Part II - Draftsport

Boxer - Jackson, you going to go to Hong Kong?

Jackson - I love anything full contact. I need a few more scars on my face.

Boxer - But I heard you can get killed at that Kumite.

Jackson - Only if you fuck up.

Bloodsport

Welcome, fantasy warriors of the world. Today, you become part of a tradition that began years ago. The Rookie Kumite was first used by the Kuso Yarou, the Shithead Clan, to measure the drafting skills and spirit of its members. Every year, the best fantasy experts would face each other in high-stakes leagues, with one winner emerging as the superior dynasty warrior - The Champion. The Kuso Yarou has been joined by the South Harmon Vibes Society as co-sponsor for this event and as the guardians of a rich and powerful heritage. After three days of drafting, one fighter will prove themself to be the best, and claim the Kin no unko - The Golden Poo. May the mightiest warrior prevail!

Biggest Risers

RJ Harvey - Pre-Draft, I graded the UCF RB as a top 6 player at his position, in the same tier as Kaleb Johnson. Scouting the former Knight for the South Harmon Draft Guide, I wrote “RJ Harvey is one of the most productive and dependable RBs in the class. He is a true work-horse back, with above-average talent as a runner and pass-catcher,” and concluded that he was “good to great in most facets of the position, making him one of the most well-rounded RBs in the class.” But with little buzz for Harvey before the NFL Draft and his smaller stature, I chose to rank him lower as my RB-8. At 5’8”, 205 lbs, the only other running backs of similar size that have produced in the last few seasons are D’Andre Swift and Jaylen Warren. Overall, I believed his metrics were better than what I saw on film.

But after receiving late-second-round capital and listening to Sean Payton speak so glowingly of his new starting running back, I am fully bought into RJ Harvey. The Broncos ranked as my best landing spot for any rookie RB, just ahead of the Texans, Chargers, and New England. I have the new Denver running back ranked in the same tier as Kaleb Johnson and Quinshon Judkins, and should be considered in the mid-late 1st-round of your rookie drafts.

Terrance Ferguson - It wasn’t hard for me to overlook the Oregon Ducks’ average production and film in comparison to many of the other Tight End prospects. I was shocked by Terrance Ferguson’s athletic testing: 4.63 Forty (86th percentile), 108.3 Speed Score (86th), 129.3 Burst Score (94th), 10.25 Catch Radius (90th), and 9.32 RAS. These are the highest marks of the prospects that tested. But the main case for Ferguson’s rise is that he received great draft capital (2.14) to the best landing spot one could hope for - The Los Angeles Rams. With so many managers paying up 1st Rounders for Loveland and Warren, Ferguson is becoming one of the best values in the early 3rd-round.

Tai Felton - I’ve come a long way regarding Tai Felton. Many of his production and efficiency metrics were average at best, and his film pointed me towards a high-end Backup or Role Player at best. But looking back at Felton after the NFL Draft and his 3.38 selection by Minnesota, I am seeing the former Terrepin with new eyes. Tai was the focal point of the Maryland offense, and his 4.37 forty (97th percentile) and 132.2 Burst Score (92nd) point towards a higher upside player than I previously projected. As the Vikings' WR 3, Jalen Nailor posted 4 top 40 WR weeks in 2024. If Felton can beat out Nailor and secure a role on a top-10 offense, the rookie possesses the highest upside of any WR being selected in the third round of your drafts.

Honorable Mentions

Pat Bryant, Isaac TeSlaa, and Jarquez Hunter did not grade well in my Rookie Scouting Process, but their NFL Draft Capital and opportunity are well worth the gamble at their current rookie ADP. Pat Bryant has the best pathway to playing time with only Courtland Sutton and possibly Devaughn Vele ahead of him. Isaac TeSlaa figures to play the “Sacrificial X” role for the Lions, using his large frame to stretch the field with his insane athleticism (9.93 RAS) and speed (4.43 Forty). This frees up Jamo to be used in other areas of the field and allows St. Brown and LaPorta to operate freely underneath. It is difficult to forecast Jarquez Hunter’s role with the Rams. Kyren Williams’ usage over the past two seasons has been the best in the NFL, and Blake Corum’s collegiate career far outshines Hunter’s. But digging further into Jarquez’s profile, his elusiveness and receiving prowess could give the Auburn prospect a leg up over the highly-touted Michigan back.

