Rookies have seen their Fantasy Football value increase exponentially over the last decade, as more first-year players are coming into the league and making an immediate impact on the field. So, with no games this week, it’s a good time to celebrate greatness on the field. The NFL does that with the Pro Bowl Games, so I’ll be doing the same for fantasy football.
I’ve already covered my All-Sleeper and All-Breakout teams, so let’s move on to the rookies who helped fantasy managers succeed this past season. And to be a bit forward-thinking, I’ll also take a look at each player’s 2025 outlook and whether it’s rosy or a little clouded.
Quarterback Spotlight: Jayden Daniels, Commanders
Daniels was one of the league’s biggest breakout candidates, scoring an impressive 355.8 fantasy points in Year 1. That’s the second-most points a rookie quarterback has scored in NFL history, trailing only Cam Newton’s 370.3 points from 2011. Notably, he rushed for 891 yards, the highest among rookie quarterbacks, surpassing another Washington legend, Robert Griffin III, who had 815 yards during his rookie campaign in 2012.
2025 Outlook: There’s nothing that indicates that Daniels will be anything but fantastic in his second NFL season. In fact, I have him ranked among the elite fantasy quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts heading into 2025. Expect him to be a top-50 selection.
Running Back Review: Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
Irving was far and away the best rookie running back in the league, scoring 62.1 more points than the next-best runner, Tyrone Tracy Jr. He was especially productive in the second half of the season, averaging 18.3 points per game and ranking sixth among all backs. With 244.4 fantasy points, Irving’s performance ranks 39th all-time among first-year runners.
2025 Outlook: The Buccaneers will have a new offensive coordinator next season, but you’d have to think Irving would remain the top back. Rachaad White is still on the team, but could another team look to trade for him this offseason? Remember, the Bucs also have Sean Tucker in their backfield. Irving is my RB9 in my way-too-early rankings for 2025.
Wide Receiver Wonder: Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars
Thomas Jr. started the season slowly, scoring fewer than 15 points in his first three games. However, he quickly turned things around, finishing with the fourth-most points among wide receivers. His 87 catches rank 11th among rookie wideouts all time, and he finished eighth all-time in receiving yards with 1,282. In terms of PPR points, Thomas Jr. is sixth all-time.
2025 Outlook: Thomas Jr. is the latest LSU wideout to become a fantasy star, and I don’t think things will change much. The move to bring in former Buccaneers OC Liam Coen as the Jaguars’ new head coach is promising. BTJ will be a top-12 wideout in 2025 drafts.
Tight End Triumph: Brock Bowers, Raiders
Bowers broke virtually every tight-end rookie record this past season. He recorded the most catches (112), the most receiving yards (1,194), and the most fantasy points (249.8) at the position among first-year players. This includes breaking the rookie record for yards that was held by Mike Ditka, who had 1,076 yards for the Chicago Bears in 1961!
2025 Outlook: The Raiders must improve their passing game assets, which means potentially adding an alpha wideout who could take some targets from Bowers. The team, now coached by Pete Carroll, also needs to upgrade at quarterback (maybe Russell Wilson) in the offseason. Regardless, I’ll have Bowers ranked first at tight end for next season.
Flex Player Focus: Malik Nabers, WR, Giants
Nabers was fantastic in Year 1, finishing sixth in fantasy points among all wideouts. He was second behind Thomas Jr. among rookies but led BTJ in points per game. The LSU product also set a record for the most receptions by a rookie wideout and would have had the overall record had Bowers not posted 112 receptions this past season.
2025 Outlook: I’m not sure what the Giants are going to do at quarterback, but it will no doubt be an upgrade over Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock, and Tim Boyle. Just think about what Nabers accomplished with that quartet! He’s going to be a first-round pick in 2025.
In summary, the rookie class of this past season has shown incredible talent and potential, making them exciting prospects for the upcoming seasons. As we look ahead to 2025, these players are not just names on a roster; they are the future stars of Fantasy Football, and their performances will be pivotal for fantasy managers everywhere. So, keep an eye on these young guns as you prepare for your next fantasy draft!
