5 Must Draft Rookie WRs for fantasy 2025!
When it comes to building a championship fantasy football team in 2025, rookie wide receivers can provide game-changing upside — often at a massive value. Every year, players like Brian Thomas Jr. and Ladd McConkey break out while the fantasy community sleeps on them.
In this article, I’m giving you 5 rookie WRs you NEED to draft this season. These are wideouts with elite talent, great landing spots, and the upside to explode in fantasy leagues. Whether you’re in redraft, best ball, or dynasty, these players are targets that could win your leagues. Be sure to watch the full video below!
1. Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs
Speed: 4.4 Speed
ADP: Round 5 (WR31)
Why You Should Draft Him:
A five-star recruit and arguably the most electric dual-threat athlete in the draft, Travis Hunter brings 4.4 speed, elite separation, and jaw-dropping red zone positioning to the Jaguars. Drafted #2 overall, Jacksonville has every incentive to get him involved.
With Trevor Lawrence throwing the ball and Hunter’s explosiveness, there’s WR1 upside here. He’s currently more affordable than teammate Brian Thomas Jr., making him a better value if you’re choosing between the two.
Draft Strategy Tip: If you’re avoiding expensive WRs in early rounds, Hunter is a perfect round 5 upside swing.
2. Matthew Golden (Green Bay Packers)
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 191 lbs
40 Time: 4.29 seconds
ADP: Round 11 (WR53)
Why You Should Draft Him:
Golden is a legit burner with elite hands, route running, and explosiveness. Drafted in the first round by the Packers, he lands in a crowded yet target-rich environment with Jordan Love under center.
Green Bay loves to spread the ball (Dobs, Reed, Watson), but Golden’s high draft capital and electric ability suggest he could emerge as the guy by midseason.
Sleeper Alert: He’s coming off the board after Darnell Mooney and Quinton Johnston — both players with much lower ceilings.
3. Tetairoa “T-Mac” McMillan (Carolina Panthers)
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 219 lbs
ADP: Round 5 (WR35)
40 Time: 4.50
Why You Should Draft Him:
T-Mac checks all the boxes: size, hands, red zone presence, and elite body control. The Panthers took him in the first round to help jumpstart an anemic passing game.
The big question? Bryce Young. If he takes a step forward in Year 2, McMillan could easily take over as the Panthers’ WR1 — with very little competition.
Risk/Reward Play: Great value for a potential alpha, but tread carefully depending on your faith in Bryce Young.
4. Tre Harris (Los Angeles Chargers)
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 lbs
ADP: Round 12–13 (WR63)
40 Time: 4.5
Why You Should Draft Him:
The Chargers needed to replace Keenan Allen, and they may have found their guy in Trey Harris. He’s a strong route-runner, elite ball tracker, and physical after the catch.
He profiles as an ideal outside WR1, while teammate Ladd McConkey works primarily from the slot. If Justin Herbert locks onto Harris, the chemistry could explode early.
Draft Value: Currently going in the same range as WRs like Christian Kirk and Quentin Johnston. You’d be crazy not to take the upside swing here.
5. Jack Bech (Las Vegas Raiders)
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 214 lbs
ADP: Round 12–13 (WR65)
40 Time: 4.55
Why You Should Draft Him:
Jack Bech is a yards-after-catch machine with a physical, fearless play style. The Raiders used a high draft pick on him to pair with Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, transforming their offense.
Bech was mentored under the mindset: “Always make the first man miss — and the second and third too.” That shows on film. He breaks tackles, runs violently, and fights for extra yards.
Deep League Gold: Bech could be the Raiders’ WR1 and is being drafted after WRs with far less opportunity. Massive value play.
Final Thoughts: Rookie WRs Are League-Winners
The beauty of rookie WRs is that they’re often overlooked, undervalued, and explosive when they hit. These 5 wideouts are in excellent spots to outperform their ADPs and help you dominate.
📌 Who I’m targeting most heavily right now:
✔️ Jack Bech — love the attitude and depth chart
✔️ Trey Harris — Keenan Allen vibes at a huge discount
✔️ Matthew Golden — potential for WR1 upside at WR5 price
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