Fantasy Football Sleepers 2025: 11 Rookie Picks to Target in Drafts
Every fantasy football draft has that guy — the one who’s out there snagging rookies in later rounds while everyone else is scanning kickers, defenses, and backup tight ends. “Rookies are too risky,” you think … until suddenly that guy’s late-round flyer is scoring double digits while your fourth-round “sleeper” is splitting snaps with a fullback named Kyle.
But this year? You can be that guy.
The 2025 NFL rookie class is top-heavy with obvious names like Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, and Omarion Hampton. But buried beneath these first-round guys —way beneath them, in some cases — are a handful of rookies who can provide the depth you need while evolving into potential breakout stars.
This is where you win your league.
So, let’s skip this year’s first-round draft picks and the flashy holdouts with legal trouble (sorry, Quinshon) and dive right into eleven rookies who currently lie somewhat under the radar. While these guys aren’t likely dominating ESPN headlines this preseason, they could absolutely dominate your fantasy scoreboard by the middle of the year.
Top Rookie Sleepers for Fantasy Football 2025
R.J. Harvey – RB, Broncos
TreVeyon Henderson – RB, Patriots
Kaleb Johnson – RB, Steelers
Cam Skattebo – RB, Giants
Luther Burden III – WR, Bears
Jayden Higgins – WR, Texans
Tre Harris – WR, Chargers
Mason Taylor – TE, Jets
Elijah Arroyo – TE, Seahawks
Ollie Gordon II – RB, Dolphins
Jacory Croskey-Merritt – RB, Commanders
R.J. Harvey, RB, Broncos
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 4-5
Selected by Denver at 60th overall in Round 2, R.J. Harvey enters a revamped Denver Broncos backfield following the departure of Javonte Williams. In training camp, he’s been turning heads with game-speed bursts and has earned praise from Coach Sean Payton as “exceptional”. That statement can quickly turn fantasy football enthusiasts' heads to think to think R.J. Harvey could be a fantasy football sleeper for the 2025 season.
While J.K. Dobbins is the nominal “third-down back,” Harvey appears to be the preferred pass-catcher and big-play option — traits Payton’s offense historically rewards. Given his ADP around RB21 in half-PPR redrafts, Harvey profiles as a clear mid-round sleeper with standalone flex upside.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 4-5
Drafted 38th overall by the Patriots, TreVeyon Henderson joins a crowded backfield featuring Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson.
In training camp, his elite 4.43-second speed, versatility as a runner and receiver, and ability to align outside have drawn positive attention by New England’s coaching staff, especially in passing drills where he’s produced highlight-worthy routes and explosive separation. He’s also seeing potential kick-return work.
While his role might begin in a complementary capacity, his explosiveness and familiarity in third-down/reception packages give him compelling mid-round fantasy upside.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Steelers
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 5-7
Selected 83rd overall out of Iowa, Kaleb Johnson enters a Steelers offense that lost Najee Harris and desperately needed a physical zone-runner.
During OTAs and early camp, Johnson earned glowing praise from Head Coach Mike Tomlin for elite conditioning and strong turf‐to‐line vision. His hard work in pass protection — often staying after practice with veteran Jaylen Warren — has been particularly notable.
While Warren remains on the roster, Johnson is in line for the early-down workload thanks to his fit in Arthur Smith’s outside-zone scheme. While pass‐protection concerns persist and could limit his third-down snaps, his upside as the likely early-down workhorse gives him clear mid-round sleeper appeal, especially in non-PPR formats where tough yards and goal-line looks carry value.
Cam Skattebo, RB, Giants
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 8-9
Cam Skattebo (4th-round pick, No. 105 overall) enters a Giants backfield built around Tyrone Tracy Jr., the breakout 2024 rookie with 1,000-plus yards from scrimmage. Devin Singletary remains as a veteran backup but, based on reports, is now firmly behind both Tracy and Skattebo in camp reps.
At training camp, Skattebo is drawing buzz for his physical running style and receiving ability out of the backfield — earning praise from Coach Brian Daboll as a low-pad, hard-nosed competitor. Analysts see a “Thunder and Lightning” duo forming, with Tracy’s speed and Skattebo’s power complementing each other in short-yardage, third-down, and goal-line opportunities.
If his pass protection holds up, Skattebo may claim more third-down snaps and special-teams value. That versatility and early momentum make him a fantasy sleeper — a low-round flier with standalone upside if Tracy or Singletary miss time or snaps swing his way.
Luther Burden III, WR, Bears
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 10-12
Despite being a high second-round pick (No. 39 overall), Luther Burden III landed in a crowded Chicago Bears receiving corps. Ahead of him are D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, and tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland are also factored into the offense — all presenting stiff competition for catches right out of the gate.
Burden’s training camp got off to a slow start after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him from OTAs and minicamp. However, he’s rapidly catching up, showing standout play in padded drills and multiple acrobatic catches from second-year QB Caleb Williams.
Burden is gradually building chemistry with Williams and could carve out significant snaps later in the season. This could give him late-round fantasy value with lots of upside — that is if he stays healthy and climbs in the pecking order.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Texans
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 10-12
Though drafted high in the second round (34th overall), Jayden Higgins’ path to NFL stardom isn’t a guarantee in his first year. But in training camp, he’s showing why he could have the right stuff to become one of the Houston Texans more reliable targets.
