Top Players To Draft in Fantasy Football for 2025: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, More

Football

We’ve almost made it to the 2025 NFL season, so it’s a great time to look into some of my fantasy football targets. Landing on a player who delivers a massive profit relative to cost can help swing fantasy football leagues.

The fantasy football targets on this list include players with a high upside at an underpriced cost.

Considering these factors, let’s explore why Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, and Matthew Golden are three of my favorite targets for 2025 fantasy football leagues.

Football Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Smith-Njigba is a 2023 first-rounder who is finally living up to expectations, putting up 100+ catches and 1,100+ yards last season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba coming through the end zone right at you at 17th practice of #Seahawks training camp.

Then he catches the first pass of 11v 11 from Sam Darnold over the middle.

Coaches consistently praising his routes and precision.

@thenewstribunepic.twitter.com/wTEjUsezuX

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 12, 2025

We saw the former Ohio State standout evolve into the Seahawks’ top target in 2024, averaging 15.0 fantasy points per game in half-PPR formats (WR10) from Weeks 9-18.

During this stretch, JSN showed elite target-earning ability (27.5% target share) and high-end efficiency (2.24 yards per route run).

Expect Smith-Njigba to build on this production now that the Seahawks have downgraded from DK Metcalf to Cooper Kupp. The former Ram has shown serious signs of decline, putting up 30 yards or fewer in four of his last five games last season.

Since Kupp is better in the slot, that means JSN should see more time on the perimeter. This is good news because it means more downfield targets, which gives him a higher ceiling.

MORE: Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator

Some skeptics point to the change at QB from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold. However, the former Viking stays in a scheme similar to the one he mostly thrived in with Minnesota. That’s because Klint Kubiak is calling plays, and he comes from the Shanahan coaching tree, just like Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Look for Darnold to lock onto JSN as his clear-cut top target, making him a major value in the third round of fantasy football drafts.

Football Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Egbuka is a polished first-round rookie who put up 1,000+ yards in two different seasons at Ohio State. This is a wideout who can function as a high-volume slot receiver while also playing on the perimeter.

During training camp, Egbuka has consistently made highlight-reel plays, garnering praise for his pro-ready profile and drawing comparisons to teammate Chris Godwin.

I don’t know that I’ve EVER heard veteran teammates gas up a ROOKIE WR like these guys do Emeka Egbuka down in Tampa.

Stock ???? . My goodness. pic.twitter.com/CNKKdTCutd

— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 7, 2025

Speaking of Godwin, he’s coming back from a dislocated ankle, so there’s a risk that he won’t be the same this season. Even if he returns to top form, it’s unlikely that it’ll be in Week 1.

Even though this is a crowded WR room that also includes Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, there’s enough passing volume here. It’s a pass-heavy Bucs offense that should be involved in several high-scoring games.

It wouldn’t shock me to see Egbuka emerge as the No. 2 or even No. 1 target in his rookie season. Both Evans and Godwin are getting older, plus Egbuka continues to draw rave reviews from the coaching staff.

Football Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

The Packers finally took a wideout in the first round this year, selecting an explosive weapon in Golden, who has sub-4.3 speed.

The big surprise from Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden.

(video via @remax) pic.twitter.com/H2PPm7gGFV

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2025

We’ve seen Golden line up in two-WR sets and consistently make plays. This makes him a more desirable Packers wideout than Jayden Reed, who is injured and not playing in two-WR formations.

Let’s not forget that Jordan Love threw for 4,000+ yards and 30+ touchdowns in 2023. He saw a significant decrease in production last year, but that’s because he played through a myriad of injuries.

Now that Love is healthy, expect the Packers to pass at a higher rate, which is terrific news for Golden. Don’t be surprised if he approaches 1,000 receiving yards as a rookie.

At the very least, we can expect a couple of spike weeks from an explosive player in a high-scoring offense.

Read More Frank Ammirante

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