Sam Monson said Jaden Daniels is the clear front-runner among the new-wave passers to seize future MVP honors and eventually sit atop the league’s quarterback hierarchy. Monson pointed to Daniels being only 24 years old yet already flashing every trait evaluators crave: a live NFL-caliber arm, advanced coverage recognition, dynamic rushing athleticism, and what he called the "clutch gene"—highlighting last season’s late-game dime against Cincinnati as proof. He emphasized that Daniels dragged a roster that "shouldn’t be there" to an NFC Championship appearance, underscoring how much win equity he personally adds. Monson conceded a sophomore slump is possible but argued even a Year-2 dip wouldn’t derail the long-term trajectory given how many Year-3 explosions we’ve seen from elite QBs recently. His actionable takeaway: stash Daniels aggressively in dynasty and best-ball tournaments, sprinkle long-shot MVP futures before the market catches up, and treat him as a high-ceiling QB1 in season-long redraft leagues as early as 2025.

Sam Monson said Josh Allen should be the first quarterback off the board in season-long fantasy and any QB-centric futures market. Monson pointed to Allen’s "freak-show" arm talent, short-yardage rushing "cheat code" that routinely converts sneaks into touchdowns, and one of the NFL’s lowest pressure-to-sack rates – a combination that maximizes both floor and ceiling. He added that Allen’s underlying analytics profile is "utterly absurd," reinforcing that the Bills signal-caller has out-performed Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson over the past two seasons. Monson’s takeaway: prioritize Allen over Mahomes in drafts and MVP odds because the blend of elite passing splash plays plus bankable rushing production is unmatched right now.

Sam Monson predicted a career resurgence for Josh Uche now that he will be deployed as a rotational edge rusher in Vic Fangio’s defense. Monson called Uche a "really useful situational pass rusher" in New England and believes the combination of Fangio’s scheme, a deep defensive-line rotation, and limited-snap usage will unlock his burst and bend. He expects Uche, along with JLX Hunt and other young rushers, to minimize the loss of Milton Williams and Josh Sweat, keeping Philadelphia’s sack ceiling in the top tier. IDP gamers looking for late-round upside and bettors eyeing Eagles sack totals can treat Uche as a high-volatility breakout candidate.

Sam Monson said the Chiefs getting Hollywood Brown back on a cheap one-year deal was a "big win" and expects Kansas City to double-down on the vertical-speed plan they abandoned last year when Brown and Rashee Rice went down. He reminded listeners that Patrick Mahomes posted the league’s worst passer rating on 20-plus-yard throws in 2022, which sparked the front office to add pure burners Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. With all three wideouts headed for a full offseason program, Monson anticipates Andy Reid calling more deep-shot concepts, giving Brown weekly splash-play upside and making him a late-round best-ball target and an early-season DFS tournament dart while salaries remain depressed.

Sam Monson said Davante Adams should be treated as a top-tier fantasy receiver because the Rams effectively upgraded from Cooper Kupp to Adams this offseason. Monson argued that Adams "can still 100 percent play" while he is "less sure" Kupp can maintain impact production after multiple injuries and an obvious athletic decline. By settling Matthew Stafford’s contract first, Los Angeles ensured Adams will be paired with a proven quarterback who just supported breakout years from Puka Nakua and Kyren Williams. In Sean McVay’s pass-heavy system—where Kupp averaged 10.1 targets per game during his peak—Monson expects Adams to command a similar double-digit target share and remain an every-week DFS and season-long WR1. Fantasy managers should prioritize Adams over Kupp in drafts and be comfortable paying up for him in early-season DFS contests.

Sam Monson echoed the under call, saying he would lean below 8.5 wins even if Rodgers is on the roster. Monson believes Rodgers might not mesh with Arthur Smith fast enough to matter, estimating it could take "eight weeks or more" before the veteran is truly comfortable. By then, he expects the Steelers to be sitting on six wins at best. He credited Mike Tomlin’s motivational skill and a potentially “suffocating” defense featuring a stacked front, but stressed that elite defense rarely moves modern win totals dramatically without competent offense. If the season starts with Mason Rudolph or rookie Will Howard instead, Monson considers the under a slam dunk and even suggested a bad 2024 could position Pittsburgh to draft its long-term quarterback next spring.

