As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, fantasy football managers are shifting their focus to the incoming class of rookie WRs. Tetairoa McMillan may be stealing the spotlight, but a few under-the-radar wideouts have serious breakout potential. Here are three wide receiver prospects worth keeping an eye on ahead of your dynasty rookie drafts.
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Jayden Higgins
Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins brings a well-rounded possession receiver profile to the 2025 NFL Draft, backed by a sturdy 6’4”, 215 lb frame and 4.47 speed. A two-year starter with the Cyclones, Higgins steadily improved in each of his collegiate seasons, capped off by an 87-catch, 1,183-yard, 9 TD senior campaign.
Higgins profiles as a prototypical X receiver—strong at the catch point, physical against press coverage, and effective in contested situations (55.6% career contested catch rate). He’s also dependable, with just three drops on 210 targets and a sub-2.2% drop rate each of the past three seasons. Higgins dominated in short and intermediate areas of the field, thanks to an elite combination of refined footwork, smart route nuance, and excellent ball-tracking ability (zero drops on 117 targets of 10+ yards).
While Higgins shines in tight quarters and in the red zone, he lacks top-tier downfield speed and dynamic YAC ability (just 3.9 YAC per reception in 2024). He struggles to separate on go routes consistently and will need to further refine his downfield route tree to win at the next level. Quick escapes against physical NFL corners could also be a challenge early on.
Still, Higgins’ size, strong hands, durability (26 straight games played), and red-zone upside make him an intriguing stash for dynasty managers. While he may not offer explosive playmaking, he projects as a reliable chain-mover with touchdown upside—especially in leagues that reward volume and first downs.
Tre Harris
There may not be a wide receiver with more upside in this year’s draft class than Ole Miss WR Tre Harris. Despite missing 5 games in 2024 due to a groin injury, the 23-year-old Louisiana native led the Rebels in receptions (60) and receiving yards (1,030) en route to being named Second-team Associated Press All-American & Third-team All-SEC.
While Harris does not have eye-jumping measurables (6’2, 205 lbs, and runs a 4’5 forty), his in-game tape shows he has a strong knack for winning at the line of scrimmage and against single coverage. In 8 games played, Harris averaged a monstrous 8.4 receptions on 10.4 targets per game and a score (TD) before injury.
What he lacks in straight-away speed, Harris makes up for with quickness, often stutter-stepping his way open at the break. In addition, Harris displays exceptional ball-tracking skills and overall field awareness, adjusting to off-target throws with ease and boasting an impressive 60% contested catch rate.
Despite lacking a truly elite prototypical WR build, Harris finished the 2024 season ranked 1st in FBS receiving yards per game and 1st in yards per route run (5.12).
His biggest knocks are injuries and running a limited route tree during his two years as a starter at Ole Miss. If he can manage to stay healthy and expand his route repertoire, Harris projects as an immediate X receiver in an NFL offense and should contribute as a WR2 from day one.
Luther Burden III
WR Luther Burden III enters the 2025 NFL Draft as perhaps the most electrifying slot weapon in the entire class. A three-year starter at Missouri, Burden was a two-time first-team All-SEC selection and earned All-American honors as a sophomore after breaking out for 1,212 yards and 9 TDs on 86 catches.
Having spent 86.5% of his 2024 snaps in the slot, Burden thrives in motion-heavy schemes that allow him to put his twitchy athleticism and open-field creativity on full display. At 5’11, 208 lbs and 4.41 speed, Burden boasts elite YAC ability, averaging an impressive 7.26 yards after the catch over his collegiate career.
Not to mention, he’s as durable as they come. The 21-year-old St. Louis Native didn’t miss a single game during his three-year college career and holds the second-longest reception streak in Mizzou history (34 games).
That said, Burden’s route running remains a work in progress. Due to his heavy slot usage, he faced limited press coverage and wasn’t asked to run a full route tree. NFL teams may need to ease him in with schemed touches and motion packages.
In addition, his 2024 production (61/676/6) was less impressive than his sophomore season, which could prompt some concern, but that seems to be more related to Mizzou’s general offensive struggles last season than Burden’s play.
Overall, Burden profiles as a high-upside PPR asset in dynasty formats who can deliver explosive plays early, especially if he lands in a creative offense. He may not be a traditional WR1 right away, but his playmaking floor is enticing—and his ceiling could be massive.
