Which Rookie WR Should You Draft?

Should you draft Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Matthew Golden in fantasy football in 2025? Shaun breaks down the fantasy outlooks for these four rookies.

Every NFL Draft class brings a wave of hype, but in today’s league, few positions generate more buzz than wide receiver. The modern NFL is built on explosive passing attacks, and the supply line from college to the pros has never been stronger. Elite college wideouts are entering the league more polished than ever, often stepping right into starting roles and producing immediately.

We saw that clearly in 2024, when three rookie receivers cleared 1,000 yards and several others became weekly fantasy football staples. The blueprint is there: land the right receiver and you can transform an offense, or a fantasy roster, overnight. But for every breakout star, some first-rounders stumble under the weight of expectations, proving that not all hype translates to Sunday success.

That brings us to the 2025 class, headlined by four first-round picks who each carry unique storylines and expectations: Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Matthew Golden. Some of these names are destined to become household stars, while others may leave fantasy managers frustrated by inconsistency. The question is simple: who’s for real, and who’s overhyped?

Travis Hunter Fantasy Football Outlook

Travis Hunter enters the NFL carrying both the weight of the Jacksonville Jaguars franchise and the lofty expectations of being the No. 2 overall pick. The Heisman Trophy winner was drafted to change games on both sides of the ball, a role rarely asked of a modern NFL player. Through training camp, Hunter has flashed his two-way brilliance, showing the same explosiveness and instincts that made him a college superstar. The question is whether he can handle the physical demands of a 17-game season while balancing such a unique workload.

Durability concerns are already surfacing, as Hunter is battling an upper-body injury before the preseason has even concluded. For fantasy purposes, that’s a red flag. While his athleticism is undeniable, the expectations on the rookie feel unrealistic when paired with Jacksonville’s offensive profile. With Brian Thomas Jr. cemented as the team’s WR1 and the Jaguars finishing just 24th in passing yards last season, Hunter’s opportunity for consistent targets looks limited.

The Jaguars traded up from the #5 pick to #2 to acquire Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft 🔥

He's looking great in preseason, but it's nearly time to prove his worth with the season starting in just... 3 months 😭

( Via @jaguars ) pic.twitter.com/QiFpYh1Cgb

— BettingToolsUS (@BettingToolsUS) June 5, 2025

To maximize his impact, the Jaguars will likely manage his snaps carefully, easing him into select packages on offense while sprinkling in defensive snaps. That approach may help protect his long-term health, but it also caps his rookie-year fantasy ceiling. Big plays will happen, but they’re more likely to come sporadically than in a reliable, week-to-week fashion.

For fantasy managers, Hunter’s profile screams “avoid” in 2025 drafts. While his long-term upside remains immense if the Jaguars can develop him properly, his rookie season projects to be more about flashes than sustained production. Dynasty managers may want to stash him for the future, but in redraft formats, the risks outweigh the rewards.

Tetairoa McMillan Fantasy Football Outlook

At 6’5” and 212 pounds, Tetairoa McMillan brings the size, length, and athleticism that NFL teams covet in a true X receiver. The Carolina Panthers drafted him with the hope that he could become Bryce Young’s go-to target of the future, pairing with Xavier Legette to form a young and dynamic receiving corps. McMillan wasted no time turning heads at camp, though, like many rookies, his transition hasn’t been flawless. Early miscues in routes and timing slowed the passing attack, but by mid-August, his potential began to shine through.

The challenges McMillan faces are real. Unlike rookies who ease into the “Y” or slot roles, the X receiver position demands far more. He’ll be asked to beat top corners at the line of scrimmage, handle physical press coverage, and adjust routes against sophisticated NFL defenses. At Arizona, his physical dominance often allowed him to overwhelm opponents, but in the NFL, polish and consistency will be critical. Still, reports of early chemistry with Young suggest he’s already making strides in adapting to the speed of the game.

