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Who would’ve thought the Denver Broncos would’ve had a sleeper on their team last year? I mean, who knew Phillip Lindsay would finish as a top-10 running back? Or how about the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals would have a top-20 wide receiver and it wasn’t A.J. Green? That’s precisely what happened with Tyler Boyd.
These things happen every year, so why not look at a sleeper for all 32 teams? “But Mike, what really classifies as a sleeper anymore?” It’s a great question, but we must have some parameters in our search for hidden gems. We’re going to draw the line at the top-120 players overall in current consensus. That means these players can be taken (on average) outside the top 10 rounds of a 12-team league.
Arizona Cardinals
Hakeem Butler (WR) Current ADP: 212 overall
It was tempting to put Andy Isabella here, but knowing he fits more of the slot mold, which is where Larry Fitzgerald and Christian Kirk play best, I went with Butler, who has the prototype No. 1 receiver body. He’s 6-foot-5, 227 pounds, and runs a 4.48-second 40-yard dash. He slipped further than most thought in the draft, but it was due to just one year of elite production. Can Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray keep that momentum going into the NFL?
Atlanta Falcons
Mohamed Sanu (WR) Current ADP: 219 overall
Let me be clear – Sanu isn’t going to break out as a top-20 receiver without an injury to one of Julio Jones or Calvin Ridley, but he’s here because he’s continually underrated. Did you know he was a WR3 or better in 43.8 percent of his games last year? Same as Chris Godwin, Calvin Ridley, and Larry Fitzgerald. That percentage was 66.7 percent in 2017, the 13th-highest mark in the league. He can produce without injury, but can be a WR2-type producer with an injury.
Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson (QB) Current ADP: 133 overall/Mark Andrews (TE) Current ADP: 193 overall
If I’m giving you a quarterback, I feel it necessary to give you two sleepers. Did you know that despite starting just seven games, Jackson totaled more rushing attempts than any quarterback in NFL history? Add in a full offseason with some upgraded pass-catchers and you have yourself a high-floor quarterback when healthy. Despite totaling just 50 targets last year, Andrews flashed big-time potential as a receiver, something not many rookie tight ends have been capable of, including 47 or more yards in four of his final six games with an often-inaccurate Jackson under center.
Buffalo Bills
Zay Jones (WR) Current ADP: 195 overall
Does no one realize the Bills have the same coaching staff and the same quarterback? You know, the ones who targeted Jones a team-high 102 times last year? Most don’t realize he finished as a top-36 receiver in fantasy, but he did. While the addition of John Brown is surely to take away from that total, it’s not like Brown has lost his entire role with the team as a player who’s heading into his third season.
Carolina Panthers
Greg Olsen (TE) Current ADP: 152 overall
It’s not ideal to put Olsen here as a “sleeper,” but his ADP of 152 overall is the only one I’d feel comfortable taking that late on the Panthers squad. If Cam Newton feels like a rookie again and his arm is back in business, Olsen is the one with the most chemistry, and he’s finished as a top-eight fantasy tight end five separate times with Newton.
Chicago Bears
Anthony Miller (WR) Current ADP: 123 overall/Mitch Trubisky (QB) Current ADP: 140 overall
Not many realize that Miller broke his foot at the start of 2018 and was forced to miss the NFL Combine because of it. He then went on to separate his shoulder five times in-season, though he attempted to play through it, racking up seven touchdowns on just 54 targets. He should flip-flop with Taylor Gabriel‘s targets from last year, putting him close to the 100-target mark, which could mean top-30 production. Trubisky finished as the No. 11 quarterback in fantasy points per game, yet he’s being drafted outside the top-18 quarterbacks this year? He has legitimate top-five upside with his rushing ability and will now have a healthy stable of pass-catchers, including Miller.
Cincinnati Bengals
John Ross (WR) Current ADP: 263 overall
The injury to A.J. Green isn’t what put Ross on this list, though it surely doesn’t hurt Ross’ target potential. New head coach Zac Taylor has talked about the Bengals using the Rams offense as a blueprint, which would no doubt make Ross the Brandin Cooks of the group. While he’s not going to produce like Cooks, he could be a lite-version. With the state of the Bengals defense, their offense is likely to throw the ball quite a bit in 2019, and those targets need to go somewhere.
