Looking to build a dynasty roster that dominates for years to come? It all starts with identifying the next wave of elite talent, especially at wide receiver. In this article, our collection of Featured Pros experts breaks down the Top Rookie Wide Receivers for dynasty fantasy football leagues. Whether you’re preparing for your rookie draft or looking to stash high-upside prospects, these experts will help you target the wideouts with the most long-term value.
5 Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers Experts are Targeting
Which rookie wide receiver are you monitoring the most heading into the NFL Draft and why? Also, how do you think that player’s best and worst landing spots could impact his value?
Luther Burden
“Missouri’s Luther Burden. The polarizing rookie WR is one of the most landing-spot-dependent WRs in this year’s draft class. His crazy productive sophomore season, followed by a disappointing 2024 campaign, paints his boom-bust profile perfectly. So many schemed touches within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage suggest he is far from a finished product, but in a Kyle Shanahan-esque scheme, Burden could thrive as the next Deebo Samuel hybrid prototype. I would love to see him on the Commanders, Texans, Broncos, 49ers, or Titans. Don’t love him on teams such as the Browns, Patriots, or Panthers.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Luther Burden of Missouri. He’s magical with the ball in his hands and will make the occasional circus catch, but his route-running skills are pretty ordinary. Burden’s prospect profile is eerily similar to that of Rondale Moore — another YAC specialist who had one spectacular season early in his college career. I got ensnared in the Rondale trap four years ago and worry about repeating the error. I’ll be more inclined to give Burden the benefit of the doubt if I like the quarterback/playcaller combo on the team that drafts him. The playcaller is of particular interest to me. The problem is that a lot of the playcallers I’d trust to use Burden wisely — Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Kevin O’Connell — are with teams unlikely to draft him.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Kyle Williams
“I’m keeping a close eye on Kyle Williams from Washington State as an underrated wide receiver prospect heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s flying under the radar compared to bigger names like Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan, but his skill set and potential make him intriguing. Williams is a dynamic playmaker with competitive catch-point ability, slippery yards-after-catch (YAC) skills, and refined footwork. His college production of 57 receptions for 854 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 shows he can be a reliable target, and his 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the combine highlights his speed. What makes him underrated is his lack of hype relative to his versatility and ability to contribute immediately, especially in the slot or as a Z-receiver. The Chiefs, under Andy Reid, love versatile receivers who can exploit mismatches. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Williams would benefit from elite play-calling and a pass-heavy offense. Kansas City lost some depth at receiver, and while they have Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, Williams could slide into a slot role, running choice routes and screens to maximize his YAC ability. In this scenario, Williams could post 60-70 receptions, 800-900 yards, and 5-6 touchdowns in his first year, making him a WR3 with WR2 upside in PPR leagues. The Jets’ offense, potentially led by Justin Fields or a rookie quarterback, leans run-heavy, especially with Breece Hall and a strong offensive line. Garrett Wilson is the clear WR1, eating up targets for a mediocre offense at best. Williams would struggle to see consistent targets in a low-volume passing game, likely relegated to a WR3 or WR4 role with limited snaps. The Jets’ scheme doesn’t emphasize quick, short passes where Williams excels, and quarterback uncertainty could cap his production. Here, Williams might manage only 30-40 receptions for 400-500 yards and 2-3 touchdowns, rendering him a bench stash in redraft leagues and a risky dynasty pick.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Jayden Higgins
“Jayden Higgins out of Iowa State is a player I love given the measurables he brings to the table and the overall skillset that he exhibits on film. Coming in at 6’4 and weighing 214 pounds, Higgins has all of the physical traits to become a very good X-receiver in the NFL while having the versatility to play Z and slot positions as well. This is a receiver that makes plays at all three levels. Higgins will best be utilized in a system that operates with multiple receiver packages, where his overall skills can shine. Being in an offense that has an established top receiver who can draw coverage away from him will give Higgins some one-on-one opportunities where he can flourish. I have a late 1st/early 2nd round grade on Higgins, and if he is drafted into the right situation, he could hit the ground running and become an every-down receiver in no time.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Jayden Higgins is one of my favorite wide receivers in the draft class. Last year, he had 87 receptions for 1,183 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. More importantly, Higgins can make plays at all three levels, including downfield, where his 4.47 40-yard dash speed and 6’4″ frame make him a mismatch weapon. The former Iowa State star gives off similar vibes to Nico Collins coming out of Michigan in 2021. Hopefully, Higgins doesn’t have to wait two years for a capable quarterback like Collins to have fantasy success. Higgins could have a Brain Thomas Jr.-lite rookie season for fantasy players if he lands in the right situation with solid quarterback play.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Xavier Restrepo
“The 4.83 40-yard dash at Xavier Restrepo’s Pro Day obviously set the alarm bells ringing, and while his excuse around his hamstring tightening up may or may not be true, does it really matter? Restrepo posted a 3-cone time of 6.83, which is considered impressive, and if he finds the right landing spot with reasonable draft capital, it will be clear that the NFL views him better than the fantasy community currently is. Restrepo might be limited to being a slot-only WR, but that can have value in a full PPR setting.”
– Tom Strachan (NFL Best Ball)
Isaiah Bond
“Last month, I mentioned one of my sleepers was Isaiah Bond. Since that writing, Bond has been charged with sexual assault. It’s important to note that Isaiah maintains his innocence, but this is certainly an important and fluid situation to keep an eye on, in addition to where he lands in the draft. Talent-wise, Bond’s speed and route running are his calling cards. Bond was a high school sprint champion in Georgia (4.35 forty time at his pro day), and his explosiveness isn’t limited to the track. It clearly shows up on tape. If Bond’s off-the-field troubles get resolved, he has the talent to make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially on a high-octane passing offense. Ringo’s comp- Jaylen Waddle”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
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