There has been enough hype this offseason to power the hype train all season long. With the preseason under wraps, it’s time for people to draft their fantasy football teams and solidify their player opinions. It’s one thing to like or dislike a player, but it’s another thing to have the courage to draft or avoid these players on draft day. Every year, there is a rude awakening on which hype had legs, and which was a mere illusion.
In this article, I am selecting five players whose hype I’m buying. From camp reports to preseason usage, these are players whose increase in average draft position (ADP) is deserved.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Players Worth the Hype
Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)
It may seem obvious, so I’ll make this short: Ashton Jeanty is as advertised and ready to take the NFL by storm. There has been no shortage of excitement for the Boise State product this offseason. We saw it come to fruition in the second week of preseason action. Although one preseason game is not enough to go on, all reports from camp are that Jeanty is a difference maker at the running back position.
This team is built to have an old-school, hard-nosed, true workhorse running back. The only knock is that the Raiders will likely be in negative game scripts. Even if that is true, the competition around Jeanty ensures he will be on the field at all times. I expect we’ll be pleasantly surprised with his pass-catching production, and I’m ranking him as my RB4 heading into the season.
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
Do you remember the opening scene of the fourth Fast & Furious movie? You know, the one in the Dominican Republic, where they are barrelling down a hill on an oil tanker heading straight for a cliff. That’s how former North Carolina Tar Heel Omarion Hampton runs. Much like that truck, a 6-foot-1, 242-pound roadblock was not going to stop him.
In this case, the roadblock is Najee Harris; he has been blindsided by the rookie, who has been running with the first team throughout all of training camp. OK, maybe blindsided isn’t the best way to describe it. Jokes aside, I wish Harris the best and a quick recovery. He has been nothing but a professional and a good person since entering the league. Unfortunately, his eye injury has kept him out.
When one eye closes, another opens… I mean door, sorry. Hampton has been able to dominate the touches with the first team and build chemistry with Justin Herbert. Chargers editorial director Eric Smith stated that Hampton has improved all offseason, with arguably his best practice yet coming last Tuesday.
As a prospect, Hampton’s athleticism and power caught the attention of fantasy managers. After he was selected with the 22nd overall pick in this year’s draft, it was wheels up for the North Carolina Tar Heel. Much like Jeanty, all reports have been glowing. The only negative news is that the Chargers lost star tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending injury in training camp. Although this is a massive blow to the Chargers’ offensive line, they have the depth to maintain proficiency along the line.
Hampton may not have the same upside as Jeanty, but the rookie could easily start his fantasy career with a top-12 season at the running back position.
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
It wouldn’t be a hype piece without mentioning Emeka Egbuka. If you happen to be new to fantasy or are entering your first dynasty season, this is a perfect example of what you want to hear about your rookie picks. You may not always have the quarterback come out and call your player a stud, but the reports have been a perfect example.
The excitement for the rookie receiver has been consistent all offseason, and both Buccaneers coaches and players have been singing his praises. Not only has Egbuka stepped up to the plate, but opportunity is knocking. Earlier this offseason, Chris Godwin was hoping to return from his dislocated ankle; however, he needed a second operation and may not be ready until a few weeks into he season. The team has also lost Jalen McMillan for a few weeks due to a neck injury he suffered in the preseason.
To start the season, Egbuka should immediately inherit the Godwin role. Although previous offensive coordinator Liam Coen has departed, new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard worked under Coen and should run a similar offense. In this offense, Godwin was second only to Ja’Marr Chase in fantasy production through seven weeks. If Egbuka gets the opportunity in that role, he may start the season on fire and not look back. Believe the hype, Egbuka is that guy.
George Pickens (WR – DAL)
It’s time for the rubber to meet the road. Not only has George Pickens been a favourite in the fantasy community all offseason, but he is also entering a contract year. We have all seen flashes of big-time catches over the years, but can he string them together for an entire season?
The real answer to that question is out of our control. We’ve seen Pickens start fights and be disciplined by the team while he was in Pittsburgh. However, if he can manage to keep that under wraps, everything is pointing to a massive season.
All reports out of camp have discussed this team having an abysmal running game. Javonte Williams leading the charge seems more like a participation medal than an actual achievement. As a result, Dak Prescott will be relied on to move the ball down the field through the air.
Thankfully, this team has a clear pecking order at receiver. CeeDee Lamb is going to get his, and Pickens will be next in line with Jake Ferguson mixing in. As the clear second option, Pickens is going to get plenty of work with Lamb garnering the majority of the defense’s attention.
If Pickens can maintain the efficiency that we have seen with the Steelers, the increase in volume and overall quarterback play could lead to a career year. The easiest comparison is with Tee Higgins on the Bengals, and there is no reason Pickens can’t have similar results.
Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)
Sometimes it’s wild how quickly we forget that Ricky Pearsall was a first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft and had to recover from being shot in the chest before the season. Both of those facts make it unbelievable that the sophomore receiver is still being drafted outside of the first 80 picks in drafts.
Pearsall’s rookie season had its ups and downs. Even with the 49ers being a dumpster fire, the rookie flashed towards the end of the season. Now, the 49ers are primed for a resurgent season, having one of the easiest projected schedules in the NFL.
Unfortunately, the 49ers appear to have once again been hit with receiver drama:
- Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from his torn ACL last season.
- Jauan Jennings has a calf injury and is dealing with contract disputes.
- Demarcus Robinson is suspended for the first three games.
As a result, this passing attack is concentrated between Pearsall, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey. That’s a pretty good trio of pass-catchers to rely on.
All reports from camp have been glowing about Pearsall. Over the summer, he has built chemistry with Brock Purdy and familiarized himself with the offense. We were able to see a glimpse of the chemistry this preseason, with Purdy throwing a dime to Pearsall on an anticipation route.
Any other first-round receiver entering his second season with this kind of opportunity would be the talk of the town. However, Pearsall has continued to go under the radar and is a huge draft value. Much like Egbuka, if Pearsall can thrive early in the season in his role, there will be no turning back.
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