Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers (2025)

Thankfully, the 2025 fantasy football season is just around the corner. Each year, fantasy players want to construct their team with a proper mix of good-value players and upside sleepers while avoiding players with high bust potential. In the seventh part of an eight-part series, I identify notable fantasy football players from the NFC South.

Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers: NFC South

Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB) | ADP: 114.2 (WR47)

Speaking of Emeka Egbuka, the former Ohio State star has been one of the top risers in ADP and fantasy football rankings over the past several weeks. Many thought the rookie was only worth drafting as a late-round pick, as a handcuff to Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. However, he has been the star of the Buccaneers training camp, clearly putting himself ahead of Jalen McMillan on the depth chart. Furthermore, some believe Egbuka could lead the team in receptions this year.

Tampa Bay will possibly be without Godwin for the first month or more of the season, as the veteran wide receiver likely starts the year on the PUP list after suffering a season-ending lower leg injury last year that required two surgeries. Meanwhile, Mike Evans missed time last season with a hamstring injury and turns 32 this month. Therefore, Egbuka could spend part of 2025 as the Buccaneers’ top wide receiver if the veterans struggle to stay healthy.

Egbuka was an outstanding player in college despite never being Ohio State’s No. 1 wide receiver. Last year, Egbuka had 1,011 receiving yards and eight touchdowns despite Jeremiah Smith being the best wide receiver in college football. Furthermore, he had 1,151 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 despite Marvin Harrison Jr. leading the Big 10 in receiving scores. Egbuka’s ADP will only go up from here. He will be a fantasy star as a rookie.

Bryce Young (QB – CAR) | ADP: 181.2 (QB24)

Fantasy players who selected Bryce Young as a top-three pick in the dynasty Superflex rookie drafts a few years ago will likely never get enough return on their investment to warrant the pick. However, the former Alabama star has gone from a massive bust to one of the more promising young quarterbacks in the NFL. Last season, Young was the QB20, averaging 13.9 fantasy points per, posting a higher average than Drake Maye (13.6) and C.J. Stroud (13).

Furthermore, the former Alabama star was significantly better following his benching last year. Young completed 55.4% of his pass attempts for 245 yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions and 11.6 fantasy points over the first two weeks. However, he was a borderline must-start quarterback to end last season. Young was the QB6 from Week 13 through Week 18, averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Bo Nix (21.6). More importantly, he is primed for a third-year breakout.

The Panthers improved their wide receiver this offseason, drafting Tetairoa McMillan and Jimmy Horn Jr. They also signed Hunter Renfrow, who has had a solid training camp. Young and McMillan have built an impressive connection this offseason, looking like an elite duo for years to come. More importantly, the former No. 1 overall draft pick is comfortable in his second season in Dave Canales’ offense. Young looks like he did in Alabama, making plays outside the pocket and impressive throws.