2025 NFL combine preview - 11 future fantasy football stars to watch - ESPN

Change is afoot, football fans. With the Super Bowl marking the end of the 2024 season, a new class of prospects has embarked on the draft process with hopes of making NFL rosters in 2025. This collection of rookies appears notably different from those of recent years. Arguably devoid of blue-chip talent, there still exist plenty of potential starters, particularly at defensive positions. That may not sound ideal for fantasy football initially, but champions of our game understand that value can always be culled.

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Digging into the details isn't as overwhelming as one might believe, though. Not with pros like my colleague Matt Bowen diving deep on each prospect while staying mindful of the evolving NFL landscape. Bowen, a seven-year NFL vet, serves as one of ESPN's draft experts. He's already spent a week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl and will have his discerning eye on all the action in Indianapolis.

I asked him which incoming rookies he thought could make a splash at Lucas Oil Stadium. After comparing notes, we compiled a list of names and pinpointed the events that could showcase their talents and, potentially, push them up draft boards.

Ward, who led the FBS in touchdown passes last season, is the narrow favorite to be the first QB selected in April. A «high RPM» thrower, the hallmark of Ward's game is his arm talent. In possession of a lightning quick release, the Hurricane can aptly deliver the ball to all levels of the field, but particularly excels in the intermediate game. His improvisational skills certainly wowed during his college career, though a reliance on his throwing acumen has been linked to