Before we get to our sleepers, it is important to understand what constitutes an actual sleeper. A sleeper is a player that is being drafted in the later rounds, or perhaps even not at all. Someone that you (or others) may not even be thinking of, but will significantly out-perform their draft value when all is set and done. These players don’t necessarily have to finish in the top 12 of their position to be considered, but they will emerge as an impactful fantasy producer for your team.
QUARTERBACKS
Carson Wentz:
The interesting thing about Carson Wentz, is that he could very well be on a sleeper list such as this, while also being on a “busts” list, such as the many you will see from now throughout the summer. I’m going to take the optimistic side of things here, and hope that Wentz can get back to the 2017 version of himself, when Frank Reich was his offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Wentz has more weapons on this Colts team than he has ever had with the Eagles, including that 2017 season.
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Zach Wilson:
Am I a homer? Quite possibly. I’m also someone that really believes in Zach Wilson and the system that Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur are going to run. Wilson is more athletic and can use his legs than people think, and even though this is the “Jets”, this isn’t the Jets of the past. Cory Davis, Denzel Mims, Elijah Moore and Jameson Crowder are a good enough receiving core for Wilson to be successful. With an improved offensive line, running game, and playmakers on the outside, he will put up fantasy numbers that warrant a spot in 2QB leagues and those that roster a backup in single-QB formats.
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Daniel Jones:
Like Wentz, you will see Jones on both a sleeper and a bust list. While I don’t think he is all that talented, I have him as a sleeper because I did so last season. Well, why does that mean I should have him there again? For one, I’m usually a year too early on a player and secondly, in fairness to him, he did lose his best offensive weapon early in the season. This time around, he not only has Barkley back, but he also has a #1 wide receiver in Kenny Golladay as well. Based on his current ADP as the 27th quarterback off the board, his production is going to far surpass those expectations and is someone that could sneak into the backend of QB1 territory.
RUNNING BACKS
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ROOKIE
Michael Carter:
Most believed he was going to be drafted in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft, so seeing him slip to the 4th round is more of an indictment on the NFL teams and addressing other needs, than it is on the player. With an improved offensive line, new coaches /system/quarterback, and not much in the way as far as competition, Carter has everything in place to make him a fantasy asset. Currently being severely undervalued so far in drafts, he is every bit worth the price you would need to take him to see significant rewards.
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Damien Harris:
I’ve always been against having any part of a New England backfield, but this season, I’m not entirely against adding Harris to my squad. Sony Michel is a non-factor for me, Rhomandre Stevenson is just a big dude that can see some goal-line work, and James White is the primary passing down back. That leaves Harris the one that should see 15+ carries a game, and one of the most important aspects of fantasy success is opportunity. His ADP is going to rise as the summer goes on, but even in the mid rounds, he can be considered a bargain if things go the way they should in New England.
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Chase Edmonds:
It is not very often that you can get a team’s #1 running back in the mid rounds of drafts, but that is currently the case with Edmonds. The Arizona coaching have talked him up for the past couple of seasons, and haven’t backed that up with consistent work. Will this season be different? Nobody knows the answer to that question yet, but with only James Conner behind him that could impact his usage, I’m not concerned.
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Jamaal Williams:
Something is concerning regarding what is happening in Detroit these days. While EVERYBODY loves D’Andre Swift and his talent, the new regime in the Motor City may not feel the same. They signed Williams in free agency, drafted Jermar Jefferson and are discussing the idea of bringing in Todd Gurley. Now, we have all seen Gurley last season and know that even if they do sign him, he shouldn’t be much of a threat to Swift. Williams on the other hand, could be. One thing Williams and Gurley do better than Swift, is the ability to pass protect. That might not seem like a big deal, but it is when it means being on the field. Even if Williams is used as he was in Green Bay, his value is greater than his current ADP.
WIDE RECEIVERS
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Henry Ruggs:
Man, one subpar rookie season and everyone throws you to the curb? I said last season that he was being OVERvalued in fantasy as a rookie. I understand it because of his athletic ability and NFL draft capital, but a rookie receiver during a covid season without the main training camp? I am expecting more out of him for his Sophomore campaign though, and because of his poor season last year, he is going to be a value based on his current ADP.
Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD
Tre’Quan Smith:
Take your pick between Smith, Callaway and Deonte Harris for the #2 receiver in the Saints offense. Even though the #2 receiver has never been much of a fantasy factor, and will still be behind Thomas and Kamara in the pecking order, that player is still someone worth grabbing late in your drafts. Remember, this is a “sleeper”. My expectations aren’t high for Smith or any other Saints receiver not named Michael Thomas, but when we are looking for that potential impact player in the later rounds, Smith will be someone I will be looking at. All bets are off if Taysom Hill is the starting quarterback however.
(Justin Setterfield / Getty Images)
Josh Reynolds:
This will be a moot point if the Titans end up trading for Julio Jones, but for now, Reynolds is the beneficiary of an offense that lost 34% of their targets from a year ago. Blocked by Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp, and two tight ends in Los Angeles, Reynolds was never given the opportunity he deserved, and because of that, he is significantly undervalued in fantasy circles.
(UPDATE: The Titans traded for Julio Jones)
Tight Ends
(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Blake Jarwin:
I mentioned how I am usually a year too early on players, so for the second straight season Jarwin makes my sleeper list. We never got the chance to see whether or not Jarwin would be able to live up to the sleeper tag last season, as he suffered a season ending injury in week 1. That isn’t enough of a reason to leave him off the list this time around.
(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, Pool)
Adam Trautman:
Remember what I said about Smith and being the potential third option in the Saints offense? Well, that could also be Trautman. Trautman isn’t someone I’m “targeting” in drafts, but if I miss out on one of the top 12 guys and looking for “lightning in a bottle”, Trautman is an option.
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