Rob Waziak examines 23 NFL rookies to determine their ranking among the entire league and how they stack up for fantasy football in the 2025 season.

The 2025 NFL Draft has introduced a rookie class packed with fantasy potential, from powerhouse RBs to versatile pass-catchers and mobile QBs. My half-PPR rankings evaluate these newcomers based on talent, team fit, and projected roles. Drawing on Dwain McFarland’s Rookie Super Model for data-driven insights and Thor Nystrom’s scouting reports for complementary film analysis, this article explores 23 key rookies and their potential Year 1 impact for season-long redraft leagues.

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Running Backs

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (Ranked 12th Overall, RB5)

Drafted 6th overall, Ashton Jeanty’s elite explosiveness transforms the Raiders’ backfield, joining Raheem Mostert, Zamir White, and depth RBs after Alexander Mattison’s exit to Miami. His Super Model score of 91, among the top since 2017, signals RB1 dominance. Jeanty’s ability to shine in the passing game could surpass Bijan Robinson in PPR-heavy matchups, cementing his status as a draft cornerstone. Pair him with a reliable WR like Davante Adams to balance risk, prioritizing his workhorse role over early receiver picks in RB-scarce drafts. Monitor training camp to confirm his target share.

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (69, RB23)

Omarion Hampton, the 22nd overall pick, joins Najee Harris and Gus Edwards in HC Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense. His Super Model score of 79 signals RB2 potential, with his powerful running style and pass-catching finesse. With over 350 carries up for grabs from 2024, Hampton could overtake Harris, whose one-year deal opens the door for competition. Draft him as a flex to complement a top RB like Jonathan Taylor, leveraging his pass-catching value. Move him up if minicamp shows strong red-zone usage.

TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots (74, RB26)

TreVeyon Henderson’s blazing speed, with an electric burst, sparks New England’s backfield behind Rhamondre Stevenson, with Antonio Gibson as a change-of-pace option. His Super Model score of 77 signals RB2 upside in Drake Maye’s run-heavy offense. He’ll grab 10-12 carries weekly. Draft him as a handcuff for Stevenson owners or depth in RB-thin leagues. Track OTAs for Gibson’s snap share to boost his ranking.

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos (80, RB30)

RJ Harvey, a 2nd-round pick, brings an elusive and explosive running style to a wide-open backfield. His Super Model score of 72 hints at RB2 potential. HC Sean Payton’s scheme favors his 3,000-yard college production and receiving skills. Draft him as a flex in PPR leagues. Track OTAs for his snap share to secure his lead role.

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns (84, RB31)

Quinshon Judkins’ hyper-energetic style and elite burst electrify the Browns’ backfield, lacking a clear RB1. His Super Model score of 76 projects solid RB2 upside. His 1,060 yards in 2024 signal immediate volume, despite offensive concerns. Draft him as a high-upside RB2 in all formats. Track minicamp for his snap share over veterans to confirm his lead role.

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (91, RB33)

Kaleb Johnson’s explosive burst energizes Pittsburgh’s backfield behind Jaylen Warren after Harris’ move to the Chargers. His Super Model score of 70 signals RB2 upside. The Steelers’ 400-plus carry offense offers chances, but Warren’s lead role keeps Johnson as a complement. Draft him late to pair with a workhorse like Derrick Henry for big-play upside. Track OTAs for Johnson’s snap share to boost his ranking.

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants (125, RB41)

Cam Skattebo, a 4th-round pick, arrives among Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, offering a versatile, multi-faceted skill set with strong receiving ability. His Super Model score of 70 marks him as a valuable depth option, particularly in PPR formats. The 2024 carry split between Tracy and Singletary opens a passing-down role for Skattebo. Target him in deep leagues to complement a run-heavy back like James Conner, capitalizing on his receiving upside. Prioritize him in PPR if minicamp cuts Singletary’s role.

Wide Receivers

Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars (Ranked 71st Overall, WR34)

Travis Hunter, selected 2nd overall, is a two-way WR/CB phenom with a flair for the spectacular. Thor calls him a “touched-by-God athlete,” and his Super Model score of 93 projects WR2 upside through game-breaking plays. With Christian Kirk’s 2024 exit to Houston, 80-100 targets are available alongside Brian Thomas Jr. Hunter’s speed and agility, like Zay Flowers’ ability to deliver long gains and touchdowns, promise big-play potential. After securing a WR1 like CeeDee Lamb, draft Hunter for his ceiling. Draft him higher if OTAs confirm heavy snap counts.

