Tier 1: Elite Centerpieces
These are your rookie war machines—the kind of players that don’t just contribute, they command your fantasy lineup from Day 1. Whether it's volume, versatility, or violent disruption, these prospects check every box for immediate redraft impact. Expect high floors, explosive ceilings, and the type of roles that shape league outcomes. If you're building to win now, this is your blueprint.
Ranks 1–25
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LVR
Bellcow alert. The Raiders didn’t just draft Jeanty at #6 overall to look good in camp—they’re handing him the keys. He led college football in missed tackles forced and 10+ yard runs, and lands in Chip Kelly’s run-heavy system. Expect elite volume, real PPR upside, and top-tier red zone work from Day 1.
2. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC
Downhill punisher with top-tier contact balance, Hampton is set to lead the Chargers' backfield with a projected 55-45 split over Najee Harris. His 4.46 speed pairs well with natural hands, making him a high-floor PPR weapon with goal-line juice.
3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, CAR
The Panthers' WR1 from the jump. At 6’5” with freakish catch radius and polished route running, McMillan inherits 124 vacated targets. He’s a monster in PPR formats and redraft gold in Dave Canales’ receiver-friendly scheme.
4. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, JAX
Boom potential through the roof. A unicorn talent who dominated both ways in college, Hunter will primarily line up at WR for the Jaguars, where his elite ball skills and YAC chops can turn any touch into six. There’s risk if he plays defense too—but the ceiling? League-breaking.
5. Colston Loveland, TE, CHI
Best rookie tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts. Loveland brings size, athleticism, and a route tree that’s already NFL-ready. With Justin Fields gone and a new-look Bears offense, he could be the surprise PPR cheat code from the TE spot.
6. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI
Drafted top-10, Odunze immediately steps in opposite DJ Moore and should command high-value X-receiver targets. He’s physical at the catch point and electric after it. Think weekly WR2 with WR1 upside by midseason.
7. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC
Patrick Mahomes. Deep speed. Slot separation. Need we say more? Worthy has track-star wheels and lands in a dream scenario for splash plays. If Rashee Rice misses time, he could go nuclear.
8. RJ Harvey, RB, DEN
PPR darling incoming. The Broncos throw to their backs more than anyone, and Harvey projects as the lead pass-catcher. If he sees even modest carry volume, you’re looking at top-15 RB potential in redraft.
9. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC
Plug-and-play weapon for Justin Herbert. McConkey is already lighting up OTAs and should feast in the intermediate game. If Greg Roman’s new offense keeps a WR-friendly slot package, expect 20% target share and high PPR stability.
10. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, DEN
Mismatch nightmare. Sanders boasts wideout-level movement and finds himself on a Broncos team desperate for a reliable red zone threat. If he’s the starter early, he’ll crack top-12 TE status easily.
11. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, NO
Vertical alpha with touchdown upside. Thomas Jr. has the size-speed profile to be a WR2 right away in a Saints offense that lacks red-zone dominators. Great best-ball weapon with weekly starter potential.
12. Shedeur Sanders, QB, DEN
If he wins the job, Sanders is a sneaky Superflex league anchor. His quick release, mobility, and poise under pressure could make him a rookie breakout, especially if the Broncos lean on him late in the season.
13. Keon Coleman, WR, BUF
Gabe Davis out, Keon Coleman in. This red-zone monster will be Josh Allen’s new vertical target and should feast against single coverage opposite Stefon Diggs. Expect double-digit TD upside and major boom weeks.
14. Trey Benson, RB, ARI
Elite burst meets opportunity. James Conner can’t stay healthy, and Benson has the tools to take over early. Explosive through the hole and smooth in the pass game—he’s your late-round steal who could be starting by Week 6.
15. Blake Corum, RB, BAL
Ravens drafted him to be the guy. Corum runs with patience, power, and elite vision. With Gus Edwards gone and no true lead back left, don’t be surprised if he finishes as a top-20 RB.
16. Jermaine Burton, WR, NE
Route tactician in a bad offense… but that also means high volume. Burton might be the most reliable set of hands in Foxborough. In full PPR leagues, don’t sleep on a WR3 floor with spike-week upside.
17. Shemar Stewart, DE, CIN
Raw traits, ready to explode. Stewart has a perfect RAS score and lands in a great defensive system in Cincinnati. If you play in IDP formats, this could be your Micah Parsons lite.
18. Carson Schwesinger, LB, CLE
Athletic freak with a nose for the ball. On a Browns defense that funnels action to the second level, Schwesinger has 100-tackle upside. A must-roster in any balanced IDP setup.
19. Jihaad Campbell, LB, PHI
Injured, but when healthy? Campbell could be the next Fred Warner. Great in coverage and electric as a blitzer, he’s a stash-to-smash play in IDP.
20. Malaki Starks, S, BAL
Ball hawk + tackler + elite system = fantasy gold. Starks fits perfectly next to Kyle Hamilton and will make splash plays all year. Five picks and 80+ tackles is within reach.
21. Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG
Not a Week 1 starter, but Dart is one injury or Daniel Jones disaster away from starting. Dual-threat talent with strong arm. A Superflex stash with a shot at relevance in the back half.
22. Mason Taylor, TE, NYJ
6’5”, 250 and smooth. Taylor is making noise in camp and has a real shot to start. If the Jets passing game clicks, he could be a mid-season waiver wire hero at TE.
23. Elijah Arroyo, TE, SEA
Explosive with after-catch juice. If he earns a full-time gig, Arroyo brings Noah Fant’s ceiling with better movement skills. Solid TE3 stash with room to grow.
24. James Pearce Jr., DE, ATL
One of the most dangerous pass-rushers in the class. The Falcons need sacks, and Pearce brings them. He’s already penciled in for a big role and has 10+ sack potential.
25. Mykel Williams, DE, SF
Raw tools, elite upside. Williams lands with the 49ers, where he’ll be developed next to Nick Bosa. That’s scary for offenses—and valuable in big-play IDP formats.
