Top 10 Rookies to Target in the 2025 Fantasy Football Draft

Top 10 Rookies to Target in the 2025 Fantasy Football Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a few years away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about which rookies could make an impact in your fantasy football league. This year’s draft class is expected to be one of the deepest in recent memory, with several players who could step into starting roles right away. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top prospects at each position and give you our early projections for their fantasy value.

One of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is quarterback Cade Klubnik. The Texas A&M standout is a true dual-threat who can beat you with his arm or his legs. Klubnik has a strong arm and is very accurate, and he also has the speed and athleticism to make plays outside the pocket. He’s expected to be one of the first quarterbacks off the board in the draft, and he could be a fantasy star right away.
Another player to watch in the 2025 NFL Draft is running back Evan Stewart. The Texas A&M standout is a physical runner who is also very elusive. Stewart has great speed and acceleration, and he’s also very good at making defenders miss in the open field. He’s expected to be one of the top running backs in the draft, and he could be a workhorse back in the NFL.

Top Breakout Candidates

The 2025 rookie class is loaded with talent, and there are a number of players who have the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Here are a few of the top breakout candidates:

TreVonte Citizen, RB, Miami (FL)

Citizen is a 5-foot-11, 220-pound running back who has been compared to Ezekiel Elliott. He is a powerful runner with a good burst of speed, and he is also a capable receiver out of the backfield. Citizen rushed for over 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns in his sophomore season at Miami, and he is expected to be one of the top running backs taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has the potential to be a three-down workhorse in the NFL, and he could be a major steal for fantasy owners who draft him in the late first or early second round.

Other Top Breakout Candidates

  • C.J. Hicks, QB, Ohio State
  • Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Georgia
  • Shemar James, DL, Florida
  • Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
  • Dane Key, WR, Kentucky
Player Position College
TreVonte Citizen RB Miami (FL)
C.J. Hicks QB Ohio State
Marvin Jones Jr. WR Georgia
Shemar James DL Florida
Sonny Styles LB Ohio State
Dane Key WR Kentucky

Sleepers to Target

When it comes to the 2025 rookie fantasy draft, there are a few sleepers that you should definitely keep an eye on. These players have the potential to make a big impact on your team, and they could be available at a bargain price.

Quarterbacks

There are a few quarterbacks who could surprise in the 2025 NFL Draft. One player to watch is Cade Klubnik from Clemson. Klubnik is a 5-star recruit who has been compared to Trevor Lawrence. He has a strong arm and is very accurate. Another quarterback to keep an eye on is Dante Moore from Michigan. Moore is a 4-star recruit who has a lot of upside. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs.

Running Backs

There are several running backs who could be sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft. One player to watch is Richard Reese from Baylor. Reese is a 5-star recruit who is known for his speed and agility. He is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Another running back to keep an eye on is Jaydn Ott from Cal. Ott is a 4-star recruit who has a lot of potential. He is a very physical runner who can break tackles and gain yards after contact.

Wide Receivers

There are a few wide receivers who could be sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft. One player to watch is Evan Stewart from Texas A&M. Stewart is a 5-star recruit who is known for his speed and athleticism. He is also a very good route runner. Another wide receiver to keep an eye on is Luther Burden from Missouri. Burden is a 4-star recruit who has a lot of potential. He is a very physical receiver who can make contested catches.

Tight Ends

There are a few tight ends who could be sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft. One player to watch is Josh Conerly Jr. from Oregon. Conerly is a 5-star recruit who is known for his blocking ability. He is also a very good receiver. Another tight end to keep an eye on is Oscar Delp from Georgia. Delp is a 4-star recruit who has a lot of potential. He is a very athletic tight end who can make plays in the passing game and the running game.

Value Picks with Upside

Connor Bazelak, QB, Missouri

Bazelak is a bit of a wild card, but he has the potential to be a solid fantasy option in 2025. He has a strong arm and good accuracy, and he is also a good runner. In 2022, he threw for 2,359 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 405 yards and six touchdowns. Bazelak is still developing, but he has the potential to be a productive fantasy quarterback.

