The final rounds of a fantasy football draft can be the perfect place to land hidden gems who deliver outsized value all season long. While many managers are focused on the early rounds, savvy drafters know that winning leagues often comes down to those late selections. To help you make the most of your final picks in 2025, we’ve gathered insights from our collection of Featured Pros experts. This curated list highlights fantasy football sleepers with the upside, opportunity, and talent to outperform their draft cost – giving you a strategic edge when it matters most.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Sleepers: Final Round Targets
Which one WR outside the top 70 in half-PPR WR ADP do you plan on targeting in the final rounds of all your drafts and why?
Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR – LV)
“Dont’e Thornton is the definition of a freak. 6’5″. 4.3(!) forty time- joining a list of only Calvin Johnson and DK Metcalf as guys 6’4″ or taller with a 4.35 or faster forty. Thornton’s 3.72 YPRR was Top-3 in this class. Even crazier: he averaged 25.4 Yards per Catch last year, best in the nation. Throughout OTAs, Training Camp, and in Preseason Week 1, Thornton has been locked in with the first team ahead of the higher-drafted Jack Bech. The best part? Geno Smith is an elite deep-ball thrower. He ranked QB3, QB9, and QB5 in deep ball completion % the past 3 seasons. This is the perfect mesh of skill set and QB. Ultimately, a size-speed freak of this nature that’s seemingly locked into a starting role with a phenomenal deep thrower shouldn’t be going undrafted.”
– Wolf of Roto Street (Roto Street Journal)
“Dont’e Thornton Jr. – Las Vegas Raiders I can’t contain my excitement or stop gushing about the potential of Dont’e Thornton Jr. and the spot he could be stepping into with the Raiders. He is a high-octane, last-round gamble in 2025 fantasy drafts, poised to torch defenses with his blazing speed. In his final college season, Thornton led the FBS with a jaw-dropping 25.4 yards per catch on 26 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his knack for explosive plays despite a run-heavy offense. His 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine was the second-fastest among receivers and rare for a 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame, making him a vertical threat defenses can’t ignore. With the Raiders’ WR2 spot wide open behind Jakobi Meyers, Thornton’s 3.72 yards per route run (per PFF) and first-team reps in training camp hint at a potential role as a deep-ball dagger in Chip Kelly’s scheme. This lanky speedster is a boom-or-bust flier who could ignite your roster or fizzle, but his upside screams, “Take the shot!”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
“Dont’e Thornton Jr. – This one is a long shot, but you can do worse at the end of your draft than a 6’5 WR with 4.30 speed. The 4th round rookie has been the standout of Raiders camp, and has potentially beaten out fellow rookie Jack Bech for a starting spot. During college, Thornton posted 1426 yards on 56 receptions (25.46 yards per catch). His skill set complements that of Jakobi Meyers well, so they can coexist in the offense. We’ve learned to be wary of WRs from Tennessee, but he may be worth a late-round shot just to see if he is involved in the game plan for week one. If he isn’t, then you can cut him.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Tory Horton (WR – SEA)
“Tory Horton flew under the radar because of the knee injury that cut short his 2024 season. He was a very productive college player, though — and blazed a 4.41-second 40 time at the Combine. It sounds like Horton is already the favorite to open the season as Seattle’s No. 3 WR. And if Cooper Kupp is truly washed, Horton could finish 2nd on the Seahawks in targets.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
“Tory Horton in Seattle has a wide open runway to lock down a starting spot opposite JSN. He has uncommon speed, and his athleticism is underrated due to participating in the combine at less than 100% as he returned from injury. I’m not convinced the Seahawks will be good, and it could lead to extra pass attempts as they try to play catch-up late in games.”
– Will Urion (FantasyNow+)
“Tory Horton is a name that dynasty owners know, but is not as well-known by redraft owners…..YET! He is a rookie WR for the Seattle Seahawks who is turning heads in training camp. He was originally seen as a player who would go higher in the NFL draft until his 2024 season was cut short by a knee injury. Before that, he had back-to-back seasons with 1,130+ and 8TDs. At the combine, after a season-ending knee injury, he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash! He is falling into a situation in Seattle with emerging star Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. JSN has solidified himself as the WR1 in Seattle, and Horton has been seen running with the ones during portions of camp, which could lead to him seeing a lot of early-season action and possibly moving into the WR2 spot by the end of the year. He can be drafted in the final round of leagues if an owners want to look like a genius (and hear “Who is that?” from many teams), or probably snagged off the waiver wire, but either way, you will be happy he is on your roster!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
“Tory Horton is a phenomenal athlete who fell to Day 3 in this year’s draft due to a complicated knee injury. But he made a name for himself immediately in Seahawks’ camp, jumping ahead of Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the team’s first unofficial depth chart and scoring a touchdown in his first preseason game. Klint Kubiak’s offense features the X-receiver, and both Rashid Shaheed and Valdez-Scantling were rewarded in that role last year. Horton is a sneaky last-round pick with some stand-alone value who could have an even bigger breakout if Cooper Kupp or Jaxon Smith-Njigba have to miss any time.”