Sam Monson cautioned fantasy managers and bettors that Detroit’s defense still has a glaring weakness opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson is returning from a gruesome leg break, and the presumptive No. 2 edge, Marcus Davenport, has been "a write-off" for several seasons across multiple teams. Without a proven complement, Detroit may struggle to sustain edge pressure, putting more strain on the secondary and capping the Lions DST’s weekly fantasy ceiling. Monson recommended downgrading Detroit slightly in season-long DST rankings and hesitating on sack/pressure-related prop overs until the team either adds another pass-rusher or Davenport proves he can stay healthy and effective.

Sam Monson said the rest of New England’s pass-catchers become interesting late-round darts once rookie Kyle Williams locks down the top spot. Monson admitted none of the Patriots’ holdover receivers "belong on a receiving corps where they have to be as good as anybody else," but argued they are perfectly serviceable as complementary options. If Williams stretches the field and soaks up CB1 attention, targets will filter to slot and underneath options who can be drafted outside the top-60 wideouts. Monson recommended scooping Patriots depth receivers in best-ball and deep season-long leagues, noting they only need WR3 production to pay off their current ADPs.

Sam Monson warned fantasy drafters that Stefon Diggs is far from a sure thing in 2024. Monson pointed out that Diggs is now on the wrong side of 30 and working his way back from a late-season ACL tear, calling both factors "an unknown." Because New England still projects as a run-leaning, rookie-quarterback offense, Monson argued that drafting Diggs at anything close to his historical WR1 price tag is dangerous. He suggested treating Diggs as a volatile WR3/FLEX until we see proof that his explosion and route sharpness have returned, especially in season-long formats where replacement options will be available on waivers.

Sam Monson said Drake Maye already held his own against the other rookie quarterbacks despite operating behind what he called the NFL’s worst offensive line and throwing to a bottom-three group of pass catchers. Monson noted that New England has since added LT Will Campbell, C Jared Wilson and veteran WR Stefon Diggs, drafted vertical threat Kyle Williams, and signed reliable depth piece Mack Hollins. While Monson cautioned the new line might not gel instantly, he predicted both units can at least grade out as league-average this season. If that happens, Monson believes Maye’s combination of poise under pressure and down-field accuracy gives him top-12 fantasy upside and makes him a sharp late-round target in season-long leagues and an appealing QB2 in best-ball builds.

Sam Monson urged teams—and by extension fantasy drafters—to ‘kick the tires’ on Nick Chubb during training camp because the upside remains enormous. Before last year’s devastating knee injury, Chubb consistently ranked with Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley as a top-three NFL back. Monson conceded Chubb looked sluggish in his brief 2023 return but pointed to recent workout footage showing him clearing hurdles and literally denting a ceiling tile with his head as evidence of regained explosion. Given his age and injury discount, Monson thinks Chubb could be signed (Chicago was floated as a fit) for a modest NFL contract and believes managers can scoop him at a steep ADP discount in best-ball tournaments or stash him on redraft benches. If the burst is truly back, you’re looking at a potential league-winning RB for pennies on the dollar; if not, he’s an easy cut. That asymmetric payoff makes Chubb one of Monson’s favorite speculative picks of the summer.

Sam Monson cautioned dynasty and best-ball drafters against expecting much from seventh-round speedster Tez Johnson in Year 1. Monson agreed the Oregon product brings "quickness, return value and the ability to create explosives," but stressed that Tampa already goes four-deep with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and first-rounder Emeka Egbuka. Those veterans leave very few snaps, let alone targets, for a 155-pound rookie who Monson believes will be "easier to keep off the field on this roster than almost anywhere else." Until injuries strike, Johnson projects as a situational gadget player and punt returner, making him a late-stash only in deep formats rather than a redraft target.

Sam Monson warned that Egbuka profiles as a "classic high-end number two receiver" who does everything well but lacks true WR1 upside. Monson noted the scouting consensus on Egbuka’s zone-beating savvy, post-catch power and reliability, yet pointed out that Tampa already has redundancy with Godwin and McMillan. He personally graded Egbuka outside his top-10 rookie wideouts and would have taken him later than Tampa’s late-first-round slot, especially given the Bucs’ lack of positional need. For dynasty or best-ball drafters, Monson advises letting someone else pay the first-round premium and targeting higher-ceiling options in that range.

Sam Monson likened rookie Jaylin Noel to "a mash-up of Christian Kirk and Tank Dell" who can play inside or outside and run 4.39. Monson emphasized that Houston purposefully drafted Noll as an insurance policy for Dell’s uncertain recovery while also providing a field-stretching slot option in Bobby Slowik’s tight-split scheme. The analyst expects Noll’s proven chemistry with fellow Iowa State product Jaden Higgins and Stroud’s accuracy on in-breaking routes to translate into immediate best-ball spike weeks and long-term season-long value if Dell struggles to get back on the field.

