In dynasty fantasy football, stashing undervalued rookies on your bench is a great way to build up value on your roster. If a few of those first-year dart throws earn real roles on their respective teams, you could be in for a massive value boost, helping your squad.
It’s also a low-risk strategy. Targeting rookies with low value won’t cost much, and if you make the right investments, the return will be massive. Check out my previous article to see four other rookies you should draft ahead of ADP in dynasty leagues!
Let’s get into the list of four rookies who could skyrocket in value and are available for a low price in dynasty leagues!
Jaylin Noel (WR, HOU)
FantasyPros Rookie ADP: WR11
Jaylin Noel was one of my favorite wide receiver prospects in this year’s draft. Selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Texans, Noel presents massive value at a low price due to his talent and position on the depth chart.
It’s no secret that Houston has several receivers set to receive more snaps than Noel right off the bat, including Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, as well as fellow rookie and Noel’s college teammate, Jayden Higgins.
However, I am confident Noel can work his way into the starting lineup by next season if given the chance for a few reasons. Firstly, Houston spent solid draft capital on Noel with a Day 2 selection. I think that means that they have a plan for him, even if it doesn’t involve him receiving a ton of playing time in 2025.
Noel is extremely talented and his skill set will translate well to the NFL, allowing him to take over as the starting slot receiver for the Texans by this time next year at the latest. Again, this relies on Houston giving him the opportunity, but Noel’s sharp route running, reliable hands, body control, and ability to make spectacular catches should earn him a role relatively quickly.
The Iowa State product showcased his impressive ability as a deep threat in 2024, regularly connecting with his quarterback for massive gains downfield. Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is no stranger to big plays through the air, and if the two develop a quick connection, Noel could see his snap counts rise.
Noel’s talent gives him a solid floor, and his abilities as a prototypical slot receiver only add to it. He’s a receiver I find myself adding late in rookie drafts on a frequent basis. If Houston’s offense can figure things out in 2025, I expect Jaylin Noel to make some noise after becoming one of dynasty fantasy football’s most underrated assets.
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, CLE)
FantasyPros Rookie ADP: TE6
One of the more polarizing players in this year’s draft cycle, former Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. presents tremendous upside heading into his rookie campaign.
Fannin led all of college football in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) in 2024. This was done against good competition as well; Fannin posted strong stat lines against Penn State and Texas A&M.
After cementing himself as one of the most productive tight ends in college football history, he was selected in the third round by the Cleveland Browns. While Cleveland is still rostering productive tight end David Njoku, Fannin is a solid backup plan once the veteran tight end eventually moves on from the team.
As a prospect, Fannin is a dominant receiver. He has good movement skills, impressive route running, and ability after the catch that will leave even the speediest defenders in the dust.
His skill as a blocker could use some development, but it would make sense for the Browns to deploy Fannin in the slot for most of his snaps, at least during the first year or two of his career.
In a strong rookie tight end class, Fannin stands out as a cheap option with a ridiculously high ceiling. He could end up as one of the most productive tight ends in football if he reaches his potential.
Isaac TeSlaa (WR, DET)
FantasyPros Rookie ADP: WR15
A surprise selection in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Arkansas’ Isaac TeSlaa has the potential and the draft capital to be a valuable asset at a low price in dynasty leagues.
TeSlaa definitely needs to develop before taking on a major role in Detroit’s offense, but the ceiling is definitely there. The WR3 spot in Detroit could be up for grabs, and Detroit’s selection of TeSlaa could mean they seriously envision him in that role later on.
Detroit is a high-volume passing offense, and the rookie could see some targets if he can prove himself as a deep threat early on. Don’t count out fellow rookie Dominic Lovett, but TeSlaa’s draft capital gives him the upper hand out of the gate.
Dynasty managers were able to see a preview of Isaac TeSlaa’s potential during the NFL Hall of Fame Game, during which the rookie hauled in two deep shots, one for 24 yards and the other for 22 yards.
If he can show more flashes, Detroit’s third-round pick could see significant playing time during his rookie season. Don’t sleep on the big-play threat in one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.
Jordan James (RB, SF)
FantasyPros Rookie ADP: RB18
If you’re familiar with my past content, you’ll already know how big of a Jordan James fan I am. Oregon’s rushing leader in 2024, James put up perhaps my favorite film of any rookie this past college football season. Now in San Francisco, the former Duck finds himself in a system that has produced strong statistical seasons for running backs for years.
James is one of the more physical runners I’ve ever seen. He has no issue demolishing any defender in his path on his way to the end zone, and that skill paired with his impressive contact balance makes him a force to be reckoned with.
He has decent acceleration, but isn’t exactly known for his speed. His power and strength as a runner could earn him snaps as a goal-line back if superstar Christian McCaffrey were to miss any time with injury.
I have faith that if James is given an opportunity, he could capitalize on it and show his value as a power back to the 49ers organization. He’s one of my favorite prospects this season, I just hope he gets the chance to show his talent. He’s worth a free agency addition or late pick in rookie drafts in dynasty leagues.