Must DRAFT fantasy football 2025
As the 2025 fantasy football season approaches, the hype around rookie running backs has stolen much of the spotlight. But let’s not sleep on the rookie wide receiver class. While not as headline-heavy as last year’s group that featured the likes of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas Jr., this year’s rookie WRs still offer serious value—if you know where to look.
On this episode of the Fantasy Football Counselor Podcast, I sat down with Walter from WalterFootball.com to dive deep into the rookie wide receivers who could be absolute fantasy gold this year. Whether you’re playing in best ball, dynasty, or redraft leagues, these are names you need to have circled on your cheat sheet. The Full Fantasy Football podcast episode is listed below!
Why This Rookie WR Class Matters
While many experts are down on this year’s rookie WR class due to a lack of elite top-end names, we see opportunity. The real magic in fantasy often lies not in the top 10 picks, but in rounds 8–14, where league winners are born.
NFL teams drafted several rookie receivers with upside in the mid-to-late rounds. What makes these guys intriguing isn’t just talent—it’s opportunity, situation, and role. With depth charts wide open on several teams, it’s not hard to see a path to success for some of these under-the-radar guys.
Let’s get into the breakout rookie WRs that could swing your season.
1. Jack Bech (Las Vegas Raiders)
Why He’s a Breakout: Jack Bech was drafted in the second round and is expected to work primarily out of the slot for the Raiders. That’s key—because there is no established alpha WR on this roster. Jakobi Meyers is serviceable but not a dominant force. Bech has a great combination of size, physicality, and yards-after-catch ability.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Strong PPR potential
- Late-round value
- Could lead the team in receptions if given the volume
Comparable to: A more physical version of Hunter Renfrow. But way more upside!
2. KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Los Angeles Chargers)
Why He’s a Breakout: Lambert-Smith may have gone in the 7th round, but don’t let that fool you. He brings 4.3 speed and elite agility scores. Even more important? He can block, making him a strong candidate to get on the field quickly in Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy system.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Undrafted in most leagues
- Great last-round flier
- Potential to shine in second half of the season
Sleeper Potential: High-risk, high-reward. Could be this year’s Puka Nacua? If given the volume you never know. With your last pick, it might be worth a bench stash!
3. Tre Harris (Los Angeles Chargers)
Why He’s a Breakout: Drafted earlier than Lambert-Smith, Harris is in a fantastic situation. He’s got the size (6’3″, 210 lbs), route running, and strong hands to make an immediate impact. The Chargers WR room is wide open after letting go of key veterans.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Potential WR1 role
- Mid-to-late round value
- Could be Herbert’s favorite target by midseason
Verdict: A plug-and-play breakout WR with top-25 upside
4. Jayden Higgins (Houston Texans)
Why He’s a Breakout: With Tank Dell out for the season and Stefon Diggs gone, someone has to step up. Higgins offers elite size (6’4″) and a 4.47 40-yard dash, combined with excellent body control and a large catch radius.
Fantasy Outlook:
- 10th–11th round value
- Could be a top red-zone target for C.J. Stroud
- High upside with WR2/3 potential
Bonus: Diggs and Dell leave behind 200+ vacated targets.
5. Pat Bryant (Denver Broncos)
Why He’s a Breakout: This guy has the dog mentality you want in a late-round stash. Strong after the catch, solid build, and a clear path to a starting job. With Bo Nix slinging it in Denver and Courtland Sutton aging, Bryant could be a surprise star.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Deep sleeper in 14+ team leagues
- WR2 upside if Sutton regresses or gets injured
Sleeper Alert: His ADP is practically free.
Bonus Stash: D’onte Thornton Jr. (Las Vegas Raiders)
Why He’s a Stash: He’s raw but has elite traits—6’5″, 214 lbs with 4.3 speed. A total upside pick, but in deep leagues or dynasty formats, he’s absolutely worth a roster spot. He’s reportedly been lining up outside and could beat out mediocre competition quickly.
Fantasy Outlook:
- Dynasty stash
- Potential for big boom weeks in best ball
Final Thoughts: Target Rookie WRs With a Path to Volume
This class won’t blow you away with household names, but volume is king in fantasy football. Many of these rookie wideouts are stepping into roles where 80–100+ targets are within reach. At their low cost, that’s the type of upside you want to chase.
Here’s what to do:
- ✅ Draft these WRs late while others reach for “safe” mediocrity
- ✅ Track preseason usage and camp reports
- ✅ Stack with QBs in best ball or DFS
And most importantly — don’t be afraid to take shots. These rookie WRs could win you your league.
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