In practices, Higgins has flashed with impressive, contested catches — even winning a jump-ball battle against Derek Stingley Jr. — and is making a strong case to slot in as the Texans’ WR2 behind Niko Collins. Analysts call him a polished route-runner with size, burst, and ball-tracking ability. FantasyPros projects he could grow into a weekly WR3/4 and potentially WR2 territory as the season gains momentum.
A fully guaranteed rookie deal signals Houston believes in his upside, and fantasy managers should expect him to deliver late-round value in redraft leagues as roles evolve.
Tre Harris, WR, Chargers
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 12-14
As a second-round pick in last spring’s draft by the Los Angeles Chargers, Tre Harris has quietly slid into sleeper territory thanks to a deep, veteran-rich receiving room. While Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are firmly entrenched as starters, Harris brings size, contested-catch prowess, and clean route discipline — all traits typical of undervalued late breakout pass-catchers.
His rookie camp spotlight moments include clutch fourth-down grabs and standout receptions during padded drills, enough to spark buzz among fans and reporters alike. After a brief holdout (now resolved), he’s integrated into practices and looks well-placed for a midseason role, especially if McConkey’s stock slips or Justin Herbert develops a strong rapport with the rookie.
In fantasy terms, he profiles as a late-round dart throw worth targeting in WR3 or deep redraft formats.
Mason Taylor, TE, Jets
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 15-Plus
Chosen 42nd overall, Mason Taylor enters the New York Jets with considerable fanfare as he’s immediately expected to leapfrog veterans Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt for the starting tight end role.
At camp, he's frequently highlighted by writers for standout plays in padded drills: a diving touchdown grab from Justin Fields, strong blocking, and consistent chemistry with Fields and top receiver Garrett Wilson. With limited TE depth behind him and a chance to immediately contribute in both the passing and running games, Taylor profiles as a high-upside fantasy TE2 or a late sleeper pick in single– or double–TE leagues.
Elijah Arroyo, TE, Seahawks
Fantasy Projection: Rounds 15-Plus
Yet another TE drafted in the second round, Arroyo enters the Seattle Seahawks tight end picture under ideal circumstances for the rookie: long-time starter Noah Fant was released in early July, opening the door wide for Arroyo to take the lead role.
With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett gone and new quarterback Sam Darnold looking for reliable targets, Arroyo is stepping in as the primary pass-catching tight end in a young offense. Early camp reports have him catching everything thrown his way, with standout vertical play and pre-snap mental sharpness earning praise from teammates and media alike.
Recording 16.9 yards per catch last season at Miami, his field-stretching ability gives him high upside in leagues that reward explosive plays. Consider Arroyo a top-end TE2 sleeper target — a late-round flier with real upside if he locks in the volume as expected.
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Dolphins
Fantasy Projection: (Was) Going Undrafted
We’ve got a late arrival to the fantasy sleeper party. Ollie Gordon II, the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year at Oklahoma State, entered the league with a reputation as a bruising, downhill runner. At 6’2” and 225 lbs, he’s already flashed that power in the preseason, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and earning praise from Miami Dolphins coaches for his quick grasp of the offense.
With starter De’Von Achane sidelined by a calf injury and Alexander Mattison out for the season with a neck issue, Gordon suddenly has a clear path to meaningful snaps. In deeper fantasy leagues—especially where RB depth becomes crucial—he’s a name to stash. Don’t forget, Achane missed six games last season and is already dealing with durability concerns. Gordon could be one of the smartest late-round pickups in 2025 drafts.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders
Fantasy Projection: (Was) Going Undrafted
Haven’t heard of him, lets just call him ‘Bill’. The seventh-round rookie out of New Mexico has quickly become one of the biggest risers in 2025 fantasy football draft boards thanks to strong camp performances and a wide-open path to snaps in the Washington Commanders backfield.
That opportunity stems from the uncertainty surrounding Brian Robinson Jr., who’s reportedly on the trade block. If Robinson is moved, Croskey-Merritt would immediately step into a bigger role behind veteran Austin Ekeler.
In the preseason, Croskey-Merritt turned heads with 108 total yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati, showing the burst and decisiveness that earned him East-West Shrine Bowl MVP honors. At 5’11” and 220 lbs, he’s a physical runner who could thrive alongside mobile QB Jayden Daniels, opening lanes in Washington’s run game.
If Robinson is traded before your draft, Croskey-Merritt goes from deep sleeper to a must-draft late-round RB. In deeper leagues, he’s already worth stashing as a high-upside lottery ticket.
Draft Smarter, Stash Deeper, and Score Big
Every fantasy season is won or lost in the margins — those late-round picks that turn into weekly starters while your league mates are still chasing last year’s headlines. The 2025 rookie class is packed with exactly that kind of upside every 2025 fantasy football owner loves.
If you draft boldly, stay patient, and stash the right rookies, you’ll be the one cashing in while everyone else is scrambling on the waiver wire by midseason.
And if you want to take your fandom beyond the fantasy draft board, you can pick up signed rookie gear, helmets, jerseys, and other collectibles from these breakout players over at pristineauction.com — where sports memorabilia meets serious fantasy bragging rights.
So draft deep, stash smart, and maybe grab a little piece of history while you’re at it.
