Written by Cory Puffett
Published September 2, 2025
With the 2025 AFL Draft completed, we begin the final countdown to the NFL regular season. On Thursday night the Philadelphia Eagles will unveil their Super Bowl LIX banner as they face the Dallas Cowboys in the season opener. A day later, we'll have our first Week 1 Friday game when the Los Angeles Chargers 'host' the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil.
This year's draft was not without it's complications. One member couldn't get his buy-in to me in time and moved to the back of each round of the draft. I realized Monday morning that this was only supposed to take affect for the first nine rounds of the draft, and so I am not going to enforce the other two stipulations of non-payment (no FAAB until paid and a late fee) on that manager. The league fee must still be paid by Week 5 to secure his spot in the league for next year.
As I made those pick adjustments ahead of the draft, I mistakenly gave Anthony Battle back his 11th round pick, which was removed for his keeper, Kyren Williams. This essentially made Williams a 15th round keeper (a valuation that will not carry into the future) and allowed him likely upgrades at defense. We ran through the affected managers Sunday night after I discovered this error and, fortunately, everybody seemed okay with how things shook out, so I re-entered all our picks in the correct places and opened up pre-season waivers.
We saw 24 draft picks trade hands for the 2025 draft, fewer than the 33 we saw in 2024 but still well ahead of the previous record of 16 set in 2021 and equalled in 2023. This has become a common tool for managers to set their teams up for the stretch run of the season, or to plan ahead for next year when they feel their chances for the current season are dim at best.
Rookies also saw a pretty significant boost in perceived value in this year's draft with our new Rookie Keeper system in place, allowing rookies to play during the season while still being eligible as a second keeper, and in fact gaining value if they start every regular season when healthy.
Let’s get to the draft grades. Unlike my shamelessly biased Keeper Grades, I outsource my draft grading every year so that I can eliminate my own bias. I’ll be using insights from a few different websites to discuss each manager’s draft.
The gifs for each team come from RotoTrade’s analysis and FantasyPros provides a list of steals (players drafted 2+ rounds later than they’re valued) and reaches (players drafted 2+ rounds earlier than they’re valued) as well as hindsight suggestions on who managers should have drafted in various rounds to improve their team based on valuable players available later in the draft.
Steals are typically defined as players who were taken 2+ rounds later than their value and reaches are those taken 2+ rounds earlier. I tend to throw out 'reaches' drafted only 2 rounds early because with our keeper settings, players are naturally going to move up the draft by at least a round. By the same standard, I'll look at steals as those taken at least 1 round later than their value.
If we simply went by the 2+ round rule for steals, there were only three across our entire draft according to FantasyPros. Even the softer 1-round rule only yields three additional value picks across our draft.
As always, managers will be listed in reverse order of projected standings. This year this is based on the average of FootballGuys’ projected playoff probability based on average in-season management and RotoTrade's projected playoff probability. Two years ago our winner, Brandon Saunders, had the lowest draft grade. The year before that, William Battle turned the second highest draft grade into a league title. Last year's champion was Stephen April and he had the third highest draft grade. Could we be looking at one of our lower graded drafters in 2025 holding the trophy at season's end this year?
It’s worth noting that the 2024 Snyder Cup loser, Eric, was 2nd in last year's draft rankings. So these grades really don't mean much; so much comes down to roster management and, of course, a bit of luck with injuries and scheduling. Enjoy!
The most optimistic outlook for William's team comes from FootballGuys. They gave him a C+ for his draft, just below their minimum grade of C. FantasyPros gave him an F and RotoTrade gave him a D for his draft.
It should be noted that while 9 of 10 highlighted experts on FantasyPros give William a grade of D+ or worse (69 or lower), Joe Orrico of No Expert Fantasy Football gives him a score of B- (81), highlighting RJ Harvey and Tank Bigsby as picks he really liked.
RotoTrade Analysis: "This is a well below-average team that likely won't make the playoffs. Try to make a trade to upgrade a position or two and be very active on the waiver wire to attempt to find guys who can improve your roster."