Christian Jones, RB, Arkansas

Jones is a powerful runner who is also a good receiver out of the backfield. In 2022, he rushed for 1,197 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Jones is a bit undersized, but he is tough and physical. He is also a good blocker. Jones has the potential to be a productive fantasy running back in 2025.

DJ Sims, WR, Michigan

Sims is a talented receiver who has the potential to be a star in the NFL. He has good size and speed, and he is also a good route runner. In 2022, he caught 56 passes for 823 yards and five touchdowns. Sims is still developing, but he has the potential to be a productive fantasy wide receiver in 2025.

Josh Downs, WR, North Carolina

Downs is a phenomenal route runner with outstanding agility and acceleration. He’s quick off the line and possesses exceptional ball-tracking skills. In his last season at North Carolina, he notched an impressive 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns. Downs’ production has consistently improved over the years, making him a reliable target. Despite his smaller size, he compensates with his exceptional athleticism and competitive spirit.

Player Position 2022 Stats
Connor Bazelak QB 2,359 passing yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs
Christian Jones RB 1,197 rushing yards, 11 TDs, 29 receptions, 273 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs
DJ Sims WR 56 receptions, 823 receiving yards, 5 TDs
Josh Downs WR 94 receptions, 1,029 receiving yards, 9 TDs

Busts to Avoid

Quarterbacks

Number one overall pick Bryce Young is a talented quarterback, who will have a long career, but may not live up to the hype.

Running Backs

Bijan Robinson is a great prospect, but he is coming off a major injury and may not be the same player he was before.

Wide Receivers

Evan Stewart is a talented receiver, but he is not a sure thing and may not be worth a first-round pick.

Tight Ends

Michael Mayer is a great prospect, but he is likely to be used as a blocker early in his career and may not have a lot of fantasy value.

Player Position Reason to Avoid
Bryce Young QB Hype may be too high
Bijan Robinson RB Major injury concerns
Evan Stewart WR Not a sure thing
Michael Mayer TE Likely to be used as a blocker early in his career

Tiered Rankings by Position

Quarterbacks

1. Caleb Williams (USC)
2. Arch Manning (Texas)
3. Dante Moore (Michigan)
4. Cade Klubnik (Clemson)
5. Aidan O’Connell (Purdue)

Running Backs

1. Evan Stewart (Texas A&M)
2. Bijan Robinson (Texas)
3. Richard Reese (Baylor)
4. Jaydn Ott (Cal)
5. Adam Randall (Clemson)

Wide Receivers

1. Kelvin Banks (Texas)
2. Luther Burden (Missouri)
3. Hykeem Williams (Georgia)
4. Tyler Booker (Alabama)
5. Cole Cabana (Oklahoma)

Tight Ends

1. Barion Brown (Kentucky)
2. CJ Hicks (Ohio State)
3. Oscar Delp (Georgia)
4. Jaleel Skinner (Miami)
5. Jaheim Oatis (Alabama)

Defense

1. Nick Singleton (Penn State)
2. Daylen Everette (Georgia)
3. Will Johnson (Michigan)
4. Sonny Styles (Ohio State)
5. Shemar Stewart (Texas)

Dynasty Impact Analysis

Top Passers

With several impressive quarterbacks available, this draft class has the potential to significantly impact dynasty leagues. C.J. Stroud and Arch Manning stand out as potential franchise-changing talents who could elevate teams immediately. Other notable prospects include Domani Jackson, Cade Klubnik, and Shemar Stewart, who possess a blend of athleticism, arm strength, and accuracy.

Top Running Backs

The running back position is expected to be heavily contested in this draft, with several highly skilled prospects available. Zach Evans, Richard Reese, and Jaren Kanak are among the top names to watch, each offering a unique combination of speed, power, and versatility. Other notable running backs include Tetairoa McMillian, George Pettaway, and Daylen Everette, who have the potential to make an immediate impact at the NFL level.

Top Pass-Catching Options

The wide receiver and tight end positions are also well-represented in this draft class. Marvin Jones Jr. and Jeremiah Alexander stand out as potential elite pass-catching threats, with exceptional route-running abilities and an impressive catch radius. Other notable wide receivers include Tegra Tshabola, Jacolby Spells, and Jaleel Skinner, who possess a combination of size, speed, and athleticism. The tight end position is led by Oscar Delp, who has the potential to become a dominant pass-catching threat in the NFL.

