The final rounds of a fantasy football draft can be the perfect place to land hidden gems who deliver outsized value all season long. While many managers are focused on the early rounds, savvy drafters know that winning leagues often comes down to those late selections. To help you make the most of your final picks in 2025, we’ve gathered insights from our collection of Featured Pros experts. This curated list highlights players with the upside, opportunity, and talent to outperform their draft cost – giving you a strategic edge when it matters most.
Fantasy Football Final Round Targets in 2025
Which one RB outside the top 60 in half-PPR RB ADP do you plan on targeting in the final rounds of all your drafts and why?
Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
“Could Brashard Smith be Andy Reid’s next Jerick McKinnon? The comparisons are easy to draw. Smith is a converted WR who can run a full route tree and is especially strong at tracking the ball deep. Smith is already working in with the ones throughout OTAs and Early Training Camp, catching bomb TDs on wheel routes from Pat Mahomes, juking out linebackers in one-on-one Red Zone work, and flashing his 4.39 speed on a daily basis. The Chiefs have been 2nd in Neutral Pass Rate over the last 4 years, and Mahomes has become a screen & checkdown merchant in recent seasons – his 3,343 yards at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2021 are by far the most in the NFL (Goff is the next closest with 2,428). Smith fits exactly what they want to do- Smith had 14.4% of touches as screens, second most of any RB since 2017, and led this class in yards per route run and targets per route too. Don’t forget how dangerous McKinnon could be in fantasy, too: during the fantasy playoffs of 2022, he averaged 25.2 PPR FPPG and was THE RB1! This is a threat the offense sorely missed last year, and Brashard Smith seems tailor-made to fit the void.”
– Wolf of Roto Street (Roto Street Journal)
“All roads in the late rounds lead back to Brashard Smith. He has the pass-catching chops to be instantly inserted into the yesteryear Jerick McKinnon role, which we have seen pay dividends in the Chiefs offense. He also has the ability on early downs to take over if Isiah Pacheco misses any time. Kareem Hunt is a dependable known commodity, but he offers no upside at this juncture of his career in any department. For everyone who says “a seventh-round pick could never assume the starting role in the KC backfield,” I smugly point to Pacheco.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Sean Tucker (RB – TB)
“Sean Tucker might be third on his team’s depth chart right now, but he boasts big fantasy upside. We already saw it last year when he exploded for 192 yards and 2 TDs with Rachaad White sidelined vs. the Saints. HC Todd Bowles said recently that Tucker needs more work, which could come at White’s expense. The bottom line is: an injury to White OR Bucky Irving would turn Tucker into a potential fantasy starter.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
Tahj Brooks (RB – CIN)
“Drafting Bengals players seems like a no-brainer, but one is being overlooked more than most. With Zach Moss gone and Chase Brown now the lead back, rookie Tahj Brooks is shaping up for a key secondary role. Brooks has impressed in camp and flashed in preseason action, making him an intriguing option for Zero RB drafters or as a handcuff to Brown. There’s a real chance he carves out meaningful touches in this dynamic offense.”
– Josh Hall (IDP Army)
“Tahj Brooks is the pick. He is an extremely underrated prospect with a well-rounded skillset. He landed in one of the most explosive offenses in the league with Chase Brown and Semaje Perine in front of him. If opportunity knocks, Brooks won’t look back; it’ll be Tahj Time.”
