2025 |
1st |
10
Elite Rookie Running Backs on the Rise
The Next Generation of Elite Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a banner year for running back prospects. Several highly touted players are expected to declare for the draft, including some potential game-changers who could make an immediate impact at the NFL level. Here are three of the most exciting rookie running backs to watch for in 2025:
- [Running Back A]: This dynamic playmaker is a versatile threat who can excel both as a runner and receiver. With his explosive speed, quick acceleration, and shifty moves, he has the potential to become a nightmare for opposing defenses. He is also a willing blocker and has shown impressive vision and patience in his running style.
- [Running Back B]: A bruising power back with a strong lower body and excellent balance, [Running Back B] is known for his ability to break tackles and gain tough yards. He is a downhill runner who can punish defenders and create extra yards after contact. However, he needs to improve his pass-catching abilities to become a more complete back.
- [Running Back C]: This speedy and elusive runner is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. With his lightning-fast acceleration and quick cuts, he can easily make defenders miss in the open field. He is also a developing return specialist and could make an immediate impact as a special teams contributor.
Potential Dynasty League Impact
These three rookie running backs have the talent and potential to become true difference-makers in dynasty football leagues. They all possess unique skill sets and could fill various roles in fantasy lineups. Dynasty managers should keep a close eye on these prospects as they progress through the pre-draft process and make plans to acquire them in their leagues.
Promising Rookie Wide Receivers to Target
1. Jaren Kanak (USC)
Kanak is a physical specimen with an impressive 6’3″, 210-pound frame. He is known for his ability to make contested catches and his exceptional body control. His route running is still developing, but he has the potential to become a complete wide receiver.
2. Josh Downs (North Carolina)
Downs is a slot receiver who excels in creating separation and making himself available to his quarterback. He is a quick and elusive receiver with strong hands. Downs has shown the ability to contribute in the return game, adding to his fantasy value.
3. Evan Stewart (Texas A&M)
Stewart is considered by many to be the top wide receiver prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Stewart is a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. His route running and hands are still developing, but he has all the tools to become an elite wide receiver.
Player |
College |
Height |
Weight |
Evan Stewart |
Texas A&M |
6’2″ |
200 lbs |
Jaren Kanak |
USC |
6’3″ |
210 lbs |
Josh Downs |
North Carolina |
5’9″ |
171 lbs |
Hidden Gems at the Tight End Position
While the top tight end prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft have received plenty of attention, there are several under-the-radar players who could emerge as valuable assets in dynasty football. These hidden gems possess a combination of physical tools, athleticism, and potential that could translate into productive careers at the next level.
Georgia’s Oscar Delp
Delp is a 6’5″, 225-pounder with an impressive 83-inch wingspan. He has shown excellent receiving skills, with soft hands, good body control, and the ability to make contested catches. While he may not be the fastest or most explosive tight end in the draft, Delp’s size and physicality could make him a reliable target in the NFL.
Louisiana-Lafayette’s Kyren Lacy
Lacy is a 6’4″, 245-pound tight end who has drawn comparisons to New Orleans Saints star Jared Cook. He is a versatile player who can line up both inline and in the slot, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Lacy has shown good route running ability, and his size and strength make him a red-zone threat.
North Carolina’s Bryson Nesbit
Nesbit is a 6’6″, 240-pound tight end who has been a breakout performer in the preseason. He has displayed impressive physical tools, including a long stride, strong hands, and excellent jumping ability. Nesbit is still developing as a blocker, but his potential as a pass-catcher is undeniable. With his size and wingspan, he could become a dominant target in the NFL.
Player |
Pos |
Ht/Wt |
Wingspan |
Oscar Delp |
TE |
6’5″, 225 |
83″ |
Kyren Lacy |
TE |
6’4″, 245 |
N/A |
Bryson Nesbit |
TE |
6’6″, 240 |
N/A |
Breakout Rookies Among Offensive Linemen
Offensive Line Rankings
Rank |
Player |
Position |
1 |
Isaiah Wilson |
OT |
2 |
Penei Sewell |
OT |
3 |
Mekhi Becton |
OT |
4 |
Tristan Wirfs |
OT |
5 |
Chris Williams |
OG |
Chris Williams: A Rising Star Among Guards
Chris Williams enters the NFL as one of the most promising guard prospects in years. The 6’5″, 310-pound behemoth boasts a rare combination of size and athleticism that make him a force in the trenches. His quick feet and agility allow him to move laterally with ease, while his strength and power make him a formidable run blocker.
