Andrew Erickson· Aug 23, 2025

Erickson's must-have targets round by round: Nico Collins in round one (1,500 receiving yards if healthy), Drake London as a top-five WR in round two, Omarion Hampton as the Chargers' bell cow in round three, Kenneth Walker as a top-five fantasy back in round four, plus Tetairoa McMillan, Jaylen Waddle, Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Mason, Tucker Kraft, Drake Maye and a set of late-round fliers.

“Nico Collins is the guy for me.”

said on air or in an interview · The Herd with Colin Cowherd (podcast) · read the original →

The page this came from has changed since we captured it on Aug 5, 2026. The quote and evidence above are from our capture, not from what the page says today.

25 checkable claims — 15 sleeper calls, 4 depth chart calls, 2 game outcome picks, 2 positional finishes, 1 player season number and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.

It names 32 players and teams, each linked to their own record.

24 of 25 have settled so far, averaging 51 out of 100, against 52.6 for a naive guess at the same calls.

Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →

25 checkable claims in this take

Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.

Sleeper Calls Jordan Mason Minnesota VikingsAug 23, 2025
Jordan Mason to outplay his draft cost (round eight)
“Jordan Mason running back for the Minnesota Vikings... George Mason's going to have some big weeks behind this Vikings offensive line.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round eight
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Jordan Mason
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB33
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB33
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Drake Maye New England PatriotsAug 23, 2025
Drake Maye to outplay his draft cost (round ten)
“i want Drake May. That's who I want as my quarterback in round ten... the best late run quarterback you can draft”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round ten
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Drake Maye
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
QB
had to beat:
QB22
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
QB2
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Jacory Croskey-Merritt Washington CommandersAug 23, 2025
Jacory Croskey-Merritt to outplay his draft cost (RB forty one in real time ADP)
“Bill krossky Merritt running back for the Washington Commanders... I think that round eight is probably the most aggressive I would push him up”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
RB forty one in real time ADP
naive:
a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
skill:
-200
player:
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB24
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB28
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Jaylen Waddle Miami DolphinsAug 23, 2025
Jaylen Waddle to outplay his draft cost (round six)
“It's Jalen Wattle round six... I think that his costs and values is going to increase as the season goes on.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round six
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Jaylen Waddle
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR48
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR19
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Kenneth Walker III Seattle SeahawksAug 23, 2025
Kenneth Walker III to outplay his draft cost (round four)
“it's Kenneth Walker as my pick in round four. I just think the upside case for him in this Clint Kuback offense is a top five fantasy running back”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round four
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Kenneth Walker III
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB29
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB21
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Josh Palmer Buffalo BillsAug 23, 2025
Josh Palmer to outplay his draft cost (round fifteen)
“round fifteen my bet on a fifth year wide receiver breakout... Josh Palmer wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round fifteen
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
-200
player:
Josh Palmer
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR76
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR114
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Ricky Pearsall San Francisco 49ersAug 23, 2025
Ricky Pearsall to outplay his draft cost (round seven)
“why I like buying into Pearsaw here in round seven... I think Rickey Piersaw is just one of the easiest clicks that you can make”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round seven
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Ricky Pearsall
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR81
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR78
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Bhayshul Tuten Jacksonville JaguarsAug 23, 2025
Bhayshul Tuten to outplay his draft cost (round twelve)
“round twelve is Bishal toot And running back for the Jaguars”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round twelve
naive:
a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
skill:
-200
player:
Bhayshul Tuten
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB24
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB48
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Nico Collins Houston TexansAug 23, 2025
Nico Collins to outplay his draft cost (pick want six through twelve)
“I went for a player that goes outside the top five that out with a pick want six through twelve. You can get this guy... Nico Collins wide receiver.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
pick want six through twelve
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
200
player:
Nico Collins
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR20
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR9
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Drake London Atlanta FalconsAug 23, 2025
Drake London to outplay his draft cost (round two)
“Drake London, that's the guy for me in round two, and I would take him in round one if you forced me to.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round two
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
-200
player:
Drake London
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR6
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR17
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Marvin Mims Jr.Denver BroncosAug 23, 2025
Marvin Mims Jr. to outplay his draft cost (round fourteen)
“Round fourteen Marvin Mims wide receiver for the Denver Broncos with a full time role... Martin Mims is about to take over the world”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round fourteen
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
-200
player:
Marvin Mims Jr.
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR52
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR70
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Tetairoa McMillan Carolina PanthersAug 23, 2025
Tetairoa McMillan to outplay his draft cost (round five)
“That's Roald McMillan, wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. I just think that he's being drafted closer to his floor than his ceiling, which I mean he could be a fantasy wide receiver one this year.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round five
naive:
