I keep saying it, but it finally feels real: we are, indeed, so back. It’s the biggest fantasy football draft weekend of the year. It’s the second Fantasy Football Friday of the year here at DraftKings Network. And I’m here to get you set, in this inaugural 2025 Five Lists of Five, with sleepers (some of them deep) for your fantasy football drafts this weekend.
And let’s just roll back into the common refrain, shall we? All I want is for you to be better than your friends. You’re going to be surrounded by them on Sunday, probably. How sweet would it be if you could be sure you’ve checked every box possible that might guarantee you a resounding victory this week? Some kick-your-feet-up insights? I’ve got some.
I know my audience. The smoke-break audience. The quick-scan-of-the-phone-on-the-way-to-the-fridge audience. The give-me-as-much-info-as-possible-as-fast-as-possible audience. I’m a man of the people.
And so: the Five Lists of Five series. Think of these as byte-sized, two-minutes-to-yourself lists to scan during your weekend as you foam at the mouth for any competitive fantasy edge. As much relevant analysis as I can fit into, like, 250 words per player.
Here are the other offerings from my Five Lists of Five: 2025 Fantasy Football Draft edition:
– Top five league-winners to draft for 2025 fantasy football
– Top five undervalued unsung heroes to draft for 2025 fantasy football
– Top five breakout wide receivers to draft for 2025 fantasy football
– Top five breakout running backs to draft for 2025 fantasy football
Follow my handle @dansby_edits for all preseason and fantasy draft kit content—as well as plenty of NFL betting goodies—all summer long. All my other fantasy football draft kit content is at the bottom of this list!
Top five sleepers to target in 2025 fantasy football drafts
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (ADP 137 overall)
Not really so deep anymore after all the industry buzz this week, I’d guess. But, on Tuesday’s Fantasy Fest 2025 in which yours truly makes an appearance at the 90-minute mark, The Deep-Shot’s Andy Behrens said he was still able to snag young “Bill” here for a measly two bucks. He might still be a little slept-on.
Jacory—nicknamed Bill—Croskey-Merritt is still being overlooked despite rising in ADP to 137 overall. It could be absurd value for a running back who posted a 33% dominator rating in college (accounting for one-third of New Mexico’s offense) and was PFF’s fourth-highest graded RB in 2023. He’s drawn rave reviews throughout camp, showing off remarkable speed (4.45 speed, 41.5-inch vertical jump) and quick-cut ability. Croskey-Merritt may not be a proven pass-catcher (only seven receptions in 2023), but his explosive burst and vision could still translate into chunk plays and goal-line opportunities. Unlike most late-round RBs who need multiple injuries to sniff relevance, Croskey-Merritt already has a plausible two-down role in a shallow backfield.
The opportunity in Washington’s backfield is wide open. Brian Robinson Jr. is likely on the way out and 30-year-old Austin Ekeler won’t be a workhorse. Enter Croskey-Merritt, who already profiles as Kliff Kingsbury’s preferred A-back after an impressive preseason. Washington brass clearly believes Bil is more than a typical late-rounder. He’s routinely outshining vets and pushing for early-down duties. If he seizes the two-down role (with Ekeler focusing on passing downs), we’re looking at a potential 1,000-yard/eight-TD rookie campaign (roughly 9.0+ PPR points per game). How’s that for a massive return on a final-round pick. Don’t sleep on Croskey-Merritt’s league-winning upside in PPR formats.
Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Denver Broncos (ADP 145)
Again—not super deep anymore after the Vele trade. If you want a late-round WR dart throw with real juice, Marvin Mims Jr. should be your guy. Buried outside the top 140 in FantasyPros ADP, he’s one of the few receivers in that range who combines elite speed with a realistic path to volume. Mims averaged 16.4 yards per catch as a rookie on limited usage and flashed big-play chops, logging a 3.12 yards per route run against zone (top-15 among receivers with 25+ targets). The Broncos’ coaching staff has been loud this summer about his expanded role, and Sean Payton has historically elevated receivers with Mims’ archetype—explosive deep threats who can also work schemed touches.
Denver’s receiver room is wide open. Jerry Jeudy is gone, Courtland Sutton is getting too old to do it all himself in this young offense, and rookie Troy Franklin isn’t ready for a full workload. That leaves Mims with a runway for 80+ targets if he clicks early with Bo Nix. He already earned a 19% target rate per route run last year, quietly strong for a rookie buried in the depth chart. If that climbs into the 21–22% range with a full-time role, his speed guarantees splash plays to go along with volume.
For deep PPR purposes, Mims is a perfect late stash: his average depth of target (15.1) means volatility, but his yards after catch per reception (6.8, top-12 among rookies) shows he’s not just a go-ball guy. Draft him now, because once Denver’s rotations tilt his way, he won’t be a sleeper anymore.