Sam Monson argued that Houston effectively got a first-rounder in Jayden Higgins after trading back to pick 34. Monson explained that the Texans admitted internally they "would have taken him at 25" and still came away with two extra third-rounders. Higgins brings another 6'3"+ vertical threat opposite Nico Collins, giving C.J. Stroud two big-bodied targets who win downfield. Monson believes Higgins’ contested-catch prowess and proven chemistry with college teammate Jalen Noll make him an immediate red-zone factor and a sneaky rookie-year fantasy producer despite Houston’s crowded receiver room.

Sam Monson argued that Houston effectively got a first-rounder in Jayden Higgins after trading back to pick 34. Monson explained that the Texans admitted internally they "would have taken him at 25" and still came away with two extra third-rounders. Higgins brings another 6'3"+ vertical threat opposite Nico Collins, giving C.J. Stroud two big-bodied targets who win downfield. Monson believes Higgins’ contested-catch prowess and proven chemistry with college teammate Jalen Noll make him an immediate red-zone factor and a sneaky rookie-year fantasy producer despite Houston’s crowded receiver room.

Sam Monson said Woody Marks is the inside favorite to handle Houston's passing-down work right out of the gate. Monson pointed out that the Texans traded up for Marks even though similar receiving backs—Dylan Sampson, Jordan James, DJ Giddens, Jaydon Blue, Breschad Smith, and LeQuint Allen—were still on the board, showing how aggressively they targeted him for a specific role. He highlighted Marks’ short-area burst, soft hands, and proven third-down production at USC as traits that fit Bobby Slowik’s heavy empty-set packages. With Joe Mixon locked into early-down work, Monson expects Marks to log the hurry-up and two-minute offense, projecting 45-55 targets and immediate PPR flex appeal. He labeled Marks a late-round season-long dart and a priority dynasty stash who could spike for best-ball rosters if Mixon misses time.

Sam Monson warned fantasy managers not to rely on Tank Dell after back-to-back season-ending injuries, calling the second fracture "so severe that they basically can’t rely on him at this point." Houston’s decision to draft Jalen Noll underscores the team’s doubts. Monson stressed that while Dell’s talent is unquestioned, the probability he returns at pre-injury explosion levels is low enough that drafters should treat him as a high-risk, volatile asset rather than a locked-in starter.

Sam Monson flagged rookie back Bhayshul Tuten as a sneaky upside dart in best-ball and deep redraft formats. Monson rattled off a 4.32 forty, 95th-percentile broad and vertical jumps, and a squat 5-9, 206-pound frame that perfectly fits Liam Cohen’s outside-zone, one-cut run game. Tuten generated a ridiculous 50 percent of his college yardage on breakaway runs and was the seventh RB drafted despite nine fumbles over his final two seasons. Monson thinks Jacksonville will deploy him as a change-of-pace rocket behind Travis Etienne, creating weekly spike-week potential in an offense deliberately collecting “home-run hitters” at every position. He advised scooping Tuten at the very end of best-ball drafts where raw ceiling matters more than consistent volume.

Sam Monson projected Travis Hunter to step right in as a high-end No. 2 fantasy receiver opposite Brian Thomas Jr. Monson highlighted Hunter’s elite quickness, ball skills, and defensive IQ that translate to immediate separation ability and strong hands in traffic. Because Thomas Jr. will demand safety help over the top, Hunter will face single coverage and can focus on intermediate routes where his suddenness shines. Monson noted Hunter no longer needs to prove he can be a true outside alpha; instead, he can rack up volume as a complementary Z/slot option while still sprinkling in cameo snaps on defense. That role should yield startable season-long value right away, especially in PPR formats.

Sam Monson said Brian Thomas Jr. has true superstar potential and could realistically become a "Ja'Marr Chase/Justin Jefferson-level" top-five NFL wideout for fantasy purposes. Monson cited Thomas’s explosive rookie-year flashes, his proven deep-speed that already scares defenses, and the arrival of Travis Hunter to draw coverage away. With new play-caller Liam Cohen reportedly willing to ‘open up the entire playbook,’ Monson expects Jacksonville to feature Thomas Jr. as the primary field-stretching X receiver while Hunter works underneath. That combination, plus a quarterback in Trevor Lawrence whom Monson already grades as top-10-to-12, gives Thomas a clear runway to elite target volume, high-value downfield looks, and massive season-long upside.

