When it comes to building a successful fantasy football team, understanding draft value is key. Draft value refers to how much a player is worth compared to their Average Draft Position or ADP. It’s all about finding the best return on your investment—grabbing players who outperform their draft position can give you a big edge over your competition. Whether you're aiming for a top-tier running back early or looking for late-round sleepers, knowing how to spot value can be the difference between a winning season and a frustrating one.
This article will be going over who has the best value in each round based on their average draft position. Some may go earlier, but if you can get these players at their ADP (based on FantasyPros.com) or later, you’ll be maximizing your roster’s potential and gaining a serious edge on draft day. While some of these players will see a slight rise, unless their price goes up drastically, they're still going to be good investments.
Note: This will be done for a 10 Team, 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 FLEX, 1 K, 1 D/ST, 7 BE format.
Round 1
Malik Nabers (NYG)
Current ADP: WR 5
2024 ADP: WR 7
Malik Nabers exploded into the league having 109 receptions, being second all time among rookies, 1,204 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. Already, Nabers has shown that he can swim in the deep end by raking up excellent numbers with inconsistent quarterback play having over half his receptions going for first downs.
Nabers unfortunately will have to go one more year without having a franchise quarterback, having to deal with Russell Wilson who is on a one year contract with the New York Giants. That should not matter for Nabers because Wilson is a massive improvement compared to last year.
Until proven otherwise, Nabers is the Giants offense which should make him a steal even in the first round.
Round 2
Drake London (ATL)
Current ADP: WR9
2024 ADP: WR9
Drake London finally put up WR1 numbers for the Atlanta Falcons. After his first year under new Head Coach Raheem Morris and Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson; London had 100 receptions, 1,271 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns.
Per profootballfocus, London was first among all receivers when targeted in the slot, in the redzone, and when the quarterback was pressured. Along with that, with just three games with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. he averaged 19.4 points per game.
Now going into a year with Penix being the full time starter, everything is looking good for London.
Round 3
Garrett Wilson (NYJ)
Current ADP: WR14
2024 ADP: WR10
Garrett Wilson continues to perform to the standard that was set for him after he won Rookie of the Year. Wilson just finished his third year with the New York Jets, having over 1,000 receiving yards each year even with poor quarterback play.
The Jets signed Justin Fields to a two year deal reuniting him with Wilson who he played with in college at Ohio State. Along with Fields, the Jets hired first time Head Coach Aaron Glenn and Offensive Coordinator Tanner Engstrand who came over from a very powerful Detroit Lions team
With a new coach and a quarterback he already knows, Wilson should continue to maintain being a starting wide receiver every week on your team.
Round 4
George Kittle (SF)
Current ADP: TE3
2024 ADP: TE1
Both George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy signed an extension with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason keeping the dynamic duo together for years to come. Kittle has only had one full season during his career but continues to perform, having four 1,000 yards receiving out of his eight seasons.
This year Kittle is only getting drafted behind Brock Bowers and Trey McBride who are becoming superstars on their own rights. All you need to do is hope that Kittle stays healthy.
With Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall continuing to deal with their lingering injuries, Purdy should be looking at Kittle as his priority target.
Round 5
Rookie Runningbacks
Current ADP: RB16, RB19, RB25, RB21
2024 ADP: N/A
Omarion Hampton was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Chargers. It was interesting to say the least that the Chargers drafted him seeing that they signed former Steelers running back Najee Harris who has had over 1,000 yards rushing all four years of his career.
Even though Hampton is not going to be the work horse right away in LA, he is joining a Jim Harbaugh team that loves to run the ball and use two running backs.
Hampton is already coming in as RB16 in an offensive scheme that makes him a major upside.
RJ Harvey spent all 4 years at Central Florida and 3 years as a starter. He boosted his stock during the Combine running a 4.40-40. Harvey was taken in the second round to a Denver Broncos team that desperately needed a running back.
The Broncos run game was very lackluster to be polite. With Sean Payton not relying on a specific player and frankly not giving them a chance to be, they needed to draft someone who could fill that role. I do believe that Harvey can be that man. Payton has already spoken about Harvey plenty of times during press conferences, and reporters have been saying that he’s done it all during rookie minicamp
Harvey should still be available late due to there already being plenty of solidified running backs, but he should be a solid RB3.
