In the world of fantasy football, identifying undervalued talent can make or break your season. As we look ahead to 2025, several quarterbacks and tight ends offer significant upside despite their later draft positions. This article delves into players who could provide exceptional value for savvy team managers, particularly those looking to maximize late-round picks.

Unlock Hidden Potential: Discover Underrated Players with Explosive Upside

Potential Breakout Quarterbacks

Bo Nix's rookie season with the Denver Broncos was a tale of two halves. Initially facing challenges, he quickly found his rhythm and finished as the eighth-best quarterback in fantasy points per game from Week 3 onward. Nix averaged an impressive 20.3 fantasy points per contest during this period. His performance wasn't just about passing; Nix also added 26.3 rushing yards per game and four rushing touchdowns, significantly boosting his overall value.The Broncos' offense lacked depth last year, relying heavily on Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. However, the offseason promises changes that could elevate Nix's potential even further. Mock drafts suggest the addition of Missouri’s Luther Burden III or Michigan’s Colston Loveland, both capable of enhancing Nix’s playmaking abilities. With these upgrades, Nix stands out as a strong late-round pick, offering both stability and explosive potential.Bryce Young's journey with the Carolina Panthers has been equally intriguing. After struggling initially, Young returned from a five-game benching to shine, ranking sixth in PFF’s passing grade among qualified quarterbacks post-Week 8. His resurgence included a 73.6% adjusted completion percentage and an average of 201.4 passing yards per game. Additionally, Young demonstrated remarkable mobility, averaging 22.3 rushing yards per game and scoring five rushing touchdowns.Young’s improvement coincided with better performances from teammates like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. If the Panthers continue to bolster their roster, Young’s ceiling could rise dramatically. Moreover, Carolina’s defensive struggles might lead to more high-scoring games, providing fertile ground for Young’s continued growth. This makes him a compelling choice for managers seeking late-round quarterback depth.

Rising Tight Ends Worth Watching

Tucker Kraft emerged as a standout tight end for the Green Bay Packers in 2024. Kraft excelled after the catch, leading all tight ends in yards after contact per reception and finishing second in yards per target. His ability to turn receptions into significant gains made him a valuable asset. Coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Kraft’s impact and hinted at increasing his involvement in 2025.While Kraft already ranked twelfth in half-point PPR scoring, an uptick in targets could propel him into the top ten. His combination of route-running prowess and after-the-catch explosiveness positions him as a sleeper candidate for early-season success. For managers drafting in the middle rounds, Kraft offers a balanced mix of reliability and upside.Brenton Strange presents another intriguing option at tight end. Currently behind Evan Engram on Jacksonville’s depth chart, Strange showcased his potential when given opportunities. His athleticism, highlighted by a 9.09 Relative Athletic Score, suggests untapped potential. When Engram missed time, Strange capitalized, posting solid receiving stats and contributing valuable fantasy points.If the Jaguars decide to cut Engram, Strange’s role could expand significantly. His current ADP reflects uncertainty but also represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. Managers willing to take a chance on Strange could find themselves with a hidden gem capable of delivering consistent production in the latter stages of the season.