The Ultimate DraftEdge Guide: Top 25 Rookie Players to Dominate Your Fantasy Dynasty League

Alright, you fantasy football savants, it’s time to strap in and get ready to dominate your dynasty league’s rookie draft. We’ve put together the ultimate ranking of the top 25 players you need to have on your radar. This ain’t your grandma’s fantasy football guide – this is DraftEdge, where we bleed stats, breathe authority, and live for the thrill of victory.

#1 Bijan Robinson, RB

This former top Arizona high school football player and record-breaking Texas Longhorn proved himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. In 2021, Robinson led the FBS with 1,580 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his versatility with 314 receiving yards and two receiving TDs. This first-team AP All-American and All-Big 12 powerhouse is destined to make waves in your fantasy league.

#2 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR

As a five-star recruit and Texas Class 6A State Player of the Year, Smith-Njigba blew up as part of Ohio State’s elite pass-catching trio in 2021. Earning third-team AP All-American and third-team Big Ten Conference honors, he ranked third in the FBS with 1,606 receiving yards and tied for ninth with 95 receptions. Despite a hamstring injury in 2022, his insane 347-yard, three-TD performance in the Rose Bowl solidifies him as a fantasy stud.

#3 Jahmyr Gibbs, RB

This Georgia Tech-to-Bama transfer is an all-around fantasy dynamo. Gibbs, a four-star recruit and Georgia 6-A Offensive Player of the Year, showcased his talents as a third-team All-ACC running back and second-team kick returner in 2021. In 2022, he earned second-team All-SEC honors as Alabama’s top RB and third-team AP All-American as an all-purpose player. With Gibbs’ explosive skill set, your fantasy team will be leaving your opponents in the dust.

#4 Xavien “Zay” Flowers, WR

This electrifying playmaker has been a force at Boston College, even earning first-team All-ACC recognition in his sophomore year. Despite a dip in production in 2021 due to QB Jurkovec’s injury, Flowers bounced back in 2022, setting career highs with 78 receptions, 1,077 receiving yards, and tying for fifth in the FBS with 12 receiving TDs. Zay’s ability to contribute as both a receiver and a rusher makes him a valuable fantasy weapon.

#5 Jordan Addison, WR

After dominating at Pitt, this Biletnikoff Award winner and first-team AP All-American transferred to USC and continued to excel under Coach Lincoln Riley. In 2021, Addison tied for the FBS lead with 17 receiving TDs, ranked sixth with 100 receptions, and fourth with 1,593 receiving yards. Despite missing three games due to injury in 2022, he still led the Trojans in receiving, making him a surefire fantasy beast for your squad.

#6 Zach Charbonnet, RB

Charbonnet’s journey from Michigan to UCLA has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2021, he led the Bruins in rushing with 1,137 yards and 13 TDs, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. His 2022 season was even more impressive, as he racked up 1,359 rushing yards, 14 TDs, and 321 receiving yards, earning second-team AP All-American honors and ranking fourth in the FBS with a 6.97 yards per carry average. Charbonnet is the workhorse RB your fantasy team needs.

#7 Quentin Johnston, WR

This four-star recruit and TCU standout has been making a name for himself, leading the Horned Frogs in receiving for three straight seasons. Johnston’s knack for big plays is evident in his impressive yards per catch averages, and he’s earned first-team All-Big 12 honors twice. With his undeniable talent and consistency, Johnston is the explosive WR you’ll want to snag for your fantasy roster.

#8 Bryce Young, QB

This Heisman Trophy-winning Alabama QB has been nothing short of phenomenal. As the 2021 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Young ranked second in the FBS with a school-record 4,872 passing yards and 47 passing touchdowns. In 2022, despite a slight dip in production, he still boasted an impressive pass efficiency rating of 163.2 and threw for 3,328 yards with 32 touchdowns. Bryce Young is the playmaking QB your fantasy team craves.

