Every fantasy football champion has that one late-round gem or early waiver-wire add that turns into a weekly starter. These players often come from the bottom of draft boards, rookies adjusting to the NFL, or second-year guys finally getting a real shot. That’s especially true at wide receiver, a position where opportunities often open up due to injuries, inconsistency ahead on the depth chart, or just the right coaching fit.
Heading into the 2025 season, several rookie and sophomore wideouts find themselves in interesting situations, whether it’s a clear path to playing time or the potential to leap into a WR2/WR3 role if things break their way. If you’re in deeper leagues, dynasty formats, or just want to stash players with big upside, here are seven young receivers worth your attention.
Jack Bech – Rookie (LV)
ADP: WR60
Jack Bech was taken in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft and comes into a pretty favorable situation. While Jakobi Meyers is locked in as the Raiders’ WR1, there’s an open battle for the WR2 role.
Tre Tucker held that spot last year, but his grip on it isn’t all that strong. Bech has impressed in camp with his physicality and ability to make contested catches, and he fits that reliable chain-moving role coaches love. If he keeps trending up, he could absolutely take over Tucker’s role and become a surprise fantasy contributor by midseason.
He’s not just a stash; he might actually matter this year. He is also competing against fellow rookie Donte’ Thornton Jr.
Dont'e Thornton Jr – Rookie (LV)
ADP: WR81
Dont'e Thornton Jr. was selected a bit later in the fourth round, but don’t count him out of the WR2 competition in Vegas either. Like Bech, he’s sitting behind Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, but Thornton brings a different kind of juice.
He’s a deep-ball threat with real speed and can stretch defenses in a way the current depth chart lacks. If the Raiders decide to add a vertical element to their offense, Thornton could be the one to benefit.
He's a boom-or-bust type for fantasy, but the upside is enough to make him worth stashing in deeper leagues. Thornton is on a uphill better since Jack Bech was drafted before him, thankfully, they play to different styles of the position so they shouldn’t overlap on touches.
Tommy Mellott – Rookie (LV)
ADP: N/A
Tommy Mellott isn’t expected to produce much at the wide receiver position this season, but I want to get this name on the record early. Drafted in the sixth round in 2025 out of Montana State, he’s transitioning from college quarterback to wide receiver, a move that’ll take time.
His athleticism, toughness, and high football IQ make him an intriguing long-term project. He may not see meaningful snaps in 2025, but don’t be shocked if Mellott becomes a factor in the next couple of years. The media is already claiming him to be Tom Brady’s Julien Edelman who was also drafted in the sixth round and took a couple of years to develop.
Jordan Whittington – Sophomore (LAR)
ADP: WR101
Jordan Whittington didn’t make much noise as a rookie, but he could quietly carve out a role this season in Los Angeles. With Cooper Kupp gone and the Rams thin behind Puka Nacua and new addition Davante Adams, Whittington now has a real chance to be part of the WR3 rotation alongside Tutu Atwell.
The Rams have already shown some trust in him, and he has the kind of route-running polish that could keep him on the field in three-wide sets. He won’t be a WR1 or WR2, but he could absolutely be a bye-week plug-in or flex option in deeper leagues.
Jacob Cowing – Sophomore (SF)
ADP: WR183
Jacob Cowing enters year two with the 49ers and might be sitting low on the depth chart now, but things could open up for him as the season unfolds. Deebo Samuel is gone, leaving a wide receiver group led by Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. Jennings is currently holding out for a new contract.
Add in Aiyuk’s injury history and the chance that Pearsall takes a little time to truly break out, and Cowing’s path to playing time isn’t far-fetched. Right now, he is only a waiver-wire pick up, but if things break his way, he could have sneaky late-season value, especially in PPR leagues.
Kyle Williams – Rookie (NE)
ADP: WR64
Kyle Williams was the only wide receiver drafted under new head coach Mike Vrabel, coming out of Washington State as a third-rounder. That says a lot about what the Patriots think of him.
With Stefon Diggs locked in as the WR1 and Demario Douglas proving himself as a legit WR2, Williams is in a perfect spot to slot in as the WR3, and maybe even rotate into that WR2 role depending on how the season goes.
He’s a smooth route runner with reliable hands and already seems to be picking things up quickly. He could be a reliable depth option early and a valuable flex play later.
Elic Ayomanor – Rookie (TEN)
ADP: WR88
Elic Ayomanor landed with the Titans in the fourth round and immediately put himself on the radar during summer workouts. Tennessee has Calvin Ridley as their WR1, and they brought in Tyler Lockett to provide veteran leadership, but Ayomanor’s physical tools and strong early camp performance make him a real contender for playing time.
With rookie quarterback Cam Ward taking over, there’s potential for Ayomanor and Ward to develop a natural connection as the next generation of Titans offense. He’s a great dynasty pickup and even a stash option in deeper redraft leagues if his momentum continues into the preseason.
Final Take
These aren’t just dart throws, each of these young receivers have a real shot at carving out a role depending on how their situations evolve. Some may take time, while others could be on the field sooner than people expect. In deeper leagues or dynasty formats, these are the kinds of names that win you championships, not just by putting up points, but by being ahead of the curve.