Most fantasy owners focus on early-round rookies, but real value often comes from late-round rookie sleepers with breakout potential. These players may lack top pick recognition but offer the skills, opportunity, and upside to outperform their draft positions in fantasy leagues. Draft capital doesn’t guarantee success. Puka Nacua, and Brock Purdy proved late-round picks can become fantasy gold. This article highlights 2025 NFL Draft rookies taken in mid to late rounds with the tools to become future dynasty sleepers. Selected for talent, opportunity, and upside, these players were evaluated during the Fantasy Forecast Rookie Mock Draft recorded on May 8, 2025.
Late-Round Rookie Sleepers
Brashard Smith- RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Brashard Smith entered the 2025 NFL Draft as an intriguing running back prospect. After transitioning from wide receiver to running back at SMU, Smith posted 1,332 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and 34 catches for 299 yards in his final season. His ability to line up in the backfield or slot makes him a great fit in Kansas City’s creative offense. Drafted at 4.01 in the Fantasy Forecast Rookie Mock Draft, Smith is the kind of versatile weapon Kansas City covets.
While Brashard Smith faces competition in the Chiefs’ backfield with Isiah Pacheco, Elijah Mitchell, and Kareem Hunt , all three have dealt with injury concerns. Pacheco has battled shoulder and hand injuries, Mitchell has missed significant time in each season, and Hunt has a history of lower-body issues. These injury concerns increase Smith’s chances for early playing time. With 4.39 speed and the ability to contribute as a receiver, he fits well in the Chiefs’ offense, which thrives on versatile playmakers. While Smith may not start immediately, his skill set and the backfield’s instability give him a chance to quickly step into a larger role if injuries arise.
In dynasty leagues, Smith stands out as one of 2025’s late-round rookie sleepers due to potential turnover in Kansas City’s backfield. Kareem Hunt is only signed through 2025, and Elijah Mitchell looks like a short-term depth option. Isiah Pacheco is under contract through 2025 but will soon need a new deal, adding long-term uncertainty. With Hunt and Mitchell potentially gone by 2026, Smith could step into a much larger role. Under Andy Reid and Matt Nagy, and in a scheme that suits his skill set, Smith has the tools to become a dynamic contributor.
DJ Giddens- RB, Indianapolis Colts
DJ Giddens had a strong college career at Kansas State, rushing for over 1,200 yards in back-to-back seasons. While lacking breakaway speed, he compensates with power, vision, and consistency between the tackles. Giddens showed potential as a receiver, totaling 597 regular season career college receiving yards, but his game still needs development. He struggles with concentration drops, especially on off-target throws, and pass protection is a concern. Despite these limitations, Giddens’ physical running style and early-down skill set made him a notable 3.08 pick in the Fantasy Forecast Rookie Mock Draft, reflecting optimism about his potential role at the next level.
While Jonathan Taylor remains the clear lead back, Giddens could benefit from the unproven depth behind him. Khalil Herbert is currently ahead of Giddens on the depth chart, and he’ll also need to compete with Tyler Goodson and Salvon Ahmed for snaps. However, neither Goodson nor Ahmed poses a significant threat to Giddens’ long-term upside, especially if he can carve out a role with his physical running style. Herbert has struggled to stay healthy and hasn’t consistently separated himself in previous backfields. While unlikely to start right away, Giddens could become a valuable depth piece and handcuff in PPR leagues.
His ability as both a rusher and the potential development of his pass-catching makes him intriguing in deeper formats and dynasty leagues. Giddens was selected by the Colts in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a modest investment that suggests he’ll need to earn his role. However, over time, his physical running style and developmental potential could lead to a more prominent spot in the Colts’ offense.
Jo’quavious (Woody) Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Woody Marks is a dual-threat running back who brings an intriguing combination of rushing and receiving skills to the Houston Texans. Drafted at 4.09 in the Fantasy Forecast Rookie Mock Draft, Marks made a name for himself at both Mississippi State and USC, carving out a unique niche as a reliable runner and dangerous receiving threat, totaling over 1,800 rushing yards and more than 200 career receptions in college.
Marks’ ability to impact the game both as a runner and pass catcher makes him a valuable piece in Houston’s offense. While Joe Mixon is clearly entrenched as the starter, Dameon Pierce hasn’t shown enough to be considered a serious threat, giving Marks a realistic shot at immediate opportunities. Marks’ skill set makes him a great third-down or change-of-pace option, especially in PPR formats. With Houston’s evolving offense, his versatility could lead to steady touches early on, especially if the team adds more explosiveness to its backfield. Despite some competition in the backfield, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale don’t present major long-term obstacles, giving Marks one of the clearest paths to carries among this rookie group.
In dynasty, Marks could be a worthwhile late-round rookie sleepers, especially given his fit in a backfield that may evolve in the coming seasons. Dameon Pierce, currently under contract through 2025, could see his role shift depending on the Texans’ future plans. Joe Mixon, signed through 2026, may not be in the long-term plans, especially considering his age and cap hit. Similarly, Dare Ogunbowale, while under contract, is likely a short-term solution. Marks’ opportunity could expand significantly in the near future, especially if the Texans decide to transition away from Mixon or if Pierce’s role diminishes post-2025.
Let us know who YOU think are the rookie sleepers over at The Fantasy Advice Network.
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