Sam Monson advised fantasy gamers to stay away from Tyler Lockett, arguing the 31-year-old looks "pretty close to being done." Monson pointed to three straight seasons of declining yards per route run (2.39 → 1.95 → 1.53) and a sharp drop-off in PFF receiving grade that mirrored his age-curve. Now tethered to a rookie quarterback learning a new system, and competing with Calvin Ridley plus three drafted wideouts, Lockett projects as—at best—the Titans’ third passing option. Monson compared Tennessee to the franchise’s past habit of rostering wideouts on their last legs ("Randy Moss, Titans legend") and sees little chance for a bounce-back given Ward’s expected early volatility. He recommended treating Lockett as a WR6/7 in season-long drafts and leaving him undrafted in shallow leagues.

Sam Monson warned that Cam Ward carries more bust risk than people admit, stressing that Ward has NEVER posted a turnover-worthy play rate below 3.3%, a figure Monson labeled "high even for the NFL and especially high in college." Ward’s "big-game-hunter" mentality leads him to skip easy underneath completions in favor of down-field shots, putting him on the Josh Allen-to-Will-Levis spectrum where genius can instantly flip to recklessness. Monson contrasted that with Shadur Sanders, whose turnover-worthy rate is roughly half. For fantasy, Monson advised dynasty managers to price in early multi-turnover outings and redraft players to avoid overpaying until Tennessee proves it can coach the gambler out of Ward’s game.

Sam Monson highlighted Kurtis Rourke as an intriguing late-round quarterback for Shanahan disciples to monitor. Monson praised Rourke for gutting through a partially torn ACL last season while still displaying the timing, quick release and boot-action accuracy that Shanahan covets. Although drafted as a backup, Monson believes Rourke has the tools to win regular-season games if Brock Purdy misses time, making him a cheap superflex or deep-dynasty stash. The 49ers’ quarterback-friendly system has already produced surprise starters like Purdy, so Monson sees real upside relative to seventh-round cost.

Sam Monson said fourth-round rookie Quandarrius Robinson offers instant IDP and betting juice because he is "the first edge after the blue-chip tier that actually got me excited." Despite logging mostly special-teams snaps at Alabama, Robinson’s pass-rush tape jumped off the screen for Monson: true 4.5-type speed to threaten the outside, a bendy frame to flatten at the apex, a Von-Miller-style inside sweep when tackles overset, plus a long-arm bull rush that walks blockers straight back. Monson counted three legitimate ways to win, calling that a rare toolkit for a mid-round pick. He expects Denver to give Robinson 15-20 pass-rush snaps a game right away, which should translate into splash-play sack production for big-play IDP formats and make the Broncos D/ST a cheap upside target. Bettors can attack early-season markets such as Denver team-sack overs or Robinson long-shot Defensive Rookie of the Year tickets before the depth-chart catch-up.

Sam Monson argued that seventh-rounder Brashard Smith could become much more than a gadget back for Kansas City. The former SMU wide receiver has only one collegiate season at running back but already flashes every-down traits: soft natural hands, 4.38-speed verified at his pro day, and the lateral quickness to exploit Andy Reid’s jet-sweep and misdirection packages. Monson noted film where the 195-pound Smith lowered his pads and ran over a 235-pound Duke linebacker, evidence that he can finish inside rather than just bounce plays outside. With Isaiah Pacheco entering year three and Kansas City lacking a true passing-down specialist, Monson sees Smith carving out a third-down role early with room to grow into 30–40% snap share if injuries strike. Deep-league season-long managers and best-ball players should take free-square exposure now before preseason hype builds.

Sam Monson said seventh-rounder Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the kind of back who can pay off immediately in fantasy despite minimal draft capital. Monson highlighted that Croskey-Merritt posted the best deceleration and short-area metrics recorded at the Shrine Bowl, confirming on-tape quick cutting ability. He noted the Arizona transfer averaged 6.3 yards per carry in his lone 2023 appearance after leaving New Mexico, and Renner had been "pounding the table" for him as a Day-2 talent. Washington’s depth chart is open behind Brian Robinson and 29-year-old Austin Ekeler, giving Croskey-Merritt a realistic path to meaningful touches or even a starting role. Monson concluded that those athletic traits plus a thin backfield make Croskey-Merritt worth a final-round stab in best-ball or deep season-long formats because the payoff far outweighs the cost.

