2025 FGT Fantasy Football Mock Draft – Rounds 1 & 2

By the Football Garbage Time Staff

As I mention every year, we here at Football Garbage Time are all about helping out our readers.  And the 2025 season is just around the corner in September, so we all know what that means…the FANTASY FOOTBALL season is ALSO around the corner in September!

So as everyone gets ready to root for their favorite NFL team and commit entire Sunday afternoons to eating tons of junk food and yelling at the TV screen when refs inevitably make yet another bad call on the field, some of us, including you I suspect, will be furiously tinkering with our fantasy football lineups and eventually wondering why the fantasy gods hate us when we end up losing by 0.01 fantasy points because Jalen Hurts took one too many knees at the end of the game.  Phew, that was a ridiculously long sentence.

Say what you will about whether Fantasy Football is “good” for the NFL or not.  One thing we all agree on here is that playing Fantasy Football is a lot of fun…but much more so if you’re winning.😎

So, as we do every year, we’re conducting a live Mock Fantasy Football Draft on Twitter (just check out #FGTMockDraft) for a mock PPR standard scoring Yahoo 10-team league (1 QB, 2 RBs, 3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 Non-QB FLEX, 1 K & 1 DEF) so that all of you can get some insight as to who we like for the upcoming 2025 season, and hopefully help all of you with your drafts.

This year, ten different writers & podcasters from five different sites participated, including:

Each one is taking part in a mock draft live over several weeks on Twitter, so follow along on Twitter by searching for #FGTMockDraft!  What trends and surprises did we see?

Below are the results of the first two rounds along with some comments from those who made the picks.  We also include the Expert Consensus Ranking (ECR) for PPR leagues as of August 10, 2025 as per Fantasy Pros so you can see how we differ from how other experts have ranked them for PPR leagues.

Also, Scott King and I discuss the picks in the first two rounds that stood out in this week’s podcast!

Don’t forget to also check back for our Rounds 3 & 4 Picks and our Rounds 5 & 6 Picks!

Don’t agree?  Well, it’s a free country, so sound off in the comments!

– Ha Kung Wong, Editor-In-Chief

Joanne Kong

1st Round – Pick 1 – Bijan Robinson (RB) [Current ECR: 2]

2nd Round – Pick 20 – Trey McBride (TE) [Current ECR: 20]

This is what Joanne had to say about her picks:

According to experts, Bijan Robinson is projected to have another big performance in 2025 as he enters his 3rd year in the league. Although the Atlanta Falcons did struggle in 2024 in their first 5 games, Robinson had a breakout season for the remainder of the games totaling 1,887 yards and 15 touchdowns. Most notably, his carries per game jumped from 13.4 to 19.75 with Michael Penix Jr. as quarterback.

In 2025, Penix will be the full-time starting quarterback. Penix was known to dump-off to running backs frequently last season, and experts can agree that Falcons coaching staff will likely ensure that Penix Jr isn’t overwhelmed by running the ball. Robinson has proven to be a solid player who consistently churned positive yards. 2025 should be no different.

Trey McBride had an amazing 2024 season, ranking first in target share and second in receiving yards per game among 47 tight ends in the league. McBride had 111 receptions and 1,146 receiving yards, but only 2 touchdowns. The lack of touchdowns doesn’t make him less valuable in a PPR fantasy league. McBride might have some more competition on the field with an improving offense – Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson – but McBride has only grown in his time in the league. 2025 might end up with fewer receptions but will hopefully end with more touchdowns.

Scott King

1st Round – Pick 2 – Ja’Marr Chase (WR) [Current ECR: 1]

2nd Round – Pick 19 – Brock Bowers (TE) [Current ECR: 16]

This is what Scott had to say about his picks:

**Fantasy Football Firepower: Ja’Marr Chase and Brock Bowers Headline My 11th Annual Football Garbage Time Twitter Mock Draft Picks**

Welcome to the chaos and excitement of the 11th Annual FootballGarbageTime.com Twitter Mock Draft! This fantasy football extravaganza is a battleground for sharp drafters, and I’m thrilled to share my cornerstone selections: **Ja’Marr Chase** at pick 1.2 and **Brock Bowers** at 2.9. For the fantasy faithful, these picks are built to dominate in 2025, with Chase as the ultimate WR1 and Bowers poised to redefine the tight end position as the new TE1, especially with Travis Kelce likely playing his final NFL season. Let’s break down why these two are the foundation of a championship roster, with a deep dive into Bowers’ massive upside.

  • Round 1, Pick 2: Ja’Marr Chase – The Fantasy Juggernaut

Grabbing **Ja’Marr Chase** at 1.2 was a no-brainer. The Bengals’ superstar wideout is coming off a 2024 season that solidified his status as the WR1 in fantasy: **127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns** in PPR leagues, averaging 20 points per game. His connection with Joe Burrow is pure magic, and with Cincinnati’s defense still shaky (allowing 28.4 points per game in 2024), the Bengals will keep airing it out. Chase led the NFL with **797 yards after the catch (YAC)** and saw a league-high **21 end zone targets**, making him a touchdown machine. He delivered **six top-5 weekly finishes** and only two weeks outside the top-20 after Week 2, offering unmatched consistency and a sky-high ceiling.

