kelce's touchdown potential.
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([46:54]) Chooses to draft Kelce, valuing his consistent high reception numbers and red zone opportunities despite age-related decline.
  • Ryan Wormley ([46:47]) Aligns with Fitz, expressing interest in drafting Kelce at his current rating as a solid tight end choice.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Drafts Kelce, leveraging his reliability and red zone presence.
  • Andrew: Passes on Kelce, favoring emerging tight end options with higher upside.
  • Ryan: Drafts Kelce, appreciating his reception volume and touchdown potential.

Brian Robinson (RB30)

• Consensus Ranking: 77th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([41:13]) Supports drafting Robinson, highlighting his solid performance and role in an improving offense.
  • Andrew Erickson ([42:43]) Agrees, noting Robinson's touchdown upside and consistent role, while also considering future trade potentials.
  • Ryan Wormley ([43:19]) Emphasizes Robinson's steady output and limited downside, viewing him as a reliable mid-round RB option.
• Conclusion:
  • All Hosts: Draft Brian Robinson, valuing his consistent production and minimal risk.

Travis Etienne (RB35)

• Consensus Ranking: 104th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Andrew Erickson ([51:23]) Favors drafting Etienne, believing in his role as RB1 within Jacksonville's offense and his potential for efficiency and scoring upside.
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([52:54]) Hesitates due to Etienne's previous underperformance and competition within the team but acknowledges his upside as a two-year-old RB.
  • Ryan Wormley ([55:30]) Advocates for drafting Etienne, citing his health and opportunity in a high-scoring offense as key factors.
• Conclusion:
  • Andrew: Drafts Etienne, anticipating efficiency improvements and offensive support.
  • Pat: Passes, concerned about consistency and team dynamics.
  • Ryan: Drafts Etienne, banking on his role and offensive opportunities.

Javante Williams (RB37)

• Consensus Ranking: 112th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([54:08]) Passes on Williams, noting his injury history and current performance metrics while acknowledging his potential.
  • Andrew Erickson ([57:18]) Supports drafting Williams, comparing his trajectory to reliable RBs and emphasizing his role in a dynamic offense.
  • Ryan Wormley ([56:31]) Endorses drafting Williams, confident in his opportunity for touchdown production and offensive role.
• Conclusion:
  • Andrew & Ryan: Draft Javante Williams, projecting significant upside with a stable offensive role.
  • Pat: Passes, prioritizing consistency and recovery over potential.

Darnell Mooney (WR49)

• Consensus Ranking: 117th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Andrew Erickson ([59:23]) Passes on Mooney, favoring other receivers with higher upside in the same range.
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([60:40]) Drafts Mooney, valuing his consistent targeting and role within the Falcons' offense.
  • Ryan Wormley ([60:37]) Aligns with both, recognizing Mooney's reliability but also noting his limited ceiling compared to other options.
• Conclusion:
  • Pat: Drafts Mooney, appreciating his steady role and consistent production.
  • Andrew: Passes, seeking higher upside options.
  • Ryan: Maintains a neutral stance, acknowledging both strengths and limitations.

Romeo Dobbs (WR57)

• Consensus Ranking: 150th overall in half PPR
• Discussion:
  • Pat Fitzmaurice ([61:28]) Passes on Dobbs, citing limited upside and spread-out targets in a run-heavy Packers offense.
  • Andrew Erickson ([61:45]) Agrees, viewing Dobbs as a filler option with low ceiling, better suited for bench purposes.
  • Ryan Wormley ([62:13]) Supports passing, emphasizing Dobbs' limited role and low projection.
• Conclusion:
  • All Hosts: Pass on Romeo Dobbs, deeming him a low-impact option in their drafts.

Insights and Strategies

• Workload and Health Concerns: A recurrent theme among the hosts is the evaluation of a player's workload and injury history. High-touch players like Saquon Barkley are scrutinized for potential regression, while players with injury histories like Javante Williams receive mixed opinions based on their recovery and role.

• Positional Value: The discussion highlights the importance of positional strategies, especially concerning tight ends and quarterbacks. Delaying positions like QB and TE in drafts to maximize value and secure higher-ceiling options later is a strategic approach favored by some hosts.

• Upside vs. Consistency: The hosts balance the allure of high-upside players against the reliability of consistent performers. Players like Mike Evans and Brian Robinson are valued for their steady performance, while others like Jameson Williams and Travis Etienne are considered for their breakout potential.

• Opportunity and Offensive Schemes: The offensive environment surrounding players plays a crucial role in their draftability. Players in improving or high-powered offenses are favored for their increased opportunities and scoring potential.

Conclusion

Episode 1597 offers a comprehensive analysis of key fantasy football players for the 2025 season, providing listeners with nuanced perspectives on drafting versus passing on top talents. The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing potential upside with risk management, advocating for strategic drafting based on positional value and individual player circumstances. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy manager or a newcomer, the insights shared in this episode are invaluable for crafting a competitive fantasy football roster.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat Fitzmaurice ([03:49]): "Saquon could break down after a season of such heavy usage, but it's hard to envision a scenario where Saquon is healthy but turning in unsatisfactory numbers."

• Andrew Erickson ([05:33]): "I'm definitely sweating out the tush push type of ruling."

• Pat Fitzmaurice ([10:50]): "I don't want to spend a second round pick on Trey McBride."

• Andrew Erickson ([17:12]): "Evans is a great pick in this round. I think that he's pretty safe."

• Pat Fitzmaurice ([46:54]): "I just can't understand why TJ Hawkinson is being drafted ahead of Travis Kelsey."

• Andrew Erickson ([57:18]): "I think Javante can be a bridge to some of these running backs that we're waiting for second half surges."

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the hosts' evaluations and recommendations for key players in the 2025 fantasy football draft. For a more detailed discussion, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.