Tue Jan 13th 2026

Re-Ranking The 2025 Rookie Class

 

1. Jaxson Dart (up from 13th to 1st)

• Dart has moved all the way up from the 13 to one. He’s the player I would draft first in superflex leagues if we could draft again today. He had an amazing season even though he played on a terrible team without his top weapon, Malik Nabers. He scored over 20 points in nine of his twelve starts, and that includes games when he left due to injury. His secret weapon is his legs. He had 487 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. That’s the third most rushing touchdowns by a rookie quarterback in NFL history! His aggressive running led to injuries, however, and his new coaching staff may ask him to run less. Still, he’s got what it takes to be a future top-twelve dynasty quarterback in the years to come after finishing 15th in his rookie season. I’m pleased to say I drafted him in three of my nine dynasty leagues since I liked him more than most dynasty managers.

2. Ashton Jeanty (down from 1st to 2nd)

• While Jeanty struggled behind a terrible offensive line and played for the very worst team in the league, he still managed to finish the season as the top-scoring rookie running back in a class loaded with great running backs. He finished 13th in total points behind Josh Jacobs and ahead of Saquon Barkley. That’s impressive given his environment. He showed enough in his big plays to leave dynasty managers no regrets for drafting him as the 1.1 even in superflex leagues. Once the Raiders add a new coach and Fernando Mendoza to their team, things will look up for Jeanty. I only had the 1.1 in one league last year, and I drafted Jeanty. I’m very pleased with my pick and would draft him again, even though he was a disappointment week-to-week this season. The future is incredibly bright for Jeanty.

3. Omarion Hampton (stayed as 3rd)

• Hampton battled injuries for much of the season and missed eight weeks with an injury. Still, what he showed on the field was enough to keep him ranked high in my end-of-season rookie rankings. I’m very confident in his future. Unlike Jeanty, he landed in a team with a solid, excellent line and a run-first mentality. Sadly, the Chargers’ offensive line battled injuries this season, too, so dynasty managers were never able to see what the Chargers’ run game would look like without all the injuries, including Hampton’s. His end-of-season play with a terrible offensive line, and his involvement in the passing game, gave dynasty managers hope that being the second drafted running back in this class was still a great decision. This year’s running back class was awesome, but I’d still draft Hampton second among them, and I am glad that in my one league with the 1.2 pick last year, I selected Hampton.

4. Tyler Shough (up from 23rd to 4th)

• Here’s our first player with an enormous rise in my rankings.  Shough has moved up from 23rd to 4th in my superflex rankings, especially after the season, when the Saints’ coaching staff declared him their future starter with confidence. Shough took a while to heat up after being given the starting role in week eight, but after their bye week in week eleven, he finished the season on fire, averaging more than 20 points per game over the last seven weeks of the season. Dynasty managers brave enough to take a chance on him, especially in superflex leagues, have been rewarded. Surprisingly, I picked him up off waivers in a one-quarterback league. Best of all, I paid $301 for him in a superflex auction in a league where I am rebuilding. I paid $500 Dart in the same league, so I have found my future quarterbacks and can spend all of the extra auction money I acquire in trades over the next two years on other positions.  

5. Teterioa McMillan (down from 4th to 5th)

• McMillan finished as the top-scoring rookie wide receiver, even though he had a modest season compared to his previous rookie seasons. He was very inconsistent with a ton of average games, a few great games and several terrible games. The Panthers’ offense was run-first for much of the season, and they were one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league. Still, McMillan managed to finish the season as the 15th-highest-scoring wide receiver. Dynasty managers have to be pleased with that and hopeful for many top-twelve finishes in the future. McMillan’s ranking would have remained the same as it was back in May if Shough had not surpassed him and if the guy I mentioned next had not fallen down my rankings.

6. Cam Ward (from 1st to 6th)

• Ward was the consensus 1.1 in superflex leagues last May, unless a team set at quarterback decided to draft Jeanty instead. Ward did not prove to be a bust and played a little better at the very end of the season than he did throughout the entire season, but his only finish as a top-12 quarterback on the week once last season is a big concern. Ward played with a terrible team around him, but Dart and Shough’s offenses weren't the best either, and they were able to carry their teams. Ward could not. Plus, as expected, he hardly runs the ball, averaging under ten yards rushing per game on the season. There’s still hope for Ward once he gets more weapons and a better coaching staff, but he had to drop in my rankings after an unimpressive rookie season.

7. Cam Skattebo (up from 15th to 7th)

• Skattebo made a significant jump in my end-of-year ranking because he was the top-scoring non-quarterback rookie in average points per game this season, with 14.5 points per game. That would have made him the 10th-highest-scoring running back. His first eight games of the season were a smashing success, putting to rest all the fears many dynasty managers had about his speed, pass blocking, and spot on the depth chart. He rose to the top of the depth chart immediately and was a touchdown-scoring machine with seven in his eight games played. I’m so glad I drafted him in two leagues and traded Davante Adams for him in another league after Skattebo was injured. I only wish I drafted him more since I passed on him in two other leagues when a player I then had ranked ahead of him fell to me.