Why Chase over other elites like Christian McCaffrey or Breece Hall? His week-to-week reliability and explosive playmaking set him apart. The Bengals’ offense returns fully loaded for 2025, and Burrow’s 43 TD passes in 2024 suggest Chase could push for 20 scores. If you’re picking in the top five, Chase is the safest bet to anchor your roster with WR1 production and carry you to the playoffs.

  • Round 2, Pick 9: Brock Bowers – The New TE1 and Fantasy’s Next Big Thing

Now, let’s talk about the pick that’s turning heads: **Brock Bowers** at 2.9. Yes, I reached for a tight end in the second round, but this isn’t just any tight end—Bowers is the future of the position and my bet to dethrone Travis Kelce as the TE1 in 2025. With Kelce, now 36, likely in his swan song (his 2024 stats dipped to 92 catches, 984 yards, and five TDs), Bowers is ready to take the crown. His rookie season was a historic breakout, and his upside in 2025 makes him a fantasy cheat code worth the early investment.

#### Bowers’ Rookie Dominance

In 2024, Bowers rewrote the record books for the Las Vegas Raiders. The No. 13 overall pick posted **112 receptions, 1,194 yards, and five touchdowns**, leading all tight ends in catches, yards, and PPR points (262.7). He smashed rookie tight end records for receptions (previously 105 by Puka Nacua as a WR) and yards (previously 1,076 by Mike Ditka). Despite a revolving door at quarterback—Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder—Bowers commanded a **26% target share** (153 targets) and racked up **596 YAC**, fourth among all pass-catchers. His versatility was unreal: **363 slot snaps** and **116 snaps out wide** showed he’s a matchup nightmare, not just a traditional in-line tight end.

Bowers averaged **15.5 PPR points per game**, a massive 5.5-point edge over the TE12, and his 10 top-10 weekly finishes tied Kelce for the position lead. He did all this in a dysfunctional Raiders offense, which makes his ceiling in 2025 even more tantalizing.

#### Why Bowers Is the TE1 in 2025

The Raiders’ offense is set to improve significantly in 2025, and Bowers will be the centerpiece. Enter **Geno Smith**, the new starting QB, who’s thrown 71 TDs over the past three seasons and brings Pro Bowl-caliber accuracy. With **Pete Carroll** now coaching, the Raiders should run a more cohesive, pass-friendly system. The receiving corps—Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker—won’t eat into Bowers’ massive **24.1% target share** from 2024, and first-round RB **Ashton Jeanty** will force defenses to respect the run, opening up the passing game.

Projections for Bowers in 2025 are electric. ESPN projects **110 receptions, 1,154 yards, and six TDs**, while Spotlight Sports Group goes bolder with **112 catches, 1,186 yards, and eight TDs**. His 2024 touchdown total (five) was low relative to his volume, and with better QB play, he’s a prime candidate for positive regression—think 8-10 scores. Heath Cummings at CBS Sports projects Bowers to outscore the next-best tight end (likely Trey McBride) by **31 PPR points**, a gap equivalent to RB1 De’Von Achane vs. RB27. His ability to deliver WR1-level production from the tight end position gives you a massive positional advantage.

#### The Post-Kelce Era Begins

Travis Kelce’s decline in 2024 (11.8 points per game, down from 15.1 in 2023) and age-36 season in 2025 signal the end of an era. Meanwhile, Bowers, at just 23, is built for the modern NFL—athletic, versatile, and a focal point of the offense. His **4.53 40-yard dash**, **92nd-percentile catch radius**, and elite route-running (per Pro Football Focus) make him a matchup-proof weapon. Unlike Kelce, who relies on Patrick Mahomes, Bowers produced with subpar QB play, proving he’s scheme- and QB-proof. In 2025, he’s not just a top tight end—he’s a top-10 overall fantasy asset.

  • Why These Picks Win Leagues

Chase and Bowers give my roster an unmatched foundation. Chase is the ultimate floor-and-ceiling play, delivering weekly WR1 numbers with 20-point upside. Bowers, meanwhile, provides a positional edge at tight end, where the drop-off after the top tier is brutal (TE2 Sam LaPorta averaged 4.2 points less than Bowers in 2024). Together, they create a high-octane core that can carry weaker RBs or flex spots while I build depth in later rounds.

The FootballGarbageTime.com Twitter Mock Draft is all about bold moves, and Chase and Bowers are my statement: I’m betting on elite talent and massive upside to dominate in 2025. Bowers isn’t just a tight end—he’s the new TE1 and a fantasy superstar in the making. Let’s hear your thoughts on these picks in the comments or on Twitter—who’s your cornerstone for the 2025 season?