What sets Williams apart from other guards in his class is his exceptional pass protection abilities. He has a natural feel for timing and can anticipate pressure with uncanny precision. His long arms and quick hands make it difficult for opposing pass rushers to get around him.
With his impressive skillset, Williams is projected to be a day-one starter in the NFL. He is expected to play a major role in his team’s offensive line, both as a run blocker and pass protector. In dynasty formats, Williams is a player worth targeting as a potential breakout rookie and long-term asset.
Defensive Backs with Star Potential
1. Marvin Jones Jr. (Georgia)
Jones is a 5-star recruit with exceptional size, athleticism, and instincts. He has the potential to be a lockdown corner at the next level.
2. Adam Randall (Clemson)
Randall is another 5-star recruit with elite speed and ball skills. He has the ability to make plays on the ball all over the field.
3. Domani Jackson (Southern Cal)
Jackson is a 5-star recruit with great size and range. He is a physical presence in the secondary and has the potential to be a difference-maker.
4. Toriano Pride (Clemson)
Pride is a 4-star recruit with excellent instincts and coverage skills. He is a smart player who is always in the right position.
5. Jaheim Oatis (Alabama)
Oatis is a 5-star recruit with incredible size and athleticism. He has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.
6. Harold Perkins (LSU)
Perkins is a dynamic athlete who can play a variety of positions in the secondary. He has excellent speed, agility, and ball skills. Perkins is a versatile playmaker who can make an impact in multiple ways.
Player |
Team |
Position |
Harold Perkins |
LSU |
DB/LB |
Keon Johnson |
Ohio State |
DB |
Shelton Sampson |
Texas |
DB |
Linebackers Primed for Instant Impact
Linebackers are the backbone of any defense, and in dynasty football, finding the next great linebacker can be a huge advantage. Here are a few linebackers who are expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL and should be on your radar in dynasty leagues:
Deontay Anderson, Texas A&M
Anderson is a 6’2″, 230-pound linebacker who is a physical specimen. He is an excellent tackler and has a nose for the football. Anderson is also a good pass rusher and has the potential to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Styles is a 6’3″, 230-pound linebacker who is a tackling machine. He led the Big Ten in tackles in 2022 and has a knack for finding the ball carrier. Styles is also a good blitzer and has the potential to be a productive IDP player in the NFL.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a 6’2″, 240-pound linebacker who is a versatile player. He can play inside or outside linebacker and has the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs. Kanak is also a good tackler and has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL.
1.
Shawn Murphy, Florida
Murphy is a 6’2″, 225-pound linebacker who is a physical force. He is a good tackler and has the strength to shed blocks. Murphy is also a good pass rusher and has the potential to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
Jaylon Jones, Texas
Jones is a 6’4″, 240-pound linebacker who is an athletic freak. He has great speed and agility and can cover a lot of ground. Jones is also a good tackler and has the potential to be a star in the NFL.
Oscar Delp, Georgia
Delp is a 6’2″, 240-pound linebacker who is a smart and instinctive player. He is a good tackler and has a knack for making big plays. Delp is also a good pass rusher and has the potential to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL.
Nolan Smith, Georgia
Smith is a 6’3″, 235-pound linebacker who is a complete player. He is a good tackler, a good pass rusher, and a good coverage linebacker. Smith has the potential to be a superstar in the NFL and should be a top target in dynasty leagues.
Defensive Linemen to Bolster Your Pass Rush
In the high-octane world of dynasty football, bolstering your pass rush is a critical aspect of building a championship-caliber team. While the quarterback remains the most important position in the game, a dominant defensive line can disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm, generate turnovers, and keep your team on the field. Here are a few defensive linemen who could make a significant impact on your dynasty team leading up to the 2025 season:
8. JQ Hardaway (DL – Cincinnati)
JQ Hardaway, a highly touted recruit from Cincinnati, is a physical specimen with an impressive athletic profile. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 270 pounds, he possesses a rare combination of size, strength, and quickness. Hardaway’s raw athleticism makes him a formidable pass rusher, as he can use his long arms and explosive burst off the line to create pressure up the middle.
In his senior season at Moeller High School, Hardaway recorded 60 tackles, including 25 for a loss, and 10 sacks, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability. He was named the Ohio Defensive Player of the Year and earned Under Armour All-American honors.