Sam Monson said RJ Harvey has legitimate star-level upside the moment Sean Payton drops him into Denver’s backfield. Monson ranked Harvey just behind Quinshon Judkins on his own board and pointed out the former UCF runner was the fifth back taken in a class that became chaotic after the top four. Harvey is 5-foot-9, 208 pounds, clocked a verified 4.40 forty and shows explosive acceleration, low-centered contact balance and a knack for flattening second-level tacklers one-on-one. Despite being 24 years old with an ACL tear in his past, he delivered three productive college seasons, demonstrating fresh legs and big-play juice. Monson can “absolutely imagine a world” where Harvey is an immediate starting-caliber NFL back in Payton’s run-friendly scheme, making him a priority late-round target in redraft leagues and an aggressive buy in dynasty rookie drafts.

Sam Monson called Damien Martinez an "insane bargain" in the seventh round and compared his physical profile to first-rounders Omarion Hampton and Quinshon Judkins. Martinez is 220+ pounds yet nimble, has produced in multiple schemes, and consistently breaks tackles. Monson acknowledged the rookie is currently buried behind Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, but argued the Seahawks grabbed him strictly because the value was too good to pass. In dynasty formats, Sam recommends stashing Martinez because injuries or future contract decisions could clear a path, and the runner’s three-down skill set would make him fantasy relevant quickly. He framed it as the textbook example of why waiting on running back in rookie drafts can pay off big if you’re patient.

Sam Monson labeled Tory Horton one of the biggest steals of the draft and a clean schematic fit in Seattle. Horton checked in at 6-3 and 185 pounds, ran a 4.40 forty after returning from a knee injury, and flashed what Monson called "supersized DeVonta Smith" traits—long-speed, detailed route running and sneaky yards-after-catch ability. Monson thinks Horton can immediately slot in as the perimeter vertical threat this offense lacks, complementing inside/out technicians Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. He expects Horton to compete with—and likely overtake—Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jake Bobo for the outside Z role. Given Geno Smith’s (or Sam Darnold’s) willingness to target deep shots off play-action in a Kubiak scheme, Monson believes Horton is worth a late best-ball flyer and a dynasty bench spot because every-down usage is within reach if his rookie camp goes well.

Sam Monson pumped the brakes on Jordan James’ fantasy hype, warning that undrafted free agent Corey Kiner could steal the No. 2 job behind Christian McCaffrey. Monson acknowledged James’ zone-running fit but pointed out that Kyle Shanahan’s history (Raheem Mostert 2016, Elijah Mitchell 2021, Jordan Mason 2022) shows UDFAs and seventh-rounders routinely leapfrog higher-drafted backs. He noted Kiner’s tape is "excellent" even if the timed speed was disappointing, and added that San Francisco’s coaching staff has prioritized vision and decisiveness over raw testing numbers in past depth-chart battles. Because of that track record, Monson advised fading James at his current dynasty and best-ball prices and instead grabbing Kiner for free as a speculative stash.

Sam Monson cautioned not to overlook undrafted free agent Corey Kiner, noting that San Francisco’s backfield history (Mostert, Mitchell, Mason) shows UDFAs often beat out drafted backs. While Kiner’s measurables disappointed, Monson said his Cincinnati tape "is excellent" with decisive cuts and contact balance tailor-made for Shanahan’s run game. Monson wouldn’t be surprised if Kiner ultimately makes more noise than fifth-rounder Jordan James, making him a zero-cost speculative add in large season-long or best-ball formats.

Sam Monson predicted that undrafted free agent Willie Lampkin could seize the Rams’ starting center gig within the next 12 months. Monson stressed that Los Angeles has “no real depth” at the position and praised Lampkin’s impressive tape, quick feet, and leverage despite an undersized frame and poor testing numbers. He argued that if the coaching staff gives Lampkin a legitimate shot instead of relegating him to a camp-body fullback role, the rookie’s skill set should win out. A Lampkin promotion would stabilize a shaky interior line, improving pass protection for Matthew Stafford and opening cleaner rushing lanes for Kyren Williams—factors Monson believes fantasy drafters and bettors should monitor closely.

Sam Monson called Trey Harris the swing piece of the Chargers draft and a must-consider dynasty stash. Harris’s Ole Miss tape features yards-per-route-run numbers comparable to recent NFL breakout stars, but Monson cautioned that the Rebels’ tempo spread can artificially inflate efficiency the way Tennessee’s did for Dontay Thornton and other college outliers. What ultimately impressed Monson were the handful of true pro routes—deep digs, outs and comebacks—where Harris used slick head-fakes, sold corners, and separated with legit sub-4.45 speed at roughly 215 pounds. Monson believes Harris has genuine X-receiver upside in a class short on that prototype. With Ladd McConkey already commanding targets and Quentin Johnston pushed into a niche vertical role, Harris has a clear path to starting snaps and first-round-level ceiling if he hits. Monson framed the selection as second-round risk, first-round reward, making Harris a high-priority dynasty buy before his value spikes.