Cleveland Browns
Duke Johnson (RB) Current ADP: 174 overall
At this point in time, Johnson is still on the Browns roster, though that may change very quickly. The good news is that he can produce even if he remains on the Browns roster, as he was the RB36 from Week 9-16, which were the weeks Freddie Kitchens took over. With Kareem Hunt out until Week 10, Johnson can make an impact. And if he’s traded to another team, the team receiving him will undoubtably have a role lined up for him.
Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott (QB) Current ADP: 122 overall/Michael Gallup (WR) Current ADP: 160 overall
Most don’t realize that Prescott has been a top-12 quarterback in each of his three years in the league, as evidenced by his current ADP as the 16th quarterback off the board. Once Amari Cooper was brought in, he was the No. 6 quarterback from Weeks 9-17. Many will also write-off Gallup due to Cooper’s arrival, but he actually averaged more targets per game with Cooper in the lineup. His role is only going to grow in year two. Honorable mention (if Ezekiel Elliott holds out): Mike Weber.
Denver Broncos
DaeSean Hamilton (WR) Current ADP: 170 overall
It’s difficult to find value down the board with the Broncos, but Hamilton may very well be their best receiver in 2019. Courtland Sutton may fit that No. 1 role body-wise, but Joe Flacco isn’t a jump-ball type quarterback, which is likely why Michael Crabtree didn’t do so well with him last year. Hamilton is going to fill the slot role, as he did down the stretch last year when he tallied 25 receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns over the final four games of the season. Some believe Emmanuel Sanders will come back and produce, but if he doesn’t, it’ll be Hamilton taking his place.
Detroit Lions
Danny Amendola (WR) Current ADP: 307 overall
There’s no “breakout” potential here with Amendola, but there’s absolutely fantasy usable potential. Matthew Stafford has used the slot receiver rather extensively in his career and while some would say that it was due to having Golden Tate, I’d point to Bruce Ellington, who joined the team on a Monday, suited up that Sunday and posted six catches for 52 yards on nine targets. In fact, he saw 30 targets over the four-game stretch he played with them, highlighting just how much he leans on the slot. He could help fill some bye weeks in PPR formats.
Green Bay Packers
Geronimo Allison (WR) Current ADP: 129 overall/Jimmy Graham (TE) Current ADP: 171 overall
A starting wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers going outside the top-120 overall? Allison has confirmed he’ll be the “big slot” receiver for the Packers this year, which is not a bad thing. Based on research I did this offseason (read it here), slot targets are worth 11 percent more than perimeter targets. Allison was the No. 25 fantasy receiver for the first quarter of the 2018 season before getting hurt. What does Graham do well at this point in his career? Score touchdowns. So, when you see Rodgers throw just 25 touchdowns last year, he naturally disappointed. There’s going to be a lot more touchdowns to go around in 2019.
Houston Texans
D’Onta Foreman (RB) Current ADP: 127 overall
While I’m not of the mindset that Foreman is going to steal the job from Lamar Miller, he is someone who would walk into a 20-touch role on a top-10 scoring offense should something happen to Miller. That’s a rare scenario, which makes Foreman a solid sleeper being drafted in the double-digit rounds. His Achilles injury is now two years behind us, though it’s also important to note that no NFL player has had a very successful career after such injury.
Indianapolis Colts
Parris Campbell (WR) Current ADP: 141 overall
If you’ve ever watched Frank Reich talk about Campbell, you know why he’s here. Campbell wasn’t used in a very extensive role in the Ohio State offense, but Reich said there’s much more to his game. He’s bigger and faster than T.Y. Hilton, who has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this year. Meanwhile, Devin Funchess is a one-year rent-a-player, so they’re likely to bring Campbell along quickly in their high-scoring and high-flying offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Ryquell Armstead (RB) Current ADP: 237 overall
We don’t know if Armstead will open the season as the direct backup to Leonard Fournette, but it shouldn’t take long to pass Alfred Blue. Armstead is a banger, like Fournette, who could walk in and carry the big workload they give to the veteran. With Fournette’s injury history, many will wonder who the backup is, and my bet would be on Armstead.
Kansas City Chiefs
Carlos Hyde (RB) Current ADP: 130 overall
There’s no denying that Hyde has been one of the most inefficient running backs in football the last few years, but he was also in some pretty bad situations. Insert Andy Reid’s offense, where every running back who touches the ball succeeds. Playing behind Damien Williams is what’s expected, but Williams has never handled a big workload and is already dealing with a hamstring injury to start camp. Hyde could be a league-winner if he takes over as the starter.
