While everyone's targeting the obvious names like Ashton Jeanty and Travis Hunter, I'm here to tell you about the rookies flying completely under the radar. After two decades of analyzing draft classes, I've learned that championships aren't won with consensus picks—they're won with the guys nobody sees coming.
The 2025 NFL rookie class is loaded with talent, and fantasy football managers are already looking for the next breakout stars. But here's what I'm watching: the late-round picks, the small-school studs, and the situational goldmines that'll make your leaguemates wonder how you knew.
Let me walk you through my top 10 deep sleeper rookies who could absolutely explode in 2025.
Here's my favorite sleeper in the entire draft class. Hunter, much like Tuten, is headed to the NFL (Rams) via the fourth round of the NFL draft. Also, like Tuten, Hunter finds himself possibly buried for 2025 behind two veterans, but he also possesses the talent and pathway to surpass one or maybe both of them in the running back pecking order.
Why I'm buying: The Rams desperately need explosive plays from their backfield. Last year, among 46 qualifying backs, Williams ranked 44th in explosive run rate, 37th in missed tackles forced per attempt, and 40th in yards after contact per attempt. Hunter brings exactly what they're missing.
The opportunity: Kyren Williams is a free agent after this season, and the Rams clearly aren't sold on Blake Corum after drafting another back. Hunter has ranked inside the top 24 in yards after contact per attempt in each of the last three seasons while also sitting in the top 22 in breakaway percentage in two of three years.
Sean Payton knows running backs, and when he takes one early, they produce immediately. When Payton has drafted running backs early, he tends to play them quickly. Think Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, etc. Harvey should get a chance to carry the load for the Broncos.
The Payton factor: Payton has a long track record of churning out RB fantasy points, regardless of who's in the backfield. His teams have finished top-8 in total RB PPR points in 14 of his 17 seasons as a head coach.
Perfect storm: Denver's offensive line returns all five starters, and the competition is lackluster with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime.
This is the sleeper that keeps me up at night. Woody Marks, selected by the Houston Texans at No. 116 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, could emerge as an under-the-radar sleeper in 2025 fantasy football redraft leagues due to his pass-catching prowess, evidenced by 47 receptions for 321 yards in 2024 at USC.
PPR monster potential: Marks was maybe the best receiving back of this draft class, and one of the best receivers in NCAA history at his position. Marks' 261 career receptions rank 61st in NCAA history, which includes wide receivers.
The path: Joe Mixon can be cut after 2025 to save money, and Houston didn't draft any other backs. At minimum, you're getting a premium handcuff on an above-average offense.
Speed kills in fantasy, and Blue has 4.38 wheels. Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round RB for the Cowboys, is my favorite under-the-radar sleeper for 2025 redraft leagues due to his explosive speed (4.38 40-yard dash) and PPR upside. With only Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ahead on a thin Dallas depth chart, Blue could carve out a role early.
Realistic expectations: Expect 600-800 total yards and 5-7 touchdowns if he earns 100-120 touches, making him a late-round steal. That's RB3/flex territory for a guy you can grab in Round 12.
The biggest wild card in this draft class. Croskey-Merritt's one of the biggest wild cards in this draft class, as NCAA eligibility issues limited him to one game last season for Arizona (13 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against New Mexico).
Hidden production: In 2023 at New Mexico, he rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns. He finished that season in the top 20 in the country in yards per attempt, missed tackles forced, yards after contact per attempt and Pro Football Focus (PFF) run grade.
Depth chart opportunity: With limited competition behind Brian Robinson Jr., this seventh-rounder could surprise.
The Seahawks completely overhauled their receiver room, and Horton has a clearer path than people realize. Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are replacing them in the starting lineup. However, both veterans could be off the roster starting in 2026.
Production track record: Horton missed time last year but had over 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his previous two seasons. He just needs to stay healthy.
Immediate opportunity: With limited depth behind the aging veterans, Horton could work his way into the rotation quickly.
The Commanders love this kid's speed, spending one of their limited picks on him despite adding veteran talent. Washington made massive changes to their wide receiver core this offseason, adding Deebo Samuel and Michael Gallup. Yet, the Commanders feel the need to spend one of their five NFL Draft picks on Lane.
Clear path: Lane could beat out Noah Brown and Gallup for the No. 3 role. Furthermore, Luke McCaffrey is the only other wide receiver on the roster under contract after this year.
Sometimes the best values go completely undrafted. Nash had an outstanding final season at San Jose State, leading the Mountain West in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,382), while ranking first in the FBS in touchdowns (16).
Perfect landing spot: The Falcons lack reliable options on the depth chart behind Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Nash just needs to make the roster, and his college production suggests he will.
The Chargers were considered a premier landing spot for tight ends, and Gadsden has the profile to excel. Orande Gadsden II was a wide receiver who converted to tight end, which is apparent when you watch his tape.
The setup: Gadsden was specifically effective working in more of a receiver role, earning 2.08 yards per route run (92nd percentile) out of the slot, and 2.42 yards per route run (88th percentile) lined up wide.
Future opportunity: Will Dissly can be cut after 2025 with only a 1.5 million dollar dead cap hit. Tyler Conklin is a free agent after this upcoming season.
Here's my dart throw of the year. Fannin led the entire FBS in receiving production this past year, posting 1,555 receiving yards and an incredible 96.4 receiving grade on 3.77 yards per route run.
Why the late pick matters: The Browns offense still has a lot of question marks in terms of who is going to be throwing the ball this coming season, and with David Njoku the clear TE1 for the team, it's understandable that not everyone is going to love this landing spot.
Long-term play: Njoku's contract expires at the end of this coming season, which could allow Fannin to step into a much larger role in Year 2 of his NFL career when he'll be just 22 years old.
Here's how I'm approaching these sleepers in 2025:
Early targets (Rounds 8-10): Harvey and Hunter are my priorities here. Both have clear paths to significant touches.
Late-round fliers (Rounds 12-15): Blue, Marks, and Horton offer massive upside for minimal investment.
Waiver wire stashes: Nash, Fannin, and Croskey-Merritt are guys I'm targeting after the draft in deeper leagues.
Championship teams aren't built on consensus picks—they're built on conviction. While your leaguemates are drafting the obvious rookies, I'm targeting these hidden gems who could deliver 10x their draft cost.
The beauty of deep sleepers is the risk-reward ratio. You're spending late-round picks on guys who could become weekly starters. That's how you separate yourself from the pack.
Trust me, when Hunter is putting up RB2 numbers in December or Nash is scoring touchdowns for the Falcons, you'll be glad you took the shot. After 20 years of doing this, I've learned that the biggest regrets come from the sleepers you didn't draft, not the ones you did.
My advice: Pick two or three of these guys and commit. Don't dabble—dive in. That's how you find league-winning value in the margins.