The 2025 NFL rookie class is loaded with talent, and fantasy football managers are already looking for the next breakout stars. To help you get a head start on draft season, we asked our collection of Featured Pros experts to share their early rookie predictions. From first-round favorites to late-round sleepers, these analysts highlight the rookies most likely to make an impact in fantasy football this year. Whether you’re preparing for redraft, dynasty, or best ball leagues, this early look at top rookie performers can give you the edge you need to dominate your draft.

Early Rookie Predictions

Which rookie are you most interested in drafting for redraft leagues and what are your expectations?

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE)

“TreVeyon Henderson’s elite 4.43 40-yard dash and 7.6 yards per touch in 2024 make him a dynamic big-play threat, perfectly suited for the Patriots’ zone-heavy scheme that emphasizes speed and explosive runs. His 17.65% explosive run rate (15+ yard carries) and 95th percentile explosion score in jumping drills position him to capitalize on New England’s improving offensive line, potentially exceeding his projected 9.9 PPR points per game. Henderson’s A+ pass protection and 46 receptions over his final two college seasons ensure a third-down role in Josh McDaniels’ pass-friendly offense, boosting his snap share and PPR value beyond typical committee backs. With zero fumbles across 667 college touches, his reliability complements the Patriots’ emphasis on ball security, potentially earning him more touches than Rhamondre Stevenson in high-leverage situations. If Henderson secures a 50 %+ share of the backfield, his fit in New England’s scheme could propel him to fringe RB1 production, surpassing his current ADP in 2025 PPR drafts.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)

“TreVeyon Henderson, yes please. Mike Vrabel running backs and fantasy football just go together about as well as peanut butter and jelly, simply magnificent. While Rhamondre Stevenson will be a thorn in the side early on, the intrigue of having Vrabel’s hand-picked running back in Henderson is too good to pass up. Yes, Stevenson did sign a contract extension last year with New England before Vrabel’s arrival, but that should not matter. Henderson is a true three-down back and will show that he deserves to be on the field as much as possible for the Patriots in 2025 and beyond.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

“RJ Harvey. All day. Every day. It’s hard not to love a player who ranked inside the top 20 among FBS running backs in each of the last two seasons in breakaway percentage and elusive rating (per PFF). Add in Sean Payton’s running back usage, and Harvey looks primed to smash. Over the last two years, Payton has ranked fifth and first in running back target share. Harvey should be considered a top 20 running back with RB1 upside in 2025 if everything falls into place for him.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

“RJ Harvey is one of my favorite players to draft in redraft leagues this season. Javonte Williams was 5th in the league in targets last season, and I believe Harvey could be in line to see a lot of that pass-catching work. Harvey has the upside of being a high-end RB2 with RB1 weeks simply because of the number of targets he will see in this offense.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)

“It’s too obvious to go with Ashton Jeanty, so I’ll say the most interesting rookie pick is RJ Harvey. After the Broncos selected him, he immediately jumped to RB2 in my rookie rankings. Not only is it an ideal landing spot for a workhorse RB with zero competition, but Harvey was already one of the top prospective three-down backs in this class. He checks every box in terms of speed, hands, toughness, and awareness. It’s amazing that Denver was able to finish 16th in team rushing yards with the RB room they had. I expect Harvey to post 1,600 all-purpose yards and finish barely behind Jeanty as the best rookie running back in 2025 for fantasy.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)

“I like RJ Harvey partly because of the situation he’s stepping into in Denver, and partly because I enjoy watching him run. Harvey is stepping into a running back room with no identity. With good vision, 4.4 speed, a premier offensive line, and a head coach in Sean Payton who knows how to scheme up RB touches, I’ll take Harvey in as many drafts as possible.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

“Why target Emeka Egbuka with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans returning? A big piece is the health of Godwin, who dislocated his ankle in Week 7. If he suffers a setback – or isn’t immediately the same player upon returning – Egbuka could deliver on a later-round ADP. The OSU standout was the most pro-ready slot WR in this class.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)

Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

“Quinshon Judkins, a mid-first-round RB for the Browns, is my top rookie target for 2025 redraft leagues, as his landing spot offers a clear path to lead-back duties. With Nick Chubb a free agent and his return from injury uncertain, even if he returns, there is room to produce for Judkins. In Cleveland’s run-heavy scheme under Kevin Stefanski, Judkins could see 180-220 carries and 30-40 targets. Expect 1,000-1,200 total yards and 8-10 touchdowns in PPR formats, making him a solid RB2 with upside. His 6th-10th overall dynasty ranking translates to a 4th or 5th-round redraft value, offering great return for the cost.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Travis Hunter (WR – JAC)

“The two rookies that I really like this year are RB Ashton Jeanty and WR Travis Hunter, but to get Jeanty, you’re going to have to pay the full retail price (current redraft consensus ranking at RB 4), so I’ll talk about Hunter. I don’t think some of the fantasy football analysts realize just how talented Travis Hunter is, because if they did, they’d rank him a hell of a lot higher. In my opinion, the most talented WR on Jacksonville isn’t Brian Thomas Jr., it’s Travis Hunter. Hunter is tougher with contested catches and is a better route runner. The only concern I have is how many snaps he’ll play, but with a current consensus ranking of only WR 31, I’ll roll the dice based on his talent. That’s in Ringo’s draft neighborhood- very talented players who don’t cost a lot. Ringo’s comp- a lighter version of Ja’Marr Chase.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

“Ashton Jeanty will be a popular pick in redraft leagues, likely coming off the board in the first round. Last year, the Raiders had one of the worst rushing offenses in the NFL, ranking in the bottom five in rushing attempts, yards, touchdowns, and yards per attempt. However, that won’t be the case with Pete Carroll taking over on the sidelines and Jeanty in the backfield. The rookie will be the focal point of the offense as Carroll’s new Marshawn Lynch. The former Boise State star is the RB4 in my early redraft rankings behind Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley, and Jahmyr Gibbs. Jeanty is one of four running backs who could average over 20 PPR fantasy points per game in 2025.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Ashton Jeanty and Cam Ward are the only clear day 1 workhorses out of this Rookie class. (Yes, Travis Hunter will be involved, especially sans Gabe Davis, but he’s not walking into the WR1 role without an injury to Brian Thomas Jr. Tet is entering a somewhat muddy WR room (though likely the WR1)) and when it comes to redraft leagues, guaranteed weekly production is something I target.) It’s unlikely Cam Ward is this year’s Jayden Daniels, so Ashton Jeanty has to be the rookie to target. He immediately steps into an RB room with almost no competition for touches and is arguably the top offensive weapon on the entire team. If the Raiders can stay in competitive games, I expect a 1,000+ yard and 8+ TD season out of Jeanty. He won’t stay on draft boards long, so if you want him, he’s likely your RB1.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

Tyler Warren (WR – IND)

“Tyler Warren established himself as a dominant force during his senior season with the Nittany Lions, hauling in 104 receptions for 1,233 yards, averaging 11.9 yards per reception, and eight touchdowns. The Colts are relying on him to become a key playmaker in the offense, bringing elite receiving skills to the position at 6’5″ and 256 lbs., with hopes that he can develop into the next Dallas Clark. His value is especially high in PPR and tight end premium leagues, as he represents the new wave of pass-catching tight ends. Listed as the Colts TE1, Warren is expected to be a primary weapon in the offense alongside Michael Pittman Jr., especially since the team did not draft a wide receiver in 2025. If things go as planned, he could easily finish as a top 12 fantasy tight end this season.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)

“Tetairoa McMillan lands in an ideal situation to emerge as the alpha wideout in Carolina. Drafted with top-10 capital (8th overall), the former Arizona star joins a Panthers offense in need of a true WR1. McMillan brings size, production, and opportunity to a WR room featuring an underwhelming Xavier Legette and a promising but undrafted Jalen Coker. T-Mac was just one of 3 WRs in the FBS in 2023 to hit 1,396 yards, 10 TDs, and 89 receptions. The others are fellow top-10 WR draft selections: Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze. If Bryce Young takes even a modest step forward and continues to fuel fantasy success for his No. 1 target, McMillan could be this year’s breakout rookie receiver.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Which under-the-radar rookie (i.e. Bucky Irving in 2024) is your favorite sleeper this year and why?