– Dave Kluge (Footballguys)
Roman Wilson (WR – PIT)
“Roman Wilson’s rookie year was derailed by a lingering hamstring injury, but he’s now healthy heading into Year 2. With D.K. Metcalf locked in as the WR1, the rest of the receiving corps is wide open. There are plenty of targets up for grabs in this new offense, and Aaron Rodgers, while not in his prime, still threw for nearly 4,000 yards in his 20th season. Wilson is a perfect late-round flyer, essentially entering a do-over rookie season with upside.”
– Josh Hall (IDP Army)
Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
“I’ve already been snagging shares of WR71 Quentin Johnston in the last round of drafts that I’ve finished this year. That Los Angeles WR room got a boost when they signed Keenan Allen back to the team, but Johnston is still a viable candidate to be the second-best pass-catching option on the team. This makes him immediately flex-worthy in fantasy. Hate the player all you want, but his value is perfect for me now. No risk, all reward, just how I like my receivers.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Amari Cooper (WR – FA)
“If we are looking super late in deep leagues, there is one wide receiver who could make an immediate impact once he signs with a team: Amari Cooper. Just two years ago, Cooper dominated with Joe Flacco, posting 1,250 yards and helping lead the Browns to the playoffs. Last season was a mess, a chaotic Browns offense followed by a mid-season trade to Buffalo, where inconsistent playing time, injuries, and targets derailed his production. At 31, the upside may not excite some, but Cooper still has plenty left in the tank. He is clearly waiting for the right opportunity rather than settling for a spot buried on a depth chart, and in the right landing spot, he could instantly become a late-round steal.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)
Jalen Royals (WR – KC)
“Jalen Royals has been drawing tons of attention early on for the Kansas City Chiefs, and could find himself an immediate role in this offense. Rashee Rice is waiting for word on a suspension that could be anywhere from 4-6 games, which would leave a void in this Chiefs offense. Royals would become a candidate to fill in that spot, and for any WR that is catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, they immediately get a boost in value, no matter what. Royals could be an interesting WR handcuff for those who are interested in Rice but do not know about his suspension, and would be a great target for those looking for a WR that could produce immediately at no cost at all.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Jalen Royals is a late-round wide receiver target with clear insurance upside in Kansas City’s volatile receiver room. Drafted in Round 4 after posting 1,914 yards and 21 TDs over two seasons at Utah State, Royals enters 2025 as WR78 in half-PPR ADP. Rashee Rice could possibly miss 4-6 games due to an impending suspension, and Marquise Brown is nursing an ankle injury that’s kept him out of camp since July 29. Royals has earned first-team reps and praise from both Xavier Worthy and Matt Nagy for his route polish and ball skills, and he fits the Z-receiver mold that thrives in Andy Reid’s motion-heavy scheme. If Rice and Brown miss time, Royals could step into a WR2/WR3 role with Mahomes, making him a low-cost stash with explosive upside in one of the league’s most pass-happy offenses.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Jalen Nailor (WR – MIN)
“Most fantasy players will never consider drafting Jalen Nailor. However, he will be my final round pick in several drafts because of Jordan Addison. Unfortunately, Addison will miss the first three games with a suspension. Therefore, Nailor will briefly be the No. 2 wide receiver in a fantasy-friendly Minnesota offense. Last year, Addison missed two games because of injury. Nailor was the WR23 during those two weeks, totaling six receptions on eight targets for 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. More importantly, the Vikings face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, giving Nailor two appealing matchups to put up solid numbers with Addison out of the lineup.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Adonai Mitchell (WR – IND)
“If you isolated the traits of Adonai Mitchell, he could be going in the top 40 receivers. Unfortunately, the 2024 second-round receiver is stuck on a loaded pass-catching roster with a developing quarterback in Anthony Richardson. This is where talent can supersede situation, as Mitchell has the traits to develop into an elite X receiver. So far in camp, reports of his connection with ARich have been glowing. His primary competition for his role is Alec Pierce, who is currently out with a groin injury. Last year, Pierce led the team in receiving touchdowns and yards. If Mitchell can jump Pierce on the depth chart, and Richardson continues to improve, Mitchell could be the perfect boom-bust flex receiver in 2025.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
“Adonai Mitchell has good size (6’2″, 210 lbs.) and very good speed (4.34 forty time). Mitchell also has the draft pedigree to be a difference maker. He dominated Alabama back in college when he played the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, and the Tide had first-round CBs. The word out of Indianapolis is that Mitchell is coming on lately and having a strong camp. It’s his second year, so he should be more comfortable with the playbook and have more confidence. Adonai Mitchell has the traits to make an impact if he can take a step forward this year and get some decent QB play. One scout said that if Mitchell plays every game like he did vs Alabama, he’ll be a star in the NFL. Ringo’s comp- Adonai Mitchell reminds me of a lighter version of former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE)