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jackson (RB) Current ADP: 183 overall/Travis Benjamin (WR) Current ADP: 282 overall
If Melvin Gordon does, in fact, hold out, Jackson is going to have a much bigger role than most realize. The Chargers don’t want Austin Ekeler in a workhorse role, as that’s not when he’s most effective. Jackson filled Gordon’s shoes pretty well during the 2018 season, totaling 190 yards on 38 carries (5.0 yards per carry) with two touchdowns in Weeks 12-15. Benjamin is another one who’s on the sleeper radar, as he’s going to be on the field in three wide receiver sets, something that’s been valuable with Philip Rivers. Don’t forget that Benjamin totaled over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Chargers. With Tyrell Williams gone, Benjamin is the field stretcher.
Los Angeles Rams
Josh Reynolds (WR) Current ADP: 255 overall
When searching for sleepers attached to the Rams high-scoring offense, it’s kind of tough, though Reynolds has already shown he can produce when given the opportunity. If anything were to happen to any of Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, or Cooper Kupp, he walks into a full-time role. Despite playing as a backup his first two seasons, he already has three games with at least 19 PPR points.
Miami Dolphins
DeVante Parker (WR) Current ADP: 204 overall/Albert Wilson (WR) Current ADP: 232 overall
If Ryan Fitzpatrick remains the starter, like he started camp as, Parker and Wilson will both likely return solid value in fantasy drafts. Fitzpatrick has shown the ability to support multiple fantasy options at receiver over the last five years. Parker is the only receiver on this team who has 120-target potential, which is why he’s well worth the risk of his 204 overall price tag. Wilson flashed in a very limited sample last year, though it is a brand-new offense in Miami. He can be the safety valve over the middle of the field.
Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins (QB) Current ADP: 149 overall/Alexander Mattison (RB) Current ADP: 163 overall
Why are fantasy owners continually ignoring a quarterback’s history in fantasy? Cousins has been a top-12 fantasy quarterback in each of the last four seasons, including 2018, which was a down year. It was also his first year with the team, while changing coordinators mid-season. Mattison is walking into the clear-cut backup role to Dalvin Cook, a position that’s held tremendous value to both Jerick McKinnon and Latavius Murray over the last two years. They also upgraded their offensive line this offseason, which should make life easier.
New England Patriots
Rex Burkhead (RB) Current ADP: 185 overall/Phillip Dorsett (WR) Current ADP: 324 overall/Damien Harris (RB) Current ADP: 121 overall
Has anyone added up all the lost targets from the Patriots offense? I have. It’s 227 targets that have been vacated. Is everyone expecting rookie N’Keal Harry to just walk into 100-plus targets? I don’t. Those targets have to go somewhere, and the Patriots already showed they valued Burkhead by bringing him back in 2019, while Dorsett is likely to be a starting wide receiver. The Patriots have finished top-six in scoring for as long as anyone remembers, so there’s plenty of value to be found on this roster, and these two have experience in the system. Harris makes for one of the best handcuffs in football, as he would take the touchdown-heavy Sony Michel role, should Michel miss any time.
New Orleans Saints
Tre’Quan Smith (WR) Current ADP: 162 overall/Ted Ginn (WR) Current ADP: 296 overall
Did you know Smith had more 25-plus PPR point games than Keenan Allen, A.J. Green, and Kenny Golladay last year? That’s the upside you’re looking for this late in drafts. He’s battling Ginn for the No. 2 receiver spot, which carries standalone value without injury, but would carry a whole lot more if there were an injury to any other starter. Smith could flirt with WR2 numbers if that were the case. If Ginn wins the job, he’s produced as a WR2 or better in 7-of-20 games with the Saints, though his age is starting to catch up.
New York Giants
Darius Slayton (WR) Current ADP: Nowhere to be found
In case you’ve missed it, the Giants have a shortage of wide receivers. Sterling Shepard broke his thumb at the start of training camp, Golden Tate is facing a four-game suspension, and Corey Coleman tore his ACL. Slayton was the only wide receiver the Giants drafted this year, and though it was the fifth-round, he’s going to be needed on the field sooner rather than later.
New York Jets
Jamison Crowder (WR) Current ADP: 230 overall
It’s hard to find value on a team with lower expectations, but Crowder plays an important role in Adam Gase’s scheme. Remember when the Dolphins signed both Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson last year? It highlighted how much he wants to move the ball through that spot on the field, and Wilson had plenty of success before getting hurt. Early reports out of New York are that Sam Darnold and Crowder had instant rapport, though he did suffer a reported foot injury that we must pay attention to.
