The 2025 NFL Combine has been as exciting as expected, and the fantasy football implications will be massive. An impressive or disappointing round of athletic testing could be the difference between a player going on Day 1 or Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Watching these workouts closely could give you a better idea of the players you will be drafting to your dynasty or redraft rosters in the coming months.
This being the case, let’s look at some standouts from the first few days of the NFL Combine who could be highly relevant in 2025 fantasy football. Don’t be surprised if some of the players on this list become some of the biggest steals of the draft! Let’s get into the list!
(Note: This list will only include the NFL Combine’s participants at the tight end position.)
Terrance Ferguson
TE - Oregon
40-Yard Dash: 1st
10-Yard Split: 2nd
Vertical Jump: 1st
Broad Jump: 3rd
Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson was among my favorite prospects at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He showed great promise as a separator in the receiving game and reinforced his position as one of the 2025 NFL Draft’s top tight ends with a fantastic combine performance.
Ferguson had arguably the best performance of any tight end at the combine and should be one of the first at his position off the board when the NFL Draft begins. I think he’s worth a Day 2 pick, and his elite athleticism should allow him to produce at a high level as a receiver.
Obviously, this advances his upside in redraft and dynasty formats, and with the lack of certainty around dynasty rookie tight end rankings, banking on Ferguson’s upside seems like the right choice. His film showcases his strong YAC ability and an ability to get open, as well as solid hands and good blocking ability, which should get him on the field early on.
I believe that Terrance Ferguson could develop into a fantasy-relevant tight end sooner rather than later, so don’t miss the chance to add him late in dynasty rookie drafts. As one of the most athletic tight ends in this year’s draft class, I would be shocked if he’s not given the chance to start early on.
Overall, I am extremely excited to see where Ferguson ends up in the draft after a stellar day at the NFL Combine. He has a great chance to become a starting tight end early on, so it’s not a reach to select him in the second round of dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
Thomas Fidone
TE - Nebraska
40-Yard Dash: 5th
10-Yard Split: 6th
Vertical Jump: 4th
Broad Jump: 1st
Three-Cone Drill: 3rd
20-Yard Shuttle: 2nd
Nebraska tight end Thomas Findone II wasn’t one of the hottest names on draft boards before the NFL Combine, but he certainly is among them now. Findone had a strong performance on Friday and greatly increased his chance of being selected within the first four rounds. Even if that doesn’t happen, his athleticism gives him a lot of upside.
Fidone should be drafted in nearly every dynasty rookie draft. He has the potential to be a steal as a late-round flyer, so he should be considered a sleeper in dynasty. The tight end position is volatile in fantasy football, so finding a starter with a late-round pick is fantastic value. Fidone has shown that he can be that player.
Personally, I believe that this is a very deep tight end class; the Reese’s Senior Bowl showed us that. The emergence of Fidone only affirms this claim further. Like the other tight ends on this list, his athletic profile could give him the chance to make an instant impact in the NFL. If he gets a solid opportunity, don’t sleep on the rookie tight end.
Jackson Hawes
TE - Georgia Tech
40-Yard Dash: 11th
10-Yard Split: 5th
Vertical Jump: 7th
Broad Jump: 5th
20-Yard Shuttle: 5th
Similarly to Ferguson, Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes was one of my favorite players to attend the Reese’s Senior Bowl. He shined both as a blocker and a receiver, something that gives him starting-caliber potential for any NFL team with a need at tight end. He’s a very complete player with powerful blocking ability and great hands that could allow him to deliver great value in dynasty fantasy football.
Hawes’ well-roundedness makes him a solid target for a team like the Dolphins, who could use a developmental tight end to play next to Jonnu Smith. Hawes is an underrated prospect; that’s a fact. His solid performance at the NFL Combine only adds to his profile as a complete tight end.
As a strong blocker, Hawes will get the chance to see more time on the field because he can be used in packages as a blocker and as a receiver effectively. He has all the tools necessary to make the leap from college ball to the pros.
I expect Hawes to play a decent number of snaps in his rookie year. His skill set should keep him on the field, clearing the way for more fantasy points. Overall, I see a lot of value in selecting Jackson Hawes in dynasty rookie drafts. He could end up being one of the best tight ends in the entire draft class.
Synopsis
This year’s NFL draft class seems to have a very deep tight end position for teams to choose from. This will only feed the influx of young, athletic tight ends into the modern game. This shift that we’ve seen over the last few seasons has allowed tight ends to be viewed as receivers even more than ever before.
I think that Ferguson, Fidone, and Hawes will all have solid careers in the NFL. The opportunity that they’re given is what truly matters. They may have the required talent, but it takes a strong coaching staff and the opportunity to earn a prominent or starting role to make a tight end relevant in fantasy football, no matter what format.
Currently, I believe that these three tight ends have really boosted their draft stocks with the strong outings they put together on Friday.
Don’t let these names fly under the radar in your dynasty rookie drafts. Take advantage of the substantial depth at the tight end position this offseason and select a few rookies at the position if you have a pick or two to spare.
In the end, fantasy value is determined by talent and opportunity. If these players are given the opportunity to start, they have shown that they have the talent they need to make an impact in the NFL.