Travis Hunter has emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in fantasy football, boasting the potential to be among the NFL's best wide receivers. However, his unique playing style, where he splits time between offense and defense, raises questions about his fantasy ceiling. As he joins the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter's dual role may limit his overall production, but his talent is undeniable.
In the last two seasons at Colorado, Hunter showcased his skills as both a wide receiver and cornerback. Although his efficiency as a wide receiver was solid, it wasn't elite. Nevertheless, his numbers saw significant improvement from 2023 to 2024, with an impressive 89.7 PFF receiving grade placing him in the middle of first and second-round drafted receivers. He recorded the most touchdowns and the fewest dropped passes among his peers, highlighting his ability to separate against single coverage.
While some analysts note Hunter's need for polish in route-running and press-beating skills, it’s important to remember that his varied responsibilities have impacted his development. If utilized as a full-time receiver, he could easily rise to the top in dynasty drafts due to his remarkable talent.
The Jaguars are gearing up for a strong season, and Hunter's integration into the offense has been promising. In the first preseason game, he played 11 out of 12 snaps with the starters, indicating that the team is keen on using him effectively. With minimal competition for targets, Hunter's role could evolve into that of a consistent fantasy starter if he maintains health and performance.
Head coach Liam Coen favors an 11 personnel setup, which could benefit Hunter significantly. The Jaguars utilized this formation 91.8% on their opening drive, a trend that may continue throughout the regular season. Importantly, Hunter's slot usage during preseason was notable, tying him with Brian Thomas Jr. for five snaps in the slot. This versatility could further enhance his fantasy value.
As the 2025 draft class unfolds, Tetairoa McMillan stands out as the premier X receiver. After dominating as a starter for the Arizona Wildcats, McMillan’s production is expected to bring a much-needed boost to the Carolina Panthers offense, which struggled to find a reliable X receiver last season.
Over the past three seasons, McMillan demonstrated exceptional skills, achieving at least 80 receiving yards in 64% of his games. His performance metrics show improvement across the board, particularly in contested catches and overall separation. Despite a slight increase in drops in 2024, McMillan's ability to gain separation has solidified his status as one of the most accomplished tall receivers in recent memory.
The Panthers' receiving corps has seen a rotating cast of players, but McMillan's prototypical X receiver build positions him well to become a key target. His ability to play effectively in various formations suggests he will see ample playing time and could develop into a primary target if he continues to perform at a high level.
With Dave Canales as head coach, McMillan finds himself in a positive environment for development. Canales’ experience with elite receivers in previous roles indicates that he knows how to utilize talented players effectively. While McMillan may start with moderate target rates, his potential to become an elite fantasy option is evident.
The landscape of fantasy football is ever-evolving, with several players presenting exciting opportunities for managers. Here are some additional prospects to keep an eye on:
After being drafted 55th overall, Rashee Rice quickly carved out a role in the Chiefs’ offense. His early-season performances showed promise, but a season-ending injury hindered his growth. With his return, Rice is positioned to be a key asset in Kansas City’s high-octane offense, especially with quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the charge.
Emerging from UCF, R.J. Harvey has the potential to be a fantasy standout under Sean Payton’s offense. His ability as a receiver and runner makes him a dual-threat asset, offering significant upside for fantasy managers willing to take a chance on him.
Chris Olave had a strong rookie season and continued to impress in 2023. Despite injury concerns, his target rate and PPR points per game suggest he has the potential to be a top fantasy receiver, especially with a new offensive strategy in place.
After being traded to the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Mason finds himself in a promising position to earn significant playing time. With the potential for an increased role, he could emerge as a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.
Jaylen Warren has developed into a reliable option for the Steelers, especially as they transition into a new offensive phase. His involvement in both the run and pass game positions him as a solid pick for fantasy managers.
