Dynasty and best ball enthusiasts are well aware of the depth and talent of this year’s running back class. Tight end features several high-ceiling options. Quarterback, while much maligned early on in the process, has seen several players slowly rise in superflex rankings as draft rumors have multiple quarterbacks landing in the first and second rounds that previously were not expected to be taken as high.
Lost in the hype is a talented group of wide receivers that have mostly been undervalued in early best ball leagues. While there may not be a Ja’Marr Chase-level prospect in this class, there are many quality options that possess one or more traits that should allow them to see the field early and often. Rookie wide receivers tend to see a larger spike in ADP once they land on a team than rookie running backs, and taking advantage of repressed rookie ADP is a great way to build the high-ceiling rosters needed to win a 12-team, best ball league.
Here are my pre-NFL Draft, rookie wide receiver rankings. With the bulk of dynasty rookie drafts taking place after the NFL Draft, the rankings favor receivers that are considered most “pro ready.” In other words, they each have some aspect of their athletic profile that translates to immediate production at the pro level. Each rookie breakdown will include current Dataforce overall redraft ADP veterans that go within a round of a rookie that I would NOT take before that rookie, veteran comp, and reasons why that prospect could be a useful fantasy option in 2025. Note—ADP’s and veterans going in a similar range tend to cluster, as early drafters select rookie receivers based on athletic profiles and college production, but do not have access to landing spots and draft capital. This should spread out ADPs after the NFL Draft. As it stands, the unknown has caused rookie receivers in general to be going well before their potential ceilings.
Tetairoa McMillan–Comp: Drake London,ADP 101,>George Pickens, Brandon Aiyuk
Tetairoa McMillan is the consensus rookie dynasty and best ball WR1. The athletic 6’4”, 219 Arizona receiver has been comped to Drake London so frequently, that it is almost a draft cliché at this point. The comparison is warranted and like London, McMillan is expected to be drafted during the early part of the first round of the NFL Draft and should be given every opportunity to see the field early, making him a high-floor option with upside.
Travis Hunter—Comp: Garrett Wilson, ADP 160, > Amari Cooper, Rashid Shaheed
In my intro, I referenced there not being a truly elite-level talent in the wide receiver draft class. This is true assuming that Travis Hunter will not be utilized as a full-time receiver. Hunter has the receiving profile of a perennial All Pro, but will likely be splitting his snaps on offense and defense. For best ball, this will not matter, as he is likely to have several boom games where he has an extended run at receiver. As we get closer to the draft, the feeling seems to be that he may be drafted as a receiver first, corner second. If that is the case, I would have zero issue with Hunter being the first rookie receiver taken in best ball.
Emeka Egbuka—Comp: Adam Thielen, ADP 148, >Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman
Emeka Egbuka may come into the league with the highest rookie-season floor. Egbuka has the size, athleticism, college production, hands, and blocking prowess to see the field and be an immediate contributor.
Luther Burdan—Comp: D.J. Moore, ADP 161 > Amari Cooper, Rashid Shaheed
Lutheran Burdan is a D.J. Moore/Randall Cobb style receiver in that he can win at multiple levels, from deep routes to lining up in the backfield. Whichever team drafts Burdan should find ways to manufacture touches, making him another high-floor with upside contributor.
Jaylin Noel—Comp: Jayden Reed, ADP 221 >Alec Pierce, Christian Watson
Jaylin Noel has been a riser during the draft process and both the film and analytic communities are drawn to his ability to create separation and his strong athletic profile. Depending on his landing spot and opportunity, Noel could crush his pre-draft ADP. I would take him over veterans such as Alec Pierce and Christian Watson that routinely come off the board in similar spots of early best ball leagues.
Matthew Golden—Comp: Brandin Cooks, ADP 136, >Amari Cooper
Matthew Golden ran a blistering 4.29 at the combine at a solid frame of 5’11”, 191. Uninspiring college production is concerning, but it is likely that a team will be enamored enough by his speed to select him in the first round, compelling them to find ways to get him on the field. With his game-breaking athleticism, he should be able to have enough spike weeks to make him a worthy best ball selection.
Jayden Higgins—Comp: Courtland Sutton, ADP 201 >DeAndre Hopkins, Rashod Bateman
Jayden Higgins is 6’4, 214 with reliable hands and 4.47 speed. Higgins is coming off of a senior season where he put up a line of 87/1183/9, despite competing for targets with Jaylin Noel.
Jack Bech—Comp: Allen Robinson, ADP 222, > Demario Douglas, Darius Slayton
Jack Bech’s ADP has started to climb in recent weeks but is still undervalued. The 6’1, 214 outside receiver is known for his crisp routes and reliable hands and could find himself starting immediately in two receiver sets.
Tre Harris—Comp: Kenny Britt, ADP 234, >Michael Wilson, Dontayvion Wicks
Everything about Tre Harris from his size (6’2”, 205) to his speed (4.54) to college production (60/1030/7) are strong but not spectacular. While there is not one thing that sets him apart, there are not major concerns either. It could be that his ceiling is capped his rookie year and it may take him time to work his way into an offense.
Kyle Williams—Comp: Tyler Lockett, ADP N/A
Kyle Williams is flying under the radar, to the point that he goes undrafted in many early best ball leagues. However, some buzz is starting to generate for the 5’11”, 190-pound Williams, as his college production (70/1198/14) and route running ability make him a potential 2025 contributor.
Elic Ayomanor—Comp: Robert Woods, ADP 215, > Christian Watson, Alec Pierce
Elic Ayomanor’s final season does not jump off the stat sheet (63/831/6) but the Stanford receiver has a much-deserved reputation as a well-rounded player and willing blocker, someone who could quickly earn playing time.
Xavier Restrepo—Comp: Jarvis Landry, ADP 313, > Elijah Moore, Troy Franklin
Xavier Restrepo’s career will be a captivating study in the great film vs. analytics debate. Restrepo’s film is great. He gets open at will and his college production is elite (Miami’s all-time receptions and receiving yard leader). His 40 time??? Well, there are defensive tackles currently on NFL rosters that bested Restrepo’s 4.91. Jarvis Landry is the closest comp I could come up with, as a highly productive slot receiver, with similar size, and underwhelming speed…but Landry was still not running anywhere as slow as Restrepo’s time. There is talk of Restrepo being injured but still choosing to run. Regardless, of the reason, Restrepo will be an interesting one to watch, and worthy of a flier in the final rounds.
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