Five Rookie Risers Climbing Fantasy Football Rankings

RotoBaller analyst Brandon Murchison takes a look at the names of five prospects that have been climbing up positional rankings prior to the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the NFL Draft fast approaching, fantasy football managers are already scouting the next wave of rookies who could make an immediate impact. While some prospects enter the league with sky-high expectations, others see their stock rise due to strong pre-draft performances, favorable team fits, or increasing buzz from scouts and analysts. These "rookie risers" are climbing draft boards, and identifying them early can give fantasy managers a crucial edge in dynasty and redraft leagues.

Prospects who shine at the NFL Combine, impress in pro days, or receive glowing reports from team visits often see their value surge in the weeks leading up to the draft. A standout 40-yard dash, elite agility scores, or a clear path to a starting role can push a player from a mid-round sleeper to a potential fantasy difference-maker. As teams finalize their draft boards, fantasy managers should also note which rookies are gaining momentum and how their skill sets could translate to the next level.

In this article, we'll highlight the top rookie risers ahead of the NFL Draft and analyze why their stock is climbing. Whether it's an electric wide receiver turning heads, a running back proving to be an every-down weapon, or a quarterback rising into first-round discussions, these prospects could be game-changers for fantasy football. Stay ahead of the competition by getting to know these potential stars before they land on an NFL roster.

Jaxson Dart - QB, Ole Miss

Jaxson Dart enters the NFL as a highly intriguing quarterback prospect with the skill set to develop into a future fantasy football asset. A former USC transfer who flourished at Ole Miss under Lane Kiffin, Dart possesses a strong arm, mobility, and a gunslinger mentality that makes him an exciting player to watch.

Increasing his production over the last three seasons (4,279 yards and 32 total touchdowns in 2024) shows a player who can grow within an offense at the next level.

While he wasn't a consensus first-round pick in the NFL Draft to begin the process, his combination of physical tools and playmaking ability has allowed him to potentially sneak into Day 1 consideration, giving him sleeper appeal in both dynasty and Superflex formats.

Dart showed steady growth throughout his college career, improving his decision-making while maintaining his aggressive downfield approach. He showcased a blend of pocket presence and mobility, capable of extending plays and picking up yards with his legs when needed. His arm strength allows him to make deep throws with ease, though at times, his aggressive nature led to risky decisions.

If he lands in a system that nurtures his development, he has the potential to become a quality NFL starter with fantasy upside.

My Current Rookie Ranking - QB2

Bhayshul Tuten - RB, Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tuten is a dynamic running back prospect with the versatility to make an impact at the next level. After a breakout season at North Carolina A&T, he transferred to Virginia Tech, where he continued to showcase his explosive playmaking ability. Tuten combines vision, balance, and receiving skills, making him an intriguing option for fantasy football managers looking for a potential sleeper in dynasty rookie drafts.

He has excellent burst through the hole and can make defenders miss in space. His receiving ability is one of his biggest strengths—he was a reliable target out of the backfield (50 receptions over the last two seasons), which could earn him early opportunities in passing-down situations.

While he doesn’t have prototypical bell-cow size, his skill set fits well in today’s NFL, where versatility is highly valued.

Projected as a late Day 2 to early Day 3 pick in the NFL Draft, Tuten’s fantasy value will depend on his landing spot and role within an offense. If he finds himself in a situation with a creative offensive coordinator or a team lacking RB depth, he could carve out a meaningful role early on.

In dynasty leagues, he’s worth a late-round stash, particularly in PPR formats where his receiving upside gives him sneaky value. While he may not be an immediate fantasy starter, his ability to contribute as a change-of-pace back and potential third-down weapon makes him a name to monitor in deeper leagues.

My Current Rookie Ranking - RB6

RJ Harvey - RB, UCF

RJ Harvey is an underrated running back prospect with the tools to become a productive NFL contributor. A former quarterback turned running back, Harvey found his stride at UCF, where he emerged as a key offensive weapon (1,577 rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns in 2024). His combination of vision, contact balance, and explosiveness makes him an intriguing sleeper in dynasty rookie drafts.

Harvey’s transition to running back was seamless, as he displayed excellent instincts and natural rushing ability.

He has a compact frame and runs with a low center of gravity, making him difficult to bring down on first contact. His patience behind the line of scrimmage, paired with decisive cuts, allows him to maximize yardage on each carry. Although he wasn’t heavily utilized as a receiver at UCF, he has shown flashes of pass-catching ability, suggesting he could develop into a capable three-down back with the right coaching.

Harvey projects as a Day 3 pick, meaning his fantasy value will be tied to his landing spot and depth chart competition. If he lands on a team with a thin backfield or a coaching staff that values his versatility, he could work his way into a rotational role.

In dynasty leagues, he’s a deep sleeper worth monitoring, especially in formats that value potential long-term upside. While he may not be an immediate fantasy starter, his physicality and running style give him the potential to be a solid waiver-wire pickup or handcuff option if injuries open up opportunities.

My Current Rookie Ranking - RB7

Matthew Golden - WR, Texas

Matthew Golden is an intriguing wide receiver prospect with the skill set to develop into a reliable NFL playmaker. A former four-star recruit, Golden made an impact at the University of Houston before breaking out in 2024 after his transfer to Texas, showcasing his route-running, hands, and explosiveness. Golden possesses a strong combination of speed, ball-tracking ability, and after-the-catch elusiveness.

He runs crisp routes and has the quickness to separate from defenders, making him a threat in both short and deep passing situations. While he isn't the biggest receiver, his toughness allows him to compete for contested catches. His 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine drew scouts to raise an eyebrow as to Golden's potential to become a viable deep threat at the next level.

Golden has emerged as a virtual lock to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, meaning his fantasy value will continue to rise depending on his landing spot and depth chart competition. If he lands in an offense that emphasizes spreading the field and utilizing him as a threat with his speed, he could carve out a role as a slot or deep-threat option.

In dynasty rookie drafts, he’s an ascending player with upside, particularly in leagues that reward big plays. While he may not be an immediate fantasy starter, his athleticism and playmaking ability make him a name to watch, not only in dynasty formats but in redraft leagues as well.

My Current Rookie Ranking - WR3

Kyle Williams - WR, Washington State

Kyle Williams is a sleeper wide receiver prospect with the potential to develop into a reliable NFL contributor. Williams spent the last two seasons at Washington State (UNLV previously), showcasing strong hands, route-running ability, and the versatility to play both inside and outside.

While he hasn’t received as much national attention as some of the bigger-name prospects, his skill set makes him an intriguing dynasty stash for fantasy football managers looking for a deep sleeper.

Williams was a steady producer in college (70 receptions for 1,198 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024), displaying a polished game with solid separation skills and the ability to make tough catches in traffic. He’s not the biggest or fastest receiver in the class, but he makes up for it with sharp route running and reliable hands.

His ability to adjust to off-target throws and work effectively in contested catch situations could help him carve out a role at the next level.

Projected as a late-round pick in the NFL Draft, Williams' fantasy value will largely depend on his landing spot and ability to earn playing time. If he finds himself in a pass-heavy offense with opportunities in the slot, he could develop into a possession receiver with PPR appeal.

He’s a deep stash option for dynasty leagues, particularly in formats with expanded rosters. While he may not be an immediate fantasy contributor, his polished skill set and potential path to playing time make him a name to monitor as a potential waiver-wire addition.

My Current Rookie Ranking - WR9

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