Fantasy football rookie rankings 2025: Best rookies & first-year sleepers for redraft, dynasty leagues

Drafting rookies in fantasy football is an exciting proposition in redraft and dynasty leagues because they represent hope. Several promising newcomers have offensive skill upside that can soon transition into pleasing pro production, either immediately or in another season or two.

It's also important, however, to not go overboard with rookies. First, identify the first-year players with the most straight up running, receiving, and passing talent. Second, examine when they can have a key role and produce fantasy-viable numbers.

The 2025 NFL Draft class offers its share of intriguing options across rounds and positions who can help rosters at some point, this year or beyond.

Splitting the difference between standard and full-point PPR, here are the rookie rankings for half-point PPR leagues, with draft recommendations based on 12-team leagues and 17 rounds.

Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings 2025

Below are the top 31 fantasy football rookies for redraft and dynasty leagues:

2025 DRAFT SLEEPERS: QB | RB | WR | TE | DST

Analyzing our 2025 fantasy rookie rankings

Target these rookies in drafts

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (RB1, Round 1 or 2)

Jeanty is primed to be a feature workhorse for Chip Kelly and Pete Carroll with his blend of power and explosiveness.

The touches will be voluminous through carries and catches, and the revamped offense should lean a lot on him and the running game behind a solid-enough line and much more legitimate passing game.

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (RB2, Round 3 or 4)

Hampton is not quite in the Top 12 overall but isn't far behind in the top 20 overall at running back.

With major uncertainty about free-agent addition Najee Harris (eye) being available for Week 1, Hampton is set up to start and see plenty of work the premier back in a Jim Harbaugh-Greg Roman offense, cleaning up on the J.K. Dobbins-Gus Edwards production from last season.

3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers (WR3, Round 5 or 6)

McMillan is getting the early No. 1 big outside target treatment from Dave Canales and Bryce Young. The former made it work well with DK Metcalf and Mike Evans in Seattle and Tampa Bay, respectively.

McMillan's catch radius sets him up for some big plays and TDs in the Evans mold.

4. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers (RB3, Round 5 or 6)

The Steelers also figure to be run-heavy to take pressure off Aaron Rodgers as there's limited reliable receiving pop behind Metcalf.

Johnson takes over Harris' power role but also can cut into the third-down role of change-of-pace Jaylen Warren. 

5. R.J. Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos (RB3, Round 6 or 7)

Harvey has recent new competition from Chargers castoff Dobbins, but he's too dynamic of a runner and pass-catcher to not get some Alvin Kamara-esque treatment in workload from Sean Payton and Joe Lombardi.

He's the best bet to lead the backfield in Denver by season's end and make up for the Javonte Williams disappointment.

6. Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (WR3, Round 6 or 7)

Hunter is seeing revved-up reps on offense and defense in training camp; the Jags' new regime is giving him every chance to prove he can remain an effective two-play player after being drafted No. 2 overall.

Hunter has some WR2 fantasy upside with his target potential opposite Brian Thmas Jr. in a blooming Liam Coen passing offense.

7. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots (RB3, Round 6 or 7)

Henderson doesn't quite have a hold on the main job over Rhamondre Stevenson and needs to deal with the receiving versatility, for now, of Antonio Gibson.

But the Ohio State big-play and quick open-field runner raises the ceiling of the running and short passing attack for Josh McDaniels, and he could wind up as the best option in this backfield by season's end.

MORE: Avoid these fantasy draft busts

8. Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants (RB4, Round 8 or 9)

Skattebo is working to get some key touches away from Tyrone Tracy Jr., and his versatility can allow him to see the field often as a passing-down back with a little bit of punch for the red zone.

At worst he can be a top stash behind Tracy.

9. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (WR4, Round 9)

The bona fide first-round talent didn't take long to leapfrog Jalen McMillan on the depth chart and has a chance at a key role with Evans right away.

That workload could skyrocket further if the return timeline for Chris Godwin (leg/ankle) drags.

10. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns (RB4, Round 9)

Judkins has a concerning off-field issue that has put him behind veteran reserve Jerome Ford on the depth chart at first and also in line to lose work to fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.

The Ohio State alum's legal team is looking to push his legal case into 2026, so he might stave off a suspension this year. Those who draft Judkins at a low-risk, middle-rounds spot could benefit significantly.

11. Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts (TE2, Round 9 or 10)

Warren will need to be a big factor in the Colts' offense with Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. having limitations with either potential starting QB, Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.

Warren is a versatile, dangerous weapon whom offensive coordinator Shane Steichen needs to deploy well to help either passer on short-to-intermediate routes.

12. Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers (WR5, Round 10 or 11)

The Packers are sorting out their pass-catching crowd at wide receiver and tight end, where injuries and past disappointment are factors. That's why Green Bay invested a first-round pick on the former Texas speedster.

The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder will have every chance to be a key outside field-stretcher for Jordan Love.

13. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (TE2, Round 11 or 12)

Loveland will likely see the field often in the frequent two-tight end sets employed by new head coach Ben Johnson's offense to help Caleb Williams as another athletic receiver behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze.

The key for him is being trusted more as the target of choice from the position over Cole Kmet, which can happen sooner rather than later, and whether the Bears will not be tempted to play fellow exciting rookie Luther Burden III more often.

14. Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys (RB5, Round 12 or 13)

The Cowboys' backfield job is quite up for grabs, given Broncos castoff Javonte Williams and former Eagle and Panther Miles Sanders are the other options.

The rookie from Texas has impressed in camp and can push for a bigger role in not too long should Williams continue his meh play from Denver.

15. Tre Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (WR5, Round 12 or 13)

Harris has an opportunity to displace Quentin Johnston and emerge as the key No. 2 receiver to second-year star Ladd McConkey, even after Keenan Allen's return.

The Ole Miss has high upside with another critical factor being the Chargers needing to open up the passing game more with Justin Herbert in Year 2 under Roman.

16. Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears (WR5, Round 12 or 13)

Burden will need to see the field in 11 (3-wide) personnel to have a shot at producing well out of the gate behind Moore and Odunze.

Still, the dynamic slot talent could step right in and make a difference should bigger opportunity knock.

17. Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans (WR6, Round 13 or 14)

Higgins will get his shot to be the No. 2 outside target opposite Nico Collins, given Stefon Diggs' departure and Tank Dell's cloudy return from a devastating knee injury.

The question is whether C.J. Stroud will give a lot of new targets, including slot Christian Kirk, enough volume to be viable as more than a fantasy flash.

18. Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns (RB5, Round 13 or 14)

The Tennessee alum is getting some first-team reps with Ford as the team tries to build a backfield contingency given Judkins' issues.

Sampson is a dynamic, receiving change of pace with a huge history of complete production at Tennessee who can fight for high-leverage touches should Judkins be suspended and Ford go JAG again.

19. Mason Taylor, TE, New York Jets (TE2, Round 14 or Round 15)

Taylor is developing as an interesting late-round flyer with his Dolphins Hall of Fame athletic pedigree (son of Jason Taylor, nephew of Zach Thomas) manifesting early in camp for a team hurting for pass catchers past Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.

Competing with other shaky complementary receivers, Taylor can keep emerging to help Justin Fields settle in the new Lions-adjacent, tight end-friendly offense.

Late-round or waiver wire rookies to consider

20. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

Ward is buried with fantasy QB3s well outside the top 24, so his value is relegated to deep 2QB and Superflex leagues. He has the size, athleticism, and experience to produce some OK numbers after he gets his feet wet in Nashville.

21. Dont'e Thornton Jr., WR, Las Vegas Raiders

The fourth-round pick has jumped into the top three on the trianing camp depth chart with Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, ahead of fellow rookie Jack Bech. Geno Smith has loved throwing to the 6-5, 205-pounder as a big outside target so far.

Thornton will get more shots to be the third key option behind Meyers and tight end Brock Bowers.

22. Kyle Williams, WR, New England Patriots

Williams is pushing for the coveted busy slot-outside hybrid role in Josh McDaniels' offense. But for now, he's running behind Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins, fighting for work from Drake Maye with Kayshon Boutte.

The Washington State grad carries the skill set to thrive and do more than recent draft picks, but it might take a while before the role and opportunity are defined.

23. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks parted ways with Noah Fant and Arroyo is battling A.J. Barner for the top spot on the depth chart. For now, the third wideout behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp is Tory Horton.

However, the exceptionally athletic Arroyo has a path to become the third-most popular target for Sam Darnold in the new Klint Kubiak offense.

24. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Fantasy managers love finding a way to knock or not get excited about Travis Etienne Jr., even to the point of pumping up Tank Bigsby. Now comes a Door No. 3 to consider in the dynamic rookie from Virginia Tech.

This latest Liam Coen backfield might have another Bucky Irving-over-Rachaad White situation developing, so it's worth keeping tabs all season.

25. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants

Russell Wilson looks like he will start to begin the season, but it's hard to believe New York will be good enough with him offensively or overall to stick with it.

The team should want an extended look at the first-rounder Dart under Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka before season's end. Dart has some dynamic dual threat upside and has a top-flight weapon (Malik Nabers) to boost his sleeper floor.

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26. Jack Bech, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

Bech was getting worthy hype in the draft coming out of TCU, but slow the roll on the Raiders' rookie with Thornton accelerating toward more significant snaps as a rookie.

But there's room for Bech to tap into his upside sooner rather than later, even with the sudden receiving crowd in Las Vegas.

27. DJ Giddens, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Giddens is running third behind Jonathan Taylor and former Bears fill-in Khalil Herbert on the depth chart, but nothing is firm on the handcuff situation behind Taylor.

Should Giddens look ready to be the busiest understudy in the event Taylor misses time over both Herbert and Tyler Goodson, he will have intriguing insurance value.

28. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints

Shough still needs some work to secure the starting job in the league's worst QB room, with Spencer Rattler trying to hold him off for Week 1.

But should he start, he has the arm and athleticism to compile some numbers as a deep-league streamer.

29. Terrance Ferguson, TE, Los Angeles Rams

Ferguson is sitting behind 32-year-old Tyler Higbee on the depth chart, so this might be more of a Year 2 sleeper alert in Sean McVay's passing game behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

But in a good class for the position, he needs to be at least on the rookie radar.

30. Jalen Milroe, QB, Seattle Seahawks

Milroe was a mildly surprising third-round pick by Seattle to draft behind new veteran starter Darnold, with some speculating this might be a "Russell Wilson over Matt Flynn" all over again.

But Milroe is being considered a developmental dual threat at No. 2, working to play to his arm and athletic upside he displayed at Alabama. Watch out if he would get his chance sooner rather than later, most likely in the case of a key Darnold injury.

31. Jaylin Noel, WR, Texans

Noel was the second receiving present Houston unwrapped from Iowa State's 2024 offense.

While Jayden Higgins is more the outside complement to Collins, Noel is positioned to get a chance in the slot either this season or next, should oft-injured newcomer Christian Kirk can't stay healthy or deliver in that role like he did early in his Jaguars days.