#9 C.J. Stroud, QB

This elite five-star recruit and two-time Heisman Trophy finalist has been a powerhouse for the Buckeyes. Stroud was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Quarterback of the Year, and Freshman of the Year in 2021. In 2022, he led the FBS in pass efficiency (177.7) and ranked second with 41 passing touchdowns. With his accuracy and ability to rack up yards, Stroud is the high-scoring QB your fantasy team can rely on.

#10 Marvin Mims, WR

Mims is an explosive playmaker with the versatility to line up all over the field, offering dynamic potential for your fantasy squad. His long-striding, speed, and ability to track deep throws make him a threat to score on any given play. However, Mims has some weaknesses, including below-average contested catch ability and a limited catch radius. His route running could use some refinement, but with his knack for creating big plays and added value as a punt returner, Mims is an intriguing Day 2 prospect who could eventually carve out a starting role.

#11 Anthony Richardson, QB

A highly-touted recruit and star of Netflix’s “QB1: Beyond the Lights,” Richardson has shown flashes of brilliance as a dual-threat QB. In 2022, he threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns while adding 654 rushing yards and nine scores on the ground. While not as consistent as the top QBs, Richardson brings versatility and big-play potential that could pay off for your fantasy team.

#12 Zach Evans, RB

Evans made history by becoming the first five-star recruit to sign with TCU. With a stellar high school career behind him, he showed promise in his first season at TCU in 2020. Despite missing six games due to a toe injury in 2021, he still led the team in rushing yards. In 2022, he played for Ole Miss, where he managed to accumulate impressive numbers despite dealing with injuries. His ability to maintain a high level of play despite setbacks bodes well for his future in the NFL.

#13 Kendre Miller, RB

Miller brings a combination of size and production that will certainly catch the eye of NFL scouts. However, his lack of explosiveness and tempo between the tackles may hinder his ability to stand out against the speed of NFL defenses. Despite his restricted stride length, which can help him make early cuts, it could also limit his ability to outrun defenders. Though he has the size and strength to push through contact, there’s potential for him to become an even better run finisher. With limited third-down value, Miller will need to establish himself as a reliable early-down backup at the next level.

#14 Tyjae Spears, RB

Spears made a name for himself in high school with impressive offensive numbers. After redshirting at Tulane in 2019, he started the first three games of 2020 but missed the remainder of the year due to a knee injury. He bounced back in 2021, leading the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. Spears continued his upward trajectory in 2022, earning the AAC Offensive Player of the Year Award and finishing his college career with a Cotton Bowl MVP Award. His resilience and performance improvements could make him an attractive option in the NFL.

#15 Israel Abanikanda, RB

Abanikanda was a standout in high school, earning accolades as a football player and a track star. He joined the Panthers in 2020 and quickly made an impact, eventually leading the team in rushing yards as a sophomore. As a junior, Abanikanda gained national attention, receiving third-team AP All-American and first-team All-ACC honors while tying for the FBS lead in rushing touchdowns. With a solid combination of speed, athleticism, and a strong football pedigree, Abanikanda could be an enticing prospect for NFL teams.

#16 Devon Achane, RB

Achane is an absolute speed demon, folks. This guy tore up the field at Fort Bend Marshall High School, earning Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year honors. Once he joined A&M, it was pedal to the metal, making an impact in his first year and winning the Orange Bowl Most Outstanding Player award. Whether he’s running the ball, catching passes, or returning kicks, Achane brings the heat. NFL teams looking for a versatile, lightning-fast weapon should be all over this guy.

#17 Roschon Johnson, RB

Johnson is a straight-up wrecking ball, folks. This power back brings the heat with his bruising frame and no-nonsense, downhill running style. Sure, he might not have the flashiest moves or the quickest burst, but this dude’s toughness and special teams value are off the charts. He’ll be the guy stuffing blitzers and grinding out those hard yards, and you can bet he’ll be fighting for his spot every year in camp like a true warrior. Expect Johnson to make an impact in the league with his “tough, smart and dependable” attitude.

#18 Sean Tucker, RB

A high school track star turned football standout, Tucker’s got the speed and versatility to make an impact in the NFL. With a killer sophomore season, he not only smashed Syracuse’s rushing record but also snagged second-team AP All-American and first-team All-ACC honors. Despite opting out of the team’s bowl game, Tucker still managed to become a second-team All-ACC selection at running back and a third-team pick as an all-purpose player. Keep an eye on this speedster as he brings his game-changing skills to the pro league.

#19 Dalton Kincaid, TE

From a one-year high school football wonder to a standout collegiate talent, Kincaid has made a name for himself as a versatile and athletic tight end. His background in basketball and that championship-winning AAU squad gives him a unique edge on the field. This dude’s a catch machine, racking up impressive numbers and becoming Utah’s go-to receiver. Battling through a shoulder injury and missing the Rose Bowl didn’t stop Kincaid from earning first-team All-Pac-12 and third-team All-American honors. Keep an eye on this former underdog as he takes his talents to the NFL and continues to turn heads with his dynamic playmaking ability.

#20 Kayshon Boutte, WR

Hailing from Louisiana and earning top-100 recruit status, Boutte made a name for himself at LSU. With Ja’Marr Chase opting out in 2020, he stepped up to lead the team in receiving yards, even breaking an SEC record with a 308-yard game. Boutte faced some setbacks with an ankle injury that required surgeries, but still managed to put up solid numbers in 2022. As a new father, he opted out of LSU’s bowl game and declared for the draft. Boutte, a talented wideout with a strong history, will look to make an impact in the NFL, continuing the legacy of Louisiana playmakers.

#21 Josh Downs, WR

A top-100 recruit with serious skills both on the field and the track, Josh Downs took North Carolina by storm. In 2021, Downs made his mark with 101 receptions and a whopping 1,335 receiving yards. This versatile baller continued to shine in 2022, racking up 11 touchdowns, earning second-team All-American and first-team all-conference honors. Downs is ready to make some noise in the NFL, and we’re all here for it.

#22 Darnell Washington, TE

Straight outta Vegas, Darnell Washington, one of the nation’s top 25 recruits, made a splash in Georgia like a boss. Despite missing four games in 2021 due to injury, this beast bounced back and helped the Bulldogs secure a national championship. 2022 was the year he truly flexed his skills, snagging second-team All-SEC honors with 28 catches for 454 yards and two TDs.

#23 Jayden Reed, WR

Get ready for this versatile dynamo, Jayden Reed, who’s got the ability to mix it up at multiple receiver positions and be a game-changer in both kickoff and punt returns. Yeah, he might look smaller, but don’t be fooled – this guy’s got grit. Though he’s a bit tight-hipped for some routes, he’s got that speed and potential for improvement at the next level. His ball skills are on point, but he’s gotta work on those focus drops to become a true NFL force. Keep your eyes on this one, folks!

#24 Hendon Hooker, QB

Hendon has been making waves since his high school days, where he won two state titles and threw for over 6,000 yards and 55 touchdowns. He started as a redshirt freshman at Virginia Tech, and in his time there, he set a school record for the most consecutive completions without an interception. He later transferred to Tennessee, where he dominated on the field, becoming an early Heisman Trophy favorite and winning SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was cut short due to a torn left ACL, but his impact on Tennessee’s offense was undeniable.

#25 Luke Schoonmaker, TE

Luke can do a bit of everything. He’s a solid blocker and shows promise as a pass-catcher, but needs to work on fighting for contested catches. He’s got room to bulk up and could develop into a starting tight end down the line, but might take some time to get there.

And that’s our top 25 rankings of the NFL rookies! Whether they’re explosive playmakers or gritty, hard-nosed players, we can’t wait to see how these young guns develop and make their mark on the league. Will they become stars, or will they be busts? Only time will tell, but we’ll be watching with bated breath as they make their NFL debut. Who knows, maybe one of them will lead their team to the Super Bowl or become the next great NFL legend. Whatever the future holds, these rookies are sure to make waves and keep us entertained. Bring on the NFL season!