a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
skill:
200
player:
Tetairoa McMillan
season:
2025
correct:
yes
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
position:
WR
had to beat:
WR36
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
WR13
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Braelon Allen New York JetsAug 23, 2025
Braelon Allen to outplay his draft cost (round thirteen)
“Round thirteen is Bringlan Allen running back for the New York Jets”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round thirteen
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
-200
player:
Braelon Allen
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB51
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB94
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Tucker Kraft Green Bay PackersAug 23, 2025
Tucker Kraft to outplay his draft cost (round nine)
“My favorite late round time end, Tucker Craft. I think that he could be a top five Titan when we're drafting next year.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round nine
naive:
he repeats last season
skill:
-200
player:
Tucker Kraft
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
TE
had to beat:
TE7
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
TE17
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
Think this is wrong?
Sleeper Calls Omarion Hampton Los Angeles ChargersAug 23, 2025
Omarion Hampton to outplay his draft cost (round three)
“So I went with Omaron Hampton running back for the Los Angeles Chargers because I just want to make a bet on a first round rookie running back”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skill
How this was scored
call:
sleeper
cost:
round three
naive:
a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
skill:
-200
player:
Omarion Hampton
season:
2025
correct:
no
accuracy:
0
baseline:
100
position:
RB
had to beat:
RB24
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
actual finish:
RB39
weeks left when called:
18
measured against:
the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
Think this is wrong?
Game Outcome Picks New England PatriotsAug 23, 2025
New England Patriots to beat Dolphins
“Week one, Week two Raiders Dolphins, two matchups that I feel confident that he can win in”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skill
How this was scored
won:
NE
score:
33-27
skill:
200
they picked:
NE
season:
2025
accuracy:
100
baseline:
0
the naive pick:
MIA
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Positional Finishes Drake London Atlanta FalconsAug 23, 2025
Drake London to finish top 5 at his position, by fantasy points
“everything else is wheels off for Drake London to be a top five wide receiver”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 8.33-16.67 skill
How this was scored
skill:
-16.67
player:
Drake London
season:
2025
zero at:
12
accuracy:
0
baseline:
8.33
position:
WR
ranked by:
fantasy points
difficulty:
2
the naive guess:
where he finished last season
weeks in the season:
18
naive finish:
6
actual finish:
17
weeks left when called:
18
predicted finish:
5
Think this is wrong?
Player Season Numbers Nico Collins Houston TexansAug 23, 2025
Nico Collins to record 1,500 receiving yards
“lock and load with an alpha stud wide receiver who's gonna put up fifteen hundred yards this season if he stays healthy”
Close · 49Scored 48.93a naive guess scored 21.37+55.12 skill
How this was scored
naive:
677.87
skill:
55.12
what happened:
1117
player:
Nico Collins
season:
2025
accuracy:
48.93
baseline:
21.37
predicted:
1500
statistic:
receiving_yards
difficulty:
2
last season:
1006
weeks in the season:
18
weeks left when called:
18
position average:
349.73
zero at percent out:
50
Think this is wrong?
Positional Finishes Kenneth Walker III Seattle SeahawksAug 23, 2025
Kenneth Walker III to finish top 5 at his position, by fantasy points
“if he stays healthy, he's going to be a top off fantasy running back. I'm very convinced of that.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 33.33-66.67 skill
How this was scored
skill:
-66.67
player:
Kenneth Walker III
season:
2025
zero at:
12
accuracy:
0
baseline:
33.33
position:
RB
ranked by:
fantasy points
difficulty:
2
the naive guess:
where he finished last season
weeks in the season:
18
naive finish:
29
actual finish:
21
weeks left when called:
18
predicted finish:
5
Think this is wrong?
Depth Chart Calls Kenneth Walker III Seattle SeahawksAug 23, 2025
Kenneth Walker III to be 1st on the depth chart
“once he's writing and out there playing, I think that he's going to be their bell cow”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skill
How this was scored
club:
SEA
skill:
0
player:
Kenneth Walker III
season:
2025
accuracy:
100
baseline:
100
position:
RB
naive slot:
1
actual slot:
1
difficulty:
2
measured by:
rushing yards
the naive guess:
where he sat last season
weeks in the season:
18
predicted slot:
1
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Depth Chart Calls Zach Charbonnet Seattle SeahawksAug 23, 2025
Zach Charbonnet to be 2nd on the depth chart
“I still think that he is going to be just the backup to Ken Walker”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skill
How this was scored
club:
SEA
skill:
0
player:
Zach Charbonnet
season:
2025
accuracy:
100
baseline:
100
position:
RB
naive slot:
2
actual slot:
2
difficulty:
2
measured by:
rushing yards
the naive guess:
where he sat last season
weeks in the season:
18
predicted slot:
2
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Depth Chart Calls Ricky Pearsall San Francisco 49ersAug 23, 2025
Ricky Pearsall to be 1st on the depth chart
“I think he's going to be the number one wide receiver on this team, at least out of the gates.”
Hit · 83Scored 83.33a naive guess scored 100-33.33 skill
How this was scored
club:
SF
skill:
-33.33
player:
Ricky Pearsall
season:
2025
accuracy:
83.33
baseline:
100
position:
WR
naive slot:
3
actual slot:
3
difficulty:
2
measured by:
receptions
the naive guess:
where he sat last season
weeks in the season:
18
predicted slot:
1
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Game Outcome Picks New England PatriotsAug 23, 2025
New England Patriots to beat Raiders
“Week one, Week two Raiders Dolphins, two matchups that I feel confident that he can win in”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 0+0 skill
How this was scored
won:
LV
score:
20-13
skill:
0
they picked:
NE
season:
2025
accuracy:
0
baseline:
0
the naive pick:
NE
difficulty:
2
weeks in the season:
18
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Depth Chart Calls Omarion Hampton Los Angeles ChargersAug 23, 2025
Omarion Hampton to be 1st on the depth chart
“the more optimistic I am about Omaron Hampton is going to be the guy here... continue to use this guy as our bell cow”
Hit · 92Scored 91.67a naive guess scored 100-16.67 skill
How this was scored
club:
LAC
skill:
-16.67
player:
Omarion Hampton
season:
2025
accuracy:
91.67
baseline:
100
position:
RB
naive slot:
2
actual slot:
2
difficulty:
2
measured by:
rushing yards
the naive guess:
no prior season — a rookie is assumed to start behind the incumbent
weeks in the season:
18
predicted slot:
1
weeks left when called:
18
Think this is wrong?
Trade and Signing Calls Brian Robinson Washington CommandersAug 23, 2025
Brian Robinson to move to Washington Commanders
“right now he's still on the Commanders, but all indications are if he's not traded, he's getting cut from this team”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Think this is wrong?

