The 2025 fantasy football rookie draft is still a long way off, but it’s never too early to start thinking about who the top prospects might be. This year’s draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory, with a number of talented players at every position. Here’s a look at how the first round of the 2025 fantasy rookie mock draft might play out.
With the first overall pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars select quarterback Arch Manning. Manning is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning. He is one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory, and he has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his legs. Manning is also a leader on and off the field, and he is expected to be a franchise quarterback for the Jaguars.
The rest of the first round is filled with a mix of talented players at various positions. The Minnesota Vikings select running back Rueben Owens with the second overall pick, while the Arizona Cardinals select wide receiver Evan Stewart with the third overall pick. The Chicago Bears select offensive tackle Kelvin Banks with the fourth overall pick, and the Philadelphia Eagles select defensive end Shemar Stewart with the fifth overall pick. These are just a few of the many talented players who could be available in the first round of the 2025 fantasy rookie mock draft.
Unveiling the Future: Top Fantasy Rookie Picks for 2025
#1. The Elite Echelon: Prospects with Top Tier Potential
The cream of the crop in the 2025 rookie class, these prospects possess exceptional talent and are poised to make an immediate impact in fantasy football. With their combination of physical tools, football IQ, and proven production, they have the potential to become perennial All-Pro selections and league-winning assets:
| Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|
| Arch Manning | QB | Louisiana State |
| Evan Stewart | WR | Texas |
| Shemar Stewart | DE | Texas |
| AJ Swann | QB | Vanderbilt |
| Harold Perkins | LB | LSU |
These players are the foundation of any championship-caliber fantasy roster in 2025. Their ability to produce at a high level immediately makes them valuable commodities who can carry your team to victory. Drafting any of these prospects should be a priority, as they have the potential to be the cornerstones of your dynasty or redraft league.
Ascending Stars: Rising Rookies with Breakout Potential
Top Prospects: Players with Elite Skill Sets and High Upside
Top prospects in the 2025 fantasy rookie mock draft possess exceptional athleticism, technical prowess, and the potential to become league-winning players. These players have already demonstrated their skills in college or international competition and are expected to translate their abilities into NFL success. They may have won major awards, set records, or dominated their respective positions, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Some examples of top prospects include Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner known for his arm strength and mobility, and C.J. Stroud, another highly touted quarterback with a strong arm and accurate passing ability. Bijan Robinson, the elusive and powerful running back, and Jalen Carter, the disruptive and versatile defensive lineman, are also among the top prospects expected to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Sleeper Candidates: Undervalued Gems with Hidden Value
Sleeper candidates in the 2025 fantasy rookie mock draft are players who may not have received as much attention as the top prospects but possess intriguing skill sets and have the potential to exceed expectations. These players may have been overlooked due to lack of exposure, playing in smaller conferences, or having an unconventional skill set. However, they have the potential to emerge as valuable contributors and surprise fantasy owners with their production.
Some examples of sleeper candidates include Anthony Richardson, a raw but physically gifted quarterback with a strong arm and athleticism, and Jaydn Ott, a speedy and agile running back who has shown flashes of brilliance. Domani Jackson, a versatile and athletic cornerback, and Evan Hull, a productive and efficient wide receiver, are also among the sleeper candidates who could provide solid value in fantasy football.
| Name | Position | College | Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young | QB | Alabama | Heisman-winning quarterback with elite arm strength and mobility |
| C.J. Stroud | QB | Ohio State | Highly touted quarterback with a strong arm and accurate passing ability |
| Bijan Robinson | RB | Texas | Elusive and powerful running back with home run potential |
| Jalen Carter | DL | Georgia | Disruptive and versatile defensive lineman with potential for sacks and tackles |
| Anthony Richardson | QB | Florida | Physically gifted quarterback with a strong arm and athleticism |
| Jaydn Ott | RB | Cal | Speedy and agile running back with potential for big plays |
| Domani Jackson | CB | Southern Cal | Versatile and athletic cornerback with potential for interceptions and tackles |
| Evan Hull | WR | Northwestern | Productive and efficient wide receiver with potential for high catch rates |
Diamond in the Rough: Undervalued Rookies to Steal Value
Quarterbacks
Several quarterbacks in this draft class have the potential to be steals in fantasy football drafts. Some names to keep an eye on include Malik Hornsby, Jayden Bradford, and Drae McCray. These quarterbacks possess the arm strength, accuracy, and mobility to succeed at the NFL level. With their current draft projections, they could be great values for fantasy owners looking for a potential breakout star.
Running Backs
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to produce several talented running backs. Some under-the-radar prospects to consider include Justice Haynes, A.J. Allen, and Branson Robinson. These running backs have shown a combination of speed, power, and versatility that could make them valuable assets in fantasy football. Keep an eye on their performances during the pre-draft process, as they could be potential steals on draft day.
Wide Receivers
There are a few wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft who could be undervalued and provide great value in fantasy football. Some names to consider include Titus Mokiao-Atimalala, Evan Stewart, and Tyler Booker. These wide receivers have shown excellent route running, hands, and athleticism that could translate to success at the next level. With their current draft projections, they could be prime targets for fantasy owners looking for hidden gems.
