Ranking the best young assets in dynasty fantasy football is a difficult task. So many players have emerged as superstars early in their careers over the past few seasons, especially at the wide receiver position. To accurately list these players, one must consider the offensive environment, future outlook, and production history of each asset.
In this article, we will be ranking the top 25 cornerstone players for 2025 dynasty fantasy football who are 24 years old or younger. Let’s get into the ranking!
This list excludes all quarterbacks.
1. Malik Nabers (WR)
2. Bijan Robinson (RB)
3. Brock Bowers (TE)
4. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)
5. Puka Nacua (WR)
6. Ashton Jeanty (RB)
7. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)
8. Drake London (WR)
9. De’Von Achane (RB)
10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)
11. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)
12. Ladd McConkey (WR)
13. Omarion Hampton (RB)
14. Bucky Irving (RB)
15. Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
16. Travis Hunter (WR/CB)
17. Kyren Williams (RB)
18. Sam LaPorta (TE)
19. Kenneth Walker III (RB)
20. Garrett Wilson (WR)
21. Jordan Addison (WR)
22. TreVeyon Henderson (RB)
23. Quinshon Judkins (RB)
24. Emeka Egbuka (WR)
25. Rome Odunze (WR)
HM: Zay Flowers (WR), Xavier Worthy (WR), Matthew Golden (WR)
My Favorite Targets at ADP
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Cornerstone Ranking: 10
KTC Overall Ranking: 20
Jaxon Smith-Njigba truly broke out in 2024 as he overtook former Seahawks wideouts DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in both targets and receptions. The Ohio State product became a favorite target of Geno Smith out of the slot, racking up 137 targets, 100 receptions, and 1,130 receiving yards.
Smith-Njigba’s offensive environment has changed completely since the end of the 2024 regular season; veteran contributors Geno Smith, Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf are all on new teams to begin the 2025 NFL season, leaving Smith-Njigba as one of the final remnants of the team’s passing attack from last year.
Even with a change at quarterback, I don’t expect Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s production to falter too much. Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle in free agency, lining him up to be the franchise’s newest starting signal-caller. Darnold resurrected his career in Minnesota in 2024 after being heralded as a draft bust for the previous half-decade, leading to his signing after the expiration of his previous contract.
If Seattle can protect Darnold, who notoriously struggles under pressure, from the pass-rush, their air attack should remain efficient. The addition of guard Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft should help in that area. Regardless, Smith-Njigba should be Darnold’s main target, giving him a high floor in fantasy football. He has become underrated in dynasty formats and is expected to continue impressing this season. He’s easily a second-round pick in dynasty startup drafts.
Drake London
Cornerstone Ranking: 8
KTC Overall Ranking: 15
Drake London finished as a top-five receiver in fantasy football last season and deserves more credit as one of the most talented receivers in football. He excelled in an inconsistent offense and brought a sense of consistency to the receiver position in Atlanta.
Most notably, London compiled 352 receiving yards during the final three weeks of the regular season, which was when Michael Penix Jr., the team’s starter for this year, made his starting debut under center for the Falcons. The pair showed immediate chemistry and should be viewed as potentially one of the top young duos in football this year.
London is undeniably elite as far as pure talent goes; he is dominant in contested-catch situations, great in the route-running department, extremely athletic, and reliable in catching the football.
I have no doubt that Drake London can outperform his ADP in redraft and dynasty leagues; it will just take some heavy lifting from Penix, who is heading into his sophomore season. It doesn’t matter if people continue to sleep on the former USC product; he is the eighth-best player under 25 years old in dynasty fantasy football.
Kenneth Walker III
Cornerstone Ranking: 19
KTC Overall Ranking: 48
Kenneth Walker had trouble with production and efficiency on the ground behind one of football’s worst offensive lines in 2024. Walker put up career-low marks in rushing yards and yards per carry last season, but there are plenty of reasons to believe a bounce-back campaign is imminent for the fourth-year running back.
Firstly, Walker looked explosive and athletic on tape despite what the box scores said. His pure talent as a rusher gives him an exciting amount of upside. The former Michigan State Spartan also put up the fourth-highest PFF rushing grade in the NFL, logging a score of 91.3. He was also far more involved in the receiving game this season than in any other year of his career, even though he only played 11 games.
The touchdown upside is also present for Kenneth Walker III, as he’s never scored less than seven rushing touchdowns in a single season, even when struggling to stay healthy. If Walker is able to avoid missing time due to injury in 2025, offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s run-heavy offense could allow Walker to rise far above his current ADP.
If everything goes right, Walker could have RB1 overall upside. He should be drafted with that possibility taken into consideration.
Jordan Addison
Cornerstone Ranking: 21
KTC Overall Ranking: 61
Jordan Addison once again put up a quietly great season for the Minnesota Vikings. Despite missing two games, the 23-year-old recorded 875 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns in 2024. He’s been remarkably consistent over his first few NFL seasons and has been a powerhouse touchdown-scorer, with 19 receiving scores in 32 career contests.
Addison is a safe bet to exceed 1,000 receiving yards if first-year (sophomore) quarterback J.J. McCarthy can find success in Kevin O’Connell’s offense quickly. O’Connell also helped Sam Darnold revitalize his NFL career so McCarthy could catch on faster than expected.
Addison has been efficient as a receiver over his first two years, logging over 13 yards per catch in each season. The 2023 first-round pick has simply produced next to Justin Jefferson and should continue to do so for the foreseeable future. He’s a major sleeper in startup drafts who should be selected above ADP.