Sam Monson said fourth-round pick Jalen Royals is ‘one of my favorite wide receivers in this draft’ and called the selection ‘insane value.’ Monson highlighted Royals’ Senior Bowl reps where the Utah State product consistently won with nuanced route timing, strong body control, and elite after-catch burst. Although Royals does not create five-yard gaps, Monson stressed that he gains leverage early, shields the defender, and maintains positioning— the kind of functional NFL separation that translates right away. Royals averaged 7.3 yards after the catch last season in Utah State’s tempo offense and tallied a 34% dominator rating despite quirky scheme usage. Monson believes that, in Kansas City’s receiver room currently headlined by Rashee Rice, Royals has a clear path to the WR3/WR4 role, offering Patrick Mahomes another dependable intermediate target. Dynasty managers and best-ball drafters should circle Royals as a cheap stash who could spike in value by mid-season if injuries or Rice’s legal situation thin the depth chart.

Sam Monson said Donovan Ezeiruaku has a real shot to emerge as the premier pass-rusher from the 2025 class. Monson highlighted Ezeiruaku's clean, technically sound pass-rush repertoire, noting he "won often enough as a pass rusher" without needing gimmicks. Despite being a shade undersized, Monson believes most of Ezeiruaku’s run-defense issues stem from film study and play-recognition, not physical shortcomings, which makes them correctable. Because the tape shows he can convert speed to power while maintaining gap integrity, Monson thinks Ezeiruaku profiles as both a high-ceiling sack artist and a plus run defender once coaching irons out the mental side. Dynasty IDP gamers looking for an impact rookie edge should move him up their boards.

Sam Monson said undrafted rookie Lan Larison is a live threat to make the 53-man roster and carve out New England’s designated receiving-back job. Monson raved that Larison "might be the best receiving running back in this draft class," pointing to a highlight reel packed with one-handed grabs that rivals any wideout or tight end’s tape. Because the Patriots already view TreVeyon Henderson as the early-down workhorse, Monson believes they will keep a pure pass-game specialist, and Larison’s natural hands plus route flexibility out of the slot give him a real chance to leapfrog veterans on third downs. If Larison sticks, he would immediately siphon two-minute and long-down-and-distance snaps, making him an intriguing final-round dart in Best Ball drafts and a dynasty stash for PPR formats.

Sam Monson urged fantasy gamers to steer clear of rookie wideout Arian Smith despite his 4.36 speed. Monson cited a 22 % drop rate last season and a career mark of 16 %, well above Mike Renner’s 10 % red-flag threshold, calling it “off-the-charts horrendous.” Monson added that Senior Bowl tape showed Smith literally falling mid-route and labeled him a modern Troy Williamson—an athletic burner who cannot consistently catch. Until the Jets can diagnose a fix (Monson joked about immediate LASIK), Smith is unrosterable in best-ball or dynasty formats because one out of every five targets is projected to hit the turf.

Sam Monson loved Seattle’s decision to grab Jalen Milroe in Round 3, calling that range perfect for his current profile. Milroe brings what Monson described as "the next rung below Lamar Jackson" rushing ability, giving him the same high fantasy floor that has kept Justin Fields viable. Monson added that the Alabama product owns a live arm and can process defenses, but struggles with consistency, decision-making, and ball placement—issues the Seahawks can work on while Geno Smith holds the job. Coaches and scouts reportedly raved about Milroe’s self-awareness in pre-draft interviews, where he rattled off his weaknesses unprompted, signaling rare emotional maturity. Monson thinks that combination of elite ground game, intact starting-QB ceiling, and character makes Milroe a mandatory third-round rookie-draft swing and a sneaky Best-Ball tournament bullet should he log starts in 2025 or beyond.

Sam Monson said Elijah Arroyo could be an immediate mismatch piece for Seattle because of his top-end speed and polished receiving chops. Monson noted that Arroyo was once talked about as a potential top-10 talent on pure tape before a string of injuries limited his resume. The Seahawks coaching staff even told reporters they view him as good enough to line up as an X-receiver, not just a tight end. That suggests a big-slot usage tree similar to how Kyle Shanahan deploys Deebo Samuel, but with tight-end eligibility for fantasy. Monson warned Arroyo is a below-average blocker, yet he still expects Shane Waldron to keep him off the line and treat him as a vertical seam/slot threat. The combination of rare athletic traits, positional flexibility and a wide-open depth chart behind Noah Fant makes Arroyo a viable late-round Best-Ball dart and dynasty stash if you are hunting for upside at a barren tight-end position.

