Hello, and happy gardening season to all you autumn turf sickos! Since we’ve last hit a round of the Fantasy Football Five Lists of Five, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl, Rory McIlroy got his career Grand Slam, and the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone! I worked with my wonderful senior editorial colleague Meghan Townsley on covering and evaluating the draft in live fashion; feel free to check out my grades and analyses here. Having said that, the live-grading exercise was but a broader introduction to what many of us really care about: which rookies are worth drafting for 2025 fantasy football? Are there any poised to be fantasy superstars right away? Is it likely that the overall trend of rookie wide receivers breaking out in year one can continue with this class? Will those who seem like fantasy contributors actually be ones to fade? Just how high should we be drafting Ashton Jeanty? etc.
So many questions! So here we are with your bridge episode Five Lists of Five, in which we’ll focus solely on rookies! We obviously have zero regulation data on any of these players, so I’ll be referencing a variety of projection models, independent film study, and NCAA stats to hype these guys up.
If you’re a follower of the program, you know that my typical bellwether for this five-of-five content is: byte-size. Smoke-break length stuff. Quick-hitters to give you a weekly advantage over your friends. Who, as you know, I want nothing more than for you to demolish. We’re going a bit—not much—more longform this time, seeing as it’s a bridge episode. Stylistic freedom, auteurial flourishes, experimental angles. All the necessary bells and whistles to get us fired up for prime drafting season, which’ll start in just about two weeks’ time.
Let’s get to it. This column will focus on my top five rookies poised for fantasy football breakout seasons in 2025. More to come from this run of Five Lists of Five.
Top five sure-thing rookies to target in 2025 fantasy football
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders (ADP 10.0)
It’s obvious, but I’m convinced Ashton Jeanty is the next back to redefine the running back position in the modern fantasy football era. At 5’8” and 211 pounds, he packs a 32.1 BMI (89th percentile) into a compact frame built for contact. His 4.47-second 40-yard dash (84th percentile) and 105.7 Speed Score (83rd) translate directly to game speed. Jeanty’s college workload was legendary: 26.8 carries and 185.4 rushing yards per game in 2024, earning a staggering 96.6 PFF rushing grade. He forced 0.42 missed tackles per rush (tied for best among top prospects) and delivered 10.0% explosive runs (top-10 percentile).
His three-year total of 119.0 rushing yards per game and 16.6% carries over 10 yards per attempt reinforces his consistent big-play threat (three-year PFF grade: 99.9). Jeanty’s pass-game chops make him a true three-down back. He ran 13.5 routes per game, boasting a 1.62 yards per route run (top tier) and an 81.4 PFF receiving grade. In 2023, he posted a jaw-dropping 33.7 receiving EPA and hauled in 26.5% of targets. Even with a dip in receiving volume in 2024, his catch rate remained elite, proving he can impact every phase.
Jeanty’s situational production is off the charts. He sits in the 100th percentile on perfectly blocked plays (11.4 YPA) and the 90th percentile when following his blockers’ intent (6.5 YPA). Against loaded boxes (eight+ defenders), he still manages 4.7 YPA (85th percentile). Those metrics showcase his vision, patience, and burst.
Landing in Las Vegas under Chip Kelly gives Jeanty an offense built for running back involvement. With no established lead back ahead of him, he’ll step into early-down, third-down, and goal-line duties immediately. Even if the Raiders’ offensive line ranks only 20th in run-block grade, Jeanty’s elite contact balance and vision will compensate.
Don’t overthink this—Jeanty’s workload, big-play ability, and pass-game prowess make him a rock-solid top-12 fantasy pick. Draft him confidently and watch him crush expectations.
Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (ADP 48.5)
I really, really don’t think Hampton should be graded too far below Jeanty. I know how that sounds, given that I just used the verb redefine above.
Omarion Hampton is primed to make waves in the NFL. At 6’0″ and 221 pounds, he’s built for a workhorse role. With an impressive mix of size, speed, and explosiveness, Hampton posted back-to-back seasons of 1,700+ total yards and 16 touchdowns at North Carolina, making him one of the most productive backs in college football. His 4.0 yards after contact and 40% breakaway run rate illustrate his ability to create after initial contact, and his speed puts him among the top-10 fastest running backs in the FBS over the last eight seasons.
Hampton’s landing spot with the Chargers is a dream scenario for his fantasy upside. While Najee Harris is also in the mix, his short-term contract with minimal guaranteed money suggests the Chargers are setting up Hampton for a future lead role. Hampton’s draft slot—22nd overall—gives him an edge, as first-round running backs rarely see limited usage. His elite 110+ Speed Score is something Harris can’t match, giving Hampton a distinct advantage as a home-run threat in Roman’s run-heavy system.
The Chargers’ offense is geared toward the run, and Hampton’s strengths align with this scheme. While Roman’s offenses have historically underutilized running backs in the passing game, Hampton’s proven ability to catch passes and his top-five reception share in college suggests there’s potential for a solid role there too. As long as he improves his pass blocking, he could see significant volume in 2025. At an ADP of 44.1 (RB15), Hampton represents a high-upside investment in rookie drafts, with the potential to emerge as a starting fantasy back sooner than later. Don’t wait—Hampton’s stratospheric breakout is on the horizon.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP 47.0)
Travis Hunter is a once-in-a-generation talent, a freak athlete capable of dominating on both sides of the ball. He’s more than just the reigning Heisman Trophy winner—he’s a dynamic force that plays cornerback and wide receiver at an elite level. As a receiver, Hunter posted a ridiculous 87.9% success rate against zone coverage and 84.4% against press, ranking among the best in the Power 5 over the past five years. His ability to create separation against man coverage is top-tier, with his 87.9% success rate ranking fifth in the class, even surpassing high-end route runners like DeVonta Smith and Chris Olave.
