Dynasty Football: Top 12 Skill Position Cornerstone Assets

by Justin Currie · Dynasty Leagues
Dynasty Football Goats

PlayerProfiler is home to award-winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty RankingsRookie RankingsTrade AnalyzerDraft PlannerMock Drafts, and more. Check it out! Below, Justin Currie covers his favorite Dynasty Football: Top 12 skill position cornerstone assets. 

In the real-life NFL, franchise quarterbacks are the lifeblood of any organization. In superflex formats, quarterbacks closely mimic that value, becoming the most difficult, if not untradeable, commodities in the dynasty game. With this article, I wanted to highlight 12 players outside of the quarterback position that are foundational building blocks, cornerstone assets and talents that are going to be elite players for years to come for fantasy managers in the dynasty format.

Before we begin, we need to define what the definition of a cornerstone asset is:  a player that has already turned in a top 5 performance at their position, aged 24 or younger.  So you will not see Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, or CeeDee Lamb here because they missed the age cutoff.  Without further ado, let’s get into these players:

1. Malik Nabers (WR1, Age 22)

There’s no doubt about it: Malik Nabers is that guy. Explosive, polished, and unquestionably dominant, Nabers entered the league with high expectations despite questionable talent surrounding him and exceeded those expectations. He shattered the rookie record for targets with 170 targets in 15 games, finishing 2nd in the entire league in targets per game. He also managed 109 receptions, which is now the record for rookie wide receivers.

If you have any further questions about what makes Nabers my number one cornerstone asset after a 170 target, 109 reception, 1204 yard, 7 TD campaign, look no further than the following statement: He commanded a staggering 34.9% target share and still had 876 unrealized air yards.  He checks every box: volume, efficiency, and game-breaking upside.

2. Bijan Robinson (RB1, Age 23)

After an underwhelming rookie season, Bijan Robinson dominated in 2024. He handled true workhorse volume (304 carries, 61 receptions) and rewarded fantasy managers with 20.3 points per game, which is good for third at the position. Robinson ranked first among running backs in yards created (1392) in 2024 while being dominant once quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was at the helm, scoring at least 24.3 points in three starts from weeks 16-18.

Robinson’s combination of vision, burst, and workhorse volume set him apart at the position. He ranked fourth in explosive plays (36), third in red-zone touches (66), and third in evaded tackles(83), stats that further showcase workhorse volume and explosive game-breaking ability. Robinson is my pick to finish 2025 as the overall RB1 in all formats.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB2, Age 23)

Jahmyr Gibbs is a lightning bolt in cleats. His second-year jump was absurd. Gibbs racked up over 1,900 total yards (1417 rushing 512 receiving), serving as the Lions’ do-it-all weapon. He was the focal point of the offense from weeks 15-18, posting at least 25.4 fantasy points in every game during that stretch.

Gibbs was the leader at the running back position in rushing epx (133.9), ranking third in explosive plays (43) and first in breakaway runs(25). He combines game-breaking speed with ruthless efficiency and elite receiving ability, making him a dual-threat nightmare for defenses. His blend of youth, efficiency, and an elite supporting cast make him a must-have RB cornerstone.

Gibbs may now hold the crown for most explosive player in the league.

4. Puka Nacua (WR2, Age 24)

After a record-breaking rookie campaign, Puka Nacua has officially arrived as a long-term stud. In nine games with over 30-percent snap share, Nacua commanded 98 targets while snagging 74 receptions, 945 yards, and 3 TDs. Nacua finished 2024 No. 1 in yards per route run (4.07), second in points per game among WRs (18.8), and first in fantasy points per route run (.85).

Nacua remains one of the most physical mismatches at the catch point with an impressive run-after-catch ability. He proved he’s no flash in the pan, he’s a volume machine in an offense with an elite play-caller and a quarterback that will hyper-target him.

5. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR3, Age 22)

If you’re looking for a dominant, prototypical big-play threat with alpha upside, look no further than Brian Thomas Jr. He burst onto the scene in 2024 with a stat line of 87 catches, 1,282 yards, and 10 TDs.  He torched defenses with less than stellar quarterback play, proving that his skill set makes him elite no matter who tosses him the rock. Thomas ranked just 20th in target share in 2024 (25.5 percent) and 14th in targets (133) while finishing 2nd in dominator rating(43.6 percent), showing incredible efficiency and upside to be the overall WR1 in Liam Coen’s offense.

6. Drake London (WR4, Age 24)

Drake London was the prince we had been promised in 2024. He capitalized on his first opportunities with competent quarterback play, and the early signs of chemistry with Michael Penix Jr. have fans on the edge of their seats. In weeks 17 and 18 of 2024, the Penix and London combined for 29 targets, 17 receptions, 293 yards, and two TDs.