Woody Marks (RB – HOU)

“Woody Marks, selected by the Houston Texans at No. 116 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, could emerge as an under-the-radar sleeper in 2025 fantasy football redraft leagues due to his pass-catching prowess, evidenced by 47 receptions for 321 yards in 2024 at USC and a nation-leading 56-game streak with at least one catch. His fit in Houston’s high-powered offense under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who emphasizes passing downs, positions Marks to replace Dare Ogunbowale as the primary third-down back, potentially seeing 30-40% of passing snaps compared to Ogunbowale’s 85% in two-minute drills in 2024. Joe Mixon‘s heavy workload (1,000+ rushing yards, 2,135 career touches, and an ankle injury in 2024) and age (29 in 2025) suggest the Texans may scale back his 17.1 PPR points per game role, opening 5-8 touches per game for Marks, especially in PPR formats. Marks’ 1,133 rushing yards on 198 carries (5.7 YPC) and nine touchdowns in 2024, combined with his 4.54 40-yard dash and 9-foot-11 broad jump, indicate enough burst to complement Mixon as a change-of-pace back, boosting his flex appeal if he secures the RB2 role over Dameon Pierce. If Mixon misses time, Marks’ versatility and Houston’s potent offense (top 5 projected in 2025) could elevate him to RB2 value, making him a late-round steal in 12-team PPR leagues.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)

“Woody Marks, RB, Texans: Houston dealt a 2026 third-rounder to trade up and take Marks in Round 4. The 207-pounder isn’t an exciting athlete, but his tape showed he was one of the top receiving backs in this class. Marks could carry RB2 appeal if Joe Mixon (age 29) misses time.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)

Jarquez Hunter (RB – LAR)

“I know everyone is going to say Bhayshul Tuten for this question, and while I won’t necessarily disagree, I’m going with the arbitrage version of Tuten. It’s Jarquez Hunter. Hunter, much like Tuten, is headed to the NFL (Rams) via the fourth round of the NFL draft. Also, like Tuten, Hunter finds himself possibly buried for 2025 behind two veterans, but he also possesses the talent and pathway to surpass one or maybe both of them in the running back pecking order. Kyren Williams is a free agent after this season. The Rams thought so much of Blake Corum‘s rookie season that they addressed running back again this year. Hunter isn’t the same caliber of athlete as Tuten (7.1 RAS), but he did run a 4.44 40-yard dash and finished his collegiate career with an impressive tackle-breaking resume. Hunter has ranked inside the top 24 in yards after contact per attempt in each of the last three seasons while also sitting in the top 22 in breakaway percentage in two of three years (per PFF). Hunter offers the Rams an explosive element that neither Williams nor Corum has. Last year, among 46 qualifying backs, Williams ranked 44th in explosive run rate, 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 40th in yards after contact per attempt (per FantasyPointsData). Hunter could be leading the way for the Rams by the end of the season, as Bucky Irving did in his rookie season for the Bucs.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)

“Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round RB for the Cowboys, is my favorite under-the-radar sleeper for 2025 redraft leagues due to his explosive speed (4.38 40-yard dash) and PPR upside. With only Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ahead on a thin Dallas depth chart, Blue could carve out a role early, especially as a pass-catcher. Expect 600-800 total yards and 5-7 touchdowns if he earns 100-120 touches, making him a late-round steal. His ranking outside the top 20 in dynasty rookie rankings keeps his redraft cost low, offering high return potential.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

“Jaydon Blue is a steal as the RB10 in the rankings and 25th overall. The former Texas star was a Day 3 pick but landed in an excellent situation for his fantasy value. Last year, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ranked in the bottom 16 among 70 running backs with at least 55 rushing attempts in yards per attempt. Furthermore, both veterans averaged 2.51 or fewer rushing yards per attempt last season. While it might be too early to call him the next De’Von Achane, Blue could have a similar rookie year with two ineffective veterans ahead of him on the depth chart.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Jaydon Blue is a dynamic and explosive runner with homerun hitting potential, which was demonstrated by his 4.25 40-yard dash at his pro day. Currently listed as the Cowboys’ RB2 behind Javonte Williams, he has a legitimate chance to earn the starting role in a wide-open backfield. His size (6 ft, 200 lbs.) and strong pass-catching ability highlighted by 42 receptions for 368 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per reception, and six touchdowns in his junior year playing for the Longhorns make him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. As the offseason progresses, his role could expand significantly, especially if he showcases his versatility early in training camp. If things fall into place, Blue might emerge as a dark horse candidate with league-winning potential.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)

