When it comes to late-round dynasty rookie draft sleepers, history has a funny way of rewarding the patient and the savvy. By the time the third and fourth rounds roll around, most managers are on autopilot, but if you’re still locked in, these are the rounds where you can steal tomorrow’s stars. Just ask the folks who landed Puka Nacua, or Amon-Ra St. Brown, in years past.
So while your leaguemates check out, lean in. These 5 rookies may be flying under the radar now, but by midseason, they could be flying into your starting lineup.
What!? Your fantasy football league wasn’t hosted on Fantrax last season!? Once you see how Fantrax stacks up to the competition, we think you’ll be singing a different tune in the 2025 season.
Late-Round Dynasty Football Rookie Draft Sleepers
Jordan James – RB, San Francisco 49ers
Jordan James was selected in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers. History shows that the Niners run through running backs more than a girl changes her mind.
Jordan split time with Bucky Irving two years ago at the University of Oregon, where he had 759 yards and 11 touchdowns. Last season, as the lead back, James had over 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.
He is extremely versatile and can catch it out of the backfield. With the concerns every season with Christian McCaffrey, drafting James in the fourth round of your rookie draft can turn out to be rewarding.
Will Howard – QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Will Howard is fresh off a national championship at Ohio State. He goes to the Steelers, where they have one of the best coaches in history. The concern is who the quarterback will be. Currently, Mason Rudolph is the starter.
The best-case scenario for Howard is the Steelers bringing in Aaron Rodgers so that Howard can learn from him for at least a year.
Howard is available in the middle of the third round in rookie drafts and is a nice stash with potential to start in Superflex leagues.
Elijah Arroyo – TE, Seattle Seahawks
First, there is no Brock Bowers or Trey McBride this year, but there is Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren. Those two were selected in the first 15 picks. Then, there is Elijah Arroyo. The former Miami Hurricane was a day two pick to the Seattle Seahawks.
This is a stash for a year or so, as he has Noah Fant ahead of him. The good news is that it has been reported that the Seahawks will run more 12-personnel in 2025.
Arroyo is athletic, versatile, and has a big catch radius. He can create mismatches and can be a contributor sometime in his rookie season, depending on how training camp goes.
Quinn Ewers – QB, Miami Dolphins
Overall, Quinn Ewers was a good quarterback in college. He did have injury concerns, though, just like the starting quarterback for the team that drafted him.
Ewers had over 3,400 yards in his final season at Texas with 31 touchdowns, too. That decision to enter the NFL draft and not the portal cost him over $7 million. Yes, millions.
He enters a quarterback room with top 10 picks Zach Wilson and Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa has dealt with numerous of injuries thus far in his NFL career, including multiple concussions.
Despite the late draft selection, his arm talent and pedigree make him an intriguing stash. Ewers could find an opportunity to showcase his skills sooner than expected. Draft him in the fourth round of rookie drafts or add him after he does not get drafted.
Terrance Ferguson – TE, Los Angeles Rams
Another tight end that went on day two of the NFL Draft was Terrance Ferguson. Standing at 6’5 and 255 pounds, Ferguson brings a blend of size and athleticism.
Although he will be fighting for the backup tight end position behind Tyler Higbee.
While his blocking skills are still developing, Ferguson being such a fantastic athlete, gives him a chance to start from Week 1 with the loss of Cooper Kupp.
With Tyler Higbee up there in age, Ferguson is a perfect target in the middle of round three of rookie drafts.
Most of us play with tight-end premium scoring, so we might as well take a chance.
Final Thoughts
These players, while selected in the later rounds or signed as undrafted free agents, possess the talent and, most importantly, the opportunity to become valuable assets in dynasty leagues. Keeping an eye on their development and situations could yield significant returns in dynasty leagues.