Jason “Commissioner” Cooper

 

1st Round – Pick 3 – Saquon Barkley (RB) [Current ECR: 9]

2nd Round – Pick 18 – De’Von Achane (RB) [Current ECR: 14]

This is what Commissioner Cooper said about his picks:

As your first pick consistency is key. Forget the amazing year for Barkley in ’24 as it would be a stretch to reach those heights again however Barkley is a solid consistent back that will certainly meet your expectations as a 1st round pick.

De’Von Achane is from “AMERICAS TEAM” the Miami Dolphins! He finished as a top 5 ppr back last season and shows no sign of slowing down in 25’ One could argue the injuries to the Dolphins secondary could boost his value as well. In just 11 games with Tua last season he was on pace for 1800 total yards, 104 catches and 17 touchdowns. His average with Tua under center was 22.6 pts. I’ll take that as an RB 1 but here he comes in as my RB 2 in this draft.

Dave Earl

1st Round – Pick 4 – Justin Jefferson (WR) [Current ECR: 4]

2nd Round – Pick 17 – Christian McCaffrey (RB) [Current ECR: 13]

George Templeton

1st Round – Pick 5 – Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) [Current ECR: 5]

2nd Round – Pick 16 – Kyren Williams (RB) [Current ECR: 37]

This is what George had to say about his picks:

I am in someways very much a fantasy football dinosaur. RBs are a scarce commodity and you need at least 1 bell cow RB maybe 2 to win.

So I was thrilled to see Jahmyr Gibbs still available at 5. If the Lions don’t want to fall off, they need to lean on Gibbs. And with questions about David Montgomery‘s health, Gibbs is poised for a monster season.

I was poised to take Bucky Irving in round 2 but when he was swiped in front of me, my backup plan was Kyren Williams. He just got a deal that means he’s clearly the man in the L.A. Rams backfield. Matt Stafford’s back problems also means the Rams will need to lean on Williams to be a contender this season.

Kaiden King

1st Round – Pick 6 – CeeDee Lamb (WR) [Current ECR: 3]

2nd Round – Pick 15 – Bucky Irving (RB) [Current ECR: 29]

Will Gentile

1st Round – Pick 7 – Ashton Jeanty (RB) [Current ECR: 17]

2nd Round – Pick 14 – Brian Thomas (WR) [Current ECR: 11]

This is what Will had to say about his picks:

Pete is going ride Ashton to the ground. Had to pick him. I desperately wanted a LSU WR and BTJ was the last one.

Wole Akinso

1st Round – Pick 8 – Jayden Daniels (QB) [Current ECR: 34]

2nd Round – Pick 13 – Derrick Henry (RB) [Current ECR: 21]

Ha Kung Wong

1st Round – Pick 9 – Puka Nacua (WR) [Current ECR: 7]

2nd Round – Pick 12 – Malik Nabers (WR) [Current ECR: 6]

This is what Ha Kung had to say about his picks:

Puka Nacua arguably had one of the best rookie seasons of any WR ever, ending as the fourth best WR overall in fantasy football.  He had to deal with some injuries in 2024, playing in only 11 of 17 games, but still averaged 7.2 receptions from 9.6 targets for 94.2 yards from scrimmage per game.  Without the TD upside, you’re already at almost 17 fantasy points per week in PPR.  Sure Devante Adams is now in town, but with Cooper Kupp gone, I don’t think this impacts his ginormous target share of 34.9% in games in which he played at least 50% of the snaps.  He’s a great WR1 for fantasy this season and well worth a mid to late 1st round pick.

Puka Nacua Recieving & Rushing Stats
Rece Rece Rece Rece Rece Rush Rush Rush
Season Team G Tgt Rec Yds TD Y/G Att Yds TD
2023 LAR 17 160 105 1486 6 87.4 12 89 0
2024 LAR 11 106 79 990 3 90.0 11 46 1
2 Yr 2 Yr 28 266 184 2476 9 88.4 23 135 1
17 G 17 G 17 162 112 1503 5 88.4 14 82 1

Malik Nabers clearly has a ton of talent and opportunity.  In 2024, Nabers finished as a top 7 fantasy WR, leading all Giants receivers with a 32% target share, despite being stuck with uninspiring QBs.  He’s probably stuck with some less than inspiring QB options again, but his upside is undeniable.  If Jameis Winston gets the reigns at some point, Nabers could be top 5 based on opportunity alone, plus he’d have plenty of targets in negative game scripts since Winston airing it out often coincides with a lot of turnovers.  Yes, there’s definitely some risk here, but the Giants know that getting the ball to Nabers is their best bet to being relevant in 2025.

Ryan Flattery

1st Round – Pick 10 – Nico Collins (WR) [Current ECR: 10]

2nd Round – Pick 11 – Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) [Current ECR: 8]

This is what Ryan had to say about his picks:

So it’s pretty simple for me. Two top targeted go-to WRs with top tier QBs on teams that should make the playoffs, if not Lions to the Super Bowl.

Check back for Rounds 3 and 4!

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