The Atlanta Tadpole draft took place just this past weekend, and it was a blast. Getting together with other fans of college fantasy football can’t be beat. Where else can you hoot and holler about where Miller Moss was taken? We’re a special breed, no doubt about that… I wanted to circle back and look at my favorite picks of the first 15 rounds in this draft. Who hit big late with their picks? Which single-digit rounder could lead one of us to the promised land? Let’s take a look…
Bryant Wesco, Clemson, WR – 8.08
Of course, this article starts off with a selection of mine. Wesco popped as a freshman for Clemson, and there’s no reason for it to stop in 2025. Yes, there are a lot of weapons at receiver for the Tigers, but there isn’t really a run game threat. They should continue to throw with success with Cade Klubnik under center and an extremely weak ACC schedule.
Getting a piece of this offense in the eighth round is superb value, especially considering my personal projections have him for the third most receiving yards in P4 in 2025.
Fernando Mendoza, Indiana, QB – 11.04
Ryan Clifford was killing me all day with his draft. The pick that hurt the most was this Mendoza one in the 11th. With six points per passing touchdown scoring, he’s a guy who has a lot more value here than in other leagues. Would it shock you if he threw for 30+ touchdowns this season? He’s more talented than Kurtis Rourke, who threw for 27 touchdowns in 11 games last season. With a tougher schedule in 2024, it isn’t likely that we will see limited passing usage like we saw in multiple blowouts last year either.
Coy Eakin, Texas Tech, WR – 11.08
Eakin is moving to the slot in this Texas Tech offense, so it’s time to recognize that he has been a really good pick in drafts this offseason. Drafting him here in the 11th is really nice considering the PPR scoring format. While yards and touchdowns matter, the volume is going to be here to the tune of potentially 110+ targets. It’s hard not to love a pick with that type of floor (and upside).
Carnell Tate, Ohio State, WR – 5.07
I don’t love drafting a WR2 on a team typically, but this time I think it’s warranted. We’re not sure what Ohio State will look like in 2025, but we know Tate will be a part of it. He’s an extremely talented wide out and plays opposite Jeremiah Smith. You know that means tons of opportunity one-on-one. Julian Sayin is a new and unproven quarterback, but you have to trust that the offense continues to roll like it always has.
James Peoples, Ohio State, RB – 9.01
Another Ohio State player? With all the question marks?! Yes, and with good reason. Even if the team isn’t as efficient as in recent years, this team will still play with a lead against inferior opponents most weeks. Peoples is the assumed RB1, and that means plenty of scoring opportunities. If Sayin struggles at quarterback, then the offense could lean more on Peoples and the running back room. The concern would be the potential for an RBBC with CJ Donaldson, but at this cost and with it being P4 only, I don’t think it’s enough not to love this pick.
Honorable Mention
Eli Holstein was taken at 10.02 by our own Jared Palmgren. I’ve talked enough about him recently, but he’s a guy with big upside, thanks to his rushing ability, but also because we’ve seen him chuck it around a good bit. It wouldn’t shock me if he ends with 25+ passing touchdowns and 400+ rushing yards/6 rushing touchdowns.