Oakland Raiders
Darren Waller (TE) Current ADP: 312 overall
We’ve heard reports that rookie Foster Moreau looks good in camp, but we also know not to trust rookie tight ends, right? Waller is a veteran and Jon Gruden said he “has the chance of a lifetime” to earn the starting job. The addition of Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams make it unlikely the starting tight end will see the 101 targets that Jared Cook did last year, but the tight end is still an important part of the offense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Nelson Agholor (WR) Current ADP: 191 overall/Dallas Goedert (TE) Current ADP: 205 overall
It’s surprising to see Agholor this low considering he was a consensus top-40 option in drafts at this time last year. He’s moving back into his natural slot role, which is where he’s done almost all his damage throughout his career. Did you know he averaged 1.76 fantasy points per target in the slot and just 0.89 per target on the perimeter in 2018? Goedert is the rare case of a tight end who carries top-five handcuff value. He produced in spurts last year with Zach Ertz healthy and will likely do so again, but he’s a league-winner if Ertz misses extended time.
Pittsburgh Steelers
James Washington (WR) Current ADP: 131 overall
Remember the start of Davante Adams‘ career with the Packers? It was horrible. 38 catches for 446 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. Everyone wanted to give up on him, except Aaron Rodgers who continually said he’d be a star. It’s a similar start to Washington’s career, as he totaled just 16 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown on 38 targets his rookie year, though Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin have been quick to come to his defense, saying it’s only a matter of time before he shines like he has on the practice field. There’s breakout potential here.
San Francisco 49ers
Marquise Goodwin (WR) Current ADP: 192 overall
Remember when Goodwin was drafted as a top-30 receiver in some drafts last year? Before getting hurt and then dealing with some personal issues, Goodwin posted 55 yards and/or a touchdown in 4-of-8 games to start the season. Yes, Dante Pettis is moving into the No. 1 role, but he’s also going to cost an awful lot more. Kyle Shanahan’s offense works best when he has a field-stretcher, and that’s Goodwin.
Seattle Seahawks
David Moore (WR) Current ADP: 289 overall
Do you know how many seven target games Tyler Lockett had in 2018? One. Do you know how many Moore had? Two. This isn’t me saying that Moore is the better pick, but rather that he should be valued much more than he currently is, provided he remains the starter. It’s possible that D.K. Metcalf surpasses him, but if Pete Carroll sticks with the way he’s done things in the past, it doesn’t matter how much a player is paid or where they were drafted; he’ll play the best man for the job. If Moore is still a starter, he’s criminally undervalued.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Andre Ellington (RB) Current ADP: 367 overall/Bruce Anderson (RB) Current ADP: 377 overall
Is it possible that we’ve all overlooked one of the more underrated signings of the offseason? Ellington used to play for Bruce Arians, and in case you forgot, he was an RB2 or better in 16 of his first 27 games under Arians. He’s the best pass-catcher among the running backs on the roster. This is a situation where we’re chasing the starting running back in an Arians-led offense, as it presents tons of value. Anderson was undrafted, but many felt like he could overcome the current talent on the roster.
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota (QB) Current ADP: 256 overall/Delanie Walker (TE) Current ADP: 137 overall
I’ve been hard on Mariota over the last two years, as he’s continually moved in the wrong direction. But if there’s reason for hope, it’s that he has the most talented group of pass-catchers he’s ever had, and he’s coming into the season healthy. If he can rediscover the magic that had him throw 45 touchdowns with just 19 interceptions over his first two years, he can be a solid late-round sleeper in 2QB formats. Walker has finished as a top-12 tight end in each of the last five seasons he’s played, and while he’s not a sexy pick, he might be the glue that holds the offense together.
Washington Redskins
Jordan Reed (TE) Current ADP: 213 overall/Paul Richardson (WR) Current ADP: 264 overall
Over the last 10 years, can you guess how many tight ends have a higher TE1 percentage than Reed? Seven. Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce, Jimmy Graham, Antonio Gates, Evan Engram, George Kittle, and Jason Witten. That’s it. Health has been an issue for a long time, but he’s a full participant at the start of training camp for the first time in a long time. If he stays healthy, he’s going to crush his current ADP. Richardson is still the No. 1 receiver on this team, and did you know there were just two teams in the NFL who didn’t have a top-50 wide receiver last year? Richardson is worth a late-round flier in deeper leagues.
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Mike Tagliere is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeTagliereNFL.
