It’s that time of the year when fantasy players start to figure out which players they are going to draft from their respective league draft board. The rookies are always risky given their high irregularities, as some don’t take the transition to professional football well. But if the right one is picked, it could be nothing short of a lottery ticket.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a ranking of the most promising first-year players.
#1 Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, who is coming off an excellent season with the Boise State Broncos, where he had 2,601 rushing yards and 29 TDs. is hyped as the top rookie entering the 2025 season.
Jeanty is seen as a “Tier 1: Fantastic Four” fantasy RB with immense upside. Several fantasy boards and NFL analysts back this fact. With the Raiders, Jeanty is expected to get a good workload, making him a must-have in the early rounds.
#2 TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots
TreVeyon Henderson was picked in the second round by the Patriots. The running back is expected to have a breakout season, according to SportLine’s simulation model. His skills are perfectly aligned to what the Patriots’ offense will be in the 2025 season.
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#3 Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jaguars
Travis Hunter was the second overall pick in this year’s draft, and the Jaguars have stated that they are going to use Hunter in a dual role as a cornerback and wide receiver, like he did in his last season with the Colorado Buffaloes. This is a risky bet given that Hunter may be more prone to injury if he plays both positions regularly. Also, his playing time will be closely monitored, so not much can be said about his expected workload.
But all things considered, he has the necessary skill to take the league by storm in his first year.
#4 Omarion Hampton, Chargers, RB
Omarion Hampton will be the RB2 with the Chargers. The 22nd overall pick logged over 1,000 rushing yards after contact in both 2023 and 2024. He is expected to get 16-18 touches per game.
Hampton’s stock will surge if Najee Harris remains sidelined or limited. However, some fantasy players predict that Hampton could be in for over 250 touches and could challenge Harris’ position as the team’s featured back.
#5 Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers
After tallying 84 receptions, 1,319 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in his final college season, McMillan was picked eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Panthers needed a receiver who could start from Day 1, and McMillan is whom they believe can be their WR1. PFF praises him as “fantastic value.” He presents an exciting opportunity for fantasy players looking to draft him.
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