Sam Monson called Denver’s selection of Jahdae Barron at pick 20 “one of the best value picks in the entire first round,” grading the Texas corner as a top-10 overall talent. Monson highlighted Barron’s versatility—outside corner opposite Pat Surtain, slot defender over JaQuan McMillan, or even free safety where he might already outplay Talanoa Hufanga. Because offenses largely avoided Surtain in 2023, Barron’s presence should erase the soft spots that got Denver "picked apart" when Riley Moss was sidelined. Monson believes Barron’s plug-and-play skill set materially upgrades Denver’s pass defense, an angle bettors can exploit by leaning under on opposing passing yards/receiving props early in the season until the market adjusts.

Sam Monson said he would have passed on Omarion Hampton at pick 22 because the opportunity cost of a first-round running back felt too steep for the Chargers once they already signed Najee Harris. Monson argued the gap between Hampton (his RB2) and the rest of the 2025 class is far narrower than the gulf between Ashton Jeanty and RB2, meaning Los Angeles could have grabbed a similar back on Day 2 or Day 3. He also questioned schematic fit, noting Hampton looked considerably smoother running zone concepts while Greg Roman prefers a gap-heavy approach and both analysts flagged the runner’s vision in that scheme. With Jim Harbaugh intent on a true one-two punch, Monson expects Harris to siphon early-down touches, capping Hampton’s rookie-year volume ceiling and long-term fantasy upside, making him over-valued at any first-round rookie ADP.

Sam Monson said Ashton Jeanty is one of the best running-back prospects of the past 15 years and justified Las Vegas taking him sixth overall. Monson highlighted Jeanty 150-plus missed tackles forced on 370 touches last season, calling him "impossible to tackle" and praising his low-centered power and underrated receiving chops shown in 2023. He framed the decision with a three-question flow chart—existing run-game infrastructure, opportunity cost versus non-blue-chip options at other positions, and willingness to pay a top-15 RB salary—and answered “yes” to all three, arguing the offense already has a solid, improving line and Geno Smith under center for at least three years. Monson concluded that the surplus-value math is close but the talent gap is wide enough to make Jeanty a viable fantasy bell-cow immediately and a dynasty cornerstone despite the usual running-back contract concerns.

Sam Monson labeled third-round pick Jack Bech a sneaky immediate contributor for the Raiders. Monson emphasized Bech 6'2", 215-pound frame, powerful YAC ability, plus acceleration despite average long speed, and refined route craft—particularly how he sells outside stems to win inside on slants. Monson noted Bech reliable hands and willingness to run through contact, projecting him as a chain-moving big slot who complements down-field threat Dante Thornton and could quickly become Geno Smith’s short-area safety valve. That combination of target volume potential and red-zone physicality makes Bech a deep sleeper in season-long leagues and a cheap best-ball stab, especially given Las Vegas’ thin proven WR depth behind Davante Adams.

Sam Monson said the Eagles landed Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 even though most evaluators had him 10–12 spots higher and some insiders thought he could sneak into the top-10. Monson called Campbell the "clear best linebacker prospect" in the class and projected him as a sideline-to-sideline, three-down starter who can stay on the field in coverage and add occasional blitz or even edge-rush snaps. He noted Philadelphia’s current depth chart—Zach Baun, Nakobe Dean, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.—and argued Campbell immediately jumps to the top of that group, giving him a path to high snap volume right away. The Eagles’ insistence on trading up, despite only surrendering a 5th-rounder, shows they expect immediate impact. For fantasy IDP players, Monson framed Campbell as a day-one tackle machine with upside for splash plays if the coaching staff does, in fact, work him into the edge rotation.

Sam Monson said Kyle Williams could quickly become the Patriots’ go-to receiver. Monson raved that Williams is "arguably the best separator in this entire draft," repeatedly winning with quickness, long speed and after-catch burst. Film evaluators love him even though the data crowd is worried about a late fifth-year breakout. Monson noted New England’s receiver room is "chaotic" behind Stefon Diggs, with last year’s rookies Jalen Polk and Javon Baker failing to establish themselves. That gives Williams an immediate path to high-volume routes and targets, making him an intriguing rookie pick in redraft leagues and a smash in Best Ball formats if he wins the WR2 job out of camp.