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans (ADP 230 overall)
Woody Marks is a PPR gem in waiting going outside the top 225 picks. The Texans aggressively targeted Marks in the draft (he commanded the fifth-highest draft capital among 2025 RBs), and it’s easy to see why. A former receiving-back at Mississippi State, Marks snagged 47 balls last year on an 11.8% target share. Elite numbers for a college RB. He also proved he’s no one-trick pony by rumbling for 1,133 yards (fourth-most in the Big Ten) in a new workhorse role. At 24, Marks is a mature rookie with three-down skill sets and soft hands, built to thrive in full-PPR scoring from day one. Other rookie RBs in his ADP range don’t check both boxes of draft capital and elite PPR skill set. Marks does.
Houston’s backfield setup creates a clear path for Marks to matter. The Texans brought in veterans Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb, but Mixon’s foot is already again banged up and Chubb (off a major injury) has never been a prolific pass-catcher. Marks could immediately slot in as the primary third-down back, given his receiving pedigree. And if either vet falters or needs a breather, Marks can shoulder early-down work too. Reports indicate the Texans’ offense should be much improved, meaning more red-zone trips and checkdown opportunities. In an offense that wanted him badly on draft day, Marks has a realistic shot to deliver flex-worthy PPR production as a rookie. He’s a savvy late dart throw who could pay off in a big way if Houston unleashes his dual-threat talent. C.J. Stroud might love this guy.
Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks (ADP 256)
Tory Horton might be the deepest PPR sleeper of this bunch. He’s a fifth-round rookie practically free in drafts. He brings an enticing blend of volume and big-play ability from his college days. In just six games last year (before a knee injury), Horton averaged a whopping 3.5 yards per route run—seventh-best in FBS among receivers with at least 94 routes. Over three seasons at Colorado State, he piled up 193 receptions for 2,620 yards and 17 TDs in 30 games, operating as a high-volume target who also hit home runs after the catch. Seattle snagged Horton for his speed, reliable hands, and YAC skills. Traits that could make him a PPR dynamo if he sees the field, no?. What separates Horton from other late-round rookies is contingency. He’s already competing for WR3 snaps, and Cooper Kupp’s health creates a very real runway for targets.
Horton’s path to relevance is not as far-fetched as it sounds. He’s already pushing veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the Seahawks’ No. 3 receiver role. And given Seattle’s situation, the rookie may be needed sooner than later. Newly acquired Cooper Kupp has averaged six games missed per year recently, so Horton could be thrust into a starting spot if (or when) Kupp or another starter is sidelined. In that scenario, Horton profiles as a high-upside slot/FL receiver for Sam Darnold. Think quick hitters, screens, and crossers to maximize his after-catch talent. His college resume suggests he can handle a heavy target load, and his speed guarantees big-play potential on every touch. For deep PPR formats, Horton is an ideal stash with the skills and opportunity to become a surprise weekly contributor by season’s end.
Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants (ADP 276)
I wanted to get a TE on this list, and something told me my analysis would lead me back to a frequent flier on the 2024 Five Lists of Five: Theo Johnson! Welcome back, pal. We’re thrilled to have you.
Towering at 6’6” with a smooth stride, Theo Johnson offers sneaky TE1 upside in PPR. Again, he’s basically free (ADP outside the top 250). Before a foot injury cut his rookie year short, Johnson was quietly breaking out. From Weeks 8-12 last season, he commanded a 17.5% target share and delivered 35.2 PPR points in that span. For context, that target share would’ve ranked top-10 among all tight ends over the full season, and he was the fantasy TE14 in those five weeks. Simply put, when given opportunities, Johnson produced. He’s a fluid route-runner with elite athletic metrics (he clocked the second-fastest 40 time among TEs at the 2024 Combine), which helps him create separation and rack up yards after the catch. It’s gold for PPR scoring. Unlike most late TEs who require injuries to even see the field, Johnson already flashed a TE1-level role in-season last year.
Fast forward to 2025 and the stars are aligning for Johnson. He’s fully recovered and sits atop the Giants’ depth chart at tight end, poised to be a primary chain-mover in this offense. Second-year superstar WR Malik Nabers will draw coverage outside, but Johnson could easily emerge as the number two-to-three target for Big Blue. The Giants’ quarterback situation has also improved. They brought in veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, and drafted impressive rookie Jaxson Dart, to push last year’s abysmal QBR of 45.0 up to respectability. A competent QB—Wilson is the starte— is likely to lean on a big target like Johnson over the middle. Don’t be shocked if this forgotten sophomore teases a top-12 fantasy TE season. His combination of size, speed, and growing role make him a fabulous late-round dice roll. One who could command 6+ targets a game and reward PPR managers with consistent production.
Dan Johnson’s full fantasy football draft-kit (Fantasy Frontlist 2025)
If you’re interested in my other rankings, which do inform some of my departures from the industry consensus (FantasyPros) rankings here, check them out:
Fantasy football 2025 WR ranks: Top 30 wide receivers to target on draft day
Fantasy Football 2025 QB ranks: Top twelve quarterbacks to target on draft day
Fantasy Football 2025 RB ranks: Top 25 running backs to target on draft day
And, of course, here’s my Fantasy Football Frontlist for 2025—full rankings, big-board, cheatsheet, everything you need. The white whale!
