Every year, fantasy football managers aim to draft the perfect roster, but the true difference-makers are often those who outperform their draft position. Now that the season has played out, we can look back at the preseason average draft positions (ADP) and identify the best pick from each round—those who provided the biggest return on investment. Whether it was a late-round steal or an early-round superstar who exceeded expectations, these players delivered value far beyond where they were selected. Let’s break down the top selections from every round based on their ADP and their actual production this season.
Round 1
Ja’Marr Chase WR (CIN)
ADP: 9.2 and RB4
Finish: WR1
PPG: 23.7
Summary: Ja’Marr Chase officially locked up the triple crown at wide receiver leading the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns giving him a real shot against Saquon Barkley in the OPOY race. Chase might not win that award but he was more dominant in fantasy leading all non-quarterbacks in scoring this season. He only went below 10 points once and had three performances over 41 points in 2024. In 2025, Chase will likely be the first receiver off the board if he is back in Cincinnati.
Honorable Mention: Saquon Barkley RB (PHI)
Round 2
Derrick Henry RB (BAL)
ADP: 18 and RB9
Finish: RB4
PPG: 19.8
Summary: An offense with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson was as good as advertised this season with Henry having one of the best seasons of his career in Baltimore. Henry averaged a career-high 5.9 yards per carry this season and had his second-highest rushing yards total despite being 31 years old. He was the best pick in the second round this past year considering he was picked in the back half of the second. I would not be surprised to see Henry have another great season in 2025 if he stays healthy.
Honorable Mention: Kyren Williams RB (LAR)
Round 3
Josh Jacobs RB (GB)
ADP: 28.2 and RB12
Finish: RB6
PPG: 17.2
Summary: Josh Jacobs excelled in his first year in Green Bay despite a slow start to the season he got a stretch of eight 20+ point performances in nine weeks. Jacob’s scored a touchdown in every game since week 11 to close the season. This helped him finish as an RB1 this season despite having limited receiving work. Jacob slightly beats out De’von Achane with a more consistent, finish to the season and being drafted slightly later than him.Â
Honorable Mention: De’Von Achane RB (MIA)
Round 4
Lamar Jackson QB (BAL)
ADP: 37.2 and QB4
Finish: QB1
PPG: 25.6
Summary: Lamar Jackson put together another dominant fantasy campaign finishing with his second-highest career points per game total behind his 5000 total yards and 45 total touchdowns. Jackson finished with eight 20+ point performances in the last nine games to close out potentially his third MVP campaign. Somehow we had Jackson as the 4th quarterback off the board in drafts this past offseason. This year he showed major development as a passer and will be the first quarterback off the board in next year’s draft.
Honorable Mention: Joe Mixon RB (HOU)

Round 5
Malik Nabers WR (NYG)
ADP: 48.6 and WR24
Finish: WR6
PPG: 18.2
Summary: Malik Nabers had a breakout rookie campaign despite concerns in the offseason about his situation in New York. He had three different quarterbacks and missed some time with injuries but still managed to finish as the WR6 this year. Nabers was a consistent option all season long only scoring under 10 points one time with multiple 20+ point performances. Expect the new Giants quarterback to look Nabers way early and often in 2025.
Honorable Mention: George Kittle TE (SF)
Round 6
Tee Higgins WR (CIN)
ADP: 62.2 and WR27
Finish: WR17
PPG: 18.5
Summary: Round six was one of the weaker rounds of the draft this offseason but Tee Higgins still slots in as one of the best picks in the draft. He averaged a career-high 18.5 points per game and went for 40.1 points in the fantasy championship to secure many a ring. All offseason we will be wondering where Higgins will end up in 2025 but his value will be much higher than round six next year.
Honorable Mention: Zay Flowers WR (BAL)
Round 7
Terry McLaurin WR (WAS)
ADP: 71.6 and WR31
Finish: WR7
PPG: 15.8
Summary: Terry McLaurin had his 5th straight 1000-yard season but ultimately saw a jump in fantasy production due to his career-high 13 touchdown catches. In the final six weeks of the season, he had four performances over 20 points helping many fantasy managers when they needed him most. McLaurin seems like a great pick for every draft due to him always falling in the middle rounds, that likely won’t be the case in 2025.
Honorable Mention: Xavier Worthy WR (KC)

