Today, we’re diving into the biggest risers in Average Draft Position (ADP) from last year to this year’s current ADP. These players are now being selected in the first three rounds of drafts, with many in the first two rounds, despite being drafted after round 10 last year. We’re going to explore their massive ADP jumps following stellar 2024 seasons and evaluate whether they’re worth drafting at their elevated price points heading into 2025. All these players outperformed expectations in 2024, and now they come with a hefty price tag. Let’s break it down.
Ladd McConkey WR (LAC)
Our first riser is Ladd McConkey, who was phenomenal for Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers last season. McConkey posted an impressive 2.6 yards per route run, finishing 13th among wide receivers in points per game. He commanded a 25% target share, averaging nearly 99 receiving yards per game, which translated to about 16.4 points per game. He was an absolute monster in his rookie year, and I expect nothing less in 2025.
The Chargers added Tre Harris in the draft and re-signed Mike Williams, but these players profile as outside receivers, which doesn’t concern me regarding McConkey’s production. As the primary slot receiver, McConkey should see at least 125 targets, likely catching 90-95 passes and averaging 14-16 points per game if he stays healthy.
Currently priced at the end of the second round, I think this is good value for McConkey. He’s priced around Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who I believe he’s better than, and surpasses players like Mike Evans and Terry McLaurin in upside and weekly output. The Chargers’ passing game flows through wide receivers, not running backs, and McConkey’s underneath routes complement the downfield roles of other receivers. His late-season production solidified him as a wide receiver one, with the potential to be the overall WR1 in 2025. I’m all in on McConkey at his current ADP.
Brock Bowers TE (LV)
Next up is Brock Bowers, an absolute monster for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024. Bowers broke out as the clear rookie tight end superstar, potentially even the TE1 heading into next season. He’s currently priced as the most valuable tight end to draft, ahead of Trey McBride. Bowers shattered every rookie tight end record last year, hauling in 112 passes for 1,194 receiving yards and averaging 12.1 points per game, finishing as the TE2 overall.
Bowers benefits from a thin Raiders receiving corps, with Jakobi Meyers and Jack Bech as the primary wide receivers. While running back Ashton Jeanty will command a high target share, and quarterback Geno Smith historically checks down often, Smith has never had a fantasy-viable tight end, which gives me slight hesitation. However, it won’t deter me from Bowers entirely. His early second-round price, or even late first-round in some drafts, might be a bit steep, but in PPR formats, he’s worth a buy at the end of the second round.
Bowers should maintain high volume in the Raiders’ offense, even if it operates differently under new circumstances. While Geno Smith and Pete Carroll’s Seattle tenure never produced a viable fantasy tight end, Bowers is a clear TE1 in this league and poised for another strong season. Just be cautious about that early second-round investment.
Bucky Irving RB (TB)
Bucky Irving is a fantasy football hero for many of us. He was an absolute superstar for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, particularly from weeks 12 through 17 in 2024, where he was unbelievable. Irving forced a missed tackle on 36% of his touches, overtook Rachaad White in the backfield, and averaged 19 points per game during that stretch, despite battling injuries.
Heading into 2025, a new offensive coordinator may shake things up, but Irving’s efficiency makes him a prime candidate for continued success. Even in a 55-45 split with Rachaad White, Irving could be incredibly productive. If he stays healthy, I expect over 1,000 yards and 10+ touchdowns. His receiving value may be inconsistent, but improved pass protection could reduce White’s snaps to just 15%. Irving is a superstar in the making, and the Buccaneers have a gem. I’m buying into his potential at his current ADP.
Chase Brown RB (CIN)
Chase Brown was one of my breakout picks heading into 2024, and while his rise was gradual, he eventually delivered. Once he took over the Cincinnati Bengals’ backfield, Brown posted an eight-game streak with 90+ yards from scrimmage, finishing as the RB5 in points per game at 18.4, with an expected fantasy points per game of 22.3.
Even with Zach Moss’s eventual return, 2024 was Brown’s backfield, and it will be again in 2025. Currently priced around low-end RB1s and high-end RB2s like Kyren Williams, I believe Brown is a first-round talent available at a discount. If he stays healthy, expect 22-26 touches per game, bolstered by the Bengals’ improved interior offensive line. Brown is explosive, forces missed tackles, and excels at catching passes out of the backfield—everything you want in an RB1. Snagging him at the end of the second round or the beginning of the third is a steal.
Terry McLaurin WR (WAS)
Finally, we have Terry McLaurin, whose ADP has fluctuated wildly over the past five to six seasons. Last year, he was a massive discount, often drafted in rounds seven to nine. With Jayden Daniels‘ breakout, McLaurin found his QB1 and delivered consistent, high-level production. However, his 2025 ADP now sits in the third round, reflecting expectations of WR1 output. I’m avoiding McLaurin at this price.
The Washington Commanders added Deebo Samuel, who, while not likely to match McLaurin’s target share, introduces competition. An improved offensive line should boost the running game, especially with Daniels’ mobility, which could shift the offensive focus. McLaurin’s spike weeks of 17-18 points, followed by six-point duds, make him a riskier third-round pick compared to more consistent options like Chase Brown, who shares a similar ADP. If McLaurin falls to round four, he makes sense, but his current price tag is too high despite his 2024 breakout.