Tet McMillan, Carolina Panthers (86, WR36)

Tetairoa McMillan’s “fisherman’s-net catch radius and vice-grip hands,” paired with a Super Model score of 92, signal elite potential. While his high draft capital (8th overall) in a depleted offense ensures opportunities, Bryce Young’s 6.3 YPA in 2024 (ranked No. 34 of 36) and 61% completion percentage, with only 32.14 drop backs per game (No. 31 of 32), reflect a shaky passing attack. Not to mention the Panthers’ 3rd-lowest time of possession could further limit opportunities. While a 2025 6.5-win total suggests passing scripts, a run-heavy focus with Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and Young may cap volume for McMillan. It’s also noteworthy that McMillan will be sharing the field with true catch rate juggernauts Adam Thielen (120% in 2024) and Jalen Coker (94.1%). While McMillan, the football player, possesses WR1 upside, I struggle to rely on him producing that in Year 1. Yet, if Young and the Panthers can take a notable third-year leap forward, he should finish as a WR2. I just need to see it first.

Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers (153, WR61)

Matthew Golden, the 23rd-overall pick, joins WRs Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and TE Tucker Kraft in a competitive receiver room. Thor praises his precise route-running, showcased at the Senior Bowl, and a Super Model score of 81 hints at WR2 potential if he breaks through. Green Bay’s 2024 offense spread over 300 targets, giving Golden a shot at the WR3 role. He’s a late-round target in deep leagues, ideal to pair with a high-volume WR like A.J. Brown. Grab him late if minicamp names him WR3 over Doubs.

Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (185, WR62)

In a crowded Bears’ receiver room with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, a 2nd-round pick, shines with sure hands. His Super Model score of 77 signals WR2 upside. A slot role caps his targets, like Jalen McMillan’s rookie limitations in Tampa Bay. Draft him as a bench stash in deep leagues if injuries hit Moore or Odunze.

Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (199, WR70)

Emeka Egbuka, the 19th-overall pick, joins a loaded WR corps with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin (re-signed for three years), and McMillan, who broke out in 2024. His crisp routes mirror Xavier Worthy’s slot versatility and separation skills in Kansas City’s 2024 offense, while a Super Model score of 84 projects WR2 potential. Both face situational hurdles—Egbuka battles Evans, Godwin, and McMillan’s 150-plus targets; Worthy trailed Rice and Brown—capping immediate roles. Egbuka’s physicality adds a distinct edge over Worthy’s speed-driven game. Draft Egbuka as a late-round flier in deep leagues, pairing with a high-volume 2025 rookie like Hunter to balance speculative upside. Target him late if OTAs secure his slot role for PPR.

Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders (200, WR74)

Jack Bech, a 2nd-round pick, slides into a passing attack with Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, where Thor praises his precise route-running, depicted most recently from his Senior Bowl MVP performance. A Super Model score of 70 suggests WR2 potential. Adams’ 2024 departure to the Rams opens targets, though Bowers’ dominance looms. Bech is a deep-league WR5, also perfect to pair with a high-volume 2025 rookie like Hunter, whose target share in Jacksonville complements Bech’s depth role. Draft him as a WR5 if minicamp sets him as WR2.

Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans (216, WR79)

Jayden Higgins, a 2nd-round pick, enters a receiver room led by Nico Collins, with Tank Dell’s 2024 knee injury casting doubt on his 2025 status, alongside depth options like Justin Watson and Christian Kirk. Thor highlights his “physicality,” and a Super Model score of 77 signals WR2 potential, but Houston’s target distribution favors veterans. With Collins commanding the lion’s share and Dell’s recovery uncertain, Higgins faces a crowded depth chart. Draft him in deep leagues as a speculative WR5, banking on his physical frame to earn red-zone looks if Dell remains sidelined. Move him up if OTA reports show Dell’s recovery lagging.

Tre Harris, Los Angeles Chargers (238, WR83)

Tre Harris, a 2nd-round pick, joins Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in a WR corps shaped by Justin Herbert’s conservative approach. His dynamic speed, and a Super Model score of 72 projects WR2 upside, but targets are scarce. Joshua Palmer’s 2024 move to Buffalo frees some looks, yet Harris remains the WR3. Target him in deep leagues as a WR5 for depth but skip in shallow formats. Prioritize him if minicamp reduces Johnston’s targets.

Kyle Williams, New England Patriots (250, WR88)

Kyle Williams, a 3rd-round pick, lands in a rebuilding WR room with DeMario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk, banking on Maye’s growth. Thor highlights his “blur-fast feet”, and his Super Model score of 69 marks him as a depth asset. New England’s 2024 passing game was sparse, limiting immediate targets for Williams behind Douglas and Polk. Draft him in deep leagues as a WR5, hoping Maye’s developing arm unlocks his deep-threat potential. Stash him late if OTAs boost his deep-threat snaps.