Hardaway is currently committed to the University of Cincinnati, where he is expected to make an immediate impact. His NFL Draft stock is projected to be in the first or second round, making him a potential steal in dynasty rookie drafts. With his combination of raw talent and high upside, Hardaway is a player who could elevate your dynasty team’s pass rush for years to come.
|
Height: 6’4″ |
Weight: 270 lbs |
Position: Defensive Line |
School: Cincinnati |
Projection: 1st-2nd Round NFL Draft Pick |
Rising Stars at the Safety Position
9. Nakia Watson (Oklahoma)
Nakia Watson, a 6’2", 205-pound safety from Oklahoma, has the potential to be a rising star in dynasty football. With his exceptional athleticism and physical tools, Watson has drawn comparisons to former Sooners standout and current All-Pro safety, Tony Jefferson.
Watson possesses blazing speed, which he showcased with a time of 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine. His agility and quickness allow him to cover ground with ease, making him a formidable presence in coverage. Watson’s physicality is also a major asset, as he delivers hard hits and is not afraid to come up and support the run.
In his sophomore season at Oklahoma, Watson had an impressive 57 tackles, with 3.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, and two interceptions. He continued to impress in his junior year, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. Watson’s combination of athleticism, physicality, and experience make him a highly sought-after prospect in dynasty football.
Here are some of Nakia Watson’s key statistics:
2022 (Junior) |
2021 (Sophomore) |
57 tackles |
66 tackles |
3.5 tackles for loss |
4 tackles for loss |
4 pass breakups |
3 pass breakups |
2 interceptions |
2 interceptions |
Rookies to Keep an Eye on for Special Teams
The rookies who make an immediate impact on special teams can be valuable assets in dynasty fantasy football. They can provide a boost in scoring and help your team win games.
Here are a few rookies to keep an eye on for special teams in 2025:
- **Punter: Blake Hayes (Georgia)** Hayes was one of the most consistent punters in the country last season, averaging 45.6 yards per punt. He also had 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.
- **Kicker: Nolan Groulx (Mississippi)** Groulx was a Lou Groza Award finalist last season, making 22 of 25 field goals. He also made all 52 of his extra points.
- **Kick returner: Domani Jackson (Southern California)** Jackson is a dynamic playmaker who can take it to the house at any moment. He returned three kicks for touchdowns last season.
- **Punt returner: Jaheim Oatis (Alabama)** Oatis is a physical specimen who can break tackles and make big plays in the return game. He returned two punts for touchdowns last season.
- **Gunner: Alex Austin (Florida)** Austin is a speedster who can fly down the field and make tackles on coverage teams.
- **Long snapper: Zach Rice (North Carolina)** Rice is a reliable long snapper who can get the ball back to the punter quickly and accurately.
- **Special teams ace: AJ Swann (Vanderbilt)** Swann is a versatile player who can contribute on multiple special teams units. He has experience as a gunner, punt returner, and kick returner.
Player |
Position |
College |
Year |
Blake Hayes |
Punter |
Georgia |
Junior |
Nolan Groulx |
Kicker |
Mississippi |
Redshirt Sophomore |
Domani Jackson |
Kick returner |
Southern California |
Freshman |
Jaheim Oatis |
Punt returner |
Alabama |
Freshman |
Alex Austin |
Gunner |
Florida |
Redshirt Junior |
Zach Rice |
Long snapper |
North Carolina |
Senior |
AJ Swann |
Special teams ace |
Vanderbilt |
Sophomore |
Dynasty Football Rookie Rankings 2025
Dynasty football is a long-term game, and it’s important to be thinking about the future when making roster decisions. One of the best ways to do that is to stay up-to-date on the latest rookie rankings, which can give you a good idea of which players have the potential to be impact players down the road. Here are my top 10 rookie rankings for 2025:
- Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
- C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
- Evan Stewart, WR, Texas A&M
- Oscar Delp, WR, Georgia
- A&M Nick Singleton, RB, Penn State
- Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
- Shemar Stewart, OT, Texas
- Domani Jackson, CB, Southern Cal
- Toriano Pride, S, Clemson
- Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
People also ask about dynasty football rookie rankings 2025
What are the top 5 running backs in the 2025 rookie class?
1. Nick Singleton, Penn State
2. Richard Reese, Baylor
3. Jaydn Ott, Cal
4. Rueben Owens, Louisville
5. Adam Randall, Clemson
What are the top 5 wide receivers in the 2025 rookie class?
1. Evan Stewart, Texas A&M
2. Oscar Delp, Georgia
3. Tyler Booker, Alabama
4. Jaleel Skinner, Miami (FL)
5. Jaheim Oatis, Alabama
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