1. Brian Thomas Jr. & Malik Nabers

What happened in 2024:

There were question marks about both Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers entering their rookie seasons, which is why neither found themselves being drafted within the first three rounds of fantasy drafts. However, both emerged as clear WR1s on their teams as rookies, and both finished as top-6 fantasy wide receivers. Thomas finished as the overall WR4 while Nabers averaged 18.2 PPR fantasy points per game.

The Most Similar Player in 2025: Tetairoa McMillan

WR Tetairoa McMillan enters 2025 with an eerily similar setup to last year's rookie sensations. As the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he steps into Carolina as the unquestioned WR1 with minimal target competition. Despite lingering questions about Bryce Young's development, McMillan's projected target volume creates a pathway to top-10 fantasy WR production.

The Arizona standout possesses the rare combination of elite college production and immediate NFL opportunity that typically produces fantasy gold.

Other Candidates: Matthew Golden, Travis Hunter

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba

What happened in 2024:

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba's rookie disappointment made him a fantasy afterthought entering 2024. Buried behind DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in Seattle's pecking order, he seemed destined for another season of frustration. Instead, he emerged as the Seahawks' primary weapon, finishing as the WR9 and proving that rookie struggles don't define careers.

The Most Similar Player in 2025: Rome Odunze

The parallels between Smith-Njigba and Rome Odunze are striking. Both former first-round talents suffered through target-starved rookie campaigns while flashing their underlying skills.

With Caleb Williams entering his second year and offensive guru Ben Johnson taking over the play-calling duties in Chicago, we could see Odunze take a similar Year 2 leap like Smith-Njigba did last season. This combination of improved quarterback play and elite play-calling could transform Odunze from a fantasy afterthought to a league-winning asset.

 Other Candidates: Ricky Pearsall, Keon Coleman

3. Terry McLaurin

What happened in 2024:

WR Terry McLaurin's career had been defined by quarterback mediocrity, relegating one of the NFL's most talented receivers to low-end WR2 fantasy status. Jayden Daniels' arrival changed everything last year, though.

With competent quarterback play finally in place, McLaurin exploded for career-best WR7 production at 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game, showcasing what elite talent can accomplish with proper support.

The Most Similar Player in 2025: Calvin Ridley

There’s no doubt that last year was a struggle for new Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley. Despite ranking poorly in target accuracy (91st), target premium (73rd), and quarterback rating when targeted (91st) among all WRs in 2024, he still managed 11.7 PPR fantasy points per game.

Now, Ridley has the chance to take a similar fantasy jump as McLaurin did in 2024. Cam Ward's arrival as Tennessee's quarterback represents the same upgrade the Washington WR received a year ago. With minimal target competition and a QB upgrade, Ridley is positioned for a fantasy resurgence.

Other Candidates: Jakobi Meyers, George Pickens

4. Baker Mayfield

What happened in 2024:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield was a solid fantasy option in 2023, but he took his fantasy game to a whole new level last year. He finished as the QB4 in all formats and averaged 22.5 fantasy points per game.

Mayfield can thank both his wide receiver group (Mike Evans and Chris Godwin) and the addition of offensive coordinator Liam Coen — who called the plays in Tampa Bay— for his major fantasy success last year. Both of those helped him total a career-high 4,500 pass yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Most Similar Player in 2025: Caleb Williams

Williams showed flashes of his fantasy potential as a rookie, reaching 22+ fantasy points five times and claiming a QB1 overall finish back in Week 5. His QB16 overall finish belied the underlying talent and opportunity structure in Chicago.

Entering Year 2, Williams will benefit from his above-average wide receiver corps (DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III) and the arrival of Johnson's quarterback-friendly system. WalterPicks projects him as the QB8 with QB3 upside entering drafts.

The pieces are aligned for Williams to follow Mayfield's blueprint: elite play caller, talented WRs, and a system designed to maximize quarterback production.

 Other Candidates: Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott