Ashton Jeanty Leads 10 Must-Draft 2025 Fantasy Rookies

Top 10 Rookies to Target in the 2025 Fantasy Football Draft

As the 2025-2026 NFL season approaches, a fresh wave of talent is set to enter the league. These rookie players are expected to make a significant impact on both the field and fantasy football drafts. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 prospects that fantasy managers should be watching closely.

1. Ashton Jeanty – Las Vegas Raiders

Jeanty was selected sixth overall by the Raiders and is widely regarded as the best running back in this year’s draft. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2024 after leading the Mountain West with two consecutive rushing titles. His college stats were impressive, with 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023, followed by an explosive 2,601 yards and 29 scores in 2024. In PPR drafts, he’s currently being picked as RB6, making him a strong late first-round or early second-round pick.

2. Tetairoa McMillan – Carolina Panthers

McMillan was the first wide receiver selected in the 2025 draft, chosen eighth overall by the Panthers. He had a stellar college career at Arizona, recording 213 receptions, 3,423 yards, and 26 touchdowns over three seasons. With the Panthers’ WR core looking for a new leader, McMillan is a solid option. He’s currently being drafted as WR27 and 55th overall, making him a potential steal in the fifth round.

3. Travis Hunter – Jacksonville Jaguars

Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner in 2024, is one of the most versatile talents in the draft. While his exact role in the Jaguars' offense remains uncertain, his college performance as a receiver (153 receptions, 1,979 yards, 20 touchdowns) shows immense potential. In his first preseason game, he saw limited action but showed promise on offense. He’s currently being taken as WR31 and 70th overall.

4. Emeka Egbuka – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Egbuka has been making waves during the offseason and is the 19th overall pick for the Buccaneers. With Mike Evans aging and Chris Godwin recovering from injury, Egbuka could step into a key role. Ohio State receivers have a history of success in the NFL, so it’s worth considering him as a high-upside pick. He’s currently being selected as WR48 and 109th overall.

5. Omarion Hampton – Los Angeles Chargers

Hampton was the Chargers’ first-round pick, selected 22nd overall. He’s currently second on the depth chart behind Najee Harris, but with Harris sidelined due to an eye injury, Hampton has taken over first-team reps. Given the team’s tendency to use a committee approach, he could see plenty of touches this season. He’s currently being drafted as RB16 and 35th overall.

6. TreVeyon Henderson – New England Patriots

Henderson was taken 38th overall by the Patriots in the second round. He’s currently second on the depth chart behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who had a disappointing season in 2024. With the high draft position, Henderson is expected to push for starting duties. He’s currently being picked as RB21 and 51st overall.

7. Tyler Warren – Indianapolis Colts

Warren has drawn comparisons to Brock Bowers, thanks to his production at Penn State. He recorded 104 receptions, 1,233 yards, and 8 touchdowns last season. The tight end position is scarce in fantasy, making Warren an attractive pick. He’s currently being drafted as TE10 and 104th overall.

8. R.J. Harvey – Denver Broncos

Harvey was selected in the second round, 60th overall, by the Broncos. He’s currently second on the depth chart behind JK Dobbins, who has a history of injuries. If Dobbins struggles, Harvey could take over the backfield. He’s currently being selected as RB25 and 53rd overall.

9. Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers

Golden was the first wide receiver the Packers took in the first round since 2002. He had a standout season at Texas, catching 58 passes for 987 yards and 9 touchdowns. Joining a deep receiving corps, he could find opportunities in the passing game. He’s currently being drafted as WR42 and 92nd overall.

10. Cam Ward – Tennessee Titans

Ward was the first overall pick in the 2025 draft and proved to be a polished passer at Miami, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns in 13 games. He joins a strong offensive unit and is a solid value pick at quarterback. He’s currently being taken as QB22 and 162nd overall.

Honorable Mentions

• Colston Loveland – Chicago Bears: A first-round tight end, Loveland joins a crowded receiving group, but his upside makes him worth monitoring.
• Kaleb Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers: A third-round pick, Johnson has shown promise in camp despite a slow start.
• Quinshon Judkins/Dylan Sampson – Cleveland Browns: Both rookies could challenge for playing time, though Judkins faces legal issues that may affect his availability.

These players represent a mix of high-upside picks and value additions for fantasy teams. Keep an eye on their development throughout training camp and the preseason.