2025 Fantasy Football Draft Kit: Best Value Rookies

In fantasy football redrafts and best ball, finding value in rookies is essential to move into postseason play. This year, take a look at a few late-round pass catchers to draft towards the later rounds.

As for the running backs, Kaleb Johnson and Jacory Croskey-Merritt are two rookies who could have a massive impact for their teams in the second half of this season. Our best value rookies are presented below to help you find some value in the later rounds of your draft. Good luck!

Kaleb Johnson (PIT)

ADP: RB25

In Arthur Smith’s offense, we know the run game will be heavily utilized throughout the year. While Gainwell and Warren are two solid options in the backfield, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson has the potential to make some noise as the Steelers’ lead back.

Johnson is quicker than recently departed Najee Harris and has solid hands in the receiving game. With Warren serving as a 3rd down back and Gainwell as a change-of-pace back, Kaleb Johnson could be a steal, via his 10-15 touches per contest in a run-heavy offense.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)

ADP: RB54

JCM might shoot up draft boards amid the rumors that Brian Robinson could be on the trade block. Kingsbury and the Commanders seem to really like the running back out of New Mexico & Arizona.

Jacory is fresh, too, after playing just one game for the Wildcats last season, but his burst is something both Ekeler and Robinson lacked last season. In another run-heavy offense, JCM easily could finish inside the top 30, especially if one of Ekeler or Brian Robinson gets the boot.

Isaac TeSlaa (DET)

ADP: WR82

My personal favorite best ball draft selection, Isaac TeSlaa’s stars are aligning for a big rookie campaign. He’s hit paydirt in back-to-back preseason games while gaining significant momentum as he moves up the depth chart.

With ARSB and Jameson Williams holding the top two spots, Khalif Raymond and Tim Patrick are two names that could easily slide down the depth chart to make room for the 6’4 wideout out of Arkansas.

Oronde Gadsden (LAC)

ADP: TE37

The uber athletic tight end is a perfect fit for this Chargers offense and Justin Herbert. After no true game-changing tight end over the last few years, Oronde provides a different look for this offense.

The Bolts should spread the field a bit more this season with Ladd, Keenan Allen, and Tre Harris serving as their top three wideouts. At the TE37 ADP, I believe the Syracuse alum will finish inside the top 25 by year’s end.