Sam Monson warned that Antonio Gibson could be the odd man out in Foxborough after the Patriots signed UDFA back Lan Larison. Gibson’s hybrid RB/WR profile has always been more theoretical than practical, and Monson noted that the staff feels he is "not really great at either role." Larison, meanwhile, brings elite natural receiving skills and cleaner hands, giving him a direct pathway to the pass-catching snaps Gibson was expected to hold. If Larison shows competent blitz pickup in camp, Monson expects New England to save $2.4 million by cutting or trading Gibson before Week 1. Fantasy managers hanging on to Gibson in redraft or dynasty should be looking to flip him now, while bettors considering his season-long props should proceed with caution.

Sam Monson said the Jets’ choice to ignore quarterback entirely in the 2025 draft — they did not even burn a Day-3 pick on the position — is a loud statement that the offense belongs to Justin Fields for the full season. He walked through the depth chart: only steady veteran Tyrod Taylor, injured-rookie holdover Jordan Travis, and UDFA Brady Cook sit behind Fields, none of whom pose a real threat for training-camp reps. Monson argued this vote of confidence combines with a rebuilt tackle tandem (Olu Fashanu, Armand Membou) and a YAC-friendly receiving corps to push Fields into locked-in QB1 territory for season-long leagues and a premium dual-threat pick in best-ball tournaments. He added that bettors can be more comfortable attacking the Jets’ 6.5-win over and +350 playoff prices now that a mid-season rookie takeover is off the table.

Sam Monson cautioned fantasy managers not to overreact to Ollie Gordon’s raw college box scores. He called Gordon a "massive, strong" back who thrives only when his blocking is already winning—evidenced by the tailback’s 3.1 yards-before-contact per attempt during Oklahoma State’s 2023 four-game win streak versus just 1.0 in the Cowboys’ five losses. Monson pointed out Gordon’s middling burst scores (sub-40th percentile ten-yard split) and lack of lateral juice, meaning he rarely creates on his own when the line loses. That profile makes him highly game-script and opponent dependent in Miami: if the rebuilt line jells and the Dolphins face lighter boxes designed to stop Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Gordon can mash for "big numbers," but if protection breaks down he offers little more than three yards and a cloud of dust. Monson advised treating Gordon as a DFS punt or bye-week fill-in only against bottom-third run defenses and keeping season-long expectations capped at 8–10 carries with touchdown-or-bust value.

Sam Monson said Quinn Ewers is the exact type of lottery-ticket quarterback he would place in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Monson argued that Miami’s YAC-heavy scheme and track-team speed would minimize Ewers’ biggest weakness—deep-ball consistency—while accentuating his quick release and RPO background from Texas. He reminded listeners that Ewers entered college as a rare 1.000-grade 247Sports recruit, flashed top-10 pick talent in early 2022 before a shoulder injury, and then gutted through multiple ailments last season, which sapped his arm strength and tanked his accuracy metrics (PFF passing grade fell from 85.2 pre-injury to 70.6 after). Because of those injuries, Monson views Ewers’ seventh-round draft capital as a buying opportunity for superflex dynasty managers who can afford a 1-to-2-year stash. If Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history resurfaces or Miami decides against a massive second contract, Ewers could be the cheap in-house replacement with upside. Fantasy takeaway: scoop him up in the fourth round of rookie drafts or spend a late $1 in deep best-ball formats and hope the development track mirrors Brock Purdy rather than Kellen Mond.

Sam Monson said Miami can squeeze real fantasy value out of first-rounder Kenneth Grant if they refuse to pigeon-hole him as a 340-pound, two-down nose. Monson highlighted Grant’s rare movement skills for his size—sub-5.0 forty range speed, nimble feet, and the ability to chase a running back 30 yards downfield on tape. He likened the Michigan product to Alan Branch or even BJ Raji in a ‘nose-tackle body, three-tech play style’ mold and noted that Grant’s best college reps came via quickness, swim moves, and interior penetration rather than taking on double teams. Grant logged nearly 550 snaps last season (200 more than Jordan Davis ever managed at Georgia) and improved each year, easing concerns about conditioning and workload. If new DC Anthony Weaver “lets him cook” on passing downs, Monson believes Grant can be a three-down force who pushes for 6–8 sacks as a rookie and instantly upgrades Miami’s fantasy D/ST while emerging as a dynasty IDP sleeper at a scarce defensive tackle position.