The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and with it, the fantasy football landscape has shifted dramatically. From promising rookies walking into dream scenarios to veteran players who saw their value plummet overnight, fantasy managers now face a critical window to re-evaluate rankings, depth charts, and draft boards. Whether you’re prepping for redraft season or knee-deep in dynasty rookie drafts, understanding which players gained or lost the most value is essential to gaining an edge.
In this article, we break down the biggest rookie NFL Draft winners for fantasy football, highlighting newcomers like RJ Harvey and Travis Hunter, who landed in prime positions to shine. If you’re researching “NFL Draft winners and losers for fantasy” to identify post-draft risers, fallers, and sneaky value plays, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive in.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
NFL Draft Rookie Winners for Fantasy Football
1. Who is the rookie whose stock is on the rise the most by virtue of the situation he walks into (team/depth/etc) and why? Also, how early should he go in a rookie draft?
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
“RJ Harvey hit the lottery after he was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Harvey has the opportunity to win this job immediately, competing with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime. The only questions that surround Harvey are related to his size, but that shouldn’t matter much here. He is going into an offense conducted by Sean Payton, who loves running backs with top-notch vision and who can catch the ball. Harvey is that guy, and can very easily be the leader in carries this season for the Broncos. Harvey is my ninth overall player in my rookie rankings, making him a lean first-round selection in rookie drafts and a great sleeper in all redraft formats. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“I don’t think any RB arguably saw a bigger bump post-draft than former UCF RB R.J. Harvey. Denver selected him in the second round, well ahead of where he was mocked pre-draft. Harvey is a super explosive running back and was highly efficient at the college level. He finished in the top 10 in the FBS in forced missed tackles, trailing only Ashton Jeanty in rushes of 10+ yards. Harvey landed on a team with a wide-open backfield where he can establish himself as the lead back, or at least the 1A, if not the clear-cut No. 1 RB for the Broncos. That cements him firmly at the end of round one in rookie drafts.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)
“While Jaydon Blue was a fifth-round pick in the NFL Draft, the former Texas star is one of my favorite rookie draft targets this year. He landed in an excellent situation for his fantasy value. The Cowboys lack a clear-cut starter on the roster, with Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders struggling the past few years. Furthermore, the team spent two picks improving their offensive line, including their top selection on Tyler Booker. More importantly, Blue is an explosive runner who can have a massive impact in the passing game. No one should be surprised if he ranks among the league leaders in receptions by a running back, given Dallas’ lack of proven pass-catchers. I would draft Blue in the late second round of Superflex rookie drafts.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)
“Kaleb Johnson is the perfect bruising RB the Steelers needed with the departure of Najee Harris. Johnson may not have that top-shelf speed, but he’s a physical back who should adapt well to the offense and environment, where Pittsburgh will run early and often. Although Jaylen Warren still looms, his recurring injury issues open a huge path for Johnson to have more of a 70/30 split of the carries for Pittsburgh. ”
– Joe Pisapia (FantasyPros)
Kyle Williams (WR – NE)
“It’s Kyle Williams. Although Chris Simms was on Williams from the jump, many other NFL and fantasy analysts didn’t even have Williams on their board. In my Adjust the Ranks expert mocks this offseason, Williams wasn’t even considered until the end of March and ended up as the consensus 41st player off the board as a result. Now, despite being buried in average draft position (ADP), Williams is a late second-round pick in a wide-open WR room in New England. Scroll down the rankings and lock him up if he falls any further in your drafts.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
“The Browns told us which direction they were going on draft day when they took two running backs in the first four rounds. Quinshon Judkins should immediately get the early down work and could push for 225-plus carries as a rookie. His physical run style will make him a feature in goal-line situations. Look for Judkins at the 4-5 turn in redraft leagues. ”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)
Travis Hunter (WR – JAC)
“Without a doubt, it’s Travis Hunter. A lot of NFL teams viewed Hunter solely as a CB, which would have made him useless in most fantasy football leagues, with the exception being IDP leagues. However, the Jaguars said they wanted touchdowns and plan on using Hunter plenty at WR. Hunter is arguably the best WR in the draft, and the mere fact Jacksonville is willing to use him at WR vaults him to the early part of the first round in rookie drafts. Ringo’s comp: Travis Hunter reminds me of a lighter version of Ja’Marr Chase at WR and former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson at CB.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
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