Injuries may open doors for rookies to shine early.
The 2025 rookie class is loaded with explosive offensive talent.
Rookie quarterbacks could become surprise fantasy point leaders.
For so many years, each NFL season introduces rookies who rise up to the occasion and lift their teams to unexpected success. As such, it’s no surprise that many football fantasy managers look towards rookies when creating their respective rosters.
The 2025 rookie class looks special. It has running backs that can bulldoze defenses, wide receivers that can deliver game-winning catches, tight ends with offensive and defensive attributes, and quarterbacks that can lead when the need arises. In this guide, we’ll take a peek at rookies that should make your fantasy selection as the new NFL season starts.
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Running backs matter in fantasy football because they get steady touches that translate to running yards and touchdowns. Here are some rookie running backs you can bank on in the 2025 season:
Ashton Jeanty is one of the best players in Boise State University football history. His final college season saw him rack up a staggering 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.
That’s not all, though. Ashton forced an impressive 152 missed tackles and led in yards after contact (1,970 yards). His unique combination of speed, power, and receiving prowess won’t only make him a starter for the Las Vegas Raiders but a name in many managers’ fantasy football selections.
Omarion Hampton didn’t become the 22nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for nothing. The Los Angeles Chargers scooped him due to his strength, size, and aggression. In 2024, he started 12 games and got 1,660 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.
With Najee Harris on the sidelines due to an eye injury sustained during July 4th celebrations, Omarion Hampton can cement his spot as RB1 if he performs well in the Chargers’ high-stakes game against the KC Chiefs. If that’s the case, he’ll feature in most NFL fantasy lineups.
Receivers are the bread and butter of NFL fantasy. If healthy, they could deliver big catches in the TD zone. Here are some rookie WRs you might want to integrate in your fantasy selection when the new season starts:
Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman trophy due to his ability to play as a wide receiver and center back for the Colorado Buffaloes. His final college season was the best of the lot as a receiver, as he gathered a total of 1,258 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns.
Travis Hunter is one of the major ingredients for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ bounce-back season. However, he hasn’t had the best of starts with an upper-body injury that has kept him out of two Jaguars’ preseason games.
If he returns and manages to stay healthy, there’s a chance he’ll assume a starting role for the Jaguars and have his Offensive Rookie of the Year odds on NFL betting sites skyrocket.
Tetairoa was the second wide receiver selected in the 2024 NFL draft, going 8th overall to the Carolina Panthers. Well, this early pick is a testament to his final season at Arizona. During this timeline, he gathered 1,319 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
At 219 pounds and 6-4, Tetairoa has the size required to win long throws without issues. And with all signs pointing towards a strong rookie year, having him on your fantasy selection won’t be a bad idea.
Tight ends have versatile roles. They protect the quarterbacks to create running lanes for RBs. TEs also run routes down the field to receive passes from their quarterbacks. Here are some rookie tight ends to infuse into your fantasy selections when the new season starts:
Colston was taken super early in the draft (10th overall) due to his team-first approach and football IQ. In 2024, he recorded 56 receptions, 582 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns. And with a height of 6 feet and 6 inches, he’s got the frame required to unsettle team defenses.
With the listed attributes and stats of Colston, the chances of him starting for the Bears in his rookie year are high; so, consider adding him to your fantasy selection to rack up some vital points.
Of all his three seasons at LSU, Mason’s 2024 was the brightest. During this period, he got 55 receptions, 546 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. These numbers stem from his excellent catching skills, strong blocking, and impressive physicality.
After being picked by the New York Jets, Mason Taylor started camp with all guns blazing. He’s been praised by Garrett Wilson (Jets WR) for having great hands. If he retains this form going into the new season, he’ll most definitely earn a starting role for the Jets.
Teams don’t replace their starting quarterback that often. However, when an NFL rookie gets the starting job, they tend to deliver value right away. Here are some 2025 draft picks looking to make a statement in the new season:
Shadeur Sanders heads to Cleveland with pinpoint accuracy at the tip of his fingers. At Colorado, he got 4,134 passing yards, 37 passing touchdowns, and 4 rushing touchdowns. This shows he knows how to make the football his and make it to the touchdown zone when needed.
Shadeur has looked impressive in the Browns’ preseason. In his debut game against the Carolina Panthers, he threw 14 complete passes for 138 yards and got 2 passing touchdowns in the process. While these aren’t chart-breaking numbers, they show Shadeur is on a trajectory to become a starter as the regular season progresses.
Drafted 25th overall by the Giants, Jaxson Dart got 4,279 passing yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 495 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns while at Ole Miss in 2024.
Jaxson brings a balanced playing style, fluid movement in the pocket, and play extensions when needed to the Giants. He’s already showing glimpses of brilliance, throwing 14 complete passes for 137 yards against the Jets in a preseason match.
Jaxson might not earn a starting spot for the Giants, as the team is firmly behind its veteran QB, Russell Wilson. However, if Russ sustains an injury as the season progresses, Jaxson could get the call-up.
Rookies can reshape fantasy football instantly. Landing the right running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks can get you the fantasy points needed during the 2025 season.
Our list highlights rookies to place in your fantasy team. However, note that success comes from tracking how each rookie evolves during camp and the start of the season. Monitoring their growth and opportunities will ensure your fantasy roster remains competitive and help you stay ahead of your fantasy league all season long. Check our banners to find a great fantasy football betting site.
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