Fantasy Football Draft Season Insights
The 2025 NFL preseason is wrapping up, which means fantasy football draft season is in full swing. It’s that time when we start to feel like we’re really getting serious about our teams.
To build a roster that can actually make it to the championship game in January, nailing those sleeper picks during the draft is crucial—especially when it comes to selecting wide receivers. Nowadays, the league is brimming with talented receiver options, so even if you miss out on stars like Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson, there are still plenty of solid players to consider in the later rounds.
Those flex or backup options that can turn into breakout stars? They could be the key to your season’s success. That’s precisely why we’re here today.
Here are four sleeper wide receivers worth considering before your draft. For reference, the typical fantasy football league consists of 10 to 12 teams, which helps define what we consider a sleeper in this context. Utilizing PPR rankings, let’s take a closer look.
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
Pearsall has been generating buzz as one of the top breakout candidates heading into the second year of the 2025 season. Given the current dynamic of the San Francisco receiver corps, he’s in a great position to shine. The first-round pick was making waves even before his rookie season after he was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery shortly before the campaign began.
Against all odds, he managed to debut in week seven, making an immediate impact with 31 targets, 400 yards, and three touchdowns. In the final weeks of the season, he really showcased his potential, amassing 69 yards in Week 17 and 141 yards plus a touchdown against the Detroit Lions, then scoring again against the Arizona Cardinals in the season finale.
As the 2025 season kicks off, the 49ers’ receiver core is still recovering from various injuries, with Deebo Samuel’s torn ACL/MCL and Jauan Jennings facing calf issues. These conditions create an ideal opportunity for Pearsall to step up alongside George Kittle, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
Halil Shaquille, Buffalo Bills
With the Buffalo Bills, alongside Josh Allen, aiming to break through, Shaquille is poised to play a significant role in their push for success. The Boise State product has steadily increased his production over his first three seasons, emerging as the team’s top receiver in 2024.
Last season, he was Allen’s primary target, racking up a team-high 100 targets, with 76 receptions, 821 yards, and four touchdowns. His 5.1 catches per game ranked him 16th in the league, and he excelled in almost every other statistical category, finishing as WR37 in the PPR league with an average of 12.2 fantasy points per game.
After signing a four-year contract extension in February, he has cemented his place in the Bills’ offensive scheme for years to come. If he can stay healthy after an ankle sprain during training camp, he’s set to be a sleeper favorite in PPR leagues.
Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The excitement surrounding Bucs training camp is palpable, and Egbuka stands out as a strong candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The first-round pick caught attention during joint practices with the Tennessee Titans, earning high praise from key players and coaches alike.
Drafted 19th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Egbuka’s slot skills made him impossible to overlook, even in a loaded receiver room. Standing at 6’1″ and 205 pounds, he hails from a great lineage of Ohio State receivers, comparable to Seattle Seahawks’ rising star, Jackson Smith-Njigba.
While the number of touches he receives might be a concern due to the competition for catches alongside Mike Evans and others, getting Egbuka could be a smart move if he gets the opportunity to prove himself.
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
With Anthony Richardson in the mix for the quarterback role, the Colts have some exciting receiving options, including Alec Pierce, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs. The latter is becoming a reliable reception threat for both the team and fantasy football enthusiasts.
After a solid rookie season, Downs enjoyed an even more fruitful 2024, tallying 72 targets for 803 yards and finishing as WR35 in the PPR league with 13.1 fantasy points per game. Making plays and keeping the chains moving, he recorded his first 40 downs last year.
Entering his third season out of North Carolina, if he remains healthy, Downs is definitely a candidate to pass the 1,000-yard mark. As one of the rising slot receivers, he’s worth watching in those later rounds of your draft.
