Fantasy football managers looking for value in their 2025 drafts are considering several players expected to exceed their average draft positions, according to a recent analysis. The focus is on identifying talent that could outperform expectations and provide returns beyond early-round stars, particularly in middle and late rounds of 12-team PPR leagues.
Highlighted among these sleeper picks is Marvin Harrison Jr., wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. Harrison, selected No. 4 overall in his draft class, had a rookie season with 62 receptions, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns. Despite not fully meeting pre-season expectations last year, he has reportedly undergone significant physical development during the offseason and developed stronger rapport with quarterback Kyler Murray. Reports indicate Harrison is positioned as the primary receiving option for Arizona this season and is currently being drafted as WR18.
The list also includes other notable names such as Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers), Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams), James Cook (Buffalo Bills), D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears), Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), Evan Engram (Denver Broncos), J.K. Dobbins (Denver Broncos), Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts), Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills), Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons), Nick Chubb (Houston Texans), Luther Burden III (Chicago Bears) and Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks). Each player is evaluated based on prior season performance, opportunity within their team’s offense, health status, and changes to roster or coaching staff that could affect production.
Michael Rovetto authored the piece, providing context drawn from recent NFL seasons and historical performance metrics to support each recommendation.
Quotes featured in the article include:
“JIMBO We’ve signed James Cook to a four-year contract extension: https://t.co/DKD1mH8UM0https://t.co/aDyDXs8E32,” attributed to Buffalo Bills (…)”Brock & Ricky back at it! : KPIX NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLhhttps://t.co/EEecl0V7a6,” attributed to San Francisco 49ers (…)”Darnell Mooney appreciation post 64 catches, 992 yards, 5 TDs He missed a game so he didn’t get the 1k PR but he balled out https://t.co/yVSUytEWbr,” attributed to Not Bijan (…)”feed,” also appears as a standalone quotation block.
Rovetto brings experience as a former staff writer for University of Maryland Athletics and has contributed stories featured nationally on NCAA.org.
