Rookies to Watch: 2025 NFL Draft Class You Need on Your Radar
As the 2025 NFL Draft edges closer, fantasy football managers, dynasty league players, and NFL fans alike are already scouting the next wave of talent set to impact the league. This year’s class is rich with dynamic quarterbacks, explosive running backs, elite wide receivers, and versatile tight ends. Whether you’re building a dynasty roster or just love tracking emerging stars, these rookies should absolutely be on your radar.
Let’s break down the top rookies to add to your list by position.
Written by: Jesse Morse, M.D.
Quarterbacks (QBs): Future Franchise Leaders
The 2025 class features several quarterbacks capable of becoming starters—and stars—at the next level. Whether you’re looking for dual-threat upside or pure pocket passers, there’s someone to fit every NFL scheme.
Top 5 QBs to Watch:
- Cam Ward – A dynamic athlete with a cannon arm and excellent pocket awareness. Ward has consistently improved and is likely to be a top-10 draft pick.
- Shedeur Sanders – Deion Sanders' son has stepped out of the shadow with sharp accuracy and leadership. His coolness under pressure makes him NFL-ready.
- Jaxon Dart – Known for his strong arm and mobility, Dart brings playmaker potential and will be an exciting name to monitor during pre-draft workouts.
- Quinn Ewers – A former top recruit, Ewers has the tools to thrive with the right development. Accuracy and timing are his strengths.
- Jalen Milroe – Electric as a runner and improving as a passer, Milroe could be a Jalen Hurts-type steal in fantasy leagues.
Other Notable QBs:
Will Howard, Kyle McCord, Dillon Gabriel, Riley Leonard, and Kurtis Rourke round out a very deep QB class, each with enough upside to compete for a starting NFL job.
Running Backs (RBs): Depth and Versatility
The running back group in the 2025 class is one of the deepest in recent memory. Several prospects bring true three-down potential with power, speed, and hands.
Top 5 RBs to Watch:
- Ashton Jeanty – Arguably the best back in the class, Jeanty is a home-run hitter with elite burst and great hands. He’s a PPR goldmine.
- Kaleb Johnson – Johnson combines vision and quick cuts with surprising power. He’s a natural zone-scheme fit.
- Omarion Hampton – A workhorse back with size and contact balance. Could be a high-volume fantasy contributor.
- Treyveon Henderson – Smooth and explosive, Henderson is a scoring threat every time he touches the ball.
- Quinshon Judkins – A tough runner who breaks tackles with ease and shines in short-yardage situations.
RBs with Sleeper Appeal:
Dylan Sampson, Cam Skattebo, Devin Neal, DJ Giddens, and Trevor Etienne are just a few backs with enough juice to earn early touches in the NFL. Late-round fantasy stashes? Absolutely.
Wide Receivers (WRs): Game-Changing Playmakers
The 2025 WR class may rival recent elite classes in terms of overall talent. Speedsters, big-bodied targets, and elite route runners are all in abundance.
Top 5 WRs to Watch:
- Travis Hunter – An electrifying talent who can play both ways but shines brightest as a WR. Think DeVonta Smith with a little more flair.
- Tet McMillan – Big-bodied with great hands and crisp routes, McMillan has WR1 potential in the right offense.
- Luther Burden – Explosive after the catch with excellent agility, Burden is the perfect modern slot weapon.
- Emeka Egbuka – Smooth and reliable, Egbuka profiles as a safe fantasy pick with WR2 upside.
- Xavier Restrepo – Underrated but ultra-productive. A PPR darling with high catch volume potential.
Mid-Round Gems:
Matthew Golden, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Elic Ayomanor are all capable of outperforming their draft spots and becoming weekly fantasy starters. Deep dynasty league managers should also keep an eye on Isaiah Bond, Tez Johnson, and Brashard Smith.
Tight Ends (TEs): The New Breed of Hybrids
Gone are the days of the slow, blocking-only tight ends. This class brings athletic mismatches and true pass-catching weapons.
Top 5 TEs to Watch:
- Tyler Warren – A strong red-zone presence who runs great routes for his size. Could be a top fantasy tight end within two seasons.
- Coleston Loveland – NFL-ready frame and impressive ball skills. A steady, reliable TE2 with TE1 upside in fantasy.
- Harold Fannin Jr. – Emerging as one of the most athletic tight ends in the class. His explosiveness jumps off the tape.
- Elijah Arroyo – Balanced in both blocking and receiving, Arroyo fits the mold of an every-down NFL tight end.
- Mason Taylor – Physical, tough, and clutch. A safe late-round flyer in fantasy drafts.
High-Potential Sleepers:
Terrance Ferguson, Oronde Gadsden II, Gunnar Helm, and Mitchell Evans are names that dynasty managers should keep flagged—especially in TE-premium formats.
Why These Rookies Matter for Fantasy Football
In fantasy football—especially dynasty and keeper formats—rookies offer immense value. Whether you’re looking for your next breakout quarterback or the perfect mid-season waiver wire stash, identifying high-upside rookies early is crucial.
Many of the names above will land in starting roles by the end of their rookie seasons. Others might take a year or two but will offer excellent long-term value if you invest now.
Key Tips:
- Monitor NFL Combine results and team visits.
- Track which teams draft these players—landing spots matter.
- Don’t overlook late-round picks in real drafts. A good situation can outweigh raw talent.
Start Building Your Roster Now
The 2025 rookie class is loaded with fantasy and NFL potential. Whether you’re a dynasty fantasy football veteran or a casual fan looking to learn more about future stars, now’s the time to start scouting.
Bookmark this list. Watch the college highlights. Follow draft coverage. Because when these names start lighting up NFL fields on Sundays, you’ll want to be the one who got in early.
