Welcome to your essential guide to under-the-radar dynasty rookie targets for 2025. These are the types of players who don’t crack top-24 consensus rankings, but still bring serious upside for fantasy football managers willing to dig a little deeper.
In this article, I’ll spotlight three under-the-radar dynasty rookie targets for 2025 currently going in the third round or later of dynasty rookie drafts, based on Sleeper ADP. Whether they fell due to injuries, personality concerns, or landing spot questions, each has the potential to become a true difference-maker.
If you’re serious about building long-term success in dynasty, targeting under-the-radar dynasty rookie targets for 2025 like these might be the edge that puts your roster over the top.
“It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.” – Tony Dungy
Under-the-Radar Rookie Dynasty Football Targets
Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Horton couldn’t have landed in a better spot. With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett both leaving this offseason, Seattle’s wide receiver room is wide open. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is poised for a breakout, Cooper Kupp brings experience, but behind them? Not much. Enter Horton, a 22-year-old with a smooth, reliable game tailor-made for this opportunity.
At Colorado State, Horton consistently flashed NFL-ready traits. His route running featured sharp timing, crisp footwork, and textbook-level deception. He’s exactly the kind of receiver quarterbacks love: a zone-beater who finds soft spots, paces his routes with precision, and creates separation. Smart, physical, and polished, Horton projects as a dependable possession receiver with long-term upside.
Before an injury-marred final season, Horton averaged 84 catches, 1,134 yards, and 8 touchdowns over two years. That production came despite below-average quarterback play. He even returned for an extra year to chase a Mountain West title and lead his team. It didn’t pan out, and he got hurt, but he stayed loyal and gave it everything. That says a lot about the kind of pro he’ll be.
Last season, Sam Darnold leaned heavily on Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But he wasn’t shy about airing it out to WR3 Jalen Nailor when coverage dictated. Horton could step into a similar role as early as this year—or soon after.
Personal Note: Horton was a nightmare whenever he faced my Colorado Buffaloes. He’d slice up our secondary like clockwork. Every time. There’s just no quit in that guy.
His injury may have cooled his draft buzz, but that just makes him a bargain. Horton is my favorite under-the-radar rookie this year. If he wins the WR3 job in Seattle, he could return serious value.
Current Sleeper ADP: 4.10, 46th overall
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns
Speaking of my Colorado Buffaloes—let’s talk about Shedeur Sanders. Once considered a first-round talent, Sanders slid all the way to the fifth round. The Browns selected him after already grabbing Dillon Gabriel in the third.
Now, Sanders enters a crowded QB room featuring Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Deshaun Watson, and Gabriel. But here’s the thing: this is exactly the kind of mid-tier group where raw talent can rise to the top.
In his two seasons at Colorado, Sanders averaged 3,682 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. He consistently displayed elite accuracy and ice-cold poise—especially in clutch situations. And he did it behind one of the worst offensive lines in recent memory. As soon as he said “hike,” defenders were in his face. Still, he stayed mobile, made plays, and delivered.
His timing was impeccable. He trusted his receivers, dropped dimes on 50-50 balls, and showed the kind of leadership that elevates a locker room. While he’s not the biggest or fastest QB, Sanders has the tools to thrive in the right system—and maybe even turn around the Browns franchise.
That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. Sanders has a big personality that rubs some people the wrong way. Hopefully, the draft slide was a wake-up call. Now’s the time to grind, earn respect, and prove he belongs. There’s a real shot he could be cut given the logjam at quarterback. But if he is? That might be a blessing. He could land somewhere with less competition—or more opportunity.
From a fantasy angle, I know the draft dip is a red flag. But if he’s going in the mid-to-late third or even the fourth? That’s a swing worth taking. Low risk. High reward. And I’m betting on the reward.
Current Sleeper ADP: 3.5, 29th overall
Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints
Devin Neal quietly dominated at Kansas. Over his final two seasons, he averaged 1,273 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns per year. He also averaged 236 receiving yards and another score during that span. What’s most impressive? He averaged 6.0 yards per carry over that stretch. Neal showed excellent vision, patience, and burst, traits that stand out to sharp dynasty managers.
The concern? Draft capital. Neal once looked like a Day 2 pick, but the Saints grabbed him in the fifth. He now joins a crowded backfield behind Alvin Kamara, competing directly with Kendre Miller.
Miller has flashed at times, but injuries and inconsistency have slowed him. He’s averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and posted a 43.8% success rate—numbers that open the door for Neal to carve out a role.
If Neal stays healthy and flashes in camp, he could beat out Miller for the backup job—and position himself as Kamara’s eventual successor. His efficiency, work ethic, and clean game make him a compelling dynasty stash.
Side Note: Neal torched my Colorado Buffaloes late last year—37 carries, 207 yards, four catches for 80 more, and four total touchdowns. He put his full skill set on display in that game. It was brutal to watch, but he definitely caught my attention.
He’s under the radar now, but that might not last. Watch him closely this summer.
Current Sleeper ADP: 3.7, 31st overall
Final Thoughts: Don’t Chase the Noise—Target the Value
In dynasty, championships are often built on the margins, where savvy managers find value that others miss. Tory Horton, Shedeur Sanders, and Devin Neal all offer the kind of talent and opportunity that can lead to unexpected fantasy relevance.
At their current ADPs, there’s very little risk. But the upside? It’s real. These are the types of late-round swings that can turn into league-winning assets. Keep them on your radar all offseason.