JuJu Smith-Schuster Fantasy Outlook: Where should you draft Chiefs WR in 2025?

JuJu Smith-Schuster will play his third season with the Kansas City Chiefs in the last four years. The veteran wide receiver isn’t close to being the player he was during his first years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but his presence could help the team during the first half of the 2025 season.

At 28, Smith-Schuster doesn’t appear to be entering his prime, and while the Chiefs keep him on the roster, his production on the field -- and in fantasy football -- isn’t expected to be significant.

Should you draft Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster in 2025?

The easy answer is no. Smith-Schuster’s level of play has declined since his first season with the Chiefs in 2022, when he posted 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games. He followed that with just 29 receptions in 2023 and 18 in 2024, looking like a shell of his former self.

Even with several wide receivers such as Marquis Brown, Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore and Mecole Hardman injured last season, Smith-Schuster couldn't step up and help the 15-2 Chiefs.

However, if you want a veteran who will compete for WR2 touches to start the season, he might be a decent option, though nothing is guaranteed.

JuJu Smith-Schuster's fantasy outlook in 2025

Smith-Schuster wasn't featured on Sportskeeda's Fantasy Football WR rankings (96 players) at the end of last season. He enters this season as the WR111 on ESPN's list after recording 53.1 points last year.

He is projected to score 44.86 fantasy points in 2025, broken down into 18 receptions for 194 yards and one touchdown. Those numbers aren’t spectacular and should be enough to keep most fantasy managers away.

However, a potential six-game battle with Marquise Brown could open the door for a rejuvenated Smith-Schuster while Rice serves his suspension.

Where should you draft JuJu Smith-Schuster this year?

Once again, you shouldn't. There are several better options for a WR5 or WR6. Smith-Schuster could still make an impact if you can’t find something better, but a running back or tight end might be a smarter late-round investment.

If you're still interested in drafting him, waiting until the last two rounds of your fantasy draft -- or adding him as an undrafted free agent -- is the best approach. The Chiefs may turn to him in certain situations, but with Travis Kelce and Noah Gray available as pass catchers, Smith-Schuster’s chances to thrive are limited.