Biggest Fallers

Dylan Sampson - Ranked as my 6th RB Pre-Draft, Dylan Sampson’s tumble down ADP is not an indictment on his abilities, but is entirely due to his situation. Landing with a Browns team that has made running the ball its offensive identity is fantastic for Sampson, but playing behind a dominant back in Quinshon Judkins is far from ideal. But it’s not all negative. Dylan brings a skillset very different from Quinshon's and should be able to carve out his role, especially when it comes to his elusiveness and receiving. His fall to a 3rd-round ADP makes him a value, not an outcast.

Devin Neal - The Kansas Jayhawks’ fall to 6.08 to the Saints was heartbreaking. Investing in runners drafted after the 5th Round is not a good bet, let alone players that land on teams that project to be bottom 10 in the NFL. With no skills that can outshine Alvin Kamara, the best outlook for Devin Neal is to be a breather back. But despite these reservations, Neal is still being drafted in the middle of the 3rd-round of rookie drafts, mostly because of the “Kamara is old and there’s no one else if he gets hurt” narrative. At that cost, I’d much rather take bets on Woody Marks, DJ Giddens, Jarquez Hunter, or Trevor Etienne, who all graded similarly, received better draft capital (4th-5th), and are all going later in rookie drafts.

Honorable Mention

Shedeur Sanders - The most polarizing prospect in the draft, I’ve never been a fan of Sanders’ game. To overcome his arm strength limitations, Shedeur would have to define his game on elite-level timing with his receivers. If that wasn’t a big enough mountain to climb, his lack of mobility makes him a sitting duck to oncoming pass-rushers. His ultimate saving grace is that he plays for the Cleveland Browns, who have started more QBs since their return in 1999 than any other franchise (40). With Flacco, Mayfield, and Derek Anderson being the best signal-callers I’ve ever seen in orange and brown, I am pulling for Shedeur to prove myself and all of his doubters wrong.

Who I’m Reaching On

Jalen Milroe - I have a hard time believing that Milroe won’t get the same shot as Anthony Richardson, who has worse passing efficiencies and half the amount of college starts. Being a late 3rd-round pick doesn’t afford Jalen the same opportunity as an early-1st-round selection, but it also doesn’t apply the same amount of pressure that is put on players like ARich, who are expected to turn around a franchise. Going to a situation where he can sit and learn behind Sam Darnold, who has seen a lot (for better and worse), is perfect for the Alabama QB. Darnold has cemented himself as a high-end journeyman QB, signaling to us that Milroe will get his opportunity at some point. In a league defined by rushing QBs, why not take a gamble in the 2nd-round of your rookie drafts?

Who I’m Fading

Tyler Shough - Despite compelling 2.08 draft capital and a clear path to starting for his new team, I can’t buy into Tyler Shough. Outside of Passing Attempts and PFF Passing Grade, Shough ranked in the bottom three of every metric I used to evaluate the 2025 QB prospects (and was the worst more often than not). His film was more favorable than his analytics, flashing as a high-end backup who could start for temporary stretches during the season. But is he a Day-1 Top-32 QB in the NFL? I don’t believe he is. Franchises reach on players and make mistakes all the time. I would rather bet on my process and be wrong than buy into the New Orleans Saints' process, which is infamous for its scouting.

You Didn't Flinch. You Have Fighting Spirit.

I love the 2025 Draft. Everyone wants to talk about how this class falls woefully short of the 2024 talent. Last year hasn’t entered my mind whatsoever during my research - I think it's best to live in the moment and enjoy things for what they are. I see two generational talents in Jeanty and Hunter, a top-end QB in Ward, and a ton of high-upside players from the 1.04 through the 3.04. Despite having a ton of picks for my rookie drafts, it never feels like enough. I would love to have one share of every player in every draft.

Since we have limited resources, it's critical to make every pick count. Our Rookie Drafts require training. Martial Scouting provides a way of training. It brings learning, competition, and the love of the game together. Practice and Mock Draft until nothing can distract you, so that you see nothing except the very best rookies on the board. I have poured all my knowledge into you. When you fight, my spirit fights with you. In the Rookie Kumite, you will need it.

The Dossier

Image created by DK

The 2025 Class: Post-Draft

Part II - Draftsport

The Dossier

Matty Kiwoom’s NFL Mock Draft 5.0