FFT Express: Top Rookie Breakouts to Draft in 2025 Fantasy Football – Dan Schneier’s Target List (06/26 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today – Episode Summary
Title: FFT Express: Top Rookie Breakouts to Draft in 2025 Fantasy Football – Dan Schneier’s Target List
Host: Adam Aizer
Guest Analyst: Dan Schneier
Release Date: June 28, 2025

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Introduction to Rookie Breakouts

[00:33] Adam Aizer:
“We're gonna find out just how much he loves them for the 2025 class right now on FFT Express.”

Adam Aizer kicks off the episode by setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on Dan Schneier’s top rookie breakout targets for the 2025 Fantasy Football season. The conversation centers around identifying undervalued rookies who can provide significant returns for fantasy managers.

Ashton Genti: A First-Round Staple

[00:33] Adam Aizer:
“We're not going to call Ashton Genti a rookie breakout. He's going to be a first-round pick, maybe an early second-round pick after that though, who does Dan like as a rookie breakout?”

Dan Schneier emphasizes that Ashton Genti is not just a breakout candidate but a high-value draft pick expected to go in the first or early second round. Genti stands out as a top-tier rookie with immediate impact potential.

Matthew Golden: The Sleeper Receiver

[01:17] Dan Schneier:
“The first one that comes to mind just because he is going in the late rounds though he shouldn't be... Matthew Golden of the Green Bay Packers.”
[01:05] Dan Schneier:
“I wouldn't necessarily consider those to be the breakout candidates. Those are more of the sleeper candidates. But yes, I would still feel that way.”

Dan highlights Matthew Golden as a prime sleeper option, currently being drafted late due to limited buzz. Golden's performance at Houston showcased his after-catch abilities, which could flourish under Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay. Despite uncertainties surrounding the Packers' quarterback play, Golden possesses the skills to emerge as a significant fantasy asset.

Marion Hampton: The Workhorse Running Back

[02:15] Dan Schneier:
“Hampton is a guy whose tape I love at UNC. Reminded me a lot of Jonathan Taylor with more ability after contact...”
“He has the talent, his ability to force miss tackles, break tackles and be that thumping workhorse...”

Marion Hampton emerges as a top breakout candidate due to his impressive performance at UNC. Dan draws parallels between Hampton and Jonathan Taylor, praising his ability to gain yards after contact and his versatility in the Chargers' run-heavy offense. Hampton's role as a workhorse running back positions him as a valuable asset in both rushing and receiving categories.

Travis Hunter: The Elite Route Runner

[03:37] Dan Schneier:
“Travis Hunter was the best on tape by far... his ability to get in and out of his breaks, his ability to release off the line of scrimmage was the best in class...”

Travis Hunter is lauded for his exceptional route-running skills and ability to create separation, making him a formidable receiver in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense. With improved quarterback play expected to provide him with ample one-on-one opportunities, Hunter is poised to deliver impressive fantasy performances early in his career.

[04:16] Adam Aizer:
“On fantasy Pros, it is 51st. Yeah. And on CBS ADP, it is 53rd.”

Adam notes Travis Hunter’s current Average Draft Position (ADP), indicating room for movement as his potential becomes more recognized among fantasy managers.

RJ Harvey: A Controversial Yet Promising Back

[06:17] Dan Schneier:
“RJ Harvey was my favorite prospect before the draft and love the idea of him joining a Sean Payton offense...”
“He is an absolute beast running back... with that said, he also joins an offense...”

RJ Harvey is discussed as a potential breakout despite concerns related to competition and injuries within the Denver Broncos' backfield. Joining a Sean Payton-led offense presents opportunities for Harvey to flourish, especially if Jacob Gibbs and other contenders like J.K. Dobbins remain injured.

[07:14] Adam Aizer:
“Yeah, absolutely... but I can't justify Harvey as the number two rookie running back in fantasy drafts.”

Adam provides a counterpoint, expressing skepticism about Harvey’s immediate fantasy value compared to other rookies like Hampton and Genti, despite his potential upside.

Trayvon Henderson: The Versatile Sleeper

[08:07] Dan Schneier:
“The next guy I would probably put up as far as breakouts goes would be Trayvon Henderson...”

Trayvon Henderson is identified as a sleeper breakout candidate for the New England Patriots. His ability to thrive in the passing game and win matchups against linebackers positions him as a valuable PPR (Points Per Reception) asset, especially under Josh McDaniels' offensive schemes that favor versatile running backs.

Tight End Prospects: Colston Loveland

[09:30] Dan Schneier:
“It's Loveland for me, but I want to see more of what's going on in camp...”

When discussing tight end breakout candidates, Dan points to Colston Loveland, expressing cautious optimism pending further evaluation from training camp performances and injury status. Loveland remains a potential undervalued option should his role expand in the offense.

Conclusion

[09:22] Adam Aizer:
“Trayvon Anderson. Yeah, I agree. Which tight end would you go for if you were taking a shot on a rookie breakout?”

The episode concludes with a recap of key breakout candidates, emphasizing the importance of monitoring training camp developments and injury reports to capitalize on potential fantasy football advantages.

[09:56] Tiki Barber (Ad):
“Visit collarsandco.com and use code TIKI for 20% [e-mail].”

Note: The episode includes advertisements which have been excluded from this summary.

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Key Takeaways:

• Top Rookies to Target:

  • Ashton Genti: High draft pick with immediate impact.
  • Matthew Golden: Sleeper WR with potential underutilization.
  • Marion Hampton: Versatile RB with strong run and receive capabilities.
  • Travis Hunter: Elite route runner poised for significant fantasy performance.
  • RJ Harvey: Promising RB in a dynamic offense, though with competition concerns.
  • Trayvon Henderson: Versatile RB, especially valuable in PPR formats.
  • Colston Loveland: TE prospect to watch, contingent on camp performance.

• Strategy Insights:

  • Late-Round Value: Targeting undervalued rookies who can outperform their draft position.
  • Offensive Schemes: Understanding how team playbooks and quarterback performance can elevate rookie success.
  • Injury Monitoring: Keeping an eye on injuries to capitalize on unexpected opportunities.

This episode of Fantasy Football Today offers valuable insights into the 2025 rookie class, guiding fantasy managers on strategic draft decisions to bolster their teams for the upcoming season.

Transcript

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[Adam Azer]

We're gonna find out just how much he loves them for the 2025 class right now on FFT Express. Welcome everybody. Adam Azer, Dan Schneier here. So there's Ashton Genti. He's in a class of his own. We're not going to call Ashton Genti a rookie breakout. He's going to be a first round pick, maybe an early second round pick after that though, who does Dan like as a rookie breakout? Now you said a few months ago. Sure, basically that we should hammer rookie wide receivers late in drafts.

[Dan Schneier]

Yes.

[Adam Azer]

Still feel that way.

[Dan Schneier]

I do. I wouldn't necessarily consider those to be the breakout candidates. Those are more of the sleeper candidates. But yes, I would still feel that way.

[Adam Azer]

And who are some of those late round rookie wide receivers you'd like to draft?

[Dan Schneier]

Well, the first one that comes to mind just because he is going in the late rounds though he shouldn't be. Based on his draft capital and what I consider to be good opportunity. We can Matthew golden of the Green Bay packers, first of all, golden player that I liked more on tape at Houston than after he transferred to Texas. But I think a lot of that has to do with the poor quarterback play from Quinn Ewers. I think he's somebody who can do things after the catch that weren't necessarily on display at Texas but were on display on his Houston film. And we'll see that in the Matt LaFleur offense there's opportunity for him to be an actual breakout in addition to just being a sleeper. But he's being drafted in our fantasy drafts really late. Just not a lot of buzz so far. I guess. A lot of uncertainty with fantasy managers. Look, there's so many there, Dantavian wicks even as a fringe player there as well as all Romeo Dobbs, everyone in the mix there, even with Watson hurt, even Tucker Kraft is being talked up. So I think golden is the one that comes to mind first as that guy I'm targeting late in drafts later guy.

[Adam Azer]

Okay. All right. So what about the the topic of today's show? Your favorite rookie breakouts for 2025.

[Dan Schneier]

I start with the Marion Hampton. Hampton is a guy whose tape I love at unc. Reminded me a lot of Jonathan Taylor with more ability after contact, which is saying a lot because Jonathan Taylor is a great after contact runner. Hampton has a surprising profile. Only two career drops at UNC on 80 plus targets was used on arrow routes, was used on the Texas angle routes, was used on swing routes. Screen game is more of a receiving type than people realize. I think will be a weapon in that regard early with lac. I think they'll understand that Greg Roman and they'll utilize that. But overall, I just love his talent, his ability to force miss tackles, break tackles and be that thumping workhorse that currently they don't have on that roster. I don't consider that to be Naji Harris. I don't think he has enough juice personally to. To fill that role. So I like everything the Chargers do in the run game. They use a lot of bodies. The Greg Roman offense, they use a lot of 12 heavier personnel and they find a way to kind of design and scheme up production in that run game. That was the case for Dobbins. That was the case for everyone in that backfield last year, including Gus Edwards. So Hampton is the guy I think could actually break out and just be a player that we look back on like, wow. I mean, he had the talent. Why didn't we see this potential role coming in this specific offense that has a really good quarterback and a really good run design. He's the first one that comes to mind. I have others though.

[Adam Azer]

Would you rather have Hampton or Connor.

[Dan Schneier]

Hampton for the upside though? I love Connor.

[Adam Azer]

Okay, who are the others?

