7 Rookie Stars In 2025 That Could Redefine Teams: Here’s Why

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By: Jessica Morrison

Excitement for 7 rookies in 2025 is high. These picks matter now because early snaps, targets and preseason tape show clear team plans for immediate roles. One surprise: a late‑round signee already looks locked into top‑three usage on his depth chart. Which breakout will reshape your fantasy lineup or a team’s season first?

Why these 7 rookie breakouts matter for fans and fantasy in 2025

  • Rome Odunze became Chicago’s clear No.1 receiver; 101 preseason targets signal heavy usage.
  • Drake Maye posted 2,276 passing yards in projections and sees new roster help for year two.
  • Moro Ojomo recorded 31 pressures last season; more snaps mean bigger pass‑rush impact.

The 7 picks that could redefine NFL depth charts in 2025

1 – Rome Odunze: Chicago’s No.1 receiver ready to carry a thin corps

Rome arrived last year and already looks like the Bears’ top option, per preseason tape and depth charts. If you love high‑target wideouts, Odunze is a must‑watch; his combination of size and contested‑catch ability fits a quarterback leaning on safer reads. If you start a dynasty squad, will you move now or wait for Week 3 volume?

2 – Drake Maye: year‑two passer with a rebuilt supporting cast

Maye’s tape and projections show a multistep leap when a new offensive line and receivers settled around him. Expect more designed rollouts and deep attempts that reward fantasy managers who back second‑year QBs. If you drafted him cheaply, how much trade leverage do you have?

3 – Tyrone Tracy Jr.: a late emerger who could earn lead reps

Tracy’s camp buzz and early-down snaps point to feature back usage in a run‑friendly scheme this fall. His burst through front‑line defenders makes him appealing in PPR formats that value early‑season consistency. If your league values touches, will you bench a shaky veteran for Tracy?

4 – Nolan Smith: edge‑rush upside turns into sacks and splash plays

Smith’s athleticism and pass‑rush toolkit already produced starter‑level snaps in camp; more consistent reps could mean weekly game‑altering plays. For defensive fantasy and IDP leagues, his snap uptick is the signal to roster early. If your roster needs boom weeks, does Smith become your boom candidate?

5 – Mike Sainristil: slot playmaker who thrives around the line

Sainristil’s shift into the slot is tailor‑made for high‑frequency completions and tackle opportunities; coaches are already scheming his looks. That role boosts both coverage grades and fantasy tackle counts. If you follow rookies in coverage, do you keep watching him for Week‑to‑week targets?

6 – Brenton Strange: red‑zone tight end who suddenly matters for touchdowns

Strange’s preseason snaps and red‑zone snaps suggest heavy short‑area usage and red‑zone targets – the touchdown upside fantasy managers chase. Tight ends with early red‑zone snaps are scarce; Strange might convert a few goal‑line chances fast. If your roster needs TD upside, will you gamble a roster spot?

7 – Moro Ojomo: interior heat that frees up teammates and pressures QBs

Ojomo’s pressure total climbed dramatically; projected full‑time snaps could translate to consistent pressures and occasional sacks. That provides game‑script value beyond the stat sheet because pressures change drives and fantasy fortunes. If you play IDP, could Ojomo be a sleeper roster add this week?

The key figures behind these rookies’ early 2025 surges

KPI Value + Unit Change/Impact
Rome Odunze targets 101 targets Clear primary target share
Drake Maye passing yards 2,276 yards Year‑two passing workload growth
Moro Ojomo pressures 31 pressures Increased pass‑rush role

What will these rookie breakouts mean for your fantasy team and 2025 bets?

Expect at least one roster‑shaker among these seven who upends depth charts and fantasy ranks; will you trade, wait, or stream for Week 4 value?

Sources

  • https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-all-breakout-team-drake-maye-rome-odunze-among-players-on-rookie-contracts-set-to-star-in-2025/
  • https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/46208174/nfl-executives-pick-award-winners-2025-predicting-mvp-top-rookies-player-year-honors-comeback-stars-breakouts

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