By Staff
September feels like a mile away, but with the NFL Draft on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to size up the rookies who’ll make you either high-five or curse some of your player prop bets later this fall.
Here are 10 players you should know if you want to start checking out some NFL futures for players… unless you live in a place like Kansas City. In that case, you’ll have to wait for online sports betting in Missouri to launch later this year.
Let’s got onto the list.
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Let’s start with Ashton Jeanty, the guy who should’ve won the Heisman Trophy last year instead of Travis Hunter.
His 2,497 yards (4th all-time in FBS history) and 29 touchdowns were video-game numbers. Sur, he’s 5’8”, but so was Barry Sanders and how did that turn out?
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What makes Jeanty unique is his ability to create yards after contact, a must in the NFL. Jeanty set an FBS single-season record in this category with 1,889 yards in 2024.
2. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Forget the “pundits” hyping Shadeur Sanders a few months ago. Cam Ward is the real deal, period. His 4,313 yards and 39 TDs at Miami tells you all you need to know.
Ward’s unorthodox throwing style gets mixed reviews. However, his accuracy and velocity from different arm angles allow him to make throws that others can’t.
Betting on him as the 1st QB off the board is too easy. But with the Titans desperate for a playmaker, could he go as the 1st overall pick at Lambeau Field?
At least his agent Drew Rosenhaus thinks so.
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Can Michigan produce back-to-back #5 picks? Joe Alt went #5 last year and Graham might do the same this NFL Draft.
The Jags’ defense was paper-thin last year. Graham is a 6’3”, 320lb interior defender who combines size with production.
4. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
Everyone’s talking about Tyler Warren at tight end, but I’m all in on Harold Fannin Jr. His 117 catches and 1,555 yards not only led the nation but also set new all-time FBS season records for a tight end.
Fannin set eight FBS records in 2024, including records for a tight end in:
● Season receptions
● Season receiving yards
● Season receptions per game
● Season receiving yards per game
This guy’s got “fantasy sleeper” written all over him.
5. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Okay, Travis Hunter is good, even if he “stole” Jeanty’s Heisman. His 96 receptions for 1,258 yards on offense, plus 4 INTs on defense, make him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent draft history.
The intrigue isn’t only where he’ll go but what position he’ll play. Wide receiver or cornerback?
6. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart burned me last year, as I had him as my Heisman dark horse. Despite some challenging games, he put up 4,279 yards, a 69.3% completion rate, 29 TDs, and 6 INTs in 2024.
His arm and mobility are NFL-ready, even if some scouts disagree.
7. Abdul Carter, EDGE/LB, Penn State
Abdul Carter might be the most versatile rookie defender in years, going from linebacker to pass rusher.
Carter’s rookie sack totals will make you a nice profit next fall. Just look at what another Carter (Jalen) did with the Super Bowl-winning Eagles last year.
8. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Every coach loves a Swiss Army knife defender, and Malaki Starks is precisely that.
At 6’1”, 205 pounds, and with a 78⅜” wingspan, he has the perfect physical profile for the position. Add the technical skills Georgia defenders are known for… just don’t make him the designated driver after a party.
Versatile safeties often lead to game-changing turnovers and Starks has shown he can do it all. Pencil him in as a defensive Rookie of the Year dark horse.
9. Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Cam Skattebo is a name flying under the radar. However, this dude won’t go down easy. If you missed it, go back and watch his tape against Texas in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day.
With his relentless style and great contact balance, he’s a mid-round steal. If a team like Pittsburgh or Dallas gets him, he’ll rack up yards.
10. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia
This guy blitzes, tackles, and covers better than most. Walker is 6’2” and 243 pounds. He also won the Butkus Award (given to the nation’s top linebacker) and was 3rd Team All-American and 2nd Team All-SEC in 2024.
Betting on the Next Generation
Every NFL Draft brings players who will change the betting landscape overnight, and 2025 is no exception.
Either way, buckle up for another wild NFL season because one thing is sure: these rookies will immediately impact the betting landscape. That, you can bet on it.