Tier 5

26. Terry McLaurin
25. Xavier Worthy
24. DK Metcalf
23. Jameson Williams
22. George Pickens
21. Davante Adams
20. Mike Evans
19. Marvin Harrison Jr
18. Tyreek Hill
17. Tetairoa McMillanpic.twitter.com/4j3ApS3RNk

— No Expert Fantasy Football (@NoExpertFF) August 22, 2025

What makes McMillan intriguing for fantasy purposes is the combination of opportunity and talent. Carolina has lacked a true alpha receiver in recent years, and McMillan has the tools to fill that void quickly. Even if his rookie season comes with ups and downs, the target volume should be there as the Panthers continue to build around Young. His size and catch radius make him a natural red-zone weapon, giving him an immediate path to touchdowns.

By the time the fantasy playoffs roll around, McMillan could be a difference-maker. His ceiling is that of a long-term WR1, and the volume potential in Carolina’s evolving offense only strengthens that outlook. For dynasty managers, he’s a must-roster building block, and for redraft players, he’s worth the gamble in the later rounds. McMillan may need time to grow, but his trajectory points toward stardom, making him one of the rookies worth betting on in 2025.

Emeka Egbuka Fantasy Football Outlook

It’s rare for a rookie to land in such a perfect situation, but that’s the case with Emeka Egbuka. Drafted 19th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the former Ohio State receiver enters a prime role after Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan’s injuries. That leaves Egbuka starting opposite Mike Evans in an offense led by Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield. With Tampa Bay chasing another Super Bowl run, the rookie’s opportunity couldn’t be better.

“Emeka is everything we thought, plus some,” said GM Jason Licht after watching him in preseason action.

At 6’1” and 205 pounds, Egbuka combines quickness, fluidity, and route precision, consistently creating separation with sharp breaks and clean footwork. His versatility allows him to line up outside or in the slot, giving Tampa another matchup weapon alongside Evans’ downfield presence. The Buccaneers value receivers who can win at multiple levels, and Egbuka’s polish makes him one of the safest rookie bets, with the upside of a future WR1.

Round 9: Emeka Egbuka

- Preseason: BALLING OUT!
- Opportunity: Godwin and McMillan INJ.
- Consistent Production: two college seasons with 1,000 yards and 10 TDS.
- Sure hands: ~72% catch rate and just a 3.9% drop rate. pic.twitter.com/Kb9wCzGPK4

— Joshua Cho (@jbchoknows) August 20, 2025

From a fantasy perspective, the fit is just as exciting. With Godwin sidelined and McMillan likely on IR to start the season, Egbuka steps into immediate volume in a pass-friendly system. He projects as the No. 2 option right away, with a path to become Mayfield’s top target as Evans ages. Dynasty managers should aggressively target him now, while redraft players should circle him as a value pick outside the top 100.

Egbuka has one of the clearest paths to rookie success in 2025 — a high-powered offense, a veteran quarterback, and a starting role next to a superstar. For both the Buccaneers and fantasy managers, he may prove to be one of this year’s best bargains.

Matthew Golden Fantasy Football Outlook

Few rookies have generated as much buzz this summer as Green Bay Packers wideout Matthew Golden. The second-round pick turned heads at the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.29-second 40-yard dash, and that elite speed has already translated on the practice field. Golden has quickly developed chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love, positioning himself as an immediate deep threat who can stretch defenses from day one.

Golden’s teammates have been quick to notice his impact. Running back Josh Jacobs praised him on the Up & Adams Show, saying, “He’s going to be a special player. I like the way he goes about practices. He finishes hard, he works hard.” That type of work ethic, paired with natural athleticism, gives the Packers a dangerous new weapon in their evolving offense. Expect head coach Matt LaFleur to design creative ways to get the ball in Golden’s hands — on screens, jet sweeps, and vertical shots alike.

Matthew Golden once again. pic.twitter.com/mC6Yq9yCVO

— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) August 21, 2025

Beyond his speed, Golden brings polish that separates him from other raw burners. He’s a strong route runner with reliable hands, giving him the potential to contribute as more than just a field-stretcher. For fantasy managers, Golden’s upside is undeniable. Despite his talent and role in an ascending offense, he’s often being drafted behind names like Jacoby Meyers and a declining Stefon Diggs. That presents excellent value for those willing to bet on his ceiling.

Golden’s path to becoming one of the top rookie wideouts in 2025 is clear: elite speed, strong camp buzz, and immediate opportunity in a high-volume passing game. Savvy fantasy players should be willing to pay up a little earlier than consensus, even as high as the seventh round, to secure a player with game-breaking upside.

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