Evaluating All 36 Rookie WRs

Part 1: Depth Chart Observations

Its that time of year again. The fantasy offseason and preparation phase is here. Its time to strategize and make memories together.

Elite Drafters was created to help us win championships and build dynasties. Whether you're in the thick of a rebuild in dynasty, on the cusp of a championship caliber roster, or preparing for redraft/best ball one thing is undeniable - identifying WR breakouts is a massive edge.

So lets dive into the data, have some fun, and start off this series with the rookie WRs. Maybe….just maybe….our predictive analytics will lead us to the next Puka Nacua, Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas Jr or Tank Dell….as they have in the past.

But first order of business, lets take a look at the updated depth charts.

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2025 NFL WR Depth Chart

The new NFL WR landscape…All rookies are highlighted below.

Green = 1st & 2nd Rounders (+Kyle Williams)

Gold = All Other Rookies

Drafted Rookies Not Shown:

- Jordan Watkins (SFO), 4th RD

- Tommy Mellot (LAV), 6th RD

- Kaden Prather (BUF), 7th RD

- Junior Bergen (SFO), 7th RD

**Undrafted Rookies Included: Nick Nash (ATL), Zakhari Franklin (LAV), Theo Wease Jr. (MIA), Ricky White III (SEA)

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🚦Depth Chart Observations: Immediate Roles & Volume Pathways

Below is a tiered breakdown of how each rookie’s depth chart position shapes their fantasy viability. I cover all 32 drafted wide receivers and four notable undrafted free agents, classifying them from WR1, WR2, WR3 legitimate day one starters to WR4, WR5 depth sleepers to roster bubble names to watch during camp and preseason.

At the bottom of the article, you’ll also find a full 7-round draft recap of every WR selected in the 2025 NFL Draft for reference. Now lets dive in…

🟢 WR1 Opportunities

Players who will dominate volume and lead their team in targets.

• Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) – The only WR from the class likely to see WR1 volume out of the gates. Bryce Young new WR1 may see 125+ targets. Tetairoa is a talented alpha WR profile with a great catch radius and a legitimate deep threat.

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🟢 WR2 Volume

WR2 talents with full-time roles expected to see significant targets early.

• Travis Hunter (JAX) – Paired with Brian Thomas Jr. as the WR2, there is little competition for targets. Both will see massive volume. 100+ targets likely. The only thing tempering my expectations is he is an exceptional CB and will see that side of the ball.

• Emeka Egbuka (TB) – My big bet is Emeka surprises and see tremendous volume this year, 100+ targets. Despite Egbuka being behind Evans and Godwin, I see both vets age cliffs coming soon hence the big investment by the Bucs front office. I also flat out believe in the talent and elite analytical profile of Egbuka.