“My Guys” The Players We're Planting Flags On in 2025

Every draft season, we all end up with our guys — the players we’ll defend on X until Week 17, plant flags on in every draft, and quietly trade for behind the scenes. And then there are the fades — the names we just can’t click on, no matter how good the highlight reel looks.

This issue of Fantasy Fumble Weekly takes my recent “My Guys” and “Not My Guys” threads and goes deeper. Why do I believe in these breakouts? Why am I dodging that trendy sleeper everyone else loves?

This isn’t hot take season. It’s decision season. And these are the players I’m making decisions on.

My Guys: Players I’m Drafting Everywhere

🔹 Mason Taylor – New York Jets, TE, ADP: 135.2

Why He’s My Guy:

Mason Taylor, who was drafted by the Jets with the 42nd overall pick out of LSU, will be an immediate starter for the Jets. A 6’5”, 250 lbs big-bodied tight end with great talent will certainly benefit Justin Fields as he acclimates to a new offense.

What People Might Miss:

Elite NFL Pedigree: Mason Taylor is the son of NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor and nephew of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas.

My Projection:

Mason Taylor will be TE12 (a low-end TE1 in a 12-team league) by midseason.

🔹 J.J. McCarthy – Minnesota Vikings, QB, ADP: 53.8

Why He’s My Guy:

J.J. McCarty is entering his true NFL rookie season, as he was injured for the entire season last year. Not only does he have incredible talent, especially arm strength, but he will be throwing to one of the best WR duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his wide receivers.

What People Might Miss:

Remember, in the 2024 NFL draft, J.J. McCarthy was drafted 10th overall, 2 picks before Bo Nix, who had an amazing rookie season. So, imagine a Bo Nix type season from J.J. McCarthy, except he has much better weapons; the potential is huge.

My Projection:

J.J. McCarthy will be QB9 by the end of the season.

🔹 Marvin Harrison Jr. – Arizona Cardinals, WR, ADP: 26.4

Why He’s My Guy:

A common theme you may see across ‘My Guys‘ is year 2 wide receivers like MHJ. Despite being a disappointment to fantasy managers last year, I still think MHJ has potential for a year 2 breakout.

What People Might Miss:

Despite some disappointments last year, there were still some positives. He had a great average depth of target (aDOT) at 13.50 and also maintained a high target share at 22.18%.

My Projection:

Marvin Harrison Jr. will have at least 5 weeks where he finishes at a top 5 WR.

🔹 Justin Fields – New York Jets, QB, ADP: 85

Why He’s My Guy:

Justin Fields is the new starting QB for the New York Jets and has great weapons. Fields may only be on a 2 year contract, but could get a renewal if he impress with former OSU teammate Garret Wilson.

What People Might Miss:

The Jets voted against banning the Tush Push. The Jets might be planning to use the tush push with Justin Fields. That would give Fields huge upside in fantasy this year.

My Projection:

Justin Fields will be QB15 by midseason.

🔹 Keon Coleman – Buffalo Bills, WR, ADP: 119.8

Why He’s My Guy:

Keon Coleman isn’t the first and won’t be the last year 2 WR on this list, but Keon Coleman is special. Unlike the other year 2 WR breakout candidates, he is very cheap, but he has one of the best QBs in the league. Before his injury last season, he showed great production and looked like someone who could become Josh Allen’s number one target.

What People Might Miss:

Keon Coleman had an even better average depth of route run than MHJ at 15.2 yards. A metric that could mean good things for Coleman in 2025.

My Projection:

Keon Coleman will finish at WR25.

🔹  Jerry Jeudy – Cleveland Browns, WR, ADP: 90

Why He’s My Guy:

Jerry Juedy is the WR1 for the Cleveland Browns, and despite having a monster season finishing as WR11, his ADP is 90!? He had great volume last year, racking up 90 receptions, and from weeks 8 to 15, Jerry Jeudy had 21.2 PPG and was WR5.

What People Might Miss:

Jerry Jeudy’s EPA last season was an incredible 95.95 and was ranked 10th among NFL WRs.

My Projection:

Jerry Jeudy will finish at WR18

🔹  Cam Skattebo – New York Giants, RB, ADP: 95

Why He’s My Guy:

Cam Skattebo, who was drafted by the New York Giants with the 108th overall pick out of ASU, is one of my favorites. Skattebo has an unbelievable ability to keep runs going by breaking tackles, making sharp cuts, and using his low center of gravity to plow through defenders. He also has an excellent receiving upside.

What People Might Miss:

Cam Skattebo finished 5th in Heisman voting last year and was the Peach Bowl MVP despite being on the losing team, a very rare feat.

My Projection:

Cam Skattebo will be the Giants’ starting running back by week 5 and will finish as RB21.

🔹  Jaydon Blue – Dallas Cowboys, RB, ADP: 136

Why He’s My Guy:

Jaydon Blue, who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 149th overall pick out of Texas, is another great RB prospect. With quick and agile feet, Jaydon Blue is able to make great cuts. Starting the season behind Javonte Williams in Dallas, but if Jaydon Blue can impress early, he may get the starting job.

What People Might Miss:

Jaydon Blue ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the combine and posted a 1.52 10-yard split time, showcasing elite athleticism. His quick-cut agility and top-end speed give him real home-run ability, especially in space.

My Projection:

Jaydon Blue will be the Cowboys’ starting running back by week 10 and will finish as RB26

🔹  Zay Flowers – Baltimore Ravens, WR, ADP: 66.2

Why He’s My Guy:

Zay Flowers is the WR1 in Baltimore for one of the best QBs in the league. With an amazing ability to create yards after the catch, Zay Flowers is going to have a great 2025 season.

What People Might Miss:

Zay Flowers finished 12th in yards after catch among NFL wide receivers in 2025 with 463 yards.

My Projection:

Zay Flowers will finish as WR18.

🔹  Rome Odunze – Chicago Bears, WR, ADP: 54.4

Why He’s My Guy:

I told you that there would be another year 2 WR breakout candidate on this list, and here it is. With a new offensive coordinator in Chicago and Rome Odunze’s good speed and separation skills, I think Rome Odunze will have a great breakout season in 2025.

What People Might Miss:

As the WR3 last year, Rome Odunze still had a 19.20% target share and had a decent aDOT at 13.84 yards.

My Projection:

Rome Odunze will finish as WR15.

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💭 The Final Fumble 

Planting flags isn’t about being right — it’s about being intentional. Every “My Guy” on this list made the cut because of real tape, real trends, or real value at their ADP. They’re the players I’m building around in 2025, the ones I’m willing to be early on.

That doesn’t mean I’m right about every one of them. But if you draft with conviction — with logic behind your gut — you’ll be ahead of most.

Next issue, we flip it: the fades. The landmines. The names I just can’t draft at cost. Stay tuned for the “Not My Guys” — and if your league-mates are high on them, you’ll know exactly when to sell high.

Until then, trust your process — and draft your guys.