Those numbers fed into the overall breakout line of 100 catches for 1,271 yards and nine TDs. London combined elite red zone usage (25 targets, third best) with strong performance versus man coverage (40.8-percent route win rate) and finished seventh in dominator rating(36.3 percent). He’s a physical mismatch who’s finally unlocked, the future is bright for London and his dynasty managers.

7. Breece Hall (RB4, Age 23)

This may be the most controversial inclusion on this list, especially after  Breece Hall disappointed in 2024. Hall finished just 17th at the position in points per game with 15.1. Despite a disappointing season in a broken offense, Hall remains a do-it-all back with elite receiving ability. He finished fourth in receptions and receiving yards among running backs with 57 and 483 yards, respectively.

Hall led all running backs in routes run (423), an advanced metric that alludes to more production in the passing game. He also finished 11th in both breakaway runs (11) and 14th in yards created per touch (3.99), showing that he’s still the dynamic threat who finished as the RB2 in fantasy scoring in 2023. Entering a contract year, Breece Hall remains one of the most explosive playmakers in the league and could easily catapult to the top of this list at the end of 2025. Hall is still an elite talent at the position. Buy the uncertainty dip.

Breece Hall is still the prototype three down workhorse who had 72% of the backfield snaps in 2024

8. De’Von Achane (RB5, Age 23)

Speed kills, and De’Von Achane has plenty of it. Heading into 2024, his ability to handle a massive workload while lacking prototype work-horse size brought his durability into question. Achane put those questions to rest with his availability (17 games played) and usage, becoming an elite weapon: fourth in weighted opportunity (258.4), second in target share among RBs (15.6 percent), and second in routes run. The Dolphins’ diminutive dynamo has shown he’s electric and a fixture in the passing game. Perfect for dynasty PPR formats.

Achane’s usage in Miami’s passing game makes him an ELITE weapon among running backs.

Achane’s speed and receiving usage cement his spot among the elites at the position.

9. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR5, Age 22)

Marvin Harrison Jr. was unequivocally disappointing in 2024 after being the 1.01 or 1.02 in almost every rookie draft. He entered the NFL as a technically flawless and pro-ready prospect. The expectations that were placed upon him were outlandish, and that is why it feels like such a disappointment. However, Harrison Jr. ranked seventh in deep targets(26), fifth in unrealized air yards (829), and third in route win rate vs man(42.8 percent). He is the talent we thought he was, he just needs help from his quarterback and play-caller. While Malik Nabers burst onto the scene in a record-setting campaign in 2024, Harrison Jr is still an elite tier asset with his best years ahead.

10. Brock Bowers (TE1, Age 22)

The tight end landscape in dynasty is often uncertain unless you have Brock Bowers. Bowers was a unicorn prospect that had fantasy gamers in all formats awaiting his arrival to the league, and he DELIVERED on the promise.

Bowers now holds the record for receptions by a rookie (112) and was within earshot of breaking gatekeeper Zach Ertz‘s TE receptions mark (116) in 2024. He led all tight ends in YAC (596) and was second in explosive plays (15) and receiving EPX (117.3) among tight ends. He’s an offensive centerpiece and the only cornerstone dynasty asset at the position.

11. Ashton Jeanty (RB6, Age 21)

HOT TAKE ALERT:  Ashton Jeanty is an early entrant to this list. Jeanty is a complete prospect, he had a season in college where he displayed his prowess as a pass catcher, with 67 catches for 716 yards receiving in his last two collegiate seasons. His 2024 season as a rusher is why he’s in this discussion, though.

Jeanty is built like a workhorse and plays like one, racking up an insane 152 missed tackles forced in 2024. His historic performance and traits scream superstar at the next level, and Jeanty is a wrecking ball with joystick maneuverability. At just 21, his projected draft capital and skill set walking into an NFL locker room make him an elite option immediately at the position.

12. Ladd McConkey (WR6, Age 22)

Ladd McConkey may not have the hype of other receivers in what looks to be a historic 2024 wide receiver draft class, but the numbers don’t lie. 112 targets, 82 receptions, 1149 yards, and seven TDs earn him a spot on this list. His ability to create separation was evident early and became a staple of the Chargers’ offense as the season wore on.

McConkey’s efficiency with a quarterback of Justin Herbert‘s caliber means we may have only scratched the surface of his potential. McConkey finished fifth in contested catch rate (58.8 percent) and eighth in passer rating when targeted(123.0). His route running, athleticism, and chemistry with his QB will reward dynasty managers for years to come.

These 12 players aren’t just hot names—they’re dynasty lifeblood. Whether you’re loading up for a title or rebuilding, centering your teams around elite talents like these will give you the edge.  If there’s a league mate that’s willing to move these assets, make sure you’re the first in line.  Good luck!

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