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 fantasy football rookie draft targets can give you the edge you need to dominate your draft.

Fantasy Football Rookie Draft Targets

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)

Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn