5 Underrated Rookies To Target In Your Fantasy Draft

It’s time to dive back into the amazing, and also depressing, world that is fantasy football. Right now, League Commissioners are collecting buy-ins, last-place punishments are being devised, some hardcore fans might be doing a mock fantasy draft (or two), and everyone is hoping that one guy who always leaves his team on autodraft doesn’t win the league again.

Whether you’re in a traditional league or a dynasty league, we all have our own draft strategy. We all want to be ahead of the curve and predict a player’s breakout season before it happens.

So, with that in mind, here are five underrated rookie players you might want to target in your fantasy draft.

Actually, real quick. Two rules.

Rule #1: For the sake of making this list “more fun,” we’ll only be talking about rookies who were drafted in Round 2-7. You can’t really call blue-chip prospects like Ashton Jeanty and Tyler Warren underrated, after all.

Rule #2: For the same reason as Rule #1, no QBs are on this list.

With that out of the way, let’s get into it.

Honorable Mentions: RB TreVeyon Henderson (New England Patriots), RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Washington Commanders), and WR Isaac Teslaa (Detroit Lions)

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the popular pre-season stand-outs.

TreVeyon Henderson was selected in the 2nd round by the New England Patriots (38th overall). He’s been nothing short of exceptional in pre-season, both on the ground and as a returner, due to his home-run speed and cutting ability. He might be in a rotation with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, but Henderson seems like the long-term RB1 for this young Patriots offense.

As a 7th-round pick (245th overall) by the Washington Commanders, Jacory “Bill” Croskey-Merritt could be perceived as an underrated rookie, and he’d be #1 on this list… if everyone didn’t jump on the bandwagon at once after these Brian Robinson Jr. trade rumors started swirling. Then the Croskey-Merritt hype got even louder after his impressive performance against the Bengals last week.

It’s not just hype, though. Croskey-Merritt is immensely talented, has great vision, and is sharp on his feet when having to cut on a dime. If not for eligibility issues in 2024, he probably would have been drafted higher.

BILL 💸

📺 #CINvsWAS ESPN pic.twitter.com/mltwoCHhdh

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 19, 2025

Then, we have Isaac Teslaa. The Detroit Lions picked the Arkansas alum in the 3rd round (70th overall). Mostly a slot WR in college, Teslaa made some spectacular plays and comes into the NFL as a red-zone threat who can win contested matchups.

With a TD in the first two weeks of pre-season, Teslaa has used his limited time wisely as he proves why he deserves a role in this loaded Lions offense.

WR Jack Bech (Las Vegas Raiders)

Jack Bech truly broke out in his 2024 season with TCU, where he had 62 receptions for 1,034 yards and 9 TDs. In that season, Bech played with no fear and total confidence in his abilities, exuding real WR1-type energy.

Whether he was lined up outside or in the slot, Bech was excellent at nabbing contested catches and absolutely dangerous after the catch due to his physicality.

Bech was NOT going down 💪#SFvsLV | 📺 FOX5 pic.twitter.com/ruymMwJdCc

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 16, 2025

As for why he wasn’t drafted even higher, Bech lacked top-end speed compared to some of his peers who were ahead of him. Furthermore, aside from his aforementioned 2024 season, his on-field production leaves a little to be desired. Nonetheless, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Bech in the second round (58th overall).

The Raiders are in a weird spot, admittedly. But I actually like the way this offense is shaping up. You have a seasoned veteran like Geno Smith at QB. He likely won’t set the league on fire, but he is a solid QB to rely on and manage an offense. And I think he does help hide some of a team’s blemishes.

It seems HC Pete Carroll is attempting to recreate those classic Seahawks teams with Marshawn Lynch as the team’s offensive identity. But this time, he’s centering the running game around premier first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.

Then, you have Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Meyers is a good starting caliber WR, and Bowers is already one of the best TEs in the league despite only being in his second season as a pro.

I say all of this to suggest that Jack Bech is primed to enter an offense where DBs will be focused elsewhere, whether that be Jeanty, Bowers, or even Meyers. He already has the skill set to be a starting WR in this league. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up being a steal in the later rounds of someone’s fantasy draft.

RB Kyle Monangai (Chicago Bears)

Going out on a limb with this one.

The Chicago Bears drafted the former Rutgers RB in the 7th round (233rd overall).

Throughout his productive CFB career, Kyle Monangai wore down defenses with his physicality, ball carrier vision, and German Shepherd-like “dawg” mentality. In 2024, Monangai had 1,279 rushing yards on 256 carries and 13 TDs. As a receiver, he had 14 receptions for 75 yards and a TD.

A lack of top-end speed, along with the lack of production as a receiver, probably led to Monangai’s slide into the final round of the draft. It didn’t help that the 2025 RB class was loaded with talent.

