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
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)
Woody Marks (RB – HOU)
“Woody Marks, selected by the Houston Texans at No. 116 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, could emerge as an under-the-radar sleeper in 2025 fantasy football redraft leagues due to his pass-catching prowess, evidenced by 47 receptions for 321 yards in 2024 at USC and a nation-leading 56-game streak with at least one catch. His fit in Houston’s high-powered offense under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who emphasizes passing downs, positions Marks to replace Dare Ogunbowale as the primary third-down back, potentially seeing 30-40% of passing snaps compared to Ogunbowale’s 85% in two-minute drills in 2024. Joe Mixon‘s heavy workload (1,000+ rushing yards, 2,135 career touches, and an ankle injury in 2024) and age (29 in 2025) suggest the Texans may scale back his 17.1 PPR points per game role, opening 5-8 touches per game for Marks, especially in PPR formats. Marks’ 1,133 rushing yards on 198 carries (5.7 YPC) and nine touchdowns in 2024, combined with his 4.54 40-yard dash and 9-foot-11 broad jump, indicate enough burst to complement Mixon as a change-of-pace back, boosting his flex appeal if he secures the RB2 role over Dameon Pierce. If Mixon misses time, Marks’ versatility and Houston’s potent offense (top 5 projected in 2025) could elevate him to RB2 value, making him a late-round steal in 12-team PPR leagues.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
“Woody Marks, RB, Texans: Houston dealt a 2026 third-rounder to trade up and take Marks in Round 4. The 207-pounder isn’t an exciting athlete, but his tape showed he was one of the top receiving backs in this class. Marks could carry RB2 appeal if Joe Mixon (age 29) misses time.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
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