– Will Urion (FantasyNow+)
Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)
“Kyle Monangai, the Chicago Bears’ seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, is a sneaky last-round pick for 2025 fantasy drafts, ready to rumble as a tackle-breaking bulldozer. In 2024, he bullied his way to 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns on 256 carries at Rutgers, averaging a gritty 5.0 yards per carry, proving he can handle a heavy workload with zero career fumbles on 676 attempts. His physical, low-to-the-ground running style and top-10 PFF ranking for missed tackles forced among college backs with 100+ carries scream NFL-ready tenacity. With D’Andre Swift‘s shaky 2024 and Roschon Johnson‘s injury history, Monangai’s pass-blocking chops and relentless mentality could carve out RB2 snaps in Chicago’s split backfield under Ben Johnson. This compact, 5-foot-8, 211-pound bowling ball is a low-risk, high-reward dart throw who could steal carries and hearts by season’s end.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
“Kyle Monangai, currently the RB61 in half-ADP, is an intriguing late-round flier for those 0-RB drafters or for anyone targeting someone that could have a role in 2025. While D’Andre Swift is locked in as the RB1 in Chicago, Ben Johnson could look to incorporate his other running backs and form what could be a three-man committee if Roschon Johnson is included. Monanagi has already drawn reps with the first team offense and has been a name flying around Bears training camp thus far. The pathway to immediate reps is there for the former Rutgers RB, and he could easily outperform his ADP in 2025.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Although the Chicago beat is torn on the RB2 battle between Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai, the coaching staff has remained steadfast in their faith for Monangai. Head coach Ben Johnson recently said, “I think he’s a guy we’re gonna be able to trust this fall… He’s going to be one of those glue guys that you can count on to do it the right way.” Just three years ago, Jamaal Williams plowed into the end zone 17 times in Johnson’s offense as D’Andre Swift’s backup, signalling the potential upside for the seventh-round rookie.”
– Dave Kluge (Footballguys)
“Kyle Monangai, ADP RB62, take a flyer on this Chicago Bears backfield situation with one of your last picks. The 7th-round rookie RB from Rutgers has been a total standout at Bears training camp and has been rising in the depth chart due to Roschon Johnson’s minor foot injury. He is gaining the trust of his coaches, and that bodes well for him to see a role earlier than most expect. The 5-foot-8, 211-pound RB posted back-to-back seasons with 1,200-plus rushing yards with a top 10 PFF rushing grade in 2023 (33% dominator rating). His ball security (0 career fumbles) and overall dependability as a workhorse will be appreciated by NFL coaches. Also, it wouldn’t be the first time a 7th-round RB from Rutgers (Isiah Pacheco) took over a backfield on a team with Eric Bienemy (Bears RB coach) on the coaching staff.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Miles Sanders (RB – DAL)
“Miles Sanders at RB63 is the obvious choice for me. As crazy as it sounds, he could be the starter in Dallas at some point this season, including Week 1. I think a lot of people are ignoring him because they’ve been burned by him before, but at his current cost, who cares? Grabbing a potential starting RB with your last pick is how you win your league. As ugly as it is, all Sanders has to do is outplay Javonte Williams and rookie Jaydon Blue. I hate to say it, but that sounds entirely plausible to me.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
“Ringo’s hot take- most analysts are assuming Javonte Williams is going to win the starting gig in Dallas. And while he still could, I’m hearing that it’s been Miles Sanders who has been the more impressive of the two so far. Williams, at least last year, has lost a step due to the severe knee injury he suffered a few years ago. That’s why Sean Payton cut him, per former scout and Cowboys insider, Bryan Broaddus. According to Broaddus (and I’m paraphrasing here), Payton spoke highly of Williams’ work ethic and willingness to pass block, but at the end of the day, they wanted more burst and explosiveness from their RBs and thus Denver drafted R.J. Harvey in the late 2nd round (60th overall). Rookie Jaydon Blue is too undersized to have anything more than a role on passing downs, so as long as Dallas doesn’t bring in someone else via trade or from free agency, which they still could (for ex., Breece Hall or Dameon Pierce), Sanders is a steal with his current ADP at RB 63.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“Miles Sanders. It’s possible he has a sizeable role in the Dallas backfield and might even emerge from training camp as the starter. Sanders faded into the background during his two years in Carolina but ran for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Eagles in 2022. He’s averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 3.03 yards after contact per attempt for his career and has a 27.7% breakaway percentage over his six NFL seasons, according to PFF. Javonte Williams might have lost his special sauce with the major knee injury he sustained in 2022, and the Cowboys might not feel comfortable handing a big role to rookie Jaydon Blue right away. Sanders is one of the few RBs outside the top 60 in ADP with a chance to play a significant role in Week 1.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Will Shipley (RB – PHI)