FootballGuys Rate Analysis: "Your quarterback group shines bright with an A+ grade, giving you a strong foundation in a league that only starts one QB. Meanwhile, your running backs and wide receivers show a mixed bag, with starters at RB graded C and WRs struggling overall. The tight end and defense units offer some intriguing upside, but bench depth at WR is a glaring weak spot."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun): Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If William had taken Nico Collins at 1.06 and Tyjae Spears at 15.06 instead of Derrick Henry and Dont'e Thornton, respectively, his team score of 565 (#12) would have gone up by 53 points and would be tied for 10th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: Green Bay Packers (13.06) - 3-round reach; Ka'imi Fairbairn (14.06) - 3-round reach
Draft Grade: D
FootballGuys gives Sean a grade of C for his draft where FantasyPros and RotoTrade each offered slightly less optimistic outlooks with C- grades.
RotoTrade Analysis: "This roster is below average but isn't terrible. Making the playoffs would be a good accomplishment, but to do that, you'll likely need to upgrade several positions through trades or waiver wire pickups."
FootballGuys Analysis: "The team’s backbone is a rock-solid running back group, but the quarterback and tight end spots leave some questions."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun): Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Sean had taken Marvin Harrison Jr. at 4.02 and Jaylen Warren at 8.02 instead of David Montgomery and Jayden Reed, respectively, his team score of 645 (7th) would have gone up by 37 points and would rank 5th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: None
Draft Grade: C-
Interestingly, FootballGuys gave Cory the highest draft grade of our three sources with a B-, but ranked his team 8th in the league while RotoTrade and FantasyPros both ranked him 5th. Yet somehow his playoff probability puts him at 10th. Should be a fascinating season for the commissioner.
RotoTrade Analysis: "This roster is below average but isn't terrible. Making the playoffs would be a good accomplishment, but to do that, you'll likely need to upgrade several positions through trades or waiver wire pickups."
FootballGuys Analysis: "Your league's unique scoring with first down bonuses... plays right into your hands with a strong RB group and a deep WR bench. But the kicker situation? Sorry, but yikes - that's a glaring hole."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Cory had taken Justin Jefferson at 1.03 and Jordan Mason at 7.03 instead of Jahmyr Gibbs and Stefon Diggs, respectively, his team score of 674 (5th) would have gone up by 54 points and would rank 4th.
FP Steals: Cedric Tillman (14.11) - 1-round value
FP Reaches: None
Draft Grade: B-
None of the three sites is particularly optimistic about Jeffery's team. Certainly he was hurt by being moved to the last pick of every round in the draft. But FootballGuys at least gives him a C+ and just over 25% odds of making the playoffs with average roster management. That's pretty good considering the disadvantage he was at and even odds would be a 33.3% shot.
RotoTrade Analysis: "This is a slightly below average team, but making the playoffs isn't out of the question. Making some good pickups throughout the season and possibly a smart trade or two would significantly increase your chances to make the playoffs."
FootballGuys Analysis: "Your roster construction leans on strong wide receiver and tight end groups, but the defense and special teams units are dragging the grade down."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Jeffery had taken Tee Higgins at 2.12 and Austin Ekeler at 9.12 instead of James Conner and Josh Downs, respectively, his team score of 634 (8th) would have gone up by 40 points and would be tied for 5th.
FP Steals: C.J. Stroud (11.12) - 1-round value; Tyler Allgeier (13.12) - 1-round value; Rico Dowdle (15.12) - 1-round value
FP Reaches: None
Draft Grade: C
FantasyPros absolutely hates Ant's draft, grading it the second worst in the AFL. The other two sites actually have him dead-center of the league, though, and FootballGuys in particularly seems to be looking at his playoff chances through a glass-half-full lense, giving him nearly even odds at 32.9%!
