Introduction

As the summer months roll in, it's time to gear up for the 2025 NFL season and start preparing for your fantasy football drafts. Rookies always bring a wave of excitement, but which ones are truly worth drafting this year? Here’s a comprehensive look at the top 20 rookies who could make a significant impact in fantasy football this season.

Top 20 NFL Rookies for Fantasy Football 2025

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

When to target him: Round 1 or 2 Ashton Jeanty is a game-changer with elite contact balance and home run ability. Stepping into the lead role in the Raiders' backfield, Jeanty is poised to produce RB1 numbers as a rookie.

2. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

When to target him: Round 5 Hampton’s powerful running style and capability as a receiver make him a solid RB2 option in a backfield timeshare with Najee Harris.

3. RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos

When to target him: Round 5 or 6 Harvey’s decisiveness and speed make him a promising RB2 candidate, especially in Sean Payton’s scheme.

4. Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

When to target him: Round 5 or 6 Judkins’ physical running style and goal-line prowess position him as a potential RB2 in Cleveland’s system.

5. Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

When to target him: Round 7 Hunter’s playmaking ability and ball skills make him a WR3 with potential for WR2 weeks.

6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

When to target him: Round 7 McMillan’s size and smooth route-running make him a volume-driven WR3 in Carolina.

7. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

When to target him: Round 8 Johnson’s acceleration and vision fit well in Pittsburgh’s outside zone scheme, making him a potential RB2.

8. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots

When to target him: Round 8 Henderson’s big-play ability and pass-catching skills make him a solid RB2/flex option in New England.

9. Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

When to target him: Round 8 Golden’s speed and ball-tracking ability make him an upside WR3 in Green Bay’s offense.

10. Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants

When to target him: Round 9 or 10 Skattebo’s contact balance and receiving ability give him fantasy value as a rookie in New York.

11. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears

When to target him: Round 10 or 11 Loveland’s route-running and size make him a fringe TE1 in Chicago’s upgraded offense.

12. Jack Bech, WR, Las Vegas Raiders

When to target him: Round 11 Bech’s route-running and strength make him a target in the Raiders’ pass game, though the run-heavy approach may limit his totals.

13. Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys

When to target him: Round 11 Blue’s speed and receiving ability make him a late-round target with upside in PPR leagues.

14. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

When to target him: Round 11 or 12 Tuten’s speed and home run ability make him a name to monitor in Jacksonville’s backfield.

15. Jayden Higgins, WR, Houston Texans

When to target him: Round 12 Higgins’ size and red zone ability make him a potential rotation player in Houston’s offense.

16. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When to target him: Round 12 Egbuka’s route-running and competitiveness make him a late-round pick in Tampa’s offense.

17. Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts

When to target him: Round 13 or 14 Warren’s physicality and route-running make him an upside play in Indianapolis’ offense.

18. Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears

When to target him: Round 13 or 14 Burden’s catch-and-run skills make him a potential breakout player in Chicago’s offense.

19. Tre Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

When to target him: Round 14 Harris’ vertical ability and physicality make him a late-round target in Los Angeles.

20. Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans

When to target him: Round 14 Marks’ elusiveness and receiving skills make him a late-round flier in Houston’s backfield.

Conclusion

Planning your fantasy football draft strategy early can give you a significant edge. These top 20 rookies offer a mix of high upside and immediate impact potential. Keep an eye on their training camp performances and preseason usage to refine your draft strategy as the season approaches.