Continuing our dynasty fantasy football series covering the best trade targets for every rookie draft pick, we’ll be outlining the best players to target when trading away second-round picks in rookie drafts.

 

 

Many of these players are young, unproven, or had disappointing seasons in 2024, making their value slightly less than that of a first-round selection. Regardless, these players are still very valuable in dynasty, so don’t overlook the value you could come away with by trading a pick in the middle of your rookie draft. 

 

These players are also significantly riskier than those who could be acquired in exchange for first-round picks. However, there is always risk in trading, so don’t count on all of these players breaking out in 2025.

 

Using the KeepTradeCut Dynasty Rankings and Trade Calculator as somewhat of a baseline for our values, let’s get into the list.

 

Round One: Trade Targets for Every Pick in Your 2025 Dynasty Rookie Draft (1st Round)

 

Pick 2.01

 

Josh Downs

(WR, IND)

 

Despite an overall down year from the Colts offense in 2024, second-year slot wide receiver Josh Downs turned in a solid season statistically. He logged a career-high in receiving yards (803) while playing only 14 games during his sophomore season. 

 

 

Downs also finished second on the team in targets, only trailing Michael Pittman Jr., who played in two more games than him. I think that Downs is locked in as a key piece of this Colts offense moving forward after thriving with both of Indianapolis’ quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Joe Flacco, under center. 

 

Josh Downs was also efficient, leading the Colts in receiving yards per game. Overall, I believe that Downs will be a high-floor fantasy receiver for at least the next few years, making him a safe dynasty asset, especially at just 23 years old.

 

 

Tyrone Tracy Jr

(RB, NYG)

 

Not much went right for the New York Giants in 2024, but several of their rookie contributors impressed in their debut seasons. Specifically, rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. put up 1,123 scrimmage yards this year, showcasing his ability as both a runner and a receiver in the Giants offense.

 

Tracy is still at the beginning of a cheap rookie contract, so he is a very valuable asset for the Giants. Even though a strong running back class headlines the 2025 NFL Draft, I’m not very worried about Tracy being replaced becausethe Giants have plenty of other needs to focus on and will likely allow their young running back to handle the bulk of the carries once again.

 

Getting Tyrone Tracy Jr. for an early second-round pick would be fantastic value in dynasty fantasy football if you’re able to get an offer of that caliber. He is a great option in PPR leagues and should remain the starter in New York for the next few seasons. 

 

 

Pick 2.03

 

Keon Coleman

(WR, BUF)

 

Bills rookie wideout Keon Coleman entered the 2024 NFL Draft as one of the group’s most polarizing prospects, causing a division of opinion over whether he was worth a high second-round selection.

 

Nonetheless, Coleman put up a decent rookie season despite being limited to 13 games by a few injuries. The Florida State product compiled 556 receiving yards on an impressive 19.17 yards per reception in 2024.

 

While Keon Coleman is a very risky prospect heading into 2025, his ability as a vertical, jump-ball, and red-zone threat gives him a lot of upside. 

 

Bills wideouts Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins are also scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, so look out for Keon Coleman to earn a larger role in 2025 with MVP quarterback Josh Allen still at the helm of the offense. 

 

Pick 2.04

 

Dalton Kincaid

(TE, BUF)

 

Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid was one of my favorite players heading into the 2024 fantasy football season, but unfortunately, his season was a flat-out disappointment. Only playing in 13 games, Kincaid regressed significantly from his promising rookie season, only managing to produce 448 receiving yards and two touchdowns in an injury-riddled campaign. 

 

 

Despite this, I still believe in Dalton Kincaid. Firstly, the team invested a first-round pick in him, and it would make sense that they would try to get him far more involved in 2025. Secondly, I still trust Kincaid’s talent in the receiving game. He was one of the best tight end prospects we had seen over the last few seasons because of his receiving upside, so I’m not ready to give up hope quite yet. 

 

Dalton Kincaid will also still be catching passes from quarterback Josh Allen next season, so if the pair can establish a better connection, the young tight end could enjoy a breakout season. 

 

Pick 2.05

 

Trey Benson

(RB, ARI)

 

Cardinals rookie running back Trey Benson was a sleeper for a lot of fantasy managers before the 2024 fantasy football season, only to play a backup role to veteran running back James Conner, who had a resurgent season as the team’s leading rusher. 

 

However, as I explained in my Dynasty RB Sleepers article, James Conner’s new contract could make him a cut candidate next offseason after his dead cap hit decreases significantly. If Conner is cut, Trey Benson would immediately have an opportunity to compete for the starting role in Arizona’s backfield. 

 

I think that Benson can become a true bell-cow running back for the Cardinals, so buying low on the rookie could be a move that pays off for years to come if he’s given a real chance in the future.