Hunter isn’t just fast; he’s technical, explosive, and nearly impossible to jam at the line. His footwork is pristine, and his release off the line is as smooth as it gets for a player who hasn’t even specialized at wide receiver. His route tree is diverse, with Hunter excelling on go routes, digs, curls, and out routes—all crucial for any No. 1 wide receiver. Despite a college offense that didn’t fully utilize him, Hunter still put up top-tier numbers across every route type. His contested catch rate is exceptional, hauling in 81.8% of contested targets, making him a nightmare for defenders.
What sets Hunter apart is his YAC ability, breaking tackles and turning short passes into big gains. With a staggering 67.2% of his catches coming “in space,” he’s a playmaking machine after the catch. Now, with Jacksonville taking him second overall, the Jags are prepared to unlock his potential—whether as a full-time receiver or a dual-threat weapon on both sides of the ball. With a starting role on offense looking more likely, Hunter’s ceiling is sky-high, making him a must-draft prospect in rookie fantasy leagues. Don’t overthink it—he’s being drafted right around D.J. Moore, currently. Take him over Moore confidently.
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers (ADP 38.5)
Tetairoa McMillan is a monster X-receiver in waiting, and fantasy managers should be salivating at his profile. At 6’4″ and 219 pounds with a 31″ arm length, he lives in your back pocket at the line. His 4.58-second 40-yard dash and 103.6 Speed Score translate to above-average burst for a bigger body. He dominated targets in college, running 38.9 routes per game for 92.3 receiving yards and hauling in 23.7% of his team’s throws (PFF grade 89.5).
McMillan’s route tree is razor-sharp. He excelled on digs (82.5% success) and comebacks (88.9%), leveraging precise stops and quick cuts. In “nine” deep routes, he still managed a 48.7% success rate despite lining up the majority of his snaps outside. His overall success vs. man (70.4%), zone (81.0%), and press coverage (73.1%) shows he can beat any look, even if he’s not the burner that shreds with pure speed. Instead, he wins with savvy footwork and ball skills—catching 100% of screen attempts and sustaining 63% “in-space” catches for YAC upside.
In the slot, McMillan posted a 3.24 yards-per-route-run percentile (23.4% of his snaps), proving he’s not just an outside matchup weapon. He carved up man coverage from the slot (2.94 YPRR) and beat zones at all levels (2.21 YPRR). That versatility means the Panthers can move him around to create favorable looks.
Carolina’s wideout room was barren of a true alpha X, and McMillan steps in Day 1 to soak up looks. Expect him to command 130–150 targets as Bryce Young’s top read on early downs, third downs, and in the red zone. With Dave Canales’ history of elevating X-receivers like Metcalf and Evans, McMillan is set for immediate volume.
Draft him aggressively in Rounds 3–4; this is a rookie receiver who hits the field running and can carry your lineup into the playoffs.
RJ Harvey, RB, Denver Broncos (ADP 58.5)
I was a little tired of going chalk. You could have put Emeka Egbuka here in place of Harvey, for sure. Treyveon Henderson, Cam Skattebo, etc.
But RJ Harvey is built to thrive in Sean Payton’s system, and Denver’s backfield suddenly looks dangerous. Boldly, I’ll say Harvey might be the draft’s biggest winner—even with J.K. Dobbins signing nearby. Many point to Dobbins’ arrival as a threat, but Payton’s history shows two backs can flourish together in his offense.
At 5’8″ and 205 pounds, he packs a compact frame with explosive burst—4.40-second 40-yard dash (96th percentile), 109.4 Speed Score (91st), and a 128.1 Burst Score (88th). In three seasons at UCF, he averaged 15.5 carries for 102.3 rushing yards per game, forcing 0.34 missed tackles per attempt and earning a 95.0 PFF rushing grade. His one-cut ability and contact balance shine as he generated 23.4% of his carries as 10-plus yard runs in 2024 (14% went for 15+ yards).
Harvey’s receiving chops make him a true three-down weapon. He ran 13.6 routes per game, hauling in 15.5% of targets for 19.5 yards per game (70.0 PFF receiving grade). He forced 0.78 missed tackles per catch and produced 1.44 yards per route run, showcasing soft hands and YAC prowess. In Payton’s offense, running backs led the league in targets—Harvey should immediately soak up passing-down work, with the chance to eclipse 50 catches as he rotates with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime.
Situation-specific production confirms his fit. On zone runs, he sits in the 100th percentile with 6.8 YPA on 62.6% of carries; when following his blockers’ intent, he also averages 6.8 YPA (85.5%). Even on non-perfectly blocked plays, he ranks in the 78th percentile (4.1 YPA), proving he can make something out of chaos.
Denver’s offensive line grades above average in run blocking, and with Bo Nix taking over under center, play-action should open lanes for Harvey’s home-run carries. Draft him late (ADP 153.5) as a high-upside handcuff who can outproduce his draft slot. If Payton leans on his backs like he did in New Orleans, RJ Harvey is a breakout candidate and a must-own for savvy fantasy managers.