“If the Madden Curse were to strike Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley could go from waiver wire pickup to the next Christian McCaffrey. AJ Dillon has shown enough to earn touches, but the Eagles appear committed to making Shipley their guy. He flashed plenty of upside during his rookie season to justify the role if the opportunity opens. While no one wishes injury on any player, the Madden Curse has hit at over a 50% rate in recent years, and if it happens again, Shipley’s stock will skyrocket overnight.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)
“Drafting a back outside of the top 60 is like shopping the week after Black Friday. There likely won’t be anything in your size, but there’s a chance you can find your new everyday shirt at a great price. These backs, almost exclusively, rely on a player ahead of them getting hurt or traded to get their opportunity. With that in mind, Will Shipley is a great pick in the last round of your drafts. We never want to predict injury, but we also play a game that relies on probability. When there is a 28-year-old back, coming off of 482 touches, and has a history of injuries, the risk of injury increases. Whether you drafted Barkley or not, Shipley showcased why he is a premier backup in this league in Preseason Week 1. I hope it doesn’t happen, but he’s one hit away from getting starter touches behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)
“Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the RB67 in the ADP and one of my favorite final round draft targets. Unfortunately, he might not be available in the final round of fantasy drafts moving forward after a strong start to training camp and a solid Week 1 preseason performance. While many expected the Commanders to use an early pick in the NFL Draft on a running back, they waited until the last round to select Croskey-Merritt. He only played in one game last year because of eligibility issues. However, the rookie was outstanding in 2023, totaling 1,190 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Croskey-Merritt has been the star of training camp, earning first-team reps. Don’t be surprised if the seventh-round rookie is this year’s Isiah Pacheco and is Washington’s starting running back by Halloween, if not sooner.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“I’m targeting Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Washington Commanders’ rookie running back, in the final rounds of all my half-PPR drafts. Despite being a seventh-round pick, he’s generating buzz in training camp, earning first-team reps with Jayden Daniels and praise for his explosive cuts and vision. With Brian Robinson Jr. as a plodding starter and Austin Ekeler in a third-down role, the Commanders’ backfield is open for Croskey-Merritt to carve out a role. His elite 4.41 forty-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical at the Shrine Bowl highlight his upside as a big-play threat. At an ADP around RB70 (213.6 overall), he’s a low-risk, high-reward stash with potential to climb the depth chart.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Ollie Gordon (RB – MIA)
“Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon is someone you could consider taking with your last pick in your drafts. The Dolphins have De’Von Achane, but his durability raises some questions about his game. Gordon was once touted as one of the best running backs in college during his junior season. If Gordon continues to shine in preseason, he may jump Jaylen Wright for the RB2 role and potentially see the goal line work in the offense.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Jordan James (RB – SF)
“Jordan James is a late-round running back target with sneaky upside in San Francisco’s elite zone-blocking scheme. Drafted in the fifth round out of Oregon, James rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 and enters 2025 as the RB74 in half-PPR ADP. With Christian McCaffrey coming off an injury-riddled season and Isaac Guerendo sidelined by a shoulder issue, James could be thrust into meaningful snaps early. He’s currently recovering from a broken finger but is expected back by Week 1, and his no-fumble college resume (386 carries, zero fumbles) makes him a trusted option behind Trent Williams and Dominick Puni. If McCaffrey or Guerendo miss time, James could be a plug-and-play RB3 with touchdown upside in Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy offense.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)
“Roschon Johnson has all the talent and opportunities to get the job done in Chicago. I expect a 60/40 with D’Andre Swift being the leader, but close enough for Johnson to get it done.”
