Quiet rookie seasons do not always mean quiet NFL careers. We asked our staff what rookies they still believe in.

Question:  What disappointing rookie do you still believe in?

WR Jordan Whittington, LA Rams

Rachel Tootsiepop: Over Weeks 2-5, Whittington became fantasy-relevant when Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were injured. In particular, in Weeks 4 and 5, Whittington averaged 14.05 PPR fantasy points and had a 95 percent snap count. Since the return of Nacua and Kupp, Whittington has been relegated to less than 20 percent snap share. With the Rams receiving room currently healthy, there isn't an opportunity for Whittington to be a difference-maker on this Sean McVay offense. Special teams have kept Whittington involved with over 80 kick-return yards each of the last two weeks. The talent is there. Whittington rises to the occasion and makes his contribution when called upon. He's a valuable depth piece on dynasty rosters. 

WR Luke McCaffrey, Washington

Ryan Weisse: McCaffrey is tied to an exciting young quarterback in Jayden Daniels and a fantasy-friendly offense. While his selection in the third round was a surprise, it also cranked our expectations for him. Through 13 games, he's seventh on the team in targets with just 20 on the season. While those numbers are far from encouraging, they also deplete his price. He has third-round draft capital and should eventually take over as the number-two receiver in Washington. Most people spent a third-round pick on McCaffrey in dynasty drafts, too, and you can land him for a fourth now. I'll pay that small price to get a piece of Jayden Daniels.

WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay

Matthew Montgomery: McMillan had his work cut out for him entering the season to compete for targets in the Buccaneers' passing offense. With Chris Godwin's dynamic 1-2 punch and perennial 1000-yard receiver Mike Evans in front of him, we should have figured that his debut season would leave us with much to be desired. While he did have some opportunities due to injury, he didn’t give us much to talk about until this past week when he had the best game of his young career.

McMillan caught four of his seven targets for 59 yards and two touchdowns, giving us a potential look at the future of this passing offense. As we see the twilight of Evans's career and Godwin's age, we will see more and more McMillan becoming a focal point at the receiver position. Pairing him with Baker Mayfield, who has more than proven his worth as a starting quarterback in the league, we could have a fun and dynamic offense as the two build on the chemistry they showed this past week.  

Andy Hicks: He cracked the 200 yards for the season last week and put together a two-touchdown performance. Drafted in the late third round, which is the playground for developmental receivers, he walks into a perfect situation. Evans will be 32 at the start of next season, and Godwin is coming off a knee reconstruction. The need for a talented receiver to develop underneath them is vital. Gaining the trust of Baker Mayfield helps, and although his numbers to date have been disappointing, his potential and opportunity are evident.

WR Jermaine Burton, Cincinnati

Jeff Haseley: In 10 games, Burton has made four receptions totaling 107 yards, with two of those catches exceeding 40 yards. Although he has played in ten games, he has only recorded receptions in four. On a positive note, Burton carries a third-round pedigree and benefits from being on a team with Joe Burrow, who excels at finding receivers all over the field. However, gaining opportunities in the offense at this time is challenging due to the presence of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If Higgins departs in the offseason, it may present an opportunity for Burton to develop into a more prominent figure in the Bengals’ offense. While his time hasn’t come yet, it might be on the horizon. He's a strong dynasty stash candidate, with his value potentially skyrocketing in one to two years. 

RB MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay

Josh Fahlsing: Like Indiana Jones chasing the next shiny treasure, I can never stop pursuing the next great fantasy RB. I'm only missing the whip and fedora. And maybe the charm. Whatever. Lloyd has had a tough rookie year. A 3rd-round-pick in April, most thought Lloyd would fit in behind Josh Jacobs as the heir apparent. He gave us one game before he suffered a high ankle sprain and lost two months. Then, just as he was set to return, his appendix burst, and he went back to IR. Honestly, my biggest concern with Lloyd might be the apparent voodoo hex on him that can only be cured with a bathtub full of gin.

Still, Lloyd scored highly in my rookie RB analysis. He has the size/speed combination I look for to indicate a potential top-24 running back. He achieved the same rookie score in my rankings as Jahmyr Gibbs and Keaton Mitchell the season before. His rookie score suffered in the college production metrics I use, but it's worth noting that his counting stats showed a guy who got steadily more productive from his freshman to junior seasons. The Packers liked him enough to use a 3rd round pick on him. I want him enough to view him as a dynasty hold/buy.

RB Trey Benson, Arizona

Jeff Blaylock – Arizona drafted Benson early in the third round to be the backup and heir apparent to James Conner. Dynasty managers who drafted Benson expected more than a sub-20 percent snap share, 59 carries, and four receptions. Benson has 312 total yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. 

Conner signed a two-year, $19 million contract extension last month that will keep him as Arizona’s lead back through 2026, further delaying Benson’s potential as an RB1 in the Cardinals’ offense. However, there is no guaranteed salary in 2026, which means the Cardinals could release him after next season. Until then, Benson is no more than a high-value handcuff because, aside from this year, Conner has missed at least two games each season, including four each of the last two seasons with Arizona. 

Benson’s future value as a potential RB1 overcomes his less-than-expected opportunities this season, but his greatest value may arise from trading him to Conner’s managers. Benson is a strong buy for me this offseason and could also be a strong sell. 

Corey Spala: I am still buying Benson. His disappointing season is due to variables outside of his control. James Conner remained healthy and signed an extension. Yet, Benson has individually produced. He has 16.1% of his carries going over 10 yards; the only running back with a higher percentage is Jahmyr Gibbs. The talent is there, and Conner and the extension do not necessarily hinder the future outlook; yes, in the way we hoped Benson would take over in 2025. 

Benson is signed through 2027, and Conner is signed through 2026 with an out after 2025; Arizona can save $5.75M if they cut him pre- or post-June 1st. Benson is playing his role well this season. His value has dropped notably since being drafted, and I am looking to capitalize on the drop. Admittedly, I believe his value was too high, and now we see the reactionary tales of a running back's outlook without the context. 

WR Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis

Jeff Blaylock:  Mitchell, a second-round selection by the Colts, was the 11th wide receiver off the board. His 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the Combine was third fastest at his position, and NFL Next Gen Stats estimated his athleticism score to be 91, third highest among wide receivers. The ability is there.

Unfortunately, the Colts’ passing game hasn’t been there. Anthony Richardson’s 47% completion rate ranks dead last among 41 quarterbacks with at least 100 pass attempts. According to Fantasy Points Data, just 56% of Mitchell’s targets have been deemed catchable. This isn’t just the lowest catchable target percentage on the team – it’s the lowest in the league among wide receivers with at least 25 targets.

Mitchell has not had many chances to translate his athleticism into performance in his rookie season. He’s the WR103 in PPR scoring. He’s 22 years old, and his targets should be more plentiful and accurate in 2025 and beyond. Mitchell is probably available right now for practically nothing, either on your league’s waiver wire or a disappointed manager’s bench. Get him.