Like Joe Burks said, Quinshon Judkins is in an interesting sport as a running back. Being drafted in the second round to the Cleveland Browns, Judkins enters a very busy room with veteran Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.
With all that being said, Judkins has the opportunity to be the Browns RB1 right out of the gates. With there being uncertainty at the quarterback position, Judkins has the chance to be the work horse just like his predecessor Nick Chubb.
Judkins being the RB25 should have plenty of upside among other rookie running backs.
Tre’Veyon Henderson was the original running back at Ohio State before Judkins transferred in. Even with another impressive running back stealing reps, he proved his talents by still having over 1,000 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns
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Henderson is entering a New England Patriots team that could favor him right away. Rhamondre Stevenson will take most of the snaps the first weeks, but he should be on a short leash due to him already being benched as the starter for multiple games this last season. Stevenson was never involved in the pass game, so Henderson should take those receptions right away. Some experts are saying that he should have the same role in New England as Jahmyr Gibbs does in Detroit.
I don't like saying "I" a lot in my articles but I am very high on this running back class. Any chance you have to take these top rookies, I'd recommend taking them.
Round 6
Baker Mayfield (TB)
Current ADP: QB7
2024 ADP: QB5
Baker Mayfield had another great year last season, leading the Tampa Bay Bucs to a playoff run. Even with the ups and downs, Mayfield threw for over 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. He continues to build great chemistry with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and will continue to be the guy in Tampa Bay.
With another offseason to build on that momentum, Mayfield is a strong mid-round quarterback option. If you go late on quarterback, he’s the type of player who could outplay his ADP and be a consistent fantasy starter all year long.
Round 7
Tetairoa McMillan (CAR)
Current ADP: WR 27
2024 ADP: N/A
Tetairoa McMillan was drafted to be a difference-maker for a Carolina Panthers team desperate for receiver help. With Bryce Young needing a go-to target and McMillan’s size, catch radius, and route-running standing out during pre-draft evaluations, there’s a real path for him to become the WR1 early on. He’s a physical receiver who wins at the catch point and has been making noise in rookie camp.
Carolina’s offensive line still needs work, but McMillan’s short-area quickness could make him a high-volume option underneath. Don't be shocked if he finishes as one of the top rookie wide receivers this year.
McMillan is a great late-round flyer with the upside to be a weekly FLEX or WR2 if he builds early chemistry with Young.
Round 8
Calvin Ridley (TEN)
Current ADP: WR39
2024 ADP: WR28
Calvin Ridley joins the Tennessee Titans after a solid season in his first year with the Titans, where he put up over 1,000 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. While he was inconsistent at times, Ridley flashed his elite route running and deep-threat ability when given the opportunity. Ridley will be the only returning starter of the wide receiver core.
The Titans made a bold move by drafting Cam Ward, who brings a dynamic and aggressive playstyle to the quarterback position. Ward’s big arm and mobility should allow Ridley to thrive on deep routes and quick timing plays.
If Ward lives up to the hype and builds chemistry with Ridley early, there’s a real shot Ridley outperforms his ADP and returns WR2 value or better.
Round 9
Emeka Egbuka (TB)
Current ADP: WR51
2024 ADP: N/A
Emeka Egbuka was a highly regarded prospect out of Ohio State and now lands in Tampa Bay, where he’ll compete for the WR3 spot behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. His versatility and strong hands could move him up the depth chart quickly, especially in 3-WR sets.
With Godwin dealing with injuries last season, Egbuka has a chance to earn more snaps early on, especially in the slot. His crisp route running and reliability across the middle make him a strong fit in this offense.
If Godwin isn’t at 100% or needs time to ease back into a full workload, Egbuka could see meaningful targets right away. Even if he's not a weekly starter, he’s the perfect receiver to plug in during bye weeks or tough matchups. He has the tools to produce solid fantasy points when given the opportunity and could be a sneaky FLEX option.
Round 10
Luther Burden III (CHI)
Current ADP: WR52
2024 ADP: N/A
Luther Burden, who was presumed to be a first round pick pre-combine out of Missouri, fell to the Chicago Bears in the second round. Burden had a better sophomore year where he almost doubled his yards from this previous season.
You wouldn’t usually expect much from a receiver entering an already busy room with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, but it is being reported that Burden had an excellent rookie minicamp and could have the same production as Ladd McConkey did. With an already busy WR room, he should fall into the later rounds where you can draft him at good value.