– Alejandro Orellana (Estadio Fantasy)
DJ Giddens (RB – IND)
“Jonathan Taylor has missed more games (16) in the last two seasons than Christian McCaffrey (14). The Indianapolis Colts grabbed D.J. Giddens in the draft this year. Giddens could see time as a third-down back in this offense with good natural hands. But, he has the size and skill to be an early down back if Taylor were to go down. Currently being drafted as RB65, sign me up.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)
“Braelon Allen is currently RB 54, but is being talked about as a part of the committee backfield for the New York Jets, which will have him ending the year much higher. He is a big, bruising back at 6’1″/235lbs, with some comparing his size and power to Derrick Henry (minus a few pounds). Fantasy owners should remember that Henry started his career in a committee before blowing up and becoming “The King”. Allen is sharing the backfield with Breece Hall, a heralded running back who has never eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing. Based on the current team plan, owners can expect Hall to be the thunder to Hall’s lightning, with the ability to steal the goal-line carries, which are very valuable to fantasy owners.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Woody Marks (RB – HOU)
“On July 26th, it was reported that Joe Mixon would miss an “extended period of time” with a foot injury. Since this report, there has been little, if anything, said of Mixon’s health. Should Mixon miss time, Woody Marks’ main competition for touches would likely be Nick Chubb, who doesn’t look like his old self, according to coach DeMeco Ryans. The Texans traded away a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Marks 116th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Given his extensive pass-catching work in college (averaging 52.2 receptions per season), if given a chance by the Texans, he could be very fantasy relevant.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Samaje Perine (RB – CIN)
“Samaje Perine is a name few are discussing right now as the Bengals handcuff back to roster. He’s got a legitimate path to immediate work in the passing game and has proven viable in the Cincy system already in his career. Though he’s older than I’d like, Perine is a Chase Brown injury away from a massive workload as rookie Tahj Brooks ramps up in season. Rostered for necessary depth on a top-3 NFL offense, Perine’s familiarity with the Bengals system makes him the highest-upside, last round pick in your fantasy drafts.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Which one WR outside the top 70 in half-PPR WR ADP do you plan on targeting in the final rounds of all your drafts and why?
Dont’e Thornton Jr. (WR – LV)
“Dont’e Thornton is the definition of a freak. 6’5″. 4.3(!) forty time- joining a list of only Calvin Johnson and DK Metcalf as guys 6’4″ or taller with a 4.35 or faster forty. Thornton’s 3.72 YPRR was Top-3 in this class. Even crazier: he averaged 25.4 Yards per Catch last year, best in the nation. Throughout OTAs, Training Camp, and in Preseason Week 1, Thornton has been locked in with the first team ahead of the higher-drafted Jack Bech. The best part? Geno Smith is an elite deep-ball thrower. He ranked QB3, QB9, and QB5 in deep ball completion % the past 3 seasons. This is the perfect mesh of skill set and QB. Ultimately, a size-speed freak of this nature that’s seemingly locked into a starting role with a phenomenal deep thrower shouldn’t be going undrafted.”
– Wolf of Roto Street (Roto Street Journal)
“Dont’e Thornton Jr. – Las Vegas Raiders I can’t contain my excitement or stop gushing about the potential of Dont’e Thornton Jr. and the spot he could be stepping into with the Raiders. He is a high-octane, last-round gamble in 2025 fantasy drafts, poised to torch defenses with his blazing speed. In his final college season, Thornton led the FBS with a jaw-dropping 25.4 yards per catch on 26 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his knack for explosive plays despite a run-heavy offense. His 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine was the second-fastest among receivers and rare for a 6-foot-5, 205-pound frame, making him a vertical threat defenses can’t ignore. With the Raiders’ WR2 spot wide open behind Jakobi Meyers, Thornton’s 3.72 yards per route run (per PFF) and first-team reps in training camp hint at a potential role as a deep-ball dagger in Chip Kelly’s scheme. This lanky speedster is a boom-or-bust flier who could ignite your roster or fizzle, but his upside screams, “Take the shot!”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
“Dont’e Thornton Jr. – This one is a long shot, but you can do worse at the end of your draft than a 6’5 WR with 4.30 speed. The 4th round rookie has been the standout of Raiders camp, and has potentially beaten out fellow rookie Jack Bech for a starting spot. During college, Thornton posted 1426 yards on 56 receptions (25.46 yards per catch). His skill set complements that of Jakobi Meyers well, so they can coexist in the offense. We’ve learned to be wary of WRs from Tennessee, but he may be worth a late-round shot just to see if he is involved in the game plan for week one. If he isn’t, then you can cut him.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Tory Horton (WR – SEA)
“Tory Horton flew under the radar because of the knee injury that cut short his 2024 season. He was a very productive college player, though — and blazed a 4.41-second 40 time at the Combine. It sounds like Horton is already the favorite to open the season as Seattle’s No. 3 WR. And if Cooper Kupp is truly washed, Horton could finish 2nd on the Seahawks in targets.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
“Tory Horton in Seattle has a wide open runway to lock down a starting spot opposite JSN. He has uncommon speed, and his athleticism is underrated due to participating in the combine at less than 100% as he returned from injury. I’m not convinced the Seahawks will be good, and it could lead to extra pass attempts as they try to play catch-up late in games.”
