Key Picks from the 2025 NFL Draft – Omarion Hampton and Luther Burden III Among Must-Haves

The 2025 NFL Draft class features several game-changing talents, but two names stand out for dynasty fantasy football managers: UNC running back Omarion Hampton and Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III. Both players offer immediate and long-term fantasy potential, making them priority targets in rookie drafts.

Omarion Hampton: Future RB1 Potential

Omarion Hampton enters the 2025 NFL Draft as arguably the second-best running back prospect behind Ashton Jeanty. Hampton’s production profile is exceptional – he’s one of just four players in ACC history with 1,500+ rushing yards and 15+ touchdowns in back-to-back seasons, joining elite company alongside Lamar Jackson, Dalvin Cook, and Travis Etienne.

At 6-foot, 221 pounds with a 4.46 40-yard dash time, Hampton combines size and speed with remarkable efficiency. His 2024 campaign showcased his three-down ability, accumulating over 2,000 scrimmage yards while capturing 16% of his team’s receptions. Dynasty managers utilizing underdog fantasy promo code opportunities to build their rosters should target Hampton aggressively, as his skill set translates immediately to fantasy production.

Hampton’s pass protection skills – rated among the best in the class – ensure he’ll stay on the field for all three downs as a rookie. His projected landing spots, including the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears, would place him in position to be an immediate RB2 with RB1 upside. His Jonathan Taylor-like combination of burst, lateral agility, and contact balance makes him a potential cornerstone piece for dynasty rosters.

Luther Burden III: High-Upside WR Target

Luther Burden III presents an interesting value proposition for dynasty managers. Despite a statistical regression in 2024 (61 catches, 676 yards, 9 TDs) compared to his breakout 2023 campaign (86 catches, 1,212 yards, 9 TDs), Burden remains a first-round talent who may slip to the early second round in the NFL Draft.

This potential NFL draft capital discount shouldn’t diminish his fantasy appeal. The 6’0″, 206-pound receiver earned first-team All-SEC honors in consecutive seasons despite facing constant defensive attention in 2024. Burden’s versatility allows him to line up in the slot, outside, or even the backfield, creating multiple avenues for fantasy production.

Burden projects as an immediate contributor in fantasy, particularly in PPR formats. His ability to create separation and generate yards after catch will translate well to the NFL, especially if he lands with a team that manufactures touches for him similar to how the 49ers utilize Deebo Samuel. While his top-end speed remains a question mark, his route-running and positional flexibility ensure a solid fantasy floor.

Dynasty Implications

For dynasty managers, Hampton represents a potential foundational piece with immediate RB1/2 production and long-term staying power. His draft capital should place him firmly as the 1.02 pick in single-QB rookie drafts behind only Jeanty.

Burden likely represents excellent value as a mid-to-late first-round rookie pick. His ceiling remains high despite his 2024 statistical dip, and patient managers could be rewarded with a WR2 with upside if he lands in the right situation.

The ultimate landing spots for both players will significantly impact their year-one fantasy production, but their talent profiles suggest they should be prioritized regardless of destination. Hampton offers the more immediate fantasy impact due to the projected first-round capital and three-down skill set, while Burden represents a calculated upside play with WR2 potential by year two.

Dynasty managers should prioritize both players in their 2025 rookie draft preparations, with Hampton firmly in the elite tier of this class and Burden presenting potential value if he slides.