8. TreVeyon Henderson (down from 6th to 8th)

• Henderson never stole the show from Rhamondre Stevenson, but he made enough big plays on his touches and earned more carries as the season progressed, moving up in my rankings from 6th to 8th. He finished as the second-highest scoring rookie running back and outscored Rhomandre Stevenson, who also had a productive season. The Patriots’ offense was one of the very best in the league this season, and it will only improve as Drake Maye gets more weapons in the passing game and their offensive line gains more experience. His future is bright with the Patriots and Drake Maye. Henderson managers are thrilled to have drafted him in the first round last year. Sadly, I never had the opportunity to draft Henderson, so he’s the first player I’ve talked about so far that I don't have any shares in.

9. RJ Harvey (down from 8th to 9th)

• Harvey finished two spots and 5 points behind Henderson in running back points this year as the 21st highest scoring running back. He was slowly given more and more trust by the Broncos after J.K. Dobbins was injured. By the end of the season, he was the leading back and had his best games of the year. He averaged 17 points per game in the last five games that mattered for the Broncos as they sealed up the top seed in the AFC.  I was confident in Harvey’s ability as a pass catcher, but had concerns about his ability in the running game. But by the end of the year, he proved very capable at both, so I have kept him in about the same spot as I did last May. I liked Harvey and drafted him twice, trading up in the first round both times to get him. I traded one share away midseason, but am pleased to keep him on the other team, a team for which he never started a game for me this season, since my running back room is loaded but old, and I won back-to-back championships. It’s nice to know Harvey is waiting in the wings in that league.

10. Quinshon Judkins (down from 7th to 10th)

• I moved Judkins a few spots down in my end-of-season ranking, not because he did not look good on the field, but because he looked great. My only concern for Judkins in his rookie season was his lack of involvement in the passing game compared to the running backs I now have ranked ahead of him. I drafted Judkins in two leagues and am pleased to have him on my roster. I just had to move him down because of his limitations as a pass catcher. I am hopeful that the Browns’ new coaching staff and possible new quarterback will trust him more as a pass catcher in the years to come, though, because I think he can do well if they give him a chance. I had him ranked higher than many dynasty managers last year, even as his legal troubles loomed. I’m glad I was able to draft him in at least two leagues.

11. Coston Loveland (down from 9th to 11th)

• As my top-ranked tight end in May, I was worried about Loveland and my three shares of him at the start of the season, but my fears were completely relieved by the end. Loveland was a backup to Cole Kmet to start the season, and by midseason, they seemed to split time. By the end of the season, however, Loveland finally became a focal point in the Bears’ passing game and their leading pass catcher in the last two games of the season. I can’t wait to see if that continues in the NFL playoffs. I had Loveland ranked one spot ahead of Tyler Warren in May. I saw Loveland drafted ahead of Warren in many drafts, and Warren drafted ahead of Loveland in many drafts. It was a conundrum for dynasty managers in the back half of the first round last year. I love both players and regret choosing Loveland over Warren at the start of the year when Warren was on fire. By the end, however, I was pleased with my choice. Still, I’d be pleased to have either tight end as an anchor for years to come.

12. Tyler Warren (stayed as 12th)

• I added my one share of Warren in a draft where Loveland was taken first. While he’s my only share, I’m pleased to have him, too and have him ranked in the same spot as I did in May. Unlike Loveland, Warren hit the ground running with incredibly productive games right off the bat. His production slowed down near the end of the season, however, which was mostly due to poor quarterback play after Daniel Jones was injured and lost for the remainder of the season. Still, he’ll continue to be a focal point of the passing game if the Colts sign another veteran quarterback or re-sign Jones next season. His future is incredibly bright, and his dynasty managers are pleased to have drafted him.

13. Harold Fannin (up from 45th to 13th)

• I’d call Fannin my biggest miss in last year’s class. I promise never to downgrade a small-school player again if they have the kind of collegiate production he had and pair that with significant draft capital. What I am less apologetic about is moving Fannin down my rankings after Cleveland drafted him, even though he was drafted early in the third round. With David Njoku in the way, I thought it would take at least a year or two for Fannin to see the starting lineup. To my credit, Fannin was my 25th-ranked rookie before the NFL draft, but he fell to 45th afterwards. I just did not see any way he would outperform Njoku and outright steal his job, but he most certainly did. What an amazing class of dynasty tight ends. They finished the season as the 5th (Warren), 6th (Fannin), and 12th (Loveland) highest scoring tight ends of the year, and now I have them back to back to back in my end-of-season rankings.