– Will Urion (FantasyNow+)
“Tory Horton is a name that dynasty owners know, but is not as well-known by redraft owners…..YET! He is a rookie WR for the Seattle Seahawks who is turning heads in training camp. He was originally seen as a player who would go higher in the NFL draft until his 2024 season was cut short by a knee injury. Before that, he had back-to-back seasons with 1,130+ and 8TDs. At the combine, after a season-ending knee injury, he ran a 4.41 40-yard dash! He is falling into a situation in Seattle with emerging star Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. JSN has solidified himself as the WR1 in Seattle, and Horton has been seen running with the ones during portions of camp, which could lead to him seeing a lot of early-season action and possibly moving into the WR2 spot by the end of the year. He can be drafted in the final round of leagues if an owners want to look like a genius (and hear “Who is that?” from many teams), or probably snagged off the waiver wire, but either way, you will be happy he is on your roster!”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
“Tory Horton is a phenomenal athlete who fell to Day 3 in this year’s draft due to a complicated knee injury. But he made a name for himself immediately in Seahawks’ camp, jumping ahead of Marquez Valdes-Scantling on the team’s first unofficial depth chart and scoring a touchdown in his first preseason game. Klint Kubiak’s offense features the X-receiver, and both Rashid Shaheed and Valdez-Scantling were rewarded in that role last year. Horton is a sneaky last-round pick with some stand-alone value who could have an even bigger breakout if Cooper Kupp or Jaxon Smith-Njigba have to miss any time.”
– Dave Kluge (Footballguys)
Roman Wilson (WR – PIT)
“Roman Wilson’s rookie year was derailed by a lingering hamstring injury, but he’s now healthy heading into Year 2. With D.K. Metcalf locked in as the WR1, the rest of the receiving corps is wide open. There are plenty of targets up for grabs in this new offense, and Aaron Rodgers, while not in his prime, still threw for nearly 4,000 yards in his 20th season. Wilson is a perfect late-round flyer, essentially entering a do-over rookie season with upside.”