Round 8
Brock Bowers TE (LV)
ADP: 100.6 and TE11
Finish: TE1
PPG: 15.5
Summary: Brock Bowers might be one of the best draft picks in 2024 after being the best option at tight end this season in a down year for the position. Bowers had 1194 receiving yards despite having one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Bowers was a steal in round 8 and beyond with his average draft position over 100. Heading into his second year, a new quarterback and coach will benefit him propelling him into the second round.
Honorable Mention: Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR (SEA)
Round 9
Jayden Daniels QB (WAS)
ADP: 102.6 and QB12
Finish: QB5
PPG: 21.5
Summary: Jayden Daniels was a popular sleeper heading into the season after winning the Heisman trophy and having an elite rushing upside. Daniels delivered on the hype and was able to make a major contribution this season in fantasy football, averaging 21.5 points per game, helping him finish as the QB5. He led the Commanders to the playoffs in his first season and will likely be the third quarterback drafted in 2025. Daniels slightly beats out Ladd McConkey due to him completely dominating the fantasy playoffs
Honorable Mention: Ladd McConkey WR (LAC)
Round 10
Brian Thomas Jr. WR (JAX)
ADP: 116.2 and WR48
Finish: WR4
PPG: 16.7
Summary: Brian Thomas Jr. exceeded expectations this season despite the Jaguars’ miserable 2024 season. He reached 10 touchdowns and over 1200 receiving yards despite Trevor Lawrence missing a significant number of games. BTJ will likely be even better in year two, with the Jaguars bringing in a new head coach and improvements on both sides of the ball. Chase Brown was another close second with a breakout second half of the season.
Honorable Mention: Chase Brown RB (CIN)
Round 11
J.K. Dobbins RB (LAC)
ADP: 132.4 and RB42
Finish: RB24
PPG: 14.8
Summary: The Chargers had no clear-cut running back heading into 2024 and it led to both J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards being valued here in the 11th round. Dobbins quickly took over as the lead back with a career season averaging 14.8 fantasy points and finishing as an RB2. If the Chargers do not add another running back this offseason, Dobbins will be valued in the middle of drafts.
Honorable Mention: Khalil Shakir WR (BUF)
Round 12
Jerry Jeudy WR (CLE)
ADP: 143.8 and WR55
Finish: WR12
PPG: 14.2
Summary: The Jerry Jeudy breakout finally materialized! All it took was Jameis Winston airing it out for him to get enough volume to start producing finally. Jeudy had a career year with 1229 receiving yards with four different starting quarterbacks. With more stability at the position in 2025, expect him to be better with more touchdown catches.
Honorable Mention: Jakobi Meyers WR (LV)

Round 13
Rico Dowdle RB (DAL)
ADP: 150.8 and RB45
Finish: RB23
PPG: 12.4
Summary: Just like the Chargers, the Cowboys had no clear running back heading into the season. Rico Dowdle over time took over that role and finished with four 100+ rushing yard performances in his final six games of the season. Expect Dowdle to be a big factor again in Dallas if they opt to bring him back and do not sign or draft another running back in 2025.
Honorable Mention: Zach Charbonnet RB (SEA)
Round 14
Baker Mayfield QB (TB)
ADP: 166.6 and QB22
Finish: QB4
PPG: 22.5
Summary: Baker Mayfield had a career year notching 4878 total yards and 44 total touchdowns on the season. His numbers helped him finish as the QB4 despite leading the NFL in interceptions. This offseason he was the 22nd ranked quarterback and proved that drafting quarterbacks late is a great draft strategy. Despite the loss of their offensive coordinator, Mayfield is in an explosive offense and will be in for another good season when Chris Godwin returns next year.
Honorable Mention: Adam Thielen WR (CAR)
Round 15
Darnell Mooney WR (ATL)
ADP: 183.2 and WR64
Finish: WR31
PPG: 13.1
Summary: Round 15 was not exactly as great as the other rounds in this draft, but Darnell Mooney was a solid flex option this season. Mooney was inconsistent but averaged 13.1 points per game this year and had a career-high in touchdown catches. With a full offseason with Michael Penix Jr, I would expect the chemistry down the field to improve between these two.
Honorable Mention: Xavier Legette WR (CAR)
Undrafted Players
Bucky Irving RB (TB)
ADP: 9.2 and RB4
Finish: RB13
PPG: 14.4
Summary: Bucky Irving is a fan favorite after taking over the Buccaneers’ backfield and being one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL. Irving had 8 touchdowns with 1122 rushing yards helping him average 14.4 points per game. In the last few games, Irving has played significantly more than Rachaad White suggesting that it will be his backfield in 2025. Jonnu Smith also had a great season for the Dolphins and is also worthy of this honor.
Honorable Mention: Jonnu Smith TE (MIA)