[Dan Schneier]

I mean, first comes to mind is Travis Hunter when you watch the tape of this receiver class. Travis Hunter was the best on tape by far. I said that four months ago on this show and I'll say it again. His ability to get in and out of his breaks, his ability to release off the line of scrimmage was the best in class by far, which will help him create separation on third downs, help create separation in the red zone. I think he'll get a lot of one on ones early in his career with the Jags because Brian Thomas has kind of earned the right to have coverage shaded his way based on his rookie season. And that's just going to lead to really good opportunities for Hunter in the past game. So I think there's an opportunity for him to be amazing right away in fantasy football and an actual breakout player like Brian Thomas. Some league Neighbors were last year.

[Adam Azer]

I'm really excited for. For Travis Hunter. I. Let's see. Let me take a quick look at his ADP right now.

[Dan Schneier]

Not that high yet.

[Adam Azer]

On fantasy Pros, it is 51st. Yeah. And on CBS ADP, it is 53rd.

[Dan Schneier]

And that's kind of right after the range. I think of where we were taking Neighbors last year, though. Neighbors kind of did see a big ADP bump as we got closer.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, I think Hunter will too, honestly. But I'm less convinced on that than Neighbors. Like, I knew Neighbors was gonna have an ADP bump. He was way too low. All right, let's take a quick break here and talk about some more rookies when we come back on Fantasy football Today Express.

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[Adam Azer]

So you mentioned Hampton, you mentioned Hunter. Now we've got Trayvon HENDERSON, We've got R.J. harvey, Quinton Judkins, Caleb Johnson. Do you see breakout seasons for any of them?

[Dan Schneier]

Yes, I see the possibility for a breakout season for RJ Harvey. RJ Harvey was my favorite prospect before the draft and love the idea of him joining a Sean Payton offense. I think Jacob Gibbs has some really good research on this. But first of all, RJ Harvey was number two behind Ashton Genti in just about every key metric. 20 plus runs, explosive runs, yards after contact per force, missed tackles per attempt. Just an absolute beast running back. Now with that said, he also joins an offense. Last year, Sean Payton that had crazy opportunity just wasn't able to be realized from a player like Javante Williams who was still, I guess kind of struggling coming off the injuries but still was on an expected fantasy points pace. Adam of top 10 at the running back position, just expect it now. Can Harvey be the guy to realize that? Yes. Is J.K. dobbs in the mix? Yes. But for breakout cases, Harvey, one injury to Dobbins, which he's been injured a lot in his career and RJ Harvey is all of a sudden the number one breakout candidate behind Ashton Genti at the position.

[Adam Azer]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean he was my second favorite rookie running back. I think I liked him better than Hampton. I can't remember now but then yeah.

[Dan Schneier]

I obviously I meant value wise. Just to be clear, I did not like him over Hampton as a prospect or even close.

[Adam Azer]

No, not as a prospect, as a fantasy asset when he went to Denver compared to Hampton on the Chargers, I mean, I thought he's got no competition really. He's going to catch a ton of balls with Sean Payton. Always throws, always a lot of running back targets in that offense. Then they bring in Dobbins. There's no way I can justify Harvey as the number two rookie running back in fantasy drafts. I think he's got to be number four at the earliest here. I'm going to put Henderson and Hampton and obviously Genti ahead of him as well. I don't know that I'm getting any buzz in the fantasy community on tet, on Tetaroa. McMillan have to see something. We have to get some reports. But I feel like people are a little skeptical of his breakout potential.

[Dan Schneier]

Yes.

[Adam Azer]

And I would say that even though he's going this, this. How about this? Even though he's going earlier than Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, I think Warren and Loveland have a better chance to be a league winning player than McMillan. What do you think?

[Dan Schneier]

Probably fair. Warren has the case of Brock Bowers if they design the offense around him for easy layup throws for Daniel Jones. I just don't necessarily think I'll see that from Shane Steichen given what I've seen from him in his career. I think we'll see some designs for Warren but not enough for the breakout Loveland. Does he get the Aman Ross St. Brown role, maybe it's been a slow start to camp. The next guy I would probably put up as far as breakouts goes would be Travion Henderson. And the reason I say that is because. Because they need instant offense, New England, they need to figure out ways to generate offense. And one of those ways may be just getting Henderson the football in space in the passing game. Something we've seen Josh McDaniels used as a cheat coach his entire career coaching as an offensive coordinator. It's throws to the running back, throws the slot, but specifically throws to the backs getting those matchups that he likes, isolating those. Henderson will win a lot of the matchups against linebackers in the NFL level. So he's the guy at least for from a PPR standpoint that I could see as a sleeper breakout candidate.

[Adam Azer]

Trayvon Anderson. Yeah, I agree. Which tight end would you go for if you were taking a shot on a rookie breakout?

[Dan Schneier]

It's Loveland for me, but I want to see more of what's going on in camp and why it was a slow start from an ota. From an injury standpoint.

[Adam Azer]

Well, yeah, that's the thing. He hasn't played yet.

[Dan Schneier]

Yeah.

[Adam Azer]

So we got to, we are, we got to keep an eye on that with Loveland. All right, that's Dan Schneier. I'm Adam Azer and we will talk to you on Monday on Fantasy Football Today Express. Enjoy your weekend.

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