The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine: A Year of Steady Progress
As NFL scouting combines go, the 2025 version was relatively tame. It didn’t break any event records, and no one managed to sniff Xavier Worthy’s legendary 40-time (4.21). The event was a showcase of talent, but many of the best passers didn’t throw, the best running backs didn’t run, and the best receivers didn’t catch. However, the combine did reveal that South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is a cartoon superhero walking among us. His performance, while impressive, won’t have a significant impact on your fantasy draft plans. The biggest news to come out of the combine was a trade involving 29-year-old receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., who’s headed to Washington to join Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and a ready-to-win Commanders squad. Samuel’s potential is undeniable, but after a season derailed by injury and illness, he’s not a sure thing. However, when healthy, Samuel is one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the NFL, and his style fits Kliff Kingsbury’s offense perfectly. Washington had a screaming need for receiving help, and Deebo, at his best, is a highlight machine. Good trade, Commanders.
The Commanders Continue to Build: Omarion Hampton
The Samuel deal satisfied one of the NFL’s glaring fantasy issues, but various other problems remain unaddressed. With free agency opening next week, it’s time to do some transactional wishcasting. One of the most urgent and fantasy-relevant roster needs is at the running back position for the Washington Commanders. Omarion Hampton, a bruiser with speed, athleticism, receiving skills, and breakaway ability, would be a perfect fit. Washington ranked third in the league in rushing last season, but that was mostly about the quarterback and only minimally about the team’s featured runner, Brian Robinson Jr. A franchise that shares a division with the Philadelphia Eagles needs to litter the field with playmakers. Hampton’s sensational collegiate career and unique skill set make him a top target for the Commanders.
Green Bay’s Receiving Room Upgrade: DK Metcalf
The next fantasy-relevant need is for the Green Bay Packers, who could use a dominant, unguardable X-receiver. DK Metcalf, who is still only 27 and a freakish size/speed combo athlete in his prime, would be an excellent addition. Metcalf’s arrival would raise the statistical ceiling for Jordan Love and pair perfectly with Jayden Reed. This perfectly sensible deal was already in the discussion phase before Metcalf’s trade request was made public. DK is the most interesting name on the market at his position at the moment, and while he won’t come cheap, it’s an arms race in the NFC North right now. Green Bay’s receiving room is deep, but Metcalf’s addition would elevate the entire offense.
A Fresh Start for Davante Adams: The Chargers
Davante Adams needs to find his way to a competent quarterback and a serious team staffed by grown-ups. Adams is on the downslope, but he managed to catch 85 passes and clear 1,000 yards last season despite his unfortunate surroundings. He would be a massive upgrade for the Los Angeles Chargers, who could benefit from a star receiver to elevate their offense. We don’t need to see another double-digit target game for Quentin Johnston until 2027. Adams returning to Green Bay would also be an acceptable fantasy situation, but the priority is to relocate him to a healthy offensive environment that can maximize his talent.
Denver’s Versatile Addition: Tyler Warren
The Denver Broncos offer an ascending offense led by a talented, young dual-threat QB and choreographed by a creative and accomplished head coach. This team needs to address multiple offensive skill spots, and fantasy managers are very interested in whichever running back lands with the Broncos. Sean Payton has discussed his desire to add a joker to his offense, a flexible term for a multi-purpose weapon. With Deebo off the board, Tyler Warren might be the most interesting available option. Last year at Penn State, Warren caught eight touchdowns, ran for four, and threw another. He’s a 6-foot-6 converted QB with legitimate do-it-all ability. Payton’s sinister purposes could make Warren a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Houston’s Receivers: Chris Godwin
Chris Godwin was challenging for overall WR1 status in fantasy through seven games last year before his season-ending ankle injury. He’s a fit for literally any franchise, and every receiver-needy team should have an interest in the 29-year-old vet. Godwin and Nico Collins would be an unsolvable problem for opposing defenses. Houston will be without Tank Dell in 2025 as he faces multiple surgeries and a long recovery, plus Stefon Diggs is heading into free agency. Finding 130 targets for Godwin is a top priority, and Houston is the perfect landing spot. The Texans need to capitalize on this opportunity to bolster their receiving corps and create a dynamic offensive duo.
Dallas and Chicago: The Running Back Conundrum
The consensus No. 1 back in this year’s draft class has been consistently mocked to Dallas. The betting markets have expected it to happen, and it feels right — it’s the pick the Cowboys certainly would have made at any other point in NFL history. It’s the pick they are likely to make in April if it’s available to them. However, we should note that Chicago entered the offseason with a desperate five-alarm need to upgrade its offensive line. Despite the recent acquisitions of both Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, we can’t rule out another anchor for the O-line with the draft’s 10th-overall pick. A first-round running back is a luxury selection, but pairing Ashton Jeanty with Ben Johnson over a lesser Schottenheimer is a no-brainer. If this one actually happens, fantasy analysts and lifelong Bears fans will become even more insufferable than usual, reaching previously unimagined levels of meat-headed insufferableness. You have been warned.
