The Underrated

Written By Zander Trudel

As early rankings surface, many eyes are drawn to the household names, but look out, cant say we didn’t tell you.

1. Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

After a somewhat frustrating 2024 season plagued by injuries and an inconsistent Jaguars offense, Travis Etienne Jr.'s ADP has fallen, making him a prime bounce-back candidate. Don't let a "down" year deter you; the underlying talent and potential for a revitalized offense make him an intriguing value.

  • 2024 Post-Injury PFF Rushing Grade: While his full-season grade might have been modest, his PFF rushing grade showed a clear uptick to 82.0  in the last few games after returning to full health.

  • Forced Missed Tackle Rate: His rate of forced missed tackles per attempt remained respectable, indicating his continued elusive running style even through struggles.

  • Receiving Efficiency: Maintained a solid 1.8 Yards Per Route Run as a pass-catcher, highlighting his dual-threat ability even when the run game faltered.

  • New Coaching & Renewed Focus: The Jaguars offense is set for a shake-up under a new offensive coordinator, potentially bringing a fresh approach to the run game. A healthy Etienne in a scheme designed to maximize his athleticism, combined with a fully healthy Trevor Lawrence, could see him return to the high-volume, explosive form that made him a mid-round gem in previous seasons. His current ADP as an RB3 is too low for his proven ceiling.

2. Kyler Murray (QB, Arizona Cardinals)

Coming off another injury-affected 2024 season, Kyler Murray's ADP has dipped, placing him outside the elite QB tier. However, with a full offseason to heal and the continued development of his pass-catchers, Murray offers an incredible blend of rushing floor and passing upside that is being severely undervalued.

  • Rushing Production (Per Game): Even in limited action in 2024, Murray continued to provide a significant rushing floor, averaging 35+ rushing yards per game and multiple rushing touchdowns.

  • PFF Passing Grade (Healthy Games): In his fully healthy starts during 2024, his PFF passing grade was in the 88.0 range, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy and ability to make big-time throws.

  • Off-Script Playmaking: His unique ability to extend plays and create outside of structure remains a high-value asset, leading to numerous "plus" fantasy plays.

  • Full Health & Elite Weapons: With a clean bill of health and another year of chemistry with Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr., Murray has the weaponry to excel. The Cardinals' commitment to building around him suggests a high-volume passing attack, and his inherent rushing upside gives him a higher weekly floor and ceiling than many QBs currently drafted ahead of him. He's a true high-upside QB1 available at a discount.

3. Ricky Pearsall (WR, San Francisco 49ers)

A highly touted rookie in 2024, Ricky Pearsall's initial fantasy output might not have matched the hype due to San Francisco's crowded target tree. However, with the trade of Deebo Samuel to the Commanders, Pearsall's path to significant targets just cleared, making him a prime breakout candidate for 2025.

  • 2024 PFF Receiving Grade: Finished his rookie year with a respectable 79.5 PFF receiving grade, indicating strong hands and reliable route-running on his limited opportunities.

  • Target Per Route Run (TPRR): His TPRR saw a notable increase in the latter half of 2024 as he earned more snaps, suggesting a growing trust from the coaching staff and quarterback.

  • Route Versatility: Demonstrated the ability to play both inside and outside, offering flexibility in Kyle Shanahan's scheme.

  • New Role & Increased Volume: With Samuel's departure, Pearsall is now set to step into a much larger and more consistent role alongside Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers' high-efficiency offense will ensure that targets are valuable, and Pearsall's smooth route running and reliable hands make him an ideal fit for increased volume. Expect his stock to skyrocket as draft season progresses, but seize the value now.

4. Isaiah Likely (TE, Baltimore Ravens)

Isaiah Likely consistently flashed elite receiving talent whenever Mark Andrews was sidelined or limited in 2024. Despite Andrews' continued presence, Likely's efficiency and game-breaking ability suggest he's being undervalued, making him a high-upside play, especially in an evolving Ravens offense.

  • 2024 PFF Receiving Grade: Posted an elite 87.0 PFF receiving grade, highlighting his exceptional hands, YAC ability, and knack for finding soft spots in coverage.

  • Yards Per Route Run (YPRR): His 2.1 YPRR in games with significant snaps was among the league's best tight ends, demonstrating his efficiency.

  • Red Zone Effectiveness: Was a consistent red zone threat, showcasing a nose for the end zone despite playing behind Andrews.

  • Emerging Role in Evolving Offense: While Andrews remains a factor, the Ravens' offense under Todd Monken has shown it can support multiple receiving threats. Likely's undeniable talent and efficiency will demand more targets, even if Andrews is fully healthy. He could operate more as a "1B" than a pure backup, and if Andrews were to miss any time, Likely immediately possesses top-5 tight end upside, far exceeding his current mid-tier TE ADP.



Zander Trudel