What others said about the same people

Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Aaron JonesHit · 100
In previewing the 10 most intriguing fantasy performers of Week 2, Fitzmaurice expects Atlanta's quarterback problems to persist with Tua Tagovailoa unlikely to play and Michael Penix Jr. not ready to return, flags Falcons slot corner Billy Bowman Jr. as a possible Week 2 returnee, and describes Aaron Jones as Minnesota's lead back and Kaelon Black as the clear backup to Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco.
Devon PlatanaTrade and Signing Calls · Johnny HekkerHit · 100
With punter Brett Thorson dealing with a hamstring injury, Platana suggests the Vikings have a decent chance of bringing back veteran free-agent punter Johnny Hekker as a familiar fill-in.
Mike MoraitisRoster Spot Calls · Andre Jones Jr.Hit · 100
Moraitis expects Andre Jones Jr. to hold a spot on Miami's 53-man roster after being signed off Buffalo's practice squad, with a significant special teams role under coordinator Chris Tabor.
Bradley LockerTrade and Signing Calls · Mazi SmithHit · 100
Locker lists 10 players on the roster bubble entering 2026, suggesting Tyrone Tracy may not make the Giants' 53, Broderick Jones could be traded or cut by Pittsburgh, Dillon Gabriel may lose the Browns' QB3 job, Evan Neal's Giants tenure may end, and Will Levis will likely be traded or cut by Tennessee.
Michael HanichGame Outcome Picks · Seattle SeahawksHit · 100
Hanich argues the Week 2 road game at Arizona is not a true trap game, citing Seattle's long winning streak in the series, Mike Macdonald's preparation and injuries in the Cardinals' secondary, and rates his confidence in the Seahawks at 7. He also suggests safety Nick Emmanwori may miss a second straight game.
Scott KennedyScore Predictions · Carolina PanthersClose · 52
Expects the Falcons to fall to 0-2 in Cooper Rush starts, losing 24-13 to Carolina.

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