– Josh Hall (IDP Army)
Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
“I’ve already been snagging shares of WR71 Quentin Johnston in the last round of drafts that I’ve finished this year. That Los Angeles WR room got a boost when they signed Keenan Allen back to the team, but Johnston is still a viable candidate to be the second-best pass-catching option on the team. This makes him immediately flex-worthy in fantasy. Hate the player all you want, but his value is perfect for me now. No risk, all reward, just how I like my receivers.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Amari Cooper (WR – FA)
“If we are looking super late in deep leagues, there is one wide receiver who could make an immediate impact once he signs with a team: Amari Cooper. Just two years ago, Cooper dominated with Joe Flacco, posting 1,250 yards and helping lead the Browns to the playoffs. Last season was a mess, a chaotic Browns offense followed by a mid-season trade to Buffalo, where inconsistent playing time, injuries, and targets derailed his production. At 31, the upside may not excite some, but Cooper still has plenty left in the tank. He is clearly waiting for the right opportunity rather than settling for a spot buried on a depth chart, and in the right landing spot, he could instantly become a late-round steal.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)
Jalen Royals (WR – KC)
“Jalen Royals has been drawing tons of attention early on for the Kansas City Chiefs, and could find himself an immediate role in this offense. Rashee Rice is waiting for word on a suspension that could be anywhere from 4-6 games, which would leave a void in this Chiefs offense. Royals would become a candidate to fill in that spot, and for any WR that is catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, they immediately get a boost in value, no matter what. Royals could be an interesting WR handcuff for those who are interested in Rice but do not know about his suspension, and would be a great target for those looking for a WR that could produce immediately at no cost at all.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Jalen Royals is a late-round wide receiver target with clear insurance upside in Kansas City’s volatile receiver room. Drafted in Round 4 after posting 1,914 yards and 21 TDs over two seasons at Utah State, Royals enters 2025 as WR78 in half-PPR ADP. Rashee Rice could possibly miss 4-6 games due to an impending suspension, and Marquise Brown is nursing an ankle injury that’s kept him out of camp since July 29. Royals has earned first-team reps and praise from both Xavier Worthy and Matt Nagy for his route polish and ball skills, and he fits the Z-receiver mold that thrives in Andy Reid’s motion-heavy scheme. If Rice and Brown miss time, Royals could step into a WR2/WR3 role with Mahomes, making him a low-cost stash with explosive upside in one of the league’s most pass-happy offenses.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Jalen Nailor (WR – MIN)
“Most fantasy players will never consider drafting Jalen Nailor. However, he will be my final round pick in several drafts because of Jordan Addison. Unfortunately, Addison will miss the first three games with a suspension. Therefore, Nailor will briefly be the No. 2 wide receiver in a fantasy-friendly Minnesota offense. Last year, Addison missed two games because of injury. Nailor was the WR23 during those two weeks, totaling six receptions on eight targets for 85 receiving yards and two touchdowns, averaging 11.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. More importantly, the Vikings face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, giving Nailor two appealing matchups to put up solid numbers with Addison out of the lineup.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Adonai Mitchell (WR – IND)
“If you isolated the traits of Adonai Mitchell, he could be going in the top 40 receivers. Unfortunately, the 2024 second-round receiver is stuck on a loaded pass-catching roster with a developing quarterback in Anthony Richardson. This is where talent can supersede situation, as Mitchell has the traits to develop into an elite X receiver. So far in camp, reports of his connection with ARich have been glowing. His primary competition for his role is Alec Pierce, who is currently out with a groin injury. Last year, Pierce led the team in receiving touchdowns and yards. If Mitchell can jump Pierce on the depth chart, and Richardson continues to improve, Mitchell could be the perfect boom-bust flex receiver in 2025.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
“Adonai Mitchell has good size (6’2″, 210 lbs.) and very good speed (4.34 forty time). Mitchell also has the draft pedigree to be a difference maker. He dominated Alabama back in college when he played the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, and the Tide had first-round CBs. The word out of Indianapolis is that Mitchell is coming on lately and having a strong camp. It’s his second year, so he should be more comfortable with the playbook and have more confidence. Adonai Mitchell has the traits to make an impact if he can take a step forward this year and get some decent QB play. One scout said that if Mitchell plays every game like he did vs Alabama, he’ll be a star in the NFL. Ringo’s comp- Adonai Mitchell reminds me of a lighter version of former Cowboys WR Dez Bryant.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE)
