For months, we’ve been studying these rookies and evaluating them as prospects. Now, they are officially players in the NFL. Talent is obviously important, but a path to playing time, as well as offensive situation matter just as much. Here are the worst fantasy football landing spots for key rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
Heading into the draft, the Browns were in need of a ton of offensive weapons. However, tight end was not one of them.
Harold Fannin Jr. comes from a small school in Bowling Green, but was a popular draft sleeper, drawing comps to a mini-Antonio Gates. Now, it’s hard to envision him ever getting an opportunity, at least in the short term.
The Browns are set at tight end. David Njoku is one of the better tight ends in the league and is only 29 years old. Perhaps the Browns took Fannin because Njoku is entering the final year of the extension he signed in 2022. The problem is, even if there is some hope for Fannin down the line, it’s hard to envision him improving his dynasty value during his rookie year. That makes him hard to push the button on in rookie drafts.
Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, WRs, Houston Texans
It is pretty cool that Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel were college teammates and somehow were both Day 2 picks from the same NFL team. That’s awesome for them to get to stay together. It’s not great for the chances of one of them becoming an impactful fantasy asset.
With early-second-round draft capital, Higgins certainly has a leg up on Noel. But both guys are talented prospects with flaws. It would not be a shock if either one of them ended up outplaying the other.
MORE: Best Rookie Landing Spots For Fantasy Football From the 2025 NFL Draft
The Texans already have an established elite WR1 in Nico Collins. He is untouchable. There is an opening at WR2 with Tank Dell’s career in jeopardy. However, instead of taking one guy to fill the position, the Texans have taken a chance at three guys.
Houston signed Christian Kirk before drafting the two Iowa State products. Having all three is great for the Texans. It’s great for C.J. Stroud. But it’s not great for any of the receivers’ fantasy value.
Savion Williams, WR, Green Bay
The Packers ended their 22 year drought of not taking a first-round wide receiver when they selected Matthew Golden. I am not the biggest fan of Golden, but he certainly has the potential to be the alpha WR1 they haven’t had since Davante Adams left. As for Savion Williams, it’s hard to see any path to success.
What the Packers needed at wide receiver was a guy to be “the guy.” They certainly don’t need any additional depth. This is a roster that came into this season with Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Dontayvion Wicks. These guys range from solid rotational WR3/4s to WR2s. Williams just adds another name to the list.