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.
Fantasy Football Rookie Predictions
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)
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