Rookies Who May Flop
Cam Ward – QB, Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward might have been the No. 1 general choose, however that doesn’t assure he’ll be a direct asset on your fantasy roster. He’s presently being drafted as QB22—going earlier than confirmed veterans like Matthew Stafford and Geno Smith—which feels a bit untimely. Koerner ranks Ward because the QB25, whereas Raybon has him at QB26. The Titans had one of many league’s worst offenses final season, and Ward now finds himself in an analogous setting, studying a brand new system with a less-than-stellar group of weapons.
Ward confirmed flashes of potential in school, ending prime 5 in each yards per try and big-time throw charge. Nevertheless, he additionally ranked outdoors the highest 30 in clean-pocket accuracy and had points when dealing with strain. Whereas Tennessee’s offensive line could possibly be higher this 12 months, it nonetheless isn’t a certain factor, and there isn’t a transparent go-to goal within the receiving corps. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett aren’t getting any youthful—collectively, they’re pushing 140 years previous.
Ward may need a number of large fantasy outings, however touchdowns could possibly be too inconsistent for him to justify his present draft spot. The Titans enter 2025 with simply the Twenty eighth-ranked implied level complete, which limits Ward’s upside. He’s finest reserved for Superflex and 2QB codecs. In customary 1QB leagues, streaming the place might be the smarter play.
Emeka Egbuka – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka is being drafted round WR48, however Koerner ranks him at WR59—a spot that means expectations could also be operating forward of actuality. He’s turned heads in camp and boasts a robust school résumé, however his short-term path to regular fantasy manufacturing is unclear. Tampa Bay’s receiver room is deep, and as a rookie, he might spend a lot of the season behind established veterans.
At Ohio State, Egbuka performed virtually completely within the slot, which can also be the place the Bucs have primarily lined him up. The problem is that Chris Godwin already holds that function. Whereas Godwin is getting back from damage, until he misses time or strikes outdoors extra steadily, Egbuka’s goal quantity in redraft leagues will possible stay restricted. He’s been working each on the Z and within the slot, however with Jalen McMillan additionally competing for snaps, the scenario turns into even murkier.
Egbuka’s polish and soccer IQ make him an interesting long-term funding, and he’s impressed in OTAs and minicamp. Nonetheless, even with sturdy scouting reward, his 2025 upside could be confined to Finest Ball spike weeks or filling in when accidents strike. Proper now, it appears like he’s being drafted extra on expertise and pedigree than on speedy alternative.
There’s late-round stash enchantment—significantly in full PPR—however fantasy managers hoping for an Amon-Ra St. Brown–model rookie breakout could also be in for a letdown. With out a shake-up within the depth chart, Egbuka tasks as a bench piece who could possibly be cycled on and off rosters throughout the season. His breakout likelihood is actual, however they might not arrive till after this fall.
Travis Hunter – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter is presently going off draft boards as WR29, although Koerner ranks him 4 spots decrease at WR33. Whereas that will not look like a major distinction, it’s notable for a rookie who’s taking snaps on each side of the ball. Hunter is a exceptional athlete and brings loads of pleasure, however he’s nonetheless refining his expertise as a large receiver, making it dangerous to rely on on the spot effectivity.
The outlook for his utilization appears promising, however the precise outcomes won’t match expectations. Even with a projected 80% snap charge, it’s exhausting to foretell how a lot quantity he’ll see from week to week. Brian Thomas Jr. might simply emerge because the offense’s prime goal, and Jacksonville’s passing sport has at all times carried some query marks. Hunter might find yourself needing touchdowns to be fantasy-relevant, a class that’s robust to financial institution on.
Hunter’s flashes in school—when he ran an entire route tree—have been spectacular, with almost 20 PPR factors averaged in these conditions. Nonetheless, the alternatives have been restricted, and his major obligations have been on protection. The step as much as the NFL brings harder challenges in route operating, timing, and battling on the line, even for excellent school athletes.
Lengthy-term, there’s lots to get enthusiastic about, however his redraft inventory comes with volatility. If he’s requested to deal with a heavy function on the surface immediately, his inexperience may turn out to be obvious early on. He’s actually value a choose, however WR29 could possibly be a bit steep for somebody with a lot unpredictability. Don’t be shocked if he will get off to a gradual begin as he adapts to the professional degree.
