The 2025 Fantasy Football season is rapidly approaching, and smart drafting can make all the difference. Veteran fantasy football analyst Dave Richard pinpoints potential difference-makers overlooked by the masses. This article highlights those players who could offer substantial returns relative to their draft position. Identifying these sleepers and breakout targets is critical for constructing a roster poised for success.
Richard’s analysis focuses on rookies and undervalued veterans set to exceed expectations. He highlights players such as Omarion Hampton and Jameson Williams, projecting them to become key contributors for fantasy teams. By understanding the rationale behind these selections, fantasy managers can gain an edge over their competition.
This guide dives into Richard’s must-draft list, offering insights into players to target in each round. From potential early-round steals like Mike Evans to late-round fliers like Dylan Sampson, this article provides a comprehensive strategy for dominating your 2025 fantasy football draft.
Round 3 Fantasy Football Targets
The early rounds of a fantasy draft often focus on established stars, but Round 3 presents an opportunity to identify players with significant upside. Dave Richard highlights two players in this range: Omarion Hampton and Mike Evans.
Omarion Hampton (LAC, RB): Richard is notably higher on Hampton than consensus ADP (38.3). He believes Hampton is set to be an all-downs running back in an offense geared towards running the ball. He notes the Chargers’ investment in Hampton, using a first-round pick, and reports of Hampton looking “awesome.” With the potential for 1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns, Hampton could be a top-12 fantasy RB. Richard suggests drafting Hampton as early as 24th overall in PPR formats.
Mike Evans (TB, WR): Despite his veteran status, Richard sees Evans as a potential steal in Round 3 (ADP 37.2). He notes Evans’ strong performance in training camp and his established connection with Baker Mayfield. With injuries to other Tampa Bay receivers, Evans is poised to receive a high target share and continue his red-zone dominance. Richard would be comfortable taking Evans as a top-30 pick overall.
Round 4 Fantasy Football Targets
As drafts progress, identifying breakout candidates becomes increasingly crucial. Richard emphasizes Jameson Williams as a Round 4 target with considerable upside.
Jameson Williams (DET, WR): Richard believes Williams’s trajectory is on the rise, and an increase in targets could yield significant returns. Citing his impressive yards-per-catch and yards-per-target stats from last season, Richard notes Williams’s growing connection with Jared Goff. He averaged nearly 7 targets and over 15 PPR points in his final nine games. Richard would consider drafting Williams as early as 46th overall, despite his ADP hovering around Round 5.
Round 5 Fantasy Football Targets
Round 5 is often a sweet spot for acquiring players who can outperform their draft position. Tony Pollard and Ricky Pearsall are two players Richard highlights in this range.
Tony Pollard (TEN, RB): With Tyjae Spears dealing with an injury, Pollard has the opportunity to dominate touches early in the season. Richard emphasizes Pollard’s consistency when given a significant workload. In games with 15 or more touches, Pollard has consistently produced 15+ PPR points. With an improved offensive line and a quarterback situation that has been addressed, Pollard could be a steal in Round 5. Richard would draft him around 57th overall.
Ricky Pearsall (SF, WR): Richard sees Pearsall as the 49ers’ most explosive and polished route-runner, making him a valuable target, especially with injuries to other receivers. In limited action last season, Pearsall averaged 18.4 PPR points on 7.3 targets. Richard would take Pearsall as early as 59th overall.
Round 6 Fantasy Football Targets
Finding value in the middle rounds can be the difference between a good and a great fantasy team. Emeka Egbuka is a player Richard believes fits that mold in Round 6.
Emeka Egbuka (TB, WR): Egbuka’s transition to the NFL has been seamless, praised for his route-running and hands. He’s been working as an outside receiver, showcasing his versatility. With Chris Godwin’s potential return uncertain, Egbuka could quickly establish himself as a key target for Baker Mayfield. Richard would draft him around 61st overall.
Round 7 Fantasy Football Targets
By Round 7, many fantasy managers focus on filling positional needs and seeking high-upside players. Keon Coleman stands out as a potential steal in this range.
Keon Coleman (BUF, WR): Coleman is poised to be a top target for the Bills and has made strides in his development. He is refining his skills to excel against zone coverage, which the Bills are seeing more of. Richard is aggressively adding Coleman to his rosters and would draft him around 68th overall.
Round 8 Fantasy Football Targets
The later rounds are about taking calculated risks on players with the potential to exceed expectations. Tyler Warren and Jordan Mason are two such players highlighted by Richard.
Tyler Warren (IND, TE): Warren’s catch radius, size/speed combination, and after-catch ability make him an intriguing option. Richard believes Warren can be a playmaker, working as both a short-area target and a downfield threat. He could even be utilized as a running back or Wildcat quarterback in red-zone situations. Richard would draft Warren around 82nd overall.
Jordan Mason (MIN, RB): Mason offers youth, strength, and versatility in multiple run schemes. He is expected to take work off of Aaron Jones’s plate and could produce significant numbers if Jones misses time due to injury. Richard considers Mason one of the best non-top 24 running backs and would draft him around 85th overall.
Round 9 Fantasy Football Targets
Finding a starting-caliber player in Round 9 can provide a significant advantage. Jared Goff, Braelon Allen, and Bhayshul Tuten are targets that Richard likes in this range.
Jared Goff (DET, QB): Richard believes Goff is being disrespected in fantasy drafts. Despite changes at playcaller, Goff remains a solid quarterback in a strong offense. Richard would take Goff around 92nd overall.
Braelon Allen (NYJ, RB): The Jets plan to use multiple running backs, and Allen has impressed in the preseason. Allen could handle short-yardage carries and provide upside if he continues to outperform Breece Hall. Richard would draft Allen around 97th overall.
Bhayshul Tuten (JAC, RB): Tuten’s speed and versatility make him a potential asset for the Jaguars. He impressed in joint practices and offers an electric skill-set. With a coach known for developing running backs, Tuten could emerge as a valuable contributor. Richard would draft Tuten around 98th overall.
Round 10 Fantasy Football Targets
Even in the late rounds, there are opportunities to find players who can contribute to your fantasy team. Dylan Sampson, and Ollie Gordon II, and Drake Maye are targets to consider in Round 10.
Dylan Sampson (CLE, RB): Sampson has a chance to lead the Browns’ run game early in the season with Quinshon Judkins’s status uncertain. Sampson flashed burst, acceleration, and vision in the preseason, making him a potential Week 1 factor. Richard would draft Sampson around 104th overall.
Ollie Gordon II (MIA, RB): With De’Von Achane’s injury history, Gordon could see significant playing time. Gordon impressed in the preseason and offers a physical running style that complements the Dolphins’ offense. Richard would draft Gordon around 106th overall.
Drake Maye (NE, QB): Maye is a breakout quarterback candidate with rushing ability and an improved supporting cast. With a new playcaller and replenished offensive line, Maye could exceed expectations. Richard would draft Maye around 118th overall.
Identifying sleeper and breakout targets is crucial for success in fantasy football. Dave Richard’s must-draft list provides valuable insights into players poised to outperform their draft positions. By targeting players like Omarion Hampton, Jameson Williams, and Keon Coleman, fantasy managers can build a roster with significant upside.
The 2025 Fantasy Football season promises to be full of surprises, and smart drafting is the key to victory. Utilize these insights to gain an edge over your competition and construct a championship-caliber team.
Ultimately, fantasy football is about more than just drafting the best players; it’s about identifying the right players at the right time. By considering factors such as potential workload, offensive scheme, and injury situations, you can make informed decisions and draft a team that exceeds expectations.
Leave a Reply