Thursday Sleepers: 07/03/2025 - NFL 3rd Year Breakout Candidates
Each week we explore a different angle to uncover market inefficiencies dynasty managers can exploit. This time, we revisit a classic: the Year 3 Breakout — especially for WRs and TEs, where patience still pays off.
8 Dynasty Sleepers Still Worth Stashing (Plus 6 Watch List Names)
These players have flown under the radar in many dynasty leagues — but each has a real shot at carving out a role in 2025 and beyond.
Quentin Johnston – WR, Chargers
A disappointing rookie campaign turned into a late-season flicker of hope. Johnston’s vertical ability and YAC profile still fit this wide-open offense, and with Tre Harris arriving, competition remains—but so does opportunity.
2024 Stats: 55 receptions, 711 yards, 8 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Year 2 wasn’t the leap many expected. Still, Kincaid’s elite hands and fluid routes, paired with Josh Allen’s trust, give him a solid floor. If he’s the answer in Buffalo, we’ll find out this year.
2024 Stats: 44 receptions, 448 yards, 2 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting TE
Michael Mayer – TE, Raiders
Mayer’s first two seasons were quiet, but he’s still a potential breakout. With blocking prowess and red-zone polish, he profiles as a potential safety blanket in a reshuffled Vegas offense.
2024 Stats: 21 receptions, 156 yards
Projected 2025 Role: Starting In-line TE
DeMario Douglas – WR, Patriots
Speedy and twitchy, Douglas flashed in a dysfunctional offense last season. With another year with Maye and a wide-open depth chart, he’s one to monitor in camp for a possible Year 3 leap.
2024 Stats: 66 receptions, 621 yards, 3 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Marvin Mims – WR, Broncos
Mims has already made a Pro Bowl—as a returner—but his deep-threat talent and smooth separation make him a candidate for more volume. The WR room is packed, but the talent is real.
2024 Stats: 39 receptions, 503 yards, 6 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Cedric Tillman – WR, Browns
Tillman is healthy again and making a push for WR2 status. Cleveland’s receiver room is wide open, and his contested-catch ability makes him an intriguing outside option with upside.
2024 Stats: 29 receptions, 339 yards, 3 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Josh Downs – WR, Colts
A steady riser who fits perfectly in Shane Steichen’s system. His quicks and clean routes give him PPR value, especially as the Colts offense continues to develop under Anthony Richardson or benefits from the addition of Daniel Jones.
2024 Stats: 72 receptions, 803 yards, 5 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Michael Wilson – WR, Cardinals
Now lined up opposite Marvin Harrison Jr., Wilson looks locked into a starting role. Arizona hasn’t made many additions behind MHJ, and Wilson’s technical route-running and reliable hands keep him on breakout watch.
2024 Stats: 47 receptions, 548 yards, 4 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Starting WR
Watch List Candidates
Josh Whyle – TE, Titans
Still in the mix after an underwhelming 2024, Whyle hasn’t separated—but neither has Chig Okonkwo. The addition of Gunnar Helm complicates things, but the job is still up for grabs.
2024 Stats: 28 receptions, 248 yards, 1 touchdown
Projected 2025 Role: Backup TE
Dontayvion Wicks – WR, Packers
Green Bay’s addition of Matthew Golden pushes Wicks down the depth chart, but don’t forget his flashes from 2024. A battle for WR3 is brewing, and Wicks is still in it. He’s not someone I’m buying just yet though.
2024 Stats: 39 receptions, 415 yards, 5 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Backup WR
Will Mallory – TE, Colts
Buried behind the idea of Jelani Woods and now rookie Tyler Warren, Mallory’s name rarely comes up—but if he sticks on the 53, he could emerge as a reliable pass-catcher in a TE-friendly offense.
2024 Stats: 4 receptions, 29 yards
Projected 2025 Role: Backup TE
Luke Musgrave – TE, Packers
Injuries have kept Musgrave off the radar, but when healthy, his speed and usage were undeniable. With Jordan Love on the rise, Musgrave could explode if he stays on the field.
2024 Stats: 7 receptions, 45 yards
Projected 2025 Role: Backup TE
Kayshon Boutte – WR, Patriots
Once a blue-chip prospect, Boutte’s path has narrowed—but the slot role is up for grabs. If he can show consistency and earn trust, there's still some dynasty stash appeal here.
2024 Stats: 43 receptions, 589 yards, 3 touchdowns
Projected 2025 Role: Backup WR
Xavier Gipson – WR, Jets
An undrafted gem who carved out a gadget role immediately in Year 1. Gipson’s explosiveness gives him weekly upside if he earns more snaps, especially in a rebuilt Jets offense that’s searching for answers behind Garrett Wilson.
2024 Stats: 6 receptions, 39 yards, 1 touchdown
Projected 2025 Role: Backup WR
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