RotoTrade Analysis: "This is a slightly below average team, but making the playoffs isn't out of the question. Making some good pickups throughout the season and possibly a smart trade or two would significantly increase your chances to make the playoffs."
FootballGuys Analysis: "Your team's construction reflects a balanced approach with a few standout positions. Your playoff chances hover around the middle ground, so there's room to maneuver and improve as the season progresses."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Ant had taken Drake London at 2.01 and Jerome Ford at 14.01 instead of Alvin Kamara and Keenan Allen, respectively, his team score of 593 (11th) would have gone up by 71 points and would rank 6th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: Alvin Kamara (2.01) - 3-round reach; Matthew Stafford (10.01) - 4-round reach; Brandon Aubrey (12.01) - 4-round reach
Draft Grade: C
Evan's analysis runs the gamut, from FootballGuys giving him a B, to RotoTrade level-setting expectations with a C, and then FantasyPros knocking him with a D. So who knows what Evan should expect this year. As long as he's happy with his team, that's all that matters, I suppose.
RotoTrade Analysis: "This is a slightly below average team, but making the playoffs isn't out of the question. Making some good pickups throughout the season and possibly a smart trade or two would significantly increase your chances to make the playoffs."
FootballGuys Analysis: "With a balanced mix of star power and depth, this team shows clear strengths at quarterback and running back, while wide receiver depth shines mostly on the bench.
Your roster construction leans heavily on a strong starting lineup, especially at QB and RB, but bench depth at running back is a glaring weakness."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Evan had taken Justin Jefferson at 1.02 and D'Andre Swift at 5.02 instead of Saquon Barkley and Emeka Egbuka, respectively, his team score of 629 (9th) would have gone up by 47 points and would rank 5th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: None
Draft Grade: C
Oddly, RotoTrade gives Alex a much higher playoff probability than Evan despite identical grades and similar record predictions, and that's what puts him ahead of Evan despite a lower average letter grade across the three sources.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You have some good players that might give you a chance to compete this year, as long as you stay healthy. If you can make a trade that upgrades a starter or two, you would help your chances of making the playoffs."
FootballGuys Analysis: "This team's construction shows some clear strengths and notable weaknesses. Their running back group shines bright, while the tight end spot is a mixed bag of low starting value but strong bench depth."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Alex had taken Tee Higgins at 3.04 and Jerome Ford at 15.04 instead of Chuba Hubbard and Marquise Brown, respectively, his team score of 620 (10th) would have gone up by 40 points and would rank 6th.
FP Steals: Jake Ferguson (13.01) - 1-round value; Zach Ertz (16.08) - 2-round value
FP Reaches: Wil Lutz (13.04) - 4-round reach
Draft Grade: C-
Our new assistant to the commissioners had a pretty solid draft, one of four managers to earn a C+ or better from all three sources.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You have a slightly above average team and could make the playoffs if one or two players outperform their expectations. You are likely not strong enough to seriously compete for a title, but if you can make the playoffs, anything can happen."
FootballGuys Analysis: "The league's single QB and two-flex setup means your depth and flexibility at RB and WR are crucial, and you've done well there. However, some position groups like QB and TE could use shoring up."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Will had taken the D'Andre Swift at 5.03 and Trevor Lawrence at 12.09 instead of Baker Mayfield and Ollie Gordon II, respectively, his team score of 706 (4th) would have gone up by 28 points and would rank 4th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: Chris Boswell (13.03) - 5-round reach
Draft Grade: B-
The bad news is FantasyPros isn't a fan of our defending champ's squad this year. Stephen became the third AFL manager with multiple titles, and he'll begin his third title quest with better outlooks from RotoTrade and FootballGuys.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You have a slightly above average team and could make the playoffs if one or two players outperform their expectations. You are likely not strong enough to seriously compete for a title, but if you can make the playoffs, anything can happen."
