Sophomores To Target In Fantasy Football: Drake Maye, Michael Penix, And More
Gene Clemons released the sophomore NFL players to target for fantasy football highlighting players like Drake Maye, Michael Penix, Keon Coleman, and more.
The idea around a sophomore slump is real; it's a legit thing and cause for concern in fantasy. A player's first-year success can sometimes translate into second-year complacency and the production dips in Year 2. That is why drafting second-year players in fantasy football can be so problematic. They have produced a track record of success that you can rely on from them.
The fun part is that's not the case with players who have not had elite nor consistent success throughout their rookie campaigns. They may have tasted small doses of success, and are now working to break through and elevate to the next level. Many times, properly identifying these unpolished gems can be the difference between winning and losing your league or a particular matchup.We know all the popular names of guys who really stood out as rookies and now come into 2025 with high expectations and price tags to match. If you are here to be told to draft Jayden Daniels, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr, Ladd McConkey, and Brock Bowers early in your fantasy draft, then yes, do that immediately. If you are here because everybody has the idea of drafting those guys early along with you, then you are in the right place. Here are some other names that could be poised for sophomore stardom.
Sophomore Players To Target
Quarterbacks
Drake Maye, PatriotsDrake Maye made a lot of splashes as a rookie when he was inserted into the starting lineup in Week 6 of the 2024 season. He finished with 18 or more fantasy points in six of his 11 full games played. We will see him improve as a passer in Year 2, but what will take him over the top in fantasy is a consistent presence as a rusher. He averaged 7.8 yards per attempt last season. Playing a full season could net him over 800 yards rushing and if he can find the end zone rushing more often, he could be a great fantasy asset.
Michael Penix Jr., FalconsMichael Penix played only four games in his rookie season, but the final game of the season hinted at what he could be in fantasy. He finished with 312 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown and finished with 26 fantasy points and was QB7. He has one of the strongest arms in the NFL and is one of the most effortless throwers of the ball in the league. He also has legit 4.5-second 40 speed. In the league he will need to use that speed to keep defenses honest, and it will be a weapon in the red zone. If he adds that running element, it will be a major explosion in fantasy production for him.
Wide Receivers
Ricky Pearsall, 49ers
Ricky Pearsall showed a lot of promise in his first season in the NFL, especially in the second half of the season. When the 49ers took Pearsall, many thought it was a bad landing spot because of how many pass catchers were on the team. He showed a level of performance that made the team feel comfortable trading away Deebo Samuel. Brandon Aiyuk is coming back from a season-ending knee injury, and we do not know how healthy he will be at the start of the season. That leaves only Jauan Jennings in the way of unlimited targets for Pearsall. There's also another good thing working for the second year receiver out of Florida; he won't be recovering from a gunshot wound this season. That alone is a reason for a breakout season. Keon Coleman, BillsKeon Coleman dealt with inexperience and injury during his rookie campaign. It really hampered his ability to be effective. He seemed like he was turning the corner in Week 7 when he recorded consecutive double-digit fantasy performances. He was injured in Week 9 and once he returned to action in Week 15 he was not able to regain that form. The Bills need him to be improved in 2025. There are plenty of targets for him if he's on the field consistently. Receivers normally take leaps in their second year in the league. He has all of the tangibles: size, athleticism and physicality. Coleman could become that big-bodied receiver that can function as a downfield safety blanket for Josh Allen.Running Backs
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants
Tyrone Tracy was able to grab hold of the starting spot with the Giants early in his rookie season. He posted seven double-digit games in fantasy points. Even when Devin Singletary returned from injury, Tracy was still a back who was on the cusp of consistent fantasy viability. In 2025, he will be in his second year in the same system with more carries as a running back under his belt. We could see his role as a pass receiver increase as the team finds ways to exploit his receiver background. Even with the presence of 2025 draftee Cam Skattebo, it should be difficult to cut into Tracy's intended carries. The three best handcuffs to grab are Braelon Allen of the New York Jets, Isaac Guerendo of the San Francisco 49ers and Trey Benson of the Arizona Cardinals. All three should get carries because they seem to be in the future plans for each team, but if for any reason their starter is out, these are guys who, like Tracy, could grab hold of the starting job and never let it go. All three are big, athletic, with home run-hitting ability. They know how to operate as the lead back for a team, so adapting to that role would not be very difficult.
Tight Ends
Theo Johnson, Giants
Through the first 13 games of the season, Theo Johnson was a major part of the Giants offense. Seven of those 12 games, he received four or more targets. The opportunity was present, the production was not. He simply did not haul in enough passes. But he has attributes that say he could drastically improve in Year 2 because he is the guy they believe in at the position. It also doesn't hurt that he's a specimen at the position; 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. He participated in 84% of the team's offensive snaps in 2024. That has a chance to improve in 2025.AJ Barner, Seahawks
AJ Barner's road to viability is much different than Johnson's, but just as interesting. He was only on the field for 45% of the snaps with the Seahawks, but he was productive in that time. His 30 receptions on 38 targets speaks to his ability to be highly productive in a limited role. Even with the presence of another tight end he should see his role increase since DK Metcalf is no longer on the team. There will be a new system in place and they will need reliable pass receivers regardless of their position. A 6-foot-6, 250-pound target with great hands is not a bad place to find it.