Burden could have a high ceiling as a WR/FLEX if the Bears use him properly.
Round 11
Tyler Warren (IND)
Current ADP: TE11
2024 ADP: N/A
Tyler Warren was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to become a key red zone target in Shane Steichen’s offense. At 6'6", he brings size and athleticism that could immediately make him a mismatch for linebackers and safeties. With either Anthony Richardson returning as the full-time starter or Daniel Jones taking charge, Warren could develop into a go-to option, especially near the goal line where his size gives him a clear advantage.
Warren also fits well in an offense that likes to utilize tight ends in creative ways, similar to how Steichen used Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia. Warren was taken early in the first round for a reason. With Jelani Woods still dealing with injuries and Mo Alie-Cox primarily a blocking presence.
If you are waiting to draft a tight end or looking for a solid backup in your draft, Warren could become a surprise breakout worth grabbing late.
Round 12
Isaac Guerendo (SF)
Current ADP: RB46
2024 ADP: RB44
Christian McCaffrey is obviously going to be the workhorse when healthy, but the 49ers have always rotated backs and looked to keep their stars fresh. Isaac Guerendo’s speed and physicality make him the perfect change-of-pace back who can step in whenever McCaffrey needs a breather.
If McCaffrey ever goes down or misses time like he has in previous years, Guerendo is the next man up in one of the league’s most efficient rushing offenses. Even in a limited role, he could easily break a few big plays and steal goal-line touches in blowouts.
He's a high-upside bench stash who could become a weekly FLEX option the moment his number is called.
Round 13
Justin Herbert (LAC)
Current ADP: QB12
2024 ADP: QB13
Justin Herbert enters the 2025 season in a very different situation. After years of airing it out with a pass-heavy offense, Herbert is now working under Jim Harbaugh, who has installed a more balanced, physical game plan. With a young receiving core and an improved offensive line, Herbert will have to adjust to a new rhythm, relying less on volume and more on efficiency.
With Ladd McConkey proving himself as the Chargers slot receiver and his ADP as WR11, among other new threats on the offense, Herbert won’t have to solely rely on his arm and get more meaningful throws in when it counts.
Still, Herbert is too talented to overlook. His arm strength and mobility give him weekly upside, especially in matchups where the Chargers are forced to throw. While he may not be a top-5 QB in this system, he remains a solid QB2 with the potential for big fantasy weeks.
Round 14
Isaiah Likely (BAL)
Current ADP: TE18
2024 ADP: TE16
“I want to see [Isaiah Likely] be an All-Pro. That'd be my goal for him, and he’s capable of it.” That is what John Harbaugh said about Likely during an interview. Even though Likely has not put up insane yardage on the field, he has done decently for fantasy players.
As of right now Mark Andrews is still TE1 for the Baltimore Ravens, for now at least. With Andrews missing time last year, Likely was able to flourish with him gone. Likely has proven that he can be a starting tight end in the league, it now depends on what Harbaugh wants to do with him.
If you already took a tight end early and want to wait until later rounds to get a backup, there should be no reason that Likely can’t be your guy with great upside.
Round 15
Jake Bates (DET)
Current ADP: K3
2024 ADP: K6
Jake Bates heads into his second season with the Detroit Lions after making a name for himself in 2024 as one of the league’s most explosive kickers. Coming from the United Football League (UFL), he proved he belonged by consistently drilling long-range field goals and finishing top five in fantasy points among kickers. His range and power turned him into a weekly weapon for Detroit’s high-powered offense.
Now with a full NFL season under his belt, Bates is locked in as the Lions' kicker and has even more chemistry with the coaching staff and offense. Detroit continues to be aggressive on fourth down but still gives Bates plenty of chances from deep.
With his leg strength and offensive support, Bates is a top-tier fantasy kicker who could lead the position in scoring this year.
Round 16
Denver Broncos
Current ADP: D/ST1
2024 ADP: D/ST1
The Denver Broncos defense is being drafted as the top unit in 2025 for good reason. They finished last season with one of the best turnover margins in the league and returned most of their core, including lockdown corner Patrick Surtain II. The addition of more speed at linebacker and depth on the defensive line should make this group even tougher.
WIth the Broncos having the 12th best strength of schedule, the Defense should be able to continue the momentum they had last year into 2025.