Top Defensive Line Prospects

The defensive line is expected to be a strength of this draft class, with several talented edge rushers and interior linemen available. Shemar James, Nolan Smith, and Kelvin Banks are among the top edge rushers to watch, each possessing exceptional athleticism and pass-rushing skills. Other notable defensive linemen include Adetomiwa Adebawore, Justice Finkley, and Evan Hull, who have the potential to become impact players in the NFL.

Top Linebackers

The linebacker position is also expected to be well-represented in this draft, with several talented prospects available. Sonny Styles, Nick Singleton, and Will Levis are among the top names to watch, each possessing exceptional athleticism, tackling ability, and playmaking skills. Other notable linebackers include Donovan Green, Jaheim Oatis, and Clayton Smith, who have the potential to become impact players in the NFL.

Top Defensive Backs

The defensive back position is expected to be the deepest position in this draft class, with several highly skilled prospects available. Will Johnson, Domani Jackson, and Parish Hamilton are among the top cornerbacks to watch, each possessing exceptional athleticism, coverage skills, and ball skills. Other notable defensive backs include Barion Brown, Davison Igbinosum, and Jaheim Singletary, who have the potential to become impact players in the NFL.

Expert Consensus Mock Draft

The following is a consensus mock draft of the top 2025 rookie prospects, according to a panel of experts:

Pick Player
1 Cade Cunningham
2 Evan Mobley
3 Jalen Green
4 Scottie Barnes
5 Franz Wagner

7. Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren is a 7-foot center from Minnehaha Academy in Minnesota. He is the consensus top prospect in the 2025 class and is widely regarded as one of the best prospects to come out of high school in recent memory. Holmgren is a versatile player who can score, rebound, pass, and defend at a high level. He is a skilled three-point shooter and has a good feel for the game. Holmgren is also a very good athlete and is able to run the floor and jump out of the gym. He is still developing physically but has all the tools to be a star in the NBA.

Holmgren has been compared to Kevin Durant and Kristaps Porzingis due to his length, athleticism, and skill set. He is projected to be a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and could be a franchise-changing player for whichever team drafts him.

Bold Predictions for the Season

As the 2025 rookie fantasy draft approaches, analysts are looking ahead to identify the players who could make an immediate impact in their first NFL seasons. Here are some bold predictions for the 2025 rookie class:

Quarterback

Caleb Williams, USC: The Heisman Trophy winner will take the league by storm, throwing for over 4,200 yards and 40 touchdowns in his rookie season.

Running Back

Bijan Robinson, Texas: The shifty and explosive running back will lead all rookies in rushing yards, amassing over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

Marvin Jones Jr., Georgia: The 6’3″ wideout will be a dominant target in the NFL, catching over 80 passes for 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Tight End

Cade Stover, Ohio State: The versatile Swiss Army knife will score seven touchdowns and become a top-5 fantasy tight end despite not being a full-time starter.

Defensive End

Shemar Stewart, Texas: The 6’5″, 265-pound pass rusher will record 12 sacks and be a defensive force from day one.

Linebacker

Domani Jackson, Southern Cal: The former five-star recruit will rack up over 100 tackles and five interceptions in his first NFL season.

Cornerback

Jaheim Oatis, Alabama: The 6’3″, 365-pound defensive tackle will be a disruptive force in the middle, recording over 80 tackles and four sacks.

Safety

Zion Branch, Georgia: The son of former NFL safety Damien Branch will intercept six passes and be a key piece in his team’s secondary.

Key Injuries to Monitor

9. Bijan Robinson (Texas RB, Ankle)

Robinson is a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in November 2022. The injury is significant, and it could impact his draft stock. Robinson is expected to miss the entire 2023 season, so fantasy owners will have to wait until 2024 to see him on the field. It’s important to monitor Robinson’s recovery and determine if there are any long-term effects from the injury.

