Rookies Who Could Flop
Cam Ward – QB, Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward may have been the No. 1 overall pick, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be an immediate asset for your fantasy roster. He’s currently being drafted as QB22—going before proven veterans like Matthew Stafford and Geno Smith—which feels a bit premature. Koerner ranks Ward as the QB25, while Raybon has him at QB26. The Titans had one of the league’s worst offenses last season, and Ward now finds himself in a similar environment, learning a new system with a less-than-stellar group of weapons.
Ward showed flashes of potential in college, finishing top five in both yards per attempt and big-time throw rate. However, he also ranked outside the top 30 in clean-pocket accuracy and had issues when facing pressure. While Tennessee’s offensive line could be better this year, it still isn’t a sure thing, and there isn’t a clear go-to target in the receiving corps. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett aren’t getting any younger—together, they’re pushing 140 years old.
Ward might have a few big fantasy outings, but touchdowns could be too inconsistent for him to justify his current draft spot. The Titans enter 2025 with just the 28th-ranked implied point total, which limits Ward’s upside. He’s best reserved for Superflex and 2QB formats. In standard 1QB leagues, streaming the position is probably the smarter play.
Emeka Egbuka – WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka is being drafted around WR48, but Koerner ranks him at WR59—a gap that suggests expectations may be running ahead of reality. He’s turned heads in camp and boasts a strong college résumé, but his short-term path to steady fantasy production is unclear. Tampa Bay’s receiver room is deep, and as a rookie, he may spend much of the season behind established veterans.
At Ohio State, Egbuka played almost exclusively in the slot, which is also where the Bucs have primarily lined him up. The challenge is that Chris Godwin already holds that role. While Godwin is coming back from injury, unless he misses time or moves outside more frequently, Egbuka’s target volume in redraft leagues will likely remain limited. He’s been working both at the Z and in the slot, but with Jalen McMillan also competing for snaps, the situation becomes even murkier.
Egbuka’s polish and football IQ make him an appealing long-term investment, and he’s impressed in OTAs and minicamp. Still, even with strong scouting praise, his 2025 upside might be confined to Best Ball spike weeks or filling in when injuries strike. Right now, it feels like he’s being drafted more on talent and pedigree than on immediate opportunity.
There’s late-round stash appeal—particularly in full PPR—but fantasy managers hoping for an Amon-Ra St. Brown–style rookie breakout may be in for a letdown. Without a shake-up in the depth chart, Egbuka projects as a bench piece who could be cycled on and off rosters during the season. His breakout chances are real, but they may not arrive until after this fall.
Travis Hunter – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter is currently going off draft boards as WR29, though Koerner ranks him four spots lower at WR33. While that may not seem like a significant difference, it’s notable for a rookie who’s taking snaps on both sides of the ball. Hunter is a remarkable athlete and brings plenty of excitement, but he’s still refining his skills as a wide receiver, making it risky to count on instant efficiency.
The outlook for his usage seems promising, but the actual results might not match expectations. Even with a projected 80% snap rate, it’s hard to predict how much volume he’ll see from week to week. Brian Thomas Jr. could easily emerge as the offense’s top target, and Jacksonville’s passing game has always carried some question marks. Hunter may end up needing touchdowns to be fantasy-relevant, a category that’s tough to bank on.
Hunter’s flashes in college—when he ran a complete route tree—were impressive, with nearly 20 PPR points averaged in those situations. Still, the opportunities were limited, and his primary responsibilities were on defense. The step up to the NFL brings tougher challenges in route running, timing, and battling at the line, even for outstanding college athletes.
Long-term, there’s a lot to get excited about, but his redraft stock comes with volatility. If he’s asked to handle a heavy role on the outside right away, his inexperience might become apparent early on. He’s certainly worth a pick, but WR29 could be a bit steep for someone with so much unpredictability. Don’t be surprised if he gets off to a slow start as he adapts to the pro level.
