Pat Fitzmaurice· Aug 30, 2025
Pat Fitzmaurice gave draft-or-pass calls: reluctant drafts on Christian McCaffrey, RJ Harvey, Tetairoa McMillan (his WR16), Rashee Rice at a ninth-round price, Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, Chris Olave, Drake Maye (his QB8) and Tyler Warren, with passes on Breece Hall, Joe Mixon, Croskey-Merritt, Tyreek Hill, Travis Hunter, the Rams receivers and Justin Fields.
“Drake May is my QB eight.”
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.
14 checkable claims — 8 sleeper calls, 3 fantasy bust calls, 2 positional finishes and 1 depth chart call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 20 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
13 of 14 have settled so far, averaging 69.2 out of 100, against 29.5 for a naive guess at the same calls.
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Who this take is about
14 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 CallsRashee RiceKansas City ChiefsAug 30, 2025
Rashee Rice to outplay his draft cost (the ninth round)
“So I just got Rashid Rice in the ninth round of a homely draft last weekend. I think that's pretty decent”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- the ninth round
- naive:
- the draft market was right and he returned about what he cost
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Rashee Rice
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- no
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- position:
- WR
- cost round:
- 9
- had to beat:
- WR36
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- WR41
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the cost the source quoted — the ninth round
Chris Rodriguez Jr. to outplay his draft cost (an end of the draft dart throw)
“And then Chris Rodriguez is like an end of the draft dart throw that I'm happy to take if I don't already have Eckler.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- an end of the draft dart throw
- naive:
- he repeats last season
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- RB
- had to beat:
- RB74
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- RB45
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
- Sleeper CallsRJ HarveyDenver BroncosAug 30, 2025
RJ Harvey to outplay his draft cost (the fifties second player overall RB twenty two)
“He is worth drafting.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- the fifties second player overall RB twenty two
- naive:
- a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- RJ Harvey
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- RB
- had to beat:
- RB24
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- RB22
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
- Sleeper CallsTetairoa McMillanCarolina PanthersAug 30, 2025
Tetairoa McMillan to outplay his draft cost (fifty nine overall)
“Couldn't agree more with you, guys. I have him wide receiver sixteen here... like this one is easy.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- fifty nine overall
- 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
- Fantasy Bust CallsBreece HallNew York JetsAug 30, 2025
Breece Hall to fall short of his draft cost (RB nineteen forty three overall)
“So there's just not a lot here for bres Hall if he's not playing a ton of SnO... So I don't have any interest in drafting him whatsoever.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- bust
- cost:
- RB nineteen forty three overall
- naive:
- he repeats last season
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Breece Hall
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- no
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- position:
- RB
- had to beat:
- RB18
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- RB18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
- Sleeper CallsAustin EkelerWashington CommandersAug 30, 2025
Austin Ekeler to outplay his draft cost (in the mid to late thirties at running back)
“whereas Eckler, I think is probably going to lead this backfield in snaps and maybe touches too, and like is really easily draftable, like in the mid to late thirties at running back”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- in the mid to late thirties at running back
- naive:
- he repeats last season
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Austin Ekeler
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- no
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- position:
- RB
- had to beat:
- RB36
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- RB103
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
- Fantasy Bust CallsTyreek HillMiami DolphinsAug 30, 2025
Tyreek Hill to fall short of his draft cost (the thirty seventh player off the board)
“I'll pass... now he's in his thirties. It's just too many things to worry about here.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- bust
- cost:
- the thirty seventh player off the board
- naive:
- he repeats last season
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Tyreek Hill
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- WR
- had to beat:
- WR23
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- WR107
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
- Sleeper CallsDrake MayeNew England PatriotsAug 30, 2025
Drake Maye to outplay his draft cost (QB thirteen)
“Draft. Drake May is my QB eight.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- QB thirteen
- 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
- Sleeper CallsChristian McCaffreyAug 30, 2025
Christian McCaffrey to outplay his draft cost (the seventh player overall)
“he is a reluctant draft and the injury risk is absolutely terrifying”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- the seventh player overall
- naive:
- he repeats last season
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Christian McCaffrey
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- RB
- had to beat:
- RB72
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- RB2
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost — measured against his own 2024 finish
- Sleeper CallsTyler WarrenIndianapolis ColtsAug 30, 2025
Tyler Warren to outplay his draft cost (tight end eleven)
“Yeah, It's like George Kittle and Jeremy Shockey had a baby and it was Tyler Warren. So yes, it's a lot of havoc after the catch.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- call:
- sleeper
- cost:
- tight end eleven
- naive:
- a player with no record returns what an unknown at his position is worth
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Tyler Warren
- season:
- 2025
- correct:
- yes
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- TE
- had to beat:
- TE12
- difficulty:
- 2
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- actual finish:
- TE7
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- measured against:
- the source named no cost, and he has no prior season — measured against the startable tier
Tetairoa McMillan to finish top 16 at his position, by fantasy points
“I have him wide receiver sixteen here you got my rankings like he steps in new a high volume roll right away”
Close · 75Scored 75a naive guess scored 0+150 skillHow this was scored
- skill:
- 150
- player:
- Tetairoa McMillan
- season:
- 2025
- zero at:
- 12
- accuracy:
- 75
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- WR
- ranked by:
- fantasy points
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- no prior season — the startable tier at WR
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- naive finish:
- 36
- actual finish:
- 13
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- predicted finish:
- 16
Austin Ekeler to be 1st on the depth chart
“Eckler, I think is probably going to lead this backfield in snaps and maybe touches too”
Close · 75Scored 75a naive guess scored 83.33-16.67 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- WAS
- skill:
- -16.67
- player:
- Austin Ekeler
- season:
- 2025
- accuracy:
- 75
- baseline:
- 83.33
- position:
- RB
- naive slot:
- 2
- actual slot:
- 4
- 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
Drake Maye to finish top 8 at his position, by fantasy points
“Drake May is my QB eight. I think he could give you rushing numbers very similar to what Justin Fields.”
