When you’re on the clock in your fantasy football draft, sometimes playing it safe just isn’t enough. To win your league, you need to take some calculated risks – and that means reaching for the right players before someone else does. In this article, our collection of Featured Pros experts highlights the Players Worth Reaching For in 2025, offering insight into the players they believe are poised to outperform their average draft position (ADP). Whether it’s a breakout candidate, a rising rookie, or an under-the-radar value, these are the picks our experts say are worth the gamble.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Players Worth Reaching For in 2025
If you had to reach a round early for one guy this year, who is it and why?
Josh Downs (WR – IND)
“The case for Josh Downs in 2025 is so easy. He’s going 46th among WRs on Underdog and Drafters; 47th by FantasyPros ADP for both PPR redraft and best ball. Downs finished last season 33rd in half-PPR points per game, 31st in PPR. And he did so while outperforming Michael Pittman Jr. across metrics. So even if Colts’ passing remains atrocious, third-year Downs looks solid-to-good at ADP. But what if that passing improves on atrocious? What if Daniel Jones elevates it all the way to just regular bad? Remember Sterling Shepard? Evan Engram? Wan’Dale Robinson? Jones loves him a short-range pass catcher, and Downs is looking like a bigger talent than that trio. The combo gives him upside into WR2 range. Get some.”
– Matt Schauf (Draft Sharks)
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
“Jordan Mason is a great value right now, coming off the board as the 99th player and RB35. I would be willing to take him two rounds higher if needed. This could easily be the David Montgomery that we have seen over the past two seasons. He should be an RB2 weekly with RB1 upside, and you are paying RB3 prices. This is going to be one of the top offenses again. They have made major investments in the offensive line. Lastly, Aaron Jones has missed time, and if he does, you could be drafting a league winner in the 8th round.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
DK Metcalf (WR – SEA)
“DK Metcalf currently ranks as the #22 WR in half-PPR rankings and #47 overall, which puts him before Courtland Sutton and after DJ Moore, but why? Metcalf is aged in his prime (turns 28 in December), has no real competition, is a physical freak and a matchup nightmare, polled just outside top-10 WR rankings (per ESPN’s poll of league executives, coaches, and scouts), and has one of the greatest to ever do it throwing him the ball. It would not surprise me to see him put up 1,200+ yards and 10 TDs this year, returning to near or better career highs, with Aaron Rodgers feeding him. He belongs up in the rankings with Tee Higgins, JSN, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson, and company, but I’m happy adding him in addition to them, so let’s not push his ADP up, lol.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
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