14. Emeka Egbuka (down from 11th to 14th)

• Egbuka was by far the hottest rookie to start the season. He seemed like a clear-cut rookie of the year in the NFL and in dynasty, but he stumbled terribly as the season progressed and even lost playing time near the end of the season. He was the most exciting and disappointing rookie of the season. He showed too much promise early in this season to move him too far down my rankings at the end of the season, but he certainly must fall a little from 11th to 14th. The Buccaneers' depth chart was weak to start the season due to injuries, but it was loaded by the end of the season when everyone was healthy. I’m still hopeful for Egbuka, but the road ahead is much tougher than it was last year.

15. Luther Burden (up from 16th to 15th)

• Burden took the opposite road from Egbuka. He caught fire near the end of the season when Rome Odunze missed time, and the Bears’ offense seemed to finally hit on all cylinders. The depth chart will still be crowded next season, but Burden has flashed and shown enough consistency at the end of the season to make him a more productive piece of the offense in the years to come, and he’s opened up the possibility of becoming the team’s WR-1 over Odunze. It will be interesting in the playoffs to see how Burden is used if Odunze comes back healthy. Either way, he’s proved to be a fine selection in last year’s draft. I was lower on Burden than most dynasty managers last year, so I do not have a single share of him, but now I wish I did.

16. Travis Hunter (down from 5th to 16th)

• I don’t have a single share of Hunter either, and I am very glad I do not.  He had a game or two last season where he showed promise, but not many before he was injured and lost for the season. Surprisingly, the Jaguars’ offense caught fire to end the season, but it was on the backs of Jacobi Meyers, whom they traded for and signed to a long-term contract) and Parker Washington, who is set to be a free agent after this season. Brian Thomas was the surprise non-show this season, with only a few fantasy-relevant games. It remains to be seen what the Jaguars will do this offseason at wide receiver, so Hunter is the most volatile player on this list. The Jaguars could let Washington go and open a door for Hunter in the passing game and/or they could trade Thomas and do the same. Or they could resign Washington, keep Thomas, and send  Hunter to play defensive back. I did not want any part of this two-way player in last year's rookie draft, and I don’t even more so now.

17. Bhayshul Tuten (up from 29th to 17th)

• I never got a share of Tuten because I was far lower on him than all other dynasty managers. I was convinced that he’d never pass Etienne and Bigsby on the depth chart. It turned out I was right and wrong. Etienne had an incredible comeback season, but Bigsby was traded, so Tuten did  get far more opportunities in the offense than I expected. What surprised me more was that he looked very good when given these touches. I’m still glad I did not reach for him as high as many other dynasty managers did in drafts last year, but I’m willing to move him up to 17th when re-ranking the class today. I know others would still take him higher, though. I only wish I could if the Jaguars don’t re-sign Etienne this year. If they don’t, I’ll regret not drafting Tuten, but I’ll be glad I added him as a throw-in on a trade in a league where I am rebuilding.

18. Kyle Monangai (up from 28th to 18th)

• Monangai was one of the best rookie finds of the year, and I would now rank him 30 spots higher than I had him ranked in rookie drafts in May. What a find for those who drafted him! Sadly, I only did it in one league. He was the perfect complementary back to D’Andre Swift for the Bears. He was the quintessential power back on the goal line and in short-yardage situations. But he became far more than that. By halfway through the season, he and Swift were splitting series, and both were incredibly successful. The Bears have a potential out with Swift’s contract this offseason, but I bet they keep him and run back this powerful duo next season, too. Even so, Monangi has a chance to become the future starter, is an incredible handcuff if Swift goes down, and is a viable flex play any week because of his split touches and his opportunities on the goal line. I wish I had more than my one share of him!

19. Jayden Higgins (down from 17th to 19th)

• ggins played about as well as I expected this season, so he remains ranked about the same as he was in May. It’s just that a surprise running back has jumped him in my rankings. Six touchdowns are impressive for a rookie. He’s a great tall weapon in the red zone and made the most of his opportunities. He held off all competition from veteran Christian Kirk and fellow rookie Jaylin Noel to secure the future WR-2 spot opposite Nico Collins. The Texans’ offense struggled this season, but they can improve in the years to come, making Higgins targets and production increase. He’s yet to become a relable starter in dynasty lineups, but I am sure he will become a flex-worthy type of player in the years to come.

20. Woody Marks (up from 34th to 20th)

• Marks made a big jump in the year-end rookie rankings, too, after finding himself in a starting role given the Texans’ injuries at running back. I thought that he'd be a good passing-downs back in the NFL, but would be limited in the running game. But he did far better than I thought he could this season. Dynasty managers who got him late in drafts landed a player who started games for them this season. That’s a great find. The Texans’ backfield of the future is uncertain. Who knows if Joe Mixon will return healthy or if Nick Chubb will do the same? I’m pretty confident that they will bring in a free agent running back this offseason, though, and Marks may go back to a part-time role in the future. Still, he’s shown enough to move up my rankings if we held the draft again today.  

 

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