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Matt Bowen, an ESPN fantasy football and NFL analyst since 2015 with a background as an NFL safety, invites fantasy football enthusiasts to review the 2025 rookie class ahead of this year’s draft season. As the fantasy draft season approaches, Bowen emphasizes evaluating rookie characteristics, team schemes, and potential roles, drawing insights from recent mock drafts with ESPN’s fantasy team. This guide focuses on the common 10-team PPR league setup on ESPN, ranking the top 20 rookies and suggesting which draft rounds to target them in, with some additional names for larger 12-team leagues.
The article kicks off with top rookie running backs like Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders, who is a first or second-round pick thanks to his exceptional balance and ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver under Chip Kelly’s offense. Other notable rookies include O’Malion Hampton (LA Chargers, Round 5), a powerful downhill runner with receiving skill, and RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos, Round 5 or 6), noted for speed and agility with potential RB2 upside.
Quinshon Judkins (Cleveland Browns, Round 5 or 6) offers physical running skills suited to Cleveland’s offense, with a strong ability to burst through gaps. For receivers, Travis Hunter from the Jacksonville Jaguars (Round 7) stands out as a dynamic playmaker with impressive ball control and field-flipping potential. Other wide receivers like Tetaroa McMillan (Carolina Panthers, Round 7) and Matthew Golden (Green Bay Packers, Round 8) offer solid WR3 upside due to their route running and playmaking abilities.
The guide continues with other rookies like Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers, Round 8), a versatile back with good vision and acceleration, and Treveyon Henderson (New England Patriots, Round 8), who brings third-down value with notable pass-catching skills. Tight end Colston Loveland (Chicago Bears, Round 10 or 11) is highlighted for his size and route-running, fitting well into Chicago’s offensive plans.
Late-round picks such as Tyler Warren (Indianapolis Colts, Round 13 or 14), Luther Burden III (Chicago Bears, Round 13 or 14), and Woody Marks (Houston Texans, Round 14) offer intriguing upside and depth for fantasy rosters, while 12-team league drafters should consider additional prospects like Kyle Williams (New England Patriots) and Dylan Sampson (Cleveland Browns) who have the potential to carve roles out in crowded backfields or receiver rooms.
Bowen underscores the importance of starting early and planning carefully for the 2025 fantasy season, now less than 100 days away, as these rookies will shape team offenses and fantasy strategies in the months to come.
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Fan Take: This 2025 rookie guide is a must-read for NFL fans aiming to get ahead in their fantasy leagues by understanding how fresh talent fits into their teams’ strategies. With many rookies showcasing versatile skill sets, their impact could not only reshape fantasy outcomes but also influence how NFL offenses evolve in the coming seasons.