Kyle Monangai
211 pounds
4.60 forty
1.62 ten yd split
0 fumbles in college

Jamaal Williams
212 pounds
4.59 forty
1.60 ten yd split
0 fumbles first 4 NFL seasons

Ben Johnson has a type in his power back. Grind, get what is necessary, protect the rock.pic.twitter.com/jCNPurKkrx

— Anthony Amico (@amicsta) August 10, 2025

That said, Monangai appears to be settling in as the third RB on the Bears roster behind RB1 D’Andre Swift and short-yardage back Roschon Johnson. Swift has been a streaky RB to have in a starting lineup, and Johnson really hasn’t been a viable fantasy draft option aside from the occasional TD.

To be clear, this pick is mainly for the dynasty players out there. Sure, Monangai could etch out a meaningful role at some point this season. But, this is more of a long-term play as we wait to see how new HC Ben Johnson decides to run his offense. He has previous experience with D’Andre Swift, but the team could also decide to move on from Swift after the 2025 season. If that happens and Monangai continues to impress, I could see the former Scarlet Knight get more touches in 2026.

WR Kyle Williams (New England Patriots)

Kyle Williams spent his time at Washington State catching passes from Cam Ward in 2023 and John Mateer in 2024. Last season, Williams brought in 70 receptions for 1,198 yards and 14 TDs.

Williams showcased an explosive first step, elite footwork, and an ability to create separation.

Kyle Williams is NASTY… but his QB misses him :/ pic.twitter.com/N5drgjSLHx

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 9, 2025

While some focused on his smaller frame and inconsistent focus, others thought he could hear his name called on night one of the draft. That didn’t happen, but the New England Patriots did ultimately draft Kyle Williams in the 3rd round (69th overall).

Williams is coming into a… promising situation? That’s kind of weird to say about a Patriots offense without Tom Brady at QB. But here we are.

Drake Maye is looking to build on his rookie season, where he showed flashes of franchise QB-caliber play. Newly-hired HC Mike Vrabel is introducing his hard-nosed culture from his days with the Titans, and the team has spent a ton of money in free agency to bring in an influx of new talent. That includes Stefon Diggs, who is still recovering from a torn ACL.

It seems Williams is currently penciled to be in the starting rotation with Diggs and DeMario Douglas (With Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and pre-season standout Efton Chism potentially taking on depth roles).

At his current fantasy draft value, you could take a shot on him in the late rounds. At that point, it’s low-risk, high-reward.

RB Cam Skattebo (New York Giants)

Despite the name recognition, Cam Skattebo didn’t hear his name called until the New York Giants selected him in the 4th round (105th overall).

From the jump, Skattebo adds physicality and an attitude to any offense he’s a part of. His ability to gain yards after contact is second only, in terms of this rookie class, to Ashton Jeanty. He’s an incredible receiver as well.

With 22 carries for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns…. Cam Skattebo is your Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week#ForksUp #Big12FB pic.twitter.com/HqmCrBKiBh

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) October 16, 2024

What held him back was, you guessed it, a lack of breakaway speed. He also had a problem with fumbles during his time at Arizona State.

Currently, Skattebo is fighting for time with 2024 5th round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary (who signed a 3-year, roughly $16.5 million deal back in 2024). Tracy, in particular, flashed when given the reins. But I wouldn’t say he played well enough to be guaranteed the RB1 job for the entire 2025 season..

Regardless of whether you’re in a dynasty or traditional league, I would have Skattebo on my radar. Because at some point, he’s going to get a chance to be this team’s primary RB option.

Harold Fannin Jr. TE (Cleveland Browns)

Rounding out this list of potential rookie fantasy draft targets, we have Harold Fannin Jr. from Bowling Green.

In 2024, Fannin put up 1,555 yards on 117 receptions and 10 TDs. He’s a YAC machine with raw talent, reliable hands, and great situational awareness. The Cleveland Browns must’ve been fans because they selected Fannin in the 3rd round (67th overall).

Harold Fannin Jr. vs BOTH ranked opponents this year:

(Penn State & Texas A&M)

– 19 receptions
– 2 touchdowns
– 282 receiving yards

Tight end is weird enough to evaluate, give me a guy that was an elite producer/his whole offense.

The clear-cut TE3 in this draft class. pic.twitter.com/wktmjbGcZ3

— Snoog’s Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) February 26, 2025

Ironically, his game reminds me of his now-teammate David Njoku.

Speaking of, now we arrive at the elephant in the room. At best, Fannin is the TE2 on this Browns roster. He could get some looks his way due to his abilities as a receiver, but it is unlikely that we’ll see him as a legit TE1 option.

That said, Njoku has struggled with injuries. Teams are also using two-TE sets more frequently. The Browns aren’t exactly loaded at WR, either. So, maybe Fannin is more viable than I’m giving him credit for. Nonetheless, Harold Fannin Jr. could be a steal in dynasty drafts. Especially considering Njoku is slated to hit free agency after the 2025 season.

What rookies are you targeting in your fantasy draft this year? Let us know in the comments!