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The 20 rookies you should draft in fantasy football

  • Matt BowenJun 4, 2025, 06:54 AM ET

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      Matt Bowen is a fantasy football and NFL writer for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2015, writes regularly for ESPN+ and spent multiple years on “NFL Matchup.” After graduating from the University of Iowa, Matt played safety in the NFL for St. Louis, Green Bay, Washington and Buffalo over seven seasons.

Now that we’re into the summer months, let’s revisit the rookie class and get a jump on our fantasy football draft prep for the 2025 season.

The traits, the scheme fits, the potential usage. There’s plenty to get into here. Plus, after running through mock drafts over the past couple of weeks with our team at ESPN Fantasy, I’m starting to see how these rookies are viewed in terms of their draft value and overall upside.

For this exercise, the focus is on redraft formats in 10-team PPR leagues, which is the standard setup at ESPN. Below, the top 20 rookies are ranked, along with the rounds they should be targeted. And to finish up, there are a handful of additional names to consider for managers who play in 12-team leagues.

It’s never too early to start planning for the fantasy season. After all, we are less than 100 days from opening night in Philly.

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

When to target him: Round 1 or 2

A difference-maker with home run ability and elite contact balance, Jeanty steps into the lead role in the Raiders’ backfield under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. In his final season at Boise State, Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards and 126 forced missed tackles led the country, and he should see consistent usage as a receiver on backfield releases. Given his high-end traits and the anticipated weekly volume in Vegas, Jeanty is in a position to produce RB1 numbers as a rookie.

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Travis Hunter brings big-play juice to the Jaguars offense. All fantasy managers will be looking for clues on how much volume he will get on that side of the ball. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

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8. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

When to target him: Round 8

A slasher with big-play juice and the pass-catching skills to produce on third downs, Henderson will share the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson in New England. Henderson caught 46 passes over his final two seasons at Ohio State, and he can operate as a matchup target for quarterback Drake Maye. With the expected volume here, Henderson has upside as a RB2/flex play this season.

9. Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

When to target him: Round 8

With his 4.29 speed and ball-tracking ability, Golden brings a playmaking skill set to Matt LaFleur’s offense. Last season at Texas, Golden led the country with 23 receptions of 20 or more yards, plus he can work the underneath levels of the route tree from multiple alignments. With Christian Watson still recovering from a knee injury, Golden can emerge quickly as a target for quarterback Jordan Love. Golden projects as an upside WR3.

10. Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants

When to target him: Round 9 or 10

Skattebo will have an opportunity to move past Devin Singletary and take on the No. 2 role in the Giants’ backfield behind starter Tyrone Tracy Jr. Skattebo makes up for his lack of top-end speed with excellent contact balance and foot quickness to extend plays on the ground. He also added 605 yards on 45 receptions at Arizona State last season. Skattebo will have fantasy value as a rookie if he works his way into the rotation.

Colston Loveland is one of many quality options in an ascending Bears offense. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Tyler Warren’s skill set is undeniable, but will the Colts’ unsettled quarterback situation affect his ability to be a regular fantasy factor as a rookie? AP Photo/Michael Conroy

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20. Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans

When to target him: Round 14

Marks has the elusive ability to find openings in tight quarters, while making defenders miss in space. But it’s his receiving skills that put him on the fantasy radar as the potential No. 2 behind Joe Mixon. Marks, who caught 47 passes last season at USC, is worth a late-round flier as an insurance back if you roster Mixon.

Targets for 12-team leagues

If you play in a 12-team format, here are more rookies to put on the fantasy radar this summer as late-round additions.

Kyle Williams, WR, New England Patriots

Williams is a dynamic player who brings some much-needed juice to New England. He can get over the top of defensive backs and is a rapid accelerator underneath on catch-and-run throws. Yes, the Patriots have a crowded wide receiver room, but Williams is worth the late-round pick given his playmaking talent.

Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns

Sampson is an instinctive runner who can emerge as a change-of-pace slasher in Cleveland. Despite his smaller frame at 5-8 and 200 pounds, Sampson led the SEC with 22 touchdowns and is decisive near the goal line. He will need to expand his route tree as a pro, but he could earn early touches in Cleveland behind Judkins and Jerome Ford. Keep Sampson on the fantasy radar in the late rounds.

DJ Giddens, RB, Indianapolis Colts

A patient and controlled runner with pro size (6-foot, 212 pounds), Giddens uses his vision and lateral quickness to create in tight quarters. He will have to show more power on contact as a pro, but he has the traits to be a productive NFL runner. Giddens will carry late-round value if he can win the No. 2 role behind Jonathan Taylor in Indy.

Pat Bryant, WR, Denver Broncos

A physical, 6-2 receiver who can play through contact, Bryant is a high riser with big-time ball skills from slot and perimeter alignments. He doesn’t have elite top-end speed, but he did catch 10 touchdowns last season at Illinois. Bryant will have late-round value if he can win a job in camp, putting him in the mix to play a role as a slot target in Sean Payton’s offense.

Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans

Noel has the lateral quickness to beat press coverage, and his play speed jumps on crossers and over routes. Noel is an easy mover out of the slot who can create splash plays with his separation ability. And in the Texans’ new offensive system, he will get more free access off the ball. Noel will have to earn reps and targets, but he has upside as a big-play option in the pass game.