“Kayshon Boutte is one player who I think could see a mini breakout in 2025. Boutte was once a rising college player before getting hurt. Boutte had worked his way up in the Patriots’ depth chart the last two years after 589 yards last season. The outside receiver position is still considered wide out for the start of the season. If he can win the WR2 or WR3 job and Drake Maye takes a step in his development, he could shine for us in fantasy.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
DeMario Douglas (WR – NE)
“DeMario Douglas of the New England Patriots is the wide receiver I’m targeting in the final rounds of all my half-PPR drafts. Despite an ADP around WR76 (192 overall), Douglas has shown promise as a slot receiver, catching 66 passes for 621 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. With Stefon Diggs potentially starting slow due to his ACL recovery, Douglas could see an early target boost from Drake Maye in Josh McDaniels’ offense, which favors slot receivers. His 76% catch rate and consistent camp performance highlight his reliability as a depth piece. At such a low cost, Douglas offers a safe floor with WR3 upside in deeper leagues.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
“Out of the cloudy receiving picture in Green Bay, Romeo Doubs is the wide receiver I want to draft this season. On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much cause for being over the moon for Doubs, but hear me out. Last year, he finished as the WR47 in fantasy points per game, but he was the clear leader of the Green Bay Packers receiver room, and underneath the surface, he POPS in a number of metrics that matter. Doubs was the only receiver for Green Bay that eclipsed a 75% route share (team-leading 76.7%) while leading the team in target share (18.7%) and first-read share (23.6%). He posted a solid 1.90 yards per route run while ranking 25th among 85 qualifying receivers in first downs per route run (0.104, per Fantasy Points Data). Here’s where things get really interesting: Doubs, last year among 112 qualifying receivers, ranked 11th in separation and second in route win rate. Doubs could be quietly headed for a massive breakout season, and with the addition of Matthew Golden and the Packers’ run-heavy approach last year, it’s not priced into his ADP at all. He’s one of my favorite late-round dart throws this season.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
“Because I really like the depth and upside at RB, I am unlikely to take a WR this late in drafts in 2025. Still, if I’m forced to make a selection, I’ll go with Romeo Doubs. Many have left Doubs for dead after the Packers all-but-abandoned the passing game last year in favor of riding the Josh Jacobs Express to a playoff bid. However, Doubs has shown a rapport with a now-healthy Jordan Love, and he’s also expected to be on the field a ton due to his superior blocking ability compared to the rest of the receivers in Green Bay. Doubs is WR73 for a reason, but if rookie Matthew Golden or especially tight end Tucker Kraft go down, Doubs’ stock will go up due to increased volume and even more red zone looks.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Tyler Lockett (WR – TEN)
“Tyler Lockett, vet WRs are good for rookies. I expect a good amount of play for Lockett at the start of the year.”
– Alejandro Orellana (Estadio Fantasy)
Pat Bryant (WR – DEN)
“Pat Bryant got 3rd round draft capital and landed in a really good spot. This Denver Broncos’ offense took major steps in 2024, and they have added weapons for 2025. Bryant is that big-bodied slot player that Sean Payton covets. He traded up to get Pat Bryant. He is well worth the current cost and could have huge upside.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Jalen Coker (WR – CAR)
“Jalen Coker. The former undrafted free agent from Holy Cross is coming off a better rookie season than teammate Xavier Legette, a first-round draft pick. Coker averaged 1.72 yards per route run and 10.4 yards per target last season. In the six games where he played at least two-thirds of the Panthers’ offensive snaps, Coker averaged 3.7 catches and 55.7 receiving yards. With Carolina’s defense looking weak on paper, the Panthers could find themselves in a lot of pass-heavy game scripts this year. The underrated Coker has a chance to surpass Legette (who averaged an anemic 1.19 yards per route run last year) and Adam Thielen (who turns 35 this month) to become Carolina’s No. 2 target earner behind stud rookie Tetairoa McMillan.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“One of my biggest takeaways during the preseason was the overwhelming encouragement for Josh Palmer as an integral piece of the Bills’ passing offense. He fits the criteria of a potential 5th-year WR breakout playing on a new team as the starting Z role WR. Still just 25 years old, Palmer is an above-average separator that Buffalo hasn’t had. Last year, among 112 qualifying wide receivers, Palmer was one of the best separators in the NFL, ranking 16th in separation and 12th in route win rate.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
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