The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, meaning the fantasy football world is knee-deep in dynasty rookie drafts. Many rookies saw their dynasty fantasy value rise or fall during the three-day event. Therefore, let’s look at three rookies whose fantasy value improved and three whose value declined.
- Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
- DBro’s Dynasty Rookie Draft Primers
Rookie Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers
Rookie Risers
Many were shocked when the Broncos selected Harvey in the second round of the NFL Draft, picking him ahead of Kaleb Johnson. The former UCF star had at least 1,400 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons to end his college career. More importantly, he has a clear pathway to the starting role in Denver. Furthermore, the other three running backs drafted by Sean Payton before Day 3 were Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara. Harvey could be the second-highest scoring rookie running back this upcoming season.
Blue 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 veteran running backs ahead of him on the depth chart.
The biggest winner from the Patriots’ draft class was Drake Maye after the team used their first four picks on offense. However, the next biggest winner was Williams. The former Washington State star had a career year in 2024, totaling 1,198 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He was the only pass catcher New England drafted. While Stefon Diggs is the team’s clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver in 2025, Williams could easily earn the other starting spot. Furthermore, Williams could be Maye’s top wide receiver beginning in 2026, if not sooner.
Rookie Fallers
While most mock drafts had him as a first-round pick, Sanders slipped into the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Furthermore, he wasn’t the only quarterback Cleveland drafted, as they spent a third-round pick on Dillon Gabriel. While the former Colorado star has the most talent of anyone in the Browns’ quarterback room, that doesn’t guarantee him the starting role. Even if Sanders starts most of the games this season, Cleveland only spent one pick improving their offensive line and receiving core, selecting Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round.
The Buccaneers re-signed Chris Godwin to an extension earlier this offseason. Furthermore, Mike Evans is coming off another outstanding season, while Jalen McMillan shined late in the year. Therefore, Egbuka will struggle to earn consistent targets as a rookie. Yet, the former Ohio State star is still worth a first-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts with Evans heading into the final year of his contract. Fantasy players will have to wait a year for Egbuka to earn a starting role, but he joins a fantasy-friendly offense led by Baker Mayfield.
Many mock drafts had Warren coming off the board in the top 10 and as the first tight end. However, he was the second tight end drafted, landing with the Colts at 14th overall. Unfortunately, the former Penn State star’s fantasy value took a hit on draft night. Indianapolis has one of the worst quarterback units in the league, as Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones were two of the least accurate passers last season. Furthermore, the Colts have a crowded receiving core, meaning Warren must fight for every target.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