Tight Ends

Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts (Ranked 159th Overall, TE19)

Tyler Warren, the 14th-overall pick, joins a passing game with Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, primed to exploit Anthony Richardson’s scrambling. Thor calls him an “absolute berserker” with the ball, and a Super Model score of 81 screams TE1 potential in a thin position. With Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson barely factoring into 2024 targets, Warren’s set to reshape the offense. Draft him to complement a reliable tight end like Sam LaPorta, mirroring Jake Ferguson’s breakout path. Draft him as a TE1 if OTAs confirm big targets.

Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears (172, TE22)

Colston Loveland, the 10th overall pick, teams up with Kmet to form a potent TE duo in HC Ben Johnson’s offense, alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Thor praises his route-running, and a Super Model score of 88 signals TE1 upside, but Kmet’s red-zone presence splits targets. Loveland’s receiving flair meshes with Kmet’s blocking, fueling 12-personnel looks, yet their shared targets limit immediate impact. Draft Loveland as a TE2 in deep leagues, banking on Johnson’s scheme to feed both, akin to Evan Engram’s role. Target him as a TE2 if minicamp cuts Kmet’s targets.

Quarterbacks

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (Ranked 181st Overall, QB28)

Cam Ward, the 1st-overall pick, brings a high-voltage arm and twitchy mobility to an offense craving stability after Will Levis’ turnover-heavy 2024. His full-field reading, unorthodox sidearm throws, and cerebral pre-snap adjustments, honed in Air Raid systems, though his aggressive play style can lead to reckless interceptions. With weapons like Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, Ward has QB2 potential in an offense favoring 3-WR sets. We can’t be sure until it’s announced, but the No. 1 pick tag makes Ward the heavy favorite to start. Pair him with Joe Burrow as a QB2 if OTAs confirm his starting role.

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints (298, QB32)

Tyler Shough, a 2nd-round pick, lands behind Derek Carr, whose shoulder injury threatens his 2025 availability, potentially requiring surgery. Thor praises his “arm talent” and “ability to win in the quick game,” but injuries, limited mobility, and a late breakout age curb his upside. Carr’s uncertain status elevates Shough’s relevance, though he competes with Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler (0-6 as a 2024 starter) in a pass-light scheme. Shough’s polished passing offers minimal value in standard redraft leagues unless Carr misses considerable time. Grab him as a superflex flier if OTA reports confirm Carr’s absence.

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants (315, QB28)

Jaxson Dart, the 25^th-overall pick, joins a QB room where Russell Wilson holds the 2025 starting role, with Jameis Winston as a competitor. His class-best completion percentage in both intermediate and over-the-middle throws fits HC Brian Daboll’s play-action scheme, though inconsistent footwork can affect accuracy. Wilson’s lock and Winston’s presence limit Dart’s starts, despite weapons like Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson. His mobility adds intrigue but not immediate value in standard redraft leagues. Take him as a QB3 in superflex if minicamp shows Wilson struggling.

Jalen Milroe, Seattle Seahawks (330, QB35)

Jalen Milroe, a 3rd-round pick, joins an offense led by Sam Darnold, with Drew Lock as a 2024 backup. His elite athleticism and deep-ball accuracy deserve praise, boasting a 36/4 TD/INT rate on +20-yard throws, though raw passing limits his readiness. Smith’s starting role buries Milroe, despite Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp’s presence. His rushing offers no value unless Smith is injured. Stash him in superflex if OTAs suggest Smith’s role faltering.

Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns (361, QB36)

Shedeur Sanders, a 5th-round pick, joins Browns 3rd-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett in a 2024 offense favoring Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. He displays polished pocket passing and strong arm, but inconsistent decisions hinder his readiness. The veteran logjam restricts Sanders’ snaps in a modest passing game. His accuracy offers no immediate impact in standard redraft leagues. Pick him as a QB3 in superflex if minicamp cuts Flacco’s role.

Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns (372, QB40)

As for Dillon Gabriel, Thor praises his “processing, accuracy, and ability to follow a passing script,” but the crowded depth chart limits his immediate upside. While I believe the Browns starting QB gig is Sanders’ to lose, Gabriel should remain fully in the mix. Still, the veteran pile-up likely ensures zero 2025 starts for Gabriel in a pass-lean scheme. His efficient passing lacks fantasy value in standard redraft leagues. Grab him as a QB3 in superflex if OTAs show any faltering.

I have several other rookies ranked this season that you may be interested in (Isaiah Bond?) along with all the veterans that you know, love, and maybe even try to forget about. Here’s the full list! 

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