FootballGuys Analysis: "While your team boasts a strong starting lineup, especially at QB and WR, there are some notable weaknesses in the tight end and defense/special teams spots that could hold you back."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Stephen had taken Nico Collins at 1.09 and Najee Harris at 11.09 instead of Josh Jacobs and Jayden Higgins, respectively, his team score of 646 (6th) would have gone up by 72 points and would rank 4th.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: None
Draft Grade: C+
The AFL's runner up a couple of years ago, Alex seems to have set himself up nicely for another run to the playoffs. Considered by RotoTrade as a borderline playoff contender with a likely first-round exit alongside Stephen and Will, FantasyPros is the differentiator. They rank Alex's squad significantly ahead of Stephen's and marginally ahead of Will's.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You have a slightly above average team and could make the playoffs if one or two players outperform their expectations. You are likely not strong enough to seriously compete for a title, but if you can make the playoffs, anything can happen."
FootballGuys Analysis: "With a league setup that includes first down bonuses and return yards scoring, your team's ability to capitalize on consistent yardage and special teams production could be a real edge. Your overall grade reflects a team that's competitive but not quite elite."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Alex had taken Jordan Mason at 7.05 and Dalton Kincaid at 10.07 instead of Tyler Warren and Nick Chubb respectively, his team score of 736 (3rd) would have gone up by 13 points and would rank 3rd.
Note: I think this is the first time I've ever seen only one 'WHAT IF?' suggestion for a team, suggesting that FantasyPros views Alex's draft as darn near perfect for who was available at each of his picks.
FP Steals: Jerome Ford (15.05) - 2-round value; T.J. Hockenson (14.06) - 2-round value
FP Reaches: Pittsburgh Steelers (11.05) - 3-round reach; Jake Bates (12.07) - 4-round reach
Draft Grade: B-
As usual, Eric is near the top of FantasyPros post-draft league rankings. I mentioned last year that this has virtually always been the case. Usually other sources don't like his team as much, but this is the second year in a row that all three like him. Considering he is the reigning Snyder Award holder, this might not be a good thing.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You have a strong team that should easily make the playoffs. If you stay healthy, you should be one of the few teams with a realistic shot to win the title."
FootballGuys Analysis: "Your roster construction shows a bold approach, especially with a start-studded wide receiver group and a high-upside quarterback tandem. However, some position groups reveal vulnerabilities that could challenge your championship aspirations."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Eric had taken Nico Collins at 1.07 and Najee Harris at 11.07 instead of Christian McCaffrey and Michael Pittman Jr, respectively, his team score of 838 (2nd) would have gone up by 47 points and would rank 2nd.
FP Steals: None
FP Reaches: Cameron Dicker (13.07) - 3-round reach
Draft Grade: A
With Puka Nacua in the 11th and Malik Nabers in the 16th, it would have been rather disappointing had Brandon had his draft graded anywhere but here.
Two years removed from his first Sabol Bowl title, his window has been thrown back open for the 2025 season and every source seems to think it's his to lose.
RotoTrade Analysis: "You are probably one of the best teams in your league. It would be a big upset if you don't make the playoffs and you have a good chance to win your league's title."
FootballGuys Analysis: "While the starters shine with top-tier grades, the bench depth is equally impressive, particularly at WR and RB, giving the team flexibility and injury insurance. However, the kicker position is a glaring weak spot, dragging down the overall special teams grade."
Read More (and try the Roast or Praise options for more fun) - Rate My Team
FantasyPros Hindsight: If Brandon had taken Nico Collins at 1.08 and Isiah Pacheco at 5.08 instead of Ashton Jeanty and DeVonta Smith, respectively, his team score of 920 (1st) would have gone up by 37 points and would still rank 1st.
FP Steals: Trevor Lawrence (13.08) - 3-round value; Tyjae Spears (15.08) - 1-round value
FP Reaches: Dylan Sampson (10.04) - 3-round reach
Draft Grade: A
With that, we are ready to begin our 13th season of play! Good luck to everyone this season and be sure to come back every week for my league recaps where I’ll cover noteworthy performances and add historical context for our league, dating all the way back to its inception in 2013.