Thursday Sleepers: 08/14/2025 - NFL Second Year Bouncebacks
Dynasty Bouncebacks: 2024 Rookies to Watch in 2025–26
Each week we explore market inefficiencies dynasty managers can exploit. This time, we break down the 2024 rookie class to identify undervalued bounceback candidates heading into 2025–26.
Background: After tearing his meniscus and missing his entire rookie year, McCarthy now enters Year 2 with a full grasp of Kevin O’Connell’s system—essentially mirroring the snap count of Sam Darnold in 2024.
2024 Stats: Injured all year - no regular-season stats
Why bounce? With one of the NFL’s most explosive WR corps and a full offseason under his belt, McCarthy is poised to challenge for Minnesota’s starting job. GM Adofo-Mensah recently named him the organizer they’re planning around.
2025–26 Projection: Starting QB with high dynasty upside.
Rome Odunze – WR, Bears
Background: As the No. 9 pick, Odunze’s rookie campaign underwhelmed in a dysfunctional offense - but he improved as QB Caleb Williams settles in.
2024 Stats: 54 receptions, 734 yards, 3 TDs across 17 games (12 starts); fourth-most rookie yardage in Bears history.
Why bounce? His 112-yard Week 3 explosion and strong underlying metrics (top‑15 in a variety of efficiency stats) support big upside.
2025–26 Projection: WR1 for Chicago with breakout potential.
Ricky Pearsall – WR, 49ers
Background: A traumatic pre-season shooting delayed his development, but Pearsall returned strongly by season’s end.
2024 Stats: 31 catches, 400 yards, 3 TDs (12.9 avg); breakout Week 17 performance - 8 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD, the best rookie game for a 49er since 1985.
Why bounce? Despite early penalties, he displayed resilience and the ability to win big—perfect for slot-heavy Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
2025–26 Projection: Starting slot receiver ready to ascend.
Ben Sinnott – TE, Commanders
Background: A second-round sleeper, Sinnott backed up Ertz but flashed athletic promise.
2024 Stats: 5 receptions, 28 yards, 1 TD
Why bounce? Although Ertz is back in Washington, Sinnott’s five catches all went for a first down or TD. With Kingsbury favoring two-TE sets, his role could grow.
2025–26 Projection: Backup tight end with TE2 upside in dynasty formats.
Trey Benson – RB, Cardinals
Background: Never secured a true No. 2 role behind James Conner but offered efficiency in limited snaps.
2024 Stats: 63 carries, 291 yards (4.6 avg), 1 TD; added 6 receptions for 59 yards
Why bounce? With Conner nearing 30 and the Cardinals securing only committee depth, Benson has a shot to steal passing-down reps and curve appeal.
2025–26 Projection: 3-down RB3 in rotation; dynasty-friendly.
Roman Wilson – WR, Steelers
Background: Missed most of rookie season due to injury; depth chart is crowded.
2024 Stats: No receptions or game-impact snaps
Why bounce? If he reconnects with Aaron Rodgers, and given his tear (4.39s 40-yard), Wilson could carve out a role—especially in a shaky Steelers WR room.
2025–26 Projection: Sleeper depth piece—potential WR4/5 if he stays healthy.
Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders
Background: The convert from QB showed promise as a slot receiver.
2024 Stats: 18 receptions, 168 yards, 0 TDs (9.3 avg) over 17 games
Why bounce? He played every game, starting four, and is transitioning into a potentially reliable depth piece with development.
2025–26 Projection: WR3 with TE-heavy usage in two-WR sets.
Ja’Tavion Sanders – TE, Panthers
Background: Battled for targets in tight end rotation with Tremble & Evans.
2024 Stats: 33 receptions, 342 yards, 1 TD (10.4 avg); PFF grade ranked 37th/37 TEs
Why bounce? He leads the young TE room in targets. If he pulls ahead of Tremble, he could form a deadly TE trio in Carolina.
2025–26 Projection: Potential TE1 in the Panthers offense.
Theo Johnson – TE, Giants
Background: Season cut short by foot injury during a promising stretch.
2024 Stats: 29 receptions, 331 yards, 1 TD in 12 games before injury
Why bounce? Coming off injury, he was showing downfield chemistry. With little TE depth behind him in New York, he could resume production.
2025–26 Projection: Likely starting TE if fully healthy—a solid dynasty target.
Summary Table
|
Player |
2024 Stat Line |
2025 Role |
Dynasty Appeal |
|
J.J. McCarthy |
N/A (injured) |
Starting QB |
High |
|
Rome Odunze |
54–734–3 |
WR2 |
High |
|
Ricky Pearsall |
31–400–3 |
Slot |
Medium-High |
|
Ben Sinnott |
5–28–1 |
Backup TE |
Medium |
|
Trey Benson |
63–291–1 (+59 rec) |
Committee RB |
Medium |
|
Roman Wilson |
0 receptions |
Depth WR |
Low-Medium |
|
Luke McCaffrey |
18–168–0 |
WR3/slot |
Low-Medium |
|
Ja’Tavion Sanders |
33–342–1 |
Starting TE |
Medium-High |
|
Theo Johnson |
29–331–1 |
Starting TE |
Medium-High |
Quick Dynasty Takeaways
Top-level upside: McCarthy, Odunze, Pearsall
Hidden value recruits: Johnson, Benson, Sanders
Watch lists: Wilson, McCaffrey, Sinnott
Comments
Post a Comment