“I know that look, I can feel your look. Right now, veteran dynasty players are screaming at their phones, “Ringo, Kaleb Johnson is not an under-the-radar rookie sleeper!” They’re right, when it comes to dynasty leagues, he’s not. But it’s early May, and until I see how some camp battles play out/injuries unfold/veterans who sign and get cut, etc., that’s my pick. And when it comes to redraft leagues, for the more casual player, I think Kaleb Johnson is undervalued at his current consensus ranking- RB 30. He’s got size (6’1″ 225 lbs.) and plays faster than his 4.57 forty time suggests. Ringo’s comp- Kaleb Johnson reminds me of former Chiefs’ all-pro RB Larry Johnson.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

“RJ Harvey, selected in the 2nd round by the Broncos, has a real chance to come in and make an immediate impact in the backfield for Denver in 2025. Denver lacked a real running game a year ago and needed to find a difference maker in that position. Harvey can be that guy, and walking into a room with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Esteme as his primary competition, he has the chance to lead the Broncos in carries for 2025 with relative ease. Go get RJ Harvey, and do whatever is required to do it.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Brashard Smith (RB – KC)

“A player that I want on all of my fantasy rosters this season is Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith. He was a 7th-round pick, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he led the Chiefs running back room in targets this season. Smith ran a 4.39 at the combine, and he adds an element of explosiveness to the backfield that the Chiefs have been lacking.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)

Tory Horton (WR – SEA)

“Despite being a 5th-round pick, Tory Horton has a chance to crack the starting lineup in Seattle by year’s end. First, there is simply no reason that Marquez Valdes-Scantling should be a starting wideout unless out of sheer desperation (see: Saints, 2024). It’s debatable how much Cooper Kupp has left in the tank after the Rams went out of their way to shed him from the roster. Horton not only has a path, but he also has the physical tools to justify being competitive with much higher draft picks from this class. Horton has great downfield speed and can be an immediate big-play threat; he also had a high success rate on intermediate and breaking routes, showing he isn’t a one-trick pony. Horton may not develop into a target hog, but his impact in 2025 will be greater than expected.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)

Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC)

“Jaguars RB, Bhayshul Tuten. The former Virginia Tech RB was selected at the top of the 4th round by Jacksonville, and is shaping up to be Liam Coen’s new Bucky Irving in Duval County. The new coaching staff has no allegiance to either Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby, putting Tuten in a position to dramatically out-produce his draft capital. Tuten was a dominant producer at the college level with a career 30% dominator rating, highlighted by a 37% dominator rating last season (despite battling through an ankle injury). He finished the 2024 season top 10 in the FBS in yards after contact per attempt (4.4) among RBs with at least 100 carries. Also ranked 6th in the 2025 RB draft class in yards after contact per attempt and breakaway run percentage (54%). According to Sports Info Solutions, Tuten finished 1st in the class in broken tackle rate per 100 dropbacks. In 2023, Irving ranked third in that same statistic.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Devin Neal (RB – NO)

“Give me all of the Devin Neal. Alvin Kamara is entering his age-30 season, Kendre Miller is made of paper, CEH is dust, and Taysom Hill (34) is recovering from a nasty injury; enter Devin Neal. The Kansas all-time leading rusher (4,343 yards, 53 TDs, and 20 100+ yard games) possesses the speed and skillset to thrive in the Saints’ offense, and even if Kamara stays healthy, Neal could find himself in an RBBC as the RB2. Given the questions surrounding Carr, this offense is likely to run through the RB room, leaving Neal with plenty of opportunities and potential RB1 touches should anything slow Kamara down.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)

“Size, adequate speed, and a perfect complement to what Pittsburgh is trying to accomplish with their outside-zone scheme. Kaleb Johnson is a tough runner and was a true workhorse for the Hawkeyes at the college level. Already having that experience in a pro-style offense at Iowa means Johnson’s skill set should translate at the pro level. Johnson may be a little on the boom or bust side, but he could be an absolute steal in redraft leagues.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

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