Rookies Versus Sophomores In Dynasty
Chew pits Rookies against Sophomores to see who comes out the victor in dynasty.
Rookie fever is in full swing with notifications from dynasty rookie drafts filling up phone screens. As we draft rookies it’s important to consider their value against not just their class but those that came before them. And who is more top of mind than the 2024 rookie class? Heading into their second season, how this year’s rookies compare to the sophomores? Let’s find out.
*Winners based on my perceived dynasty value as of the article date, not necessarily who will have more fantasy points in 2025. Any reference to fantasy scoring based on superflex rosters and PPR scoring with no tight end premium.
QUARTERBACKS
CAM WARD v. JAYDEN DANIELS
Cam Ward is likely being taken in your superflex rookie drafts at the 1.01 or possibly the 1.02. After being taken as the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft by the Titans its hard not to see the appeal. A quick release with arm talent aplenty and some mobility to boot, Ward could help get this Titans offense on the right track. Hopefully there has been enough bolstering of the offensive line and playmakers to make Ward’s job a bit easier but he appears poised to have a productive rookie season.
Jayden Daniels finished his rookie season with the 5th-most fantasy points per game among quarterbacks and as the Rookie of the Year. The dual-threat quarterback has been immediately vaulted into the top-5 quarterbacks in dynasty and the Commanders have done right by him adding to the offensive line and giving him a few additional weapons. It’s wheels up for Daniels in his second season and it’s hard to see any quarterback from the 2025 draft class leapfrogging him, even Ward.
The Winner: Jayden Daniels
RUNNING BACKS
ASHTON JEANTY v. BUCKY IRVING
Ashton Jeanty is the next in a long line of players labeled “generational”. But I am on board with this one. Even in superflex rookie drafts, Jeanty could and likely should jump Ward as the 1.01 pick. The Raiders now have their quarterback in Geno Smith, arguably the best dynasty tight end in Brock Bowers, and have Jeanty to round out this Pete Carroll-led offense. As long as injury is not a factor, I anticipate Jeanty is slated for 300+ touches in the coming seasons as he can contribute both as a runner and a receiver.
Bucky Irving thrived in his rookie season in the Liam Coen system that is now being installed in Jacksonville. Despite being a 4th round pick in 2024, Irving usurped Rachaad White as the 1A in the Buccaneers offense as the more productive option. Does that continue with Coen leaving town? It is anyone’s guess. But Irving clearly showed promise and has earned the opportunity to lead this backfield going forward. Unfortunately for Irving, this does not even scratch the surface of Jeanty and his projected situation in Las Vegas.
The Winner: Ashton Jeanty
WIDE RECEIVERS
TETAIROA MCMILLAN v. MALIK NABERS
Tetairoa McMillan joins the Carolina Panthers as the de facto target leader for the resurgent Bryce Young. If Young does indeed carry his elevated play into 2025 and beyond then McMillan has the opportunity to become a top-12 receiver in dynasty. The Panthers’ offense does place an emphasis on the rushing attack but McMillan’s versatility and ability to create after the catch provides a stable fantasy floor and intriguing upside.
Malik Nabers finished his rookie season as the WR-7 in fantasy points per game and second in targets with an eye-popping 170. Nabers’ level of production did not match his opportunity with a less than ideal quarterback situation in 2024. However, 2025 and beyond should bode well for Nabers as Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston are both competent bridge quarterbacks and I do believe Jaxson Dart can be an above average starting option for the Giants. My heart as a Panthers fan says McMillan but gut says the opposite.
The Winner: Malik Nabers
TRAVIS HUNTER v. BRIAN THOMAS JR.
Travis Hunter is entering a Jaguars’ receiver room that Brian Thomas Jr. took a stranglehold of just year ago. Based on the early indications, Hunter will start out at wide receiver and work into his work as a defensive back. This bodes well for dynasty managers that are toying with drafting Hunter somewhere in the first round. Despite the presence of Thomas, Hunter is an electric athlete that, I believe, can help form one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. With Liam Coen entering the fold in Jakcsonville I see Hunter as a player that he will maximize with Trevor Lawrence under center.
Brian Thomas Jr. remains the WR-1 of the Jaguars even with the drafting of Travis Hunter. I do not expect Thomas’ targets to increase beyond his 133 from his rookie season; however, he can still be just as impactful if not more so with Hunter helping to spread out the defense. With new head coach Liam Coen in town, I expect Thomas to be used more creatively to amplify what he already showed as a rookie. So while I do buy into the rookie hype of Travis Hunter, there can only be one winner in dynasty out of this receiver room.
The Winner: Brian Thomas Jr.
TIGHT ENDS
COLSTON LOVELAND v. BROCK BOWERS
Colston Loveland becomes the first handpicked chess piece for new head coach Ben Johnson and there is no denying that is a tremendous vote of confidence. However, the existing pass catchers coupled with the addition of Luther Burden III further adds to the number of mouths to feed in this Bears offense. Do I think Loveland will be an intriguing option for Caleb Williams, especially in the red zone? Hell yes. But I do have some concerns regarding how much volume Loveland will actually garner.
Brock Bowers enters the 2025 season as the de facto TE-1 in dynasty. The addition of Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech does little to hinder Bowers’ status as a premium player in dynasty. With a more capable quarterback in Geno Smith, look for Bowers to yet again lead the Raiders and all NFL tight ends in targets in 2025. The Raiders were one of my winner of the NFL Draft as they are truly working to turn this franchise around sooner rather than later. So other than both Loveland and Bowers being the first tight ends drafted in their respective draft classes, that is the only real thing that the two players have in common.
The Winner: Brock Bowers
So you made it this long and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow dynasty degenerates I would greatly appreciate it!