Fantasy Football Busts: Ladd McConkey, Davante Adams, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2025)

As you prepare for your fantasy football drafts, avoiding early-round mistakes is just as important as hitting on league-winning picks. That’s why we’ve gathered insights from our collection of Featured Pros experts to help you sidestep potential landmines at one of the most critical positions — wide receiver. In this article, our experts identify their top early fantasy football busts at wide receiver, players who may be overvalued based on current average draft position (ADP) and could fail to deliver the return you’re expecting. Before you lock in your first few picks, make sure you’re not drafting someone who could sink your season.

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Fantasy Football Busts to Avoid

What WR in our consensus top 24 should fantasy football managers fear the most as potential busts?

Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC)

“Ladd McConkey’s 2025 ADP positions him as a high-end WR2, often drafted in the third or fourth round, banking on a sophomore season of progression after a solid 2024. In 2024, he recorded 1,149 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 15.1 PPR points per game (WR16), but his production heavily relied on a 74.5% catch rate in a pass-heavy (52.4%) Chargers offense. His slight frame (6-foot-0, 186 pounds) and 2.1 yards per route run suggest struggles against physical cornerbacks, potentially capping his upside in contested-catch situations. Additionally, the Chargers’ shift towards a more run-heavy scheme under Jim Harbaugh in 2025, with the addition of running backs Najee Harris and first-round draft pick Omarion Hampton, may reduce passing opportunities, making McConkey a risky pick at his current ADP.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)

Davante Adams (WR – LAR)

“Talent isn’t up for debate with Davante Adams, but his production last year was largely tied to volume. He consistently required 11-to-13 targets per game. That’s not going to happen with the Rams, where Puka Nacua is the primary receiver. Matthew Stafford is a clear upgrade for him, but he’ll need to be extremely efficient to be consistent.”
– Mauricio Gutierrez (Estadio Fantasy)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA)

“In 17 games last season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba had over 100 yards only three times and scored six touchdowns. Njigba just doesn’t have the speed or burst to generate big plays. He’s a slot receiver, which is great in PPR leagues, but not as valuable in half-PPR formats. While it’s true DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are no longer in Seattle, new Seahawks starting quarterback Sam Darnold still gives us reason for pause when it comes to Smith-Njigba’s fantasy outlook. Darnold laid an egg last year in the playoffs for the Vikings, and that was in the weather-controlled dome of State Farm Stadium. Smith-Njigba’s current lofty consensus ranking of WR12 is way too risky.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)

“Tyreek Hill (WR14 in the rankings and 30th overall) was a top-five pick in most redraft leagues last season. Unfortunately, he was a fantasy bust, ending the year as the WR21, averaging 10.5 half-PPR fantasy points per game, a lower average than Adam Thielen’s (11.6). Furthermore, his six receiving touchdowns matched his career low from his rookie season. More importantly, Hill saw 2.1 fewer targets and 6.5 fewer fantasy points per game when Tua Tagovailoa didn’t play or left early with an injury. The veteran is on the wrong side of 30, has dealt with injuries the past few years, has an injury-prone quarterback and is the subject of trade talks. Garrett Wilson (WR17) and Davante Adams (WR18) are lower in the rankings. Yet, I would rather draft both over Hill.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Tyreek Hill. The worst-case scenario is… well, it’s pretty close to how the 2024 season played out. When Tua Tagovailoa missed time with a concussion, the Miami offense ran aground. When he came back, he tended to throw shorter passes, targeting De’Von Achane and Jonnu Smith more frequently, and Hill and Jaylen Waddle less frequently. Hill dealt with a wrist injury, and his efficiency numbers plummeted across the board. (His 1.75 yards per route run were a career low.) Hill is 31, his quarterback is fragile and the Miami offensive line is in rough shape. The Cheetah may have a bounce-back season, but there are too many potential hazards here for me to bet on him.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

“Tyreek Hill enters 2025 as one of the riskiest early-round picks in fantasy football. He finished last season as the WR33 in points per game, with just two 100-yard games alongside a healthy Tua Tagovailoa (11 games, WR18 in points per game) — a far cry from the elite production fantasy managers drafted him for. His efficiency cratered, with his yards per route run dropping to 1.75 — less than half his 2023 mark — all while battling a wrist injury. Now 31, Hill is approaching the dreaded age cliff for speed-reliant receivers, and a late-season sideline outburst only adds to the concerns about his role/stability in Miami. The game-breaking upside might still be there, but the red flags around health, chemistry and declining performance make Hill a logical bust candidate that should be avoided.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

“Tyreek Hill (WR14) is another potential bust candidate among the top 24 wide receivers for 2025 half-PPR leagues. His 2024 performance in Miami was hampered by inconsistent quarterback play. At age 31, his elite speed has started to show signs of decline. Miami’s offensive struggles and potential reliance on a run-heavy scheme could further limit his target volume. Fantasy managers should be cautious, as his high ranking may not match his 2025 production. Hill’s bust risk is compounded by Miami’s unsettled quarterback situation, which could continue to hinder his ability to produce consistent fantasy points in 2025. His reliance on deep targets makes him vulnerable to defensive schemes focused on limiting big plays, potentially capping his upside. Additionally, any further decline in his athleticism could erode his status as a top-tier fantasy asset.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

“Tyreek Hill is a high-risk fantasy pick in 2025 due to declining production, injury concerns and age-related regression. After back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons, he struggled in 2024, finishing as the WR18 with 218.2 PPR points, posting 959 receiving yards and six touchdowns, his lowest total since 2019. A wrist injury impacted his consistency, and Miami’s offense also regressed, ranking 22nd in points per game, further limiting his fantasy upside. At 31 years old, Hill is no longer the same dominant force, and his ability to consistently deliver WR1 performances is uncertain. While he may still have big weeks, fantasy managers should expect volatility rather than reliable elite production.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

“Tyreek Hill’s top-15 wide receiver price tag makes no sense, considering what we saw from him last season. With Tua Tagovailoa back, in Weeks 8-16, Hill was the WR24 in fantasy points per game while ranking 39th in yards per route run and 34th in target share, per Fantasy Points Data. Hill is a low-end WR2 in a best-case scenario for 2025. His current ranking screams bust for this season. ”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)