In 2022, Robinson rushed for 1,684 yards with 19 touchdowns and had 26 receptions for 305 yards and four touchdowns. He was a workhorse for the Texas Longhorns, and he was one of the most productive running backs in college football.

Robinson’s injury is a major setback, but it’s not a career-ender. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to his previous level of play. However, it’s important to monitor his recovery and see how he performs in 2024 before making any definitive decisions about his fantasy value.

Injury Severity and Impact on Draft Stock

| Injury | Severity | Impact on Draft Stock |
|—|—|—|
| Ankle | Season-ending | Significant |
| Knee | Season-ending | Severe |
| Shoulder | Season-ending | Moderate |
| ACL | Season-ending | Significant |
| Hamstring | Long-term | Minor |

Latest News and Rumors

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a ways away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about which prospects could make an impact at the next level. Here are some of the latest news and rumors surrounding the top prospects in the 2025 class:

Arch Manning is the consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class. The son of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback who has already committed to Texas. He is considered to be one of the best quarterback prospects to come along in years, and he is expected to be a franchise-changing player in the NFL.

Other top quarterback prospects in the 2025 class include Cade Klubnik (Clemson), Dante Moore (Michigan), and Julian Sayin (Arizona). These players are all considered to be potential first-round picks, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 running back class is also loaded with talent. Some of the top prospects include Richard Reese (Baylor), Oscar Delp (Georgia), and Rueben Owens (Louisville). These players are all capable of being workhorse backs at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make an impact in the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 wide receiver class is one of the deepest in recent memory. Some of the top prospects include Luther Burden (Missouri), Evan Stewart (Texas A&M), and Nick Singleton (Penn State). These players are all capable of being No. 1 receivers at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make an impact in the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 tight end class is also very talented. Some of the top prospects include Matthew Golden (Notre Dame), Jaheim Oatis (Alabama), and Duce Robinson (Georgia). These players are all capable of being impact players at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 defensive line class is one of the most athletic and talented in recent memory. Some of the top prospects include Shemar Stewart (Texas), David Bailey (Stanford), and Dasan McCullough (Indiana). These players are all capable of being impact players at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 linebacker class is also very talented. Some of the top prospects include Anthony Hill (Texas), CJ Hicks (Ohio State), and Nolan Smith (Georgia). These players are all capable of being impact players at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 cornerback class is one of the deepest in recent memory. Some of the top prospects include Toriano Pride (Clemson), Cormani McClain (Florida), and Domani Jackson (Southern Cal). These players are all capable of being impact players at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

The 2025 safety class is also very talented. Some of the top prospects include Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), Sonny Styles (Ohio State), and Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State). These players are all capable of being impact players at the NFL level, and they will all be looking to make a name for themselves during the 2024 college football season.

2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Draft: A Look Ahead

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a ways off, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead. Here’s a look at some of the prospects who could be making an impact in fantasy football in a few years.

Quarterback

There are several talented quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, but Caleb Williams is the one who stands out. Williams is a dynamic playmaker who can beat you with his arm or his legs. He’s a fearless runner who is always looking to make a big play.

Running Back

The running back position is always deep in talent, and the 2025 class is no exception. Emeka Egbuka is a versatile back who can do it all. He’s a good runner, receiver, and blocker. He’s the type of player who can be a workhorse in any offense.

Wide Receiver

There are several talented wide receivers in the 2025 draft class, but Marvin Jones Jr. is the one to watch. Jones is a big, physical receiver who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. He’s also a very good blocker, which makes him a valuable asset in the NFL.

People Also Ask About 2025 Rookie Fantasy Draft

Who is the best quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Caleb Williams is the consensus top quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Who is the best running back in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Emeka Egbuka is the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Who is the best wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Marvin Jones Jr. is the top wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Position

Player

College

Quarterback

Arch Manning

Texas

Running Back

Richard Reese

Baylor

Wide Receiver

Luther Burden

Missouri

Tight End

Matthew Golden

Notre Dame

Defensive Line

Shemar Stewart

Texas

Linebacker

Anthony Hill

Texas

Cornerback

Toriano Pride

Clemson

Safety

Nick Emmanwori

South Carolina