Look, we need to talk about the 2025 rookie class. If you’ve been scrolling through social media or listening to the big-name analysts, you’ve probably heard the same three names on a loop. Ashton Jeanty. Travis Hunter. Tetairoa McMillan. It feels a bit like a broken record, doesn't it? But honestly, the 2025 rookie rankings dynasty managers are obsessing over right now are a lot more nuanced than just "draft the guy from Boise State and go home."
Fantasy football has a funny way of making us fall in love with a profile before we even see the jersey. This year, the profile is "The Resurgence of the Alpha RB." For the last few seasons, we've been told that running backs are a dying breed in dynasty, that you should just "Zero-RB" your way to a title. Then Ashton Jeanty shows up and breaks everyone's brain.
The Tier 1 Dilemma: Jeanty vs. Everyone Else
There’s no point in burying the lead. Ashton Jeanty is the 1.01. Unless you’re in a Superflex league and you’re absolutely desperate for a quarterback, you aren't passing on him. He’s been compared to everyone from Saquon Barkley to Bijan Robinson, and for good reason. The guy had a 99.9 rushing grade from PFF at one point—that's basically a video game stat.
But here’s what most people get wrong about 2025 rookie rankings dynasty strategy: the gap between Jeanty and the next group of backs isn't as wide as the hype train suggests.
Take Omarion Hampton, for example. The Chargers snagged him at pick 22, and while everyone was busy watching Jeanty highlights, Hampton was busy leading the Power Four in yards after contact. He’s 220 pounds of pure problem for defenders. If you’re sitting at the 1.03 or 1.04 and you "missed out" on Jeanty, don't panic. Hampton in a Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman-style system is basically a fantasy cheat code.
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Then you have Travis Hunter. He's the most polarizing player in this draft. Why? Because we still don't totally know if he's a wide receiver who plays corner or a corner who plays wide receiver. The Jaguars took him at No. 2 overall. That kind of draft capital says "he's a superstar," but if he’s playing 50% of his snaps on defense, his fantasy ceiling has a very real roof. If he’s a full-time X-receiver? He’s the WR1 of this class, easy.
The Big Receivers are Back
If you like your wideouts tall and dominant, this is your year. Tetairoa McMillan is a literal giant. At 6'5", he’s the kind of "throw it up and pray" target that Bryce Young desperately needed in Carolina. He’s my WR1 over Hunter simply because there’s no "defensive snap" risk.
- Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers): The catch radius is absurd. He’s a day-one alpha.
- Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers): The "safe" pick. He’s polished, runs great routes, and will thrive in the slot while Mike Evans eats the double teams.
- Matthew Golden (Packers): Everyone is sleeping on him because the Packers have a lot of mouths to feed, but his upside is legitimate.
Why the Quarterbacks are Kinda Scary
Let’s be real: this isn't the 2024 QB class. There’s no Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels here. Cam Ward went No. 1 overall to the Titans, and while he’s got the arm talent to make every throw, he also has a tendency to hold the ball until the heat death of the universe.
In Superflex, Ward is a top-five pick by default. But in 1QB leagues? Honestly, I’d rather wait. Jaxson Dart went to the Giants and could be a sneaky value in the second round of rookie drafts, but nobody in this group feels like a "can't-miss" prospect.
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The Tight End "Big Three"
If you're in a Tight End Premium league, the 2025 rookie rankings dynasty value really lives in the middle of the first round.
- Colston Loveland (Bears): He’s basically a jumbo wide receiver. Pairing him with Caleb Williams is almost unfair.
- Tyler Warren (Colts): A monster at 6'6". He was Penn State's entire offense at times.
- Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns): The sleeper. He’s a bit undersized but plays like a dog.
I’ve seen Loveland go as high as 1.05 in some drafts. That might feel early, but if he becomes the next Travis Kelce (and the traits are there), you’ll look like a genius in three years.
Don't Forget the "Value" Backs
The depth of this running back class is what makes it special. We talked about Jeanty and Hampton, but look further down. TreVeyon Henderson landed in New England. Quinshon Judkins is in Cleveland. Kaleb Johnson went to the Steelers to eventually replace Najee Harris.
These aren't just "handcuffs." These are guys with legitimate RB1 profiles who fell because of how the NFL draft board shook out. If you can snag Kaleb Johnson in the late second round, you've won your draft. He’s a 220-pound bruiser with breakaway speed. He’s exactly what the Steelers love.
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Breaking Down the Mid-Round Sleepers
You’ve got to find the gems in the third round. That’s where championships are built.
One guy I’m obsessed with is RJ Harvey. The Broncos took him in the second round, and while he’s a bit older (24), he’s an absolute lightning bolt. Sean Payton knows how to use backs like him. I’m also keeping an eye on Jayden Higgins. He’s 6'4" and plays for the Texans. Sure, he's behind Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs for now, but Diggs isn't getting any younger.
Strategy for Your Rookie Draft
Stop chasing the "consensus" rankings if they don't fit your team. If you're a rebuilding team, maybe don't take the 24-year-old running back. Take the 21-year-old receiver like Luther Burden III, even if his situation in Chicago is a little crowded right now.
Conversely, if you're one piece away from a title, trading back from 1.02 to 1.05 to pick up an extra second-round pick might be the smartest move you make. This class is flat from pick 4 to pick 12. There isn't a massive difference in talent between the guy you get at 5 and the guy you get at 10.
Next Steps for Your Dynasty Roster:
Check your league's trade block for aging veterans like Christian McCaffrey or Tyreek Hill. With this 2025 rookie class being so RB-heavy, a lot of managers are going to be looking to "get younger" at the position. This is your chance to pivot. If you can flip a mid-first-round pick for a proven elite producer, do it. But if you’re holding that 1.01? Hold it tight. Ashton Jeanty is the kind of player you build a decade of dominance around.