Close · 50Scored 50a naive guess scored 0+100 skillHow this was scored
- skill:
- 100
- player:
- Drake Maye
- season:
- 2025
- zero at:
- 12
- accuracy:
- 50
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- QB
- ranked by:
- fantasy points
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- where he finished last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- naive finish:
- 22
- actual finish:
- 2
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- predicted finish:
- 8
- Fantasy Bust CallsJoe MixonHouston TexansAug 30, 2025
Joe Mixon to fall short of his draft cost (one O two overall RB thirty seven)
“Pass and it would have to fall into the late rounds for me to have any interest whatsoever. A foot issue, no bueno”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Mike MoraitisRoster Spot Calls · Andre Jones Jr.Hit · 100Moraitis 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 · 100Locker 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.
- Scott KennedyScore Predictions · Carolina PanthersClose · 52Expects the Falcons to fall to 0-2 in Cooper Rush starts, losing 24-13 to Carolina.
- Seth WalderGame Outcome Picks · Carolina PanthersHit · 100Picks the Panthers to beat the Falcons in Atlanta.
- Garrett ChapmanScore Predictions · Carolina PanthersClose · 50Thinks Atlanta matches up well but still falls short, picking Carolina 23-20.
- Jerry JonesScore Predictions · Carolina PanthersClose · 52Predicts Carolina pulls away from Atlanta, with the Falcons defense keeping it close early, in a 27-16 Panthers win.
More sleeper calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Derek BrownSleeper Calls · Travis HunterHit · 100Derek Brown ("Debro") laid out a slate of wide receiver breakouts — Ricky Pearsall, Jalen Coker, Egbuka, Jalen Waddle, Joshua Palmer, George Pickens, DeVonta Smith and Travis Hunter — while fading Xavier Worthy, Tyreek Hill and the cheap Cleveland/late-round types, and gave his own rankings well ahead of ADP for several of them.
- Tom StrachanSleeper Calls · Ricky PearsallHit · 100Tom Strachan backed Xavier Worthy, Jalen Coker, Egbuka, Jalen Waddle, Darnell Mooney, Zay Flowers, George Pickens, DeVonta Smith and Travis Hunter as values at their draft costs, while avoiding Jerry Jeudy and the Cleveland receivers.
- Ryan WormeliSleeper Calls · Ricky PearsallHit · 100Host Ryan Warmley endorsed Ricky Pearsall as a bet worth making and put his rookie-receiver capital in Tetairoa McMillan, while fading Zay Flowers at his cost and opting out of Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Chris WelshSleeper Calls · Travis HunterHit · 100Welsh drafted Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, RJ Harvey, Tetairoa McMillan, Travis Hunter, the Rams and Saints receivers, Justin Fields (a top-10 QB), Drake Maye (QB10-14), Travis Kelce and Tyler Warren, while passing on Joe Mixon, the Commanders backfield, Tyreek Hill, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.
- Derek BrownSleeper Calls · George PickensHit · 100Brown's five-to-one breakout list was Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Tucker Kraft, Ricky Pearsall, George Pickens and Tetairoa McMillan; he forecasts Brian Robinson Jr. being cut or traded, Kraft finishing as a top-five/six tight end, Pickens as a top-15 receiver and McMillan spiking for double-digit touchdowns.
- Ryan WormeliSleeper Calls · Cedric TillmanMiss · 0Hosting the segment, Warmley backed Bryce Young to finish better than his QB22 consensus ranking, endorsed Cedric Tillman as a late-round target, and said Tetairoa McMillan will be a top-15 fantasy receiver this season.