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
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)
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