Two Rookie Sleepers With Long-Term Upside

In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims:

Look, I get it. I really do. The NFL Draft and subsequent rookie/startup drafts get everyone all excited about the incoming class of talented players.

We start envisioning them dominating, scoring fantasy points, and carrying us to fantasy championships, especially those who carry high draft capital and/or land in promising offensive environments.

However, I'm here to throw some cold water on that idea.

Not all of your rookie picks will hit. In fact, most of them won't.

That being said, there's a silver lining to my "feel-good" Saturday morning newsletter. I'm here to remind you to be patient. Don't let the natural ebb and flow of player performances and values get you too high or too low.

There are players you are rightfully optimistic about that won't reach your lofty expectations in Year 1 … and that's OK.

Here are two rookies I'm encouraging you to be patient with …

FIRST, DO THEY APPEAR IN THIS MOCK DRAFT?

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Iowa State WR No. 2

The Texans drafted Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins in Round 2, then turned around and snagged his college teammate Jaylin Noel in Round 3. For perspective, here's how those two fared in their final season as Cyclones:

Higgins

87 receptions
1,183 yards
9 TDs

Noel

80 receptions
1,194 yards
8 TDs

Higgins (6’4"/214 lbs) profiles as more of an outside threat while Noel (5'10"/194 lbs) figures to factor in more out of the slot. However, Christian Kirk is currently standing in Noel's way … and that's OK.

Be patient with Noel.

Kirk is a savvy, productive veteran with a proven track record of success. Assuming health—which can be a gamble at times—he'll have every opportunity to hold onto a starting job on the Texans' offense.

It is worth noting that Kirk is in the final year of his contract. There's a chance we hear news of Houston that changes my opinion on him, but I expect the Texans to get as much out of him this season as they can.

It might take Noel a few weeks, or even a year, to earn a significant role on this team, but he's someone I am willing to be patient with.

WHO HAS NOEL IN THEIR TOP-20 ROOKIE RANKINGS?

The Next Alvin Kamara?

Based on draft capital, this next player might not be expected to see the field a ton in Year 1 anyway, but I am certainly willing to play the long game with Devin Neal.

Drafted by the Saints in Round 6, Neal joins Kendre Miller and Clyde Edwards-Helaire as the trio of options behind an aging Alvin Kamara.

For some perspective, Neal has been on our radar here at Fantasy Life for a few months now. Thor Nystrom tabbed him as his biggest RB riser coming out of the Senior Bowl.

"Neal is an instinctual, finesse slasher. His feet are elite—choppy, blur-fast, and precise. In space, he is slippery, and hard to square up. Neal adds to the illusion by toggling speeds, messing with defenders’ angles. He runs with vision and patience, staying on schedule behind his line. If a cutback lane opens, he’s going to find it."

In college, Neal dominated. He topped 1,000 rushing yards in his final three years at Kansas and finished his four-year career with more than 4,300 rushing yards and 53 total TDs.

CEH is on his second team after starting his career with the Chiefs, and Miller has never consistently produced enough to give coaches (or fantasy managers) the necessary confidence.

There's a clear path to meaningful work for Neal, and while Kamara will look to maintain his lead-back duties for another season, Neal has the tools to succeed in the NFL for a long time.

All we have to do is be patient.

THE FIRST QB MAKES SENSE

Now … What About YOU?

Looking for a more personalized experience when it comes to getting advice for your dynasty team?

The (FREE!) Fantasy Life Community Discord is the premier hub for all things fantasy football. Active year-round with over 6,000 members, there's something for everyone.

This week, Jonathan and I asked our members for their most pressing dynasty questions, allowing them to, in a way, tailor our content to what they need.

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We ran through eight pressing questions, including what the appropriate asking price for Jonathan Taylor should be, how high Cam Ward should really be taken in superflex rookie drafts, and more.

Your personalized dynasty help is here. Take advantage. ⬇️

PLUS: YEAR 2 RBs TO BUY LOW

Around the Watercooler

The latest fantasy nuggets, silliness, and NFL gossip from our merry band of football nerds.

📺 Are drafters too low on Jaxson Dart? Let’s debate 10 rookies’ dynasty rankings.

👀 More rookie sleepers to consider? They have paths to upside as early as this year.

📈 Things are turning around in New England. Is 2025 Drake Maye’s year?

🤔 As your 2025 leagues open back up, it’s time to think of new punishments.

🍻 Cheers. Time to enjoy the holiday weekend.