 

 

Pick 2.06

 

J.K. Dobbins

(RB, LAC)

 

After signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal last offseason, J.K. Dobbins had a comeback season, putting up a career-high 905 rushing yards in 13 games in his first year with the team. It was nice to see Dobbins rebound after some poor injury luck through the first few seasons of his NFL career, and he’s certainly earned himself a nice payday in free agency.

 

There are plenty of teams who could use a younger running back like J.K. Dobbins, like the Browns, Vikings, Cowboys, and, of course, the Chargers. 

 

The only issue here is that the 2025 NFL Draft features an extremely talented and deep running back class, meaning that many of the running back-needy teams could find a solution in the draft rather than free agency. This is why I believe Dobbins is worth a mid second-round pick despite his strong year. He’s definitely a risk, but could be just as good in 2025.

 

Pick 2.07

 

Najee Harris
(RB, PIT)

 

After being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh, Najee Harris has had a solid four years with the Steelers, recording over 1,000 rushing yards every season of his career so far. While he hasn’t been extremely impressive, he could find himself in yet another starting role wherever he ends up signing in free agency. 

 

Harris could re-sign with Pittsburgh, but there could be a few other teams interested in his services to improve their rushing attack. Harris is worth a mid-to-late second-round pick in rookie drafts, depending on his landing spot in free agency. 

 

 

Pick 2.08

 

Isiah Pacheco

(RB, KC)

 

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has been a force to be reckoned with since entering the league in 2022. The young running back has been a key piece to Kansas City’s championship teams over the last few seasons, leading the team in rushing yards in 2022 and 2023.

 

However, despite being one of the safest running backs during the entire 2023 fantasy football season, Pacheco had a very disappointing fantasy season in 2024 due to a broken fibula that he suffered early in the season. Unfortunately for dynasty managers, Pacheco didn’t look like the same player after returning to the field, being outperformed by veteran running back Kareem Hunt in several games.

 

It’s still early, so Pacheco could bounce back after fully recovering from his injury. In that case, he would return to form as one of fantasy football’s safest players, making him a great value player in exchange for the 2.08.  

 

Pick 2.09

 

Trevor Lawrence

(QB, JAX)

 

PSA: 1QB Format. Ever since entering the league in 2021 as the first-overall pick, Trevor Lawrence hasn’t exactly met expectations. The young quarterback played well in 2022 but fell back down to Earth in 2023 with a 3:2 touchdown to interception ratio before only playing 10 games in 2024 due to injury.

 

 

Lawrence still has a lot to prove, but on the bright side, he has the weapons necessary to produce. Wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Christian Kirk, and Gabe Davis are a strong group, with tight end Evan Engram providing great production when on the field. 

 

If rookie head coach Liam Coen is able to get this offense on track, Trevor could have a career year in 2025. His ceiling is still sky-high, so I’m willing to use a second-round pick to get him.

 

Pick 2.10

 

Rhamondre Stevenson

(RB, NE)

 

Fourth-year running back Rhamondre Stevson had an up-and-down season in 2024, providing inconsistent production to fantasy managers in what ended up being his most inefficient season to date.

 

Stevenson also led all running backs with seven fumbles in 2024, so he’ll need to improve his ball security if he wants to keep his starting job, which may already be on thin ice.

 

However, it wasn’t all bad. Stevenson’s offensive line couldn’t realistically get much worse after posting a league-worst 45.6 PFF run-blocking grade in 2024, so things are bound to get better in that area if New England knows what they’re doing.

 

The veteran running back is also tied to the team for the next few years on his contract, so they have an incentive to start him at the moment. I trust that new head coach Mike Vrabel will be able to get more out of this running game in 2025.

 

 

Pick 2.11

 

Marvin Mims Jr

(WR, DEN)

 

Second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims showed incredible potential down the stretch of the 2024 NFL season, logging 216 receiving yards and four receiving scores over his last three games of the regular season. If Mims can become one of the top targets for franchise quarterback Bo Nix, he could see his stock rise dramatically next season.

 

After ending the year on a high note, Mims is being underrated by the dynasty community despite his ability to produce big plays in clutch moments, something that will earn him even more reps on offense.

 

I think that Marvin Mims could fully break out in 2025, so don’t hesitate to trade a late second-rounder for him in dynasty formats.

 

Pick 2.12

 

DeMario Douglas

(WR, NE)

 

DeMario “Pop” Douglas improved in nearly every statistical category in his sophomore season in New England, becoming one of rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s top targets quickly. Douglas had a few solid weeks of fantasy production and proved to be a valuable player at the slot receiver position for the Patriots.

 

 

I think that Douglas is a sleeper heading into 2025. He could continue to draw plenty of targets if the Patriots don’t draft a receiver in the first few rounds, and he should be relevant in fantasy leagues. DeMario Douglas could continue to produce under new head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025 if given the chance.