“Kayshon Boutte is one player who I think could see a mini breakout in 2025. Boutte was once a rising college player before getting hurt. Boutte had worked his way up in the Patriots’ depth chart the last two years after 589 yards last season. The outside receiver position is still considered wide out for the start of the season. If he can win the WR2 or WR3 job and Drake Maye takes a step in his development, he could shine for us in fantasy.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
DeMario Douglas (WR – NE)
“DeMario Douglas of the New England Patriots is the wide receiver I’m targeting in the final rounds of all my half-PPR drafts. Despite an ADP around WR76 (192 overall), Douglas has shown promise as a slot receiver, catching 66 passes for 621 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. With Stefon Diggs potentially starting slow due to his ACL recovery, Douglas could see an early target boost from Drake Maye in Josh McDaniels’ offense, which favors slot receivers. His 76% catch rate and consistent camp performance highlight his reliability as a depth piece. At such a low cost, Douglas offers a safe floor with WR3 upside in deeper leagues.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Romeo Doubs (WR – GB)
“Out of the cloudy receiving picture in Green Bay, Romeo Doubs is the wide receiver I want to draft this season. On the surface, there doesn’t appear to be much cause for being over the moon for Doubs, but hear me out. Last year, he finished as the WR47 in fantasy points per game, but he was the clear leader of the Green Bay Packers receiver room, and underneath the surface, he POPS in a number of metrics that matter. Doubs was the only receiver for Green Bay that eclipsed a 75% route share (team-leading 76.7%) while leading the team in target share (18.7%) and first-read share (23.6%). He posted a solid 1.90 yards per route run while ranking 25th among 85 qualifying receivers in first downs per route run (0.104, per Fantasy Points Data). Here’s where things get really interesting: Doubs, last year among 112 qualifying receivers, ranked 11th in separation and second in route win rate. Doubs could be quietly headed for a massive breakout season, and with the addition of Matthew Golden and the Packers’ run-heavy approach last year, it’s not priced into his ADP at all. He’s one of my favorite late-round dart throws this season.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
“Because I really like the depth and upside at RB, I am unlikely to take a WR this late in drafts in 2025. Still, if I’m forced to make a selection, I’ll go with Romeo Doubs. Many have left Doubs for dead after the Packers all-but-abandoned the passing game last year in favor of riding the Josh Jacobs Express to a playoff bid. However, Doubs has shown a rapport with a now-healthy Jordan Love, and he’s also expected to be on the field a ton due to his superior blocking ability compared to the rest of the receivers in Green Bay. Doubs is WR73 for a reason, but if rookie Matthew Golden or especially tight end Tucker Kraft go down, Doubs’ stock will go up due to increased volume and even more red zone looks.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Tyler Lockett (WR – TEN)
“Tyler Lockett, vet WRs are good for rookies. I expect a good amount of play for Lockett at the start of the year.”
– Alejandro Orellana (Estadio Fantasy)
Pat Bryant (WR – DEN)
“Pat Bryant got 3rd round draft capital and landed in a really good spot. This Denver Broncos’ offense took major steps in 2024, and they have added weapons for 2025. Bryant is that big-bodied slot player that Sean Payton covets. He traded up to get Pat Bryant. He is well worth the current cost and could have huge upside.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Jalen Coker (WR – CAR)
“Jalen Coker. The former undrafted free agent from Holy Cross is coming off a better rookie season than teammate Xavier Legette, a first-round draft pick. Coker averaged 1.72 yards per route run and 10.4 yards per target last season. In the six games where he played at least two-thirds of the Panthers’ offensive snaps, Coker averaged 3.7 catches and 55.7 receiving yards. With Carolina’s defense looking weak on paper, the Panthers could find themselves in a lot of pass-heavy game scripts this year. The underrated Coker has a chance to surpass Legette (who averaged an anemic 1.19 yards per route run last year) and Adam Thielen (who turns 35 this month) to become Carolina’s No. 2 target earner behind stud rookie Tetairoa McMillan.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Joshua Palmer (WR – BUF)
“One of my biggest takeaways during the preseason was the overwhelming encouragement for Josh Palmer as an integral piece of the Bills’ passing offense. He fits the criteria of a potential 5th-year WR breakout playing on a new team as the starting Z role WR. Still just 25 years old, Palmer is an above-average separator that Buffalo hasn’t had. Last year, among 112 qualifying wide receivers, Palmer was one of the best separators in the NFL, ranking 16th in separation and 12th in route win rate.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
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