Which rookies have bright outlooks for the future? Which ones might not burst out of the gate in their first years but could bring good long-term dynasty value?
Let’s take a look at 7 rookies you should buy this season in dynasty leagues.
NOTE: Absent from this list are rookies who are expected to be good redraft players right away.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR/Jacksonville Jaguars
At 6’3” and 209 pounds, having run a 4.33 40-yard dash, Thomas checks all the boxes that I like in a wide receiver. With the Jaguars recently extending Trevor Lawrence, Thomas is locked up with a good quarterback for years to come, assuming he catches on to the speed and rigors of the NFL game. I just don’t expect it to happen for him right away. He’ll get that chance to contribute early but I still think Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Evan Engram, and Travis Etienne will be receiving the bulk of Lawrence’s attention in Thomas’ rookie season.
Jonathon Brooks, RB/Carolina Panthers
There’s a lot to like about Brooks. He doesn’t have a lot of mileage on him having played behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson at Texas. That’s offset a little by the fact that he’s recovering from a torn ACL. Still, he’s only 20 years old which means this is a long-term play in dynasty leagues. The Panthers are still in rebuild mode, but they have added a lot of pieces to make their offense much better — a little better? — in 2024. Brooks might be eased into the flow a little bit to start his rookie campaign, but he could be a starter for fantasy teams late in the season, and certainly headed in that direction by 2025.
Trey Benson, RB/Arizona Cardinals
Benson begins his career as a backup to James Conner in Arizona. But whereas Brooks has the opportunity to be the starter in Carolina whenever he’s fully healthy, Benson needs a Conner injury to supplant him this season. And, believe me, that’s more than possible. Conner is routinely hurt. Still, short of a season-ending injury, Conner will always be around, which makes Benson a much better dynasty pick than a redraft one. In an effort to lighten the workload on Conner to avoid more wear and tear on the body, we might see Benson have FLEX appeal at times. But unless the Cardinals just don’t like what they see of Benson in practices or his reps in games, he could be the starter in Arizona by 2025.
Ricky Pearsall, WR/San Francisco 49ers
I’m not totally enamored with Pearsall the prospect, but I love his landing spot. And all that really matters is that the 49ers were enamored with him enough to pick him 31st overall in April’s draft. Pearsall’s stock could skyrocket if Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel are traded. For now, there are too many mouths to feed in this offense, rendering Pearsall a much better dynasty pick than redraft one. When he finally gets his opportunity, what you’re getting is a good route runner, especially over the middle, and a speedy playmaker who can make things happen after the catch.
Jaylen Wright, RB/Miami Dolphins
I like Wright the best out of all the backs in the Dolphins’ backfield. Unfortunately, he needs to pay his dues and bide his time. Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are going to get the bulk of the work. But both players have a history of injuries, with Mostert, the veteran, having the more extensive list of missed time. Mostert is not long for this roster, in my opinion. He’s got just two years left on a cheap deal and he’s already 32. I’m lower than consensus on Achane because although he’s explosive and showed great promise in limited duty last year, he needs to prove it for more than one year. I think Wright plays a big role in 2025 and beyond.
Marshawn Lloyd, RB/Green Bay Packers
The Packers inked Josh Jacobs to a 4-year deal this offseason, which is good for those who have interest in Lloyd in their dynasty leagues. Why? Because the way the Jacobs deal is structured, it’s a very team-friendly deal to get out of. Which means when other teams are staying away from Lloyd because of Jacobs’ contract length, it gives you a better value. Unless Jacobs just completely thrives in Green Bay, the Packers could bail from him before the deal is over. Enter Lloyd, an explosive playmaker out of the backfield for whom the team already has big plans. Expect Lloyd to split time with Jacobs this season despite Jacobs earning the lion’s share of the work. But I like Lloyd as a long-term dynasty play.
Ben Sinnott, TE/Washington Commanders
Let’s not let Sam LaPorta’s breakout rookie season cloud our better judgment when it comes to rookie tight ends. For instance, Brock Bowers, despite his highly gifted and athletic profile, was on my redraft sell list. Sinnott would be as well, but he also makes my dynasty buy list. There’s a lot to like about his profile, but just be aware that he’s still a rookie tight end stepping into a situation where he’s not expected or needed to contribute right away. Don’t expect old man Zach Ertz to find a younger version of himself, but he’s also going to hinder Sinnott’s growth this season. If he slides to the end of your Round 2 rookie dynasty drafts or even more ideally into Round 3, Sinnott could bring back good dynasty value.