Tight Ends
Tight end is a position that is often overlooked in fantasy football drafts. However, there are a few tight ends in this year’s draft class who could be worth taking a gamble on. Some under-the-radar prospects include Josh Conerly Jr., Oscar Delp, and Jeremiah Alexander. These tight ends have shown good size, athleticism, and receiving skills that could make them valuable contributors in fantasy football. While they may not be the flashiest names at the position, they could provide solid value at their current draft projections.
| Tight End | School | Draft Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Conerly Jr. | Oregon | 4th-6th Round |
| Oscar Delp | Georgia | 5th-7th Round |
| Jeremiah Alexander | Alabama | 6th-7th Round |
The Next Generation: Rookies Poised to Make an Impact
Quarterbacks
The 2025 quarterback class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory. With numerous talented players expected to declare for the draft, several teams could be looking to upgrade their signal-caller. Keep an eye on prospects such as Arch Manning and Cade Klubnik, who have already shown flashes of brilliance at the collegiate level.
Running Backs
The running back position is always in high demand in fantasy football, and the 2025 class is no exception. Several blue-chip prospects, including Evan Stewart and Donovan Green, are expected to enter the draft and make an immediate impact at the NFL level. These players possess a combination of speed, power, and elusiveness that will make them valuable assets to any offense.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver class of 2025 is bursting with talent. With so many skilled pass-catchers expected to declare for the draft, there should be plenty of value to be found on draft day. Some of the top prospects to watch for include Luther Burden and Julian Fleming, both of whom have proven to be dynamic playmakers in college.
Tight Ends
Tight ends can be a valuable asset in fantasy football, and the 2025 draft class has several players who could make an impact early in their careers. Players such as Oscar Delp and Sam LaPorta have shown the potential to be productive pass-catchers and could provide a much-needed boost to any offense.
Defensive Linemen
Defensive linemen are the backbone of any defense, and the 2025 draft class is loaded with talented players who could make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Keep an eye on prospects such as Shemar Stewart and Bryce Anderson, who have the size and athleticism to create havoc in the backfield.
Top 6 Linebackers Poised to Shine
The linebacker position is often overlooked in fantasy football, but the 2025 draft class has several players who could be difference-makers at the NFL level. Here are six linebackers who are poised to make an immediate impact in fantasy football:
| Player | College | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Sonny Styles | Ohio State | Elite speed and athleticism, sideline-to-sideline range |
| Donovan Green | Texas A&M | Physical presence, strong tackler, good in coverage |
| Deone Walker | Kentucky | Instinctive playmaker, good blitzer, solid pass coverage |
| Niuafe Tuihalamaka | Ohio State | Athletic freak, great size and range, disruptive pass rusher |
| Domani Jackson | Southern Cal | Ball-hawking playmaker, excellent coverage skills, good blitzer |
| Shemar Stewart | Texas | Elite pass rusher, explosive off the line, good size and strength |
Sleeper Surprises: Rookies Flying Under the Radar
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t start dreaming about the potential impact some of these collegiate stars could have at the next level. Here are a few rookies who could surprise people come draft day:
7. [Player Name], [Position], [College]
Overview: [Player Name] is a bit of a late bloomer, but he has all the tools to be a successful NFL player. He’s a natural athlete with good size, speed, and strength. He’s also a very good route runner and has shown great hands in college.
Why he’s a sleeper: [Player Name] is a little bit undersized for his position, and he doesn’t have the same level of experience as some of the other top prospects. However, he has all the potential to be a star, and he could be a steal if he’s available late in the first round.
| Year | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 45 | 678 | 15.1 | 6 |
| 2023 | 13 | 52 | 820 | 15.8 | 8 |
| 2024 | 11 | 38 | 612 | 16.1 | 7 |
Dynasty Dominators: Long-Term Rookies to Stash
8. Evan Stewart (WR, Texas A&M)
While not as highly touted as the other receivers in this class, Evan Stewart possesses an intriguing skill set that projects to long-term success in dynasty formats.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 215 pounds, Stewart is a physical specimen with exceptional size and athleticism. His 83rd percentile speed score and 93rd percentile burst score suggest that he has the explosiveness to create separation and make big plays downfield.
Beyond his physical tools, Stewart is also a technically sound wideout. He displays excellent route running, using his big frame to shield defenders and create space for himself. His hands are reliable, with a soft touch and the ability to make contested catches.
| Attribute | Percentile |
|---|---|
| Speed | 83rd |
| Burst | 93rd |
| Hands | 80th |
| Route Running | 85th |
While he may not have the same level of hype as some of the other top wide receivers, Evan Stewart has the potential to be a highly productive dynasty asset. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical skill makes him a long-term investment worth stashing on your roster.
2025 Fantasy Rookie Mock Draft: Early Projection
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, several exciting young prospects are emerging as potential top fantasy football rookies. Here’s an early projection of the first 10 picks in the upcoming rookie mock draft.
People Also Ask About 2025 Fantasy Rookie Mock Draft
Who is projected to be the number one pick in the 2025 rookie draft?
Arch Manning, the heralded quarterback from Isidore Newman School, is the consensus top prospect and projected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Which running back is the best value pick in the 2025 fantasy rookie draft?
Jaleel Skinner, the bruising rusher from Miami (FL), could be a steal in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2025 fantasy rookie draft.
Who is the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 class?
Barion Brown, the dynamic playmaker from Kentucky, is widely considered the best wide receiver prospect eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft.
