Finding value late in fantasy football drafts can be the difference between a good team and a championship contender. That’s why we asked our Featured Pros – a trusted collection of industry-leading fantasy football analysts – to share their favorite late-round draft steals for the 2025 season. Specifically, we wanted to know: Which one running back and one wide receiver outside the top 45 in half-PPR ADP do you plan to target in all drafts and why?
Whether you’re looking to stash upside on your bench or hit big with a sleeper pick, this expert-driven list of fantasy football sleepers at RB and WR is loaded with insights to help you win your draft in the later rounds.
Fantasy Football Sleepers
Which one RB outside the top 45 in half-PPR RB ADP do you plan to target in all drafts as a late-round fantasy football sleeper and why?
Isaac Guerendo (RB – SF)
“Well, another injury to Christian McCaffrey in 2025 would add another wrinkle to things, wouldn’t it? Now, who stands to benefit if CMC cannot stay healthy? Issac Guerendo. Guerendo is now the clear handcuff to McCaffrey with Jordan Mason now in Minnesota, and any McCaffrey injury will have Guerendo as a minimum top-20 weekly play. Last season, when Guerendo was the guy in the backfield for the 49ers (without Mason or McCaffrey), he finished no less than the RB25 in weekly scoring and finished as high as the RB2. For any CMC managers, Guerendo is a must-have. For any non-CMC managers, Guerendo has league winner written all over him and is one of the best lottery tickets in fantasy for 2025.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Isaac Guerendo fits the suit nicely, slotted behind an aging Christian McCaffrey and tied to a Kyle Shanahan offense. Of course, the Niners likely have a below-average offensive line, but Shanahan has found a way around that before. When San Francisco traded Justin Mason (a nice sleeper himself, though he’s too pricy for today’s assignment), it was a quiet endorsement for Guerendo.”
– Scott Pianowski (Yahoo! Sports)
“We’ve already seen the 49ers make stars out of relative unknowns at running back. Isaac Guerendo is next in line should something happen to Christian McCaffrey. And we’ve already seen something happen to McCaffrey. It’s unlikely Guerendo will stay this low, as he’s the must-have handcuff of a top-ranked stud running back, so snag him if he’s available anywhere beyond Round 10.”
– Matt De Lima (Athlon Sports)
Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)
“The Jets want to run the football in 2025 with a stable of RBs. And that means we could see a lot of second-year RB, Braelon Allen. Allen earned a role as an extremely young rookie last season (20 years old), despite Breece Hall being healthy to start the season. Allen is a no-nonsense rusher and could very much be the “David Montgomery” in the Jets’ offense under new OC Tanner Engstrand (formerly of the Lions). Allen converted on 11 of his 12 carries on 3rd-1 last year, a 91.7% rate that was not only the best among all NFL backs in 2024 but the best by any back from 2021-24 (Jets.com). With Justin Fields under center, expect Allen to take full advantage of wide-open rushing lanes.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)
“Jaydon Blue is a high-upside late-round steal in fantasy drafts, particularly in half-PPR formats, due to his elite speed, pass-catching ability, and potential opportunity in Dallas’ backfield. Despite being a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue turned heads at Texas’ Pro Day, running a 4.25 and 4.28 40-yard dash. Now, he’s already stealing the show in Cowboys OTAs, impressing coaches and analysts with his explosiveness and versatility. With Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ahead of him on the depth chart, he still appears in line to cement himself as the RB1 in Dallas. Dallas has a strong history of producing fantasy-relevant running backs, and Blue could carve out a valuable role, particularly in passing-down situations. If his speed translates to the field and he earns increased touches, he has the potential to be a league-winning late-round pick.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)
“I still have faith in Jaylen Wright in Miami. I’ve said many times that De’Von Achane is a trade-away target due to his price of dynasty RB5 in ECR. Achane’s RB7 ADP is still a little high and makes me worried. Enter the much cheaper Dolphins’ RB in Wright as a much less risky option. RB53 and 173 overall make him someone I’d gladly want to stash on my bench. His 2024 stats weren’t great, but what we saw was worth another look this year.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
“Here’s a Ringo summer special: buy one sleeper, get the second one absolutely free. Jaylen Wright takes over for Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson in the Dolphins’ RBBC, both of whom are no longer in Miami. Wright is an explosive threat to score every time he touches the rock. And when it comes to New York, Sports Illustrated insider Albert Breer thinks that Braelon Allen’s role in the Jets’ offense could be “pretty significant” in 2025. Both Wright and Allen already have part-time roles in RBBCs, but if anything happens to the other part of their respective committees (De’Von Achane or Breece Hall), then their fantasy potential opens up like the Red Sea.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“There was some excitement for Jaylen Wright this time last year when the Dolphins gave up a future 3rd to move up and draft him in the 4th round, but his season was a bit disappointing. However, Raheem Mostert is out of the picture now, and coach McDaniel loves using 2 RBs in his system. This offense can support another fantasy-relevant RB alongside De’Von Achane; it’s just a matter of who between Wright and newcomers Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon II. I’m going to bank on the speedster in Wright to fill that role and make a huge leap in his sophomore year.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
“We’ll see how training camp pans out, but if he’s heavily involved in the backfield rotation early, as I expect, I’ll be drafting Brashard Smith everywhere this season as a final-round pick. The Chiefs are no strangers to allowing a seventh-round running back a legit shot at starting (hi, Isiah Pacheco), so we can’t say that Smith has zero shot. I am enamored with Smith’s receiving ability as a converted wide receiver, his lightning quickness, and his possible upside as a rusher for a player who is still getting acclimated to the position. Last year, Smith ranked 34th in breakaway percentage, second in receiving grade, and 22nd in yards per route run (per PFF). Smith’s skill set is different from every other back in this depth chart. He could easily carve out a stand-alone role as Kansas City’s new Jerick McKinnon, with the upside to be their every-down back if Pacheco proves unable to stay healthy again.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Elijah Mitchell (RB – KC)
“This isn’t the safest of answers, but I’ll take some chances on Elijah Mitchell/Brashard Smith in case one of them becomes the next shiny toy in the Chiefs’ backfield. Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have had their time in the sun, to be sure, but they’ve also had plenty of time on the sidelines due to injuries. Mitchell and Smith are both worth late-round dart throws in what is still a dynamic Chiefs’ offense. Whoever wins the RB3 battle is the one to keep an eye on heading into the new season.”
– Zach Greubel (Gridiron Experts)
MarShawn Lloyd (RB – GB)
“MarShawn Lloyd is RB59 by ADP and is a screaming value. He had some of the worst luck ever in his rookie season, but the Packers completely ignored the RB class in 2025 after spending Day 2 capital on Lloyd in the 2024 draft. The Packers, and head coach Matt LaFleur, are outspoken about how much they want to run a committee approach and were forced into Josh Jacobs seeing all those touches in 2024. I expect Lloyd to be featured in a pass-catching/explosive RB 1B role behind Jacobs, with the size to be a great handcuff if the aging Jacobs were to miss time.”
– Justin Frye (Pro Football Network)
Ray Davis (RB – BUF)
“Ray Davis (RB47 in the rankings) is one of my favorite late-round running back draft targets. Buffalo led the NFL with 32 rushing touchdowns last season. James Cook led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns, while Josh Allen had 12 scores. However, Davis also had an impact on the ground, totaling three rushing touchdowns. More importantly, he stood out when Cook missed time due to an injury. The former Kentucky star was outstanding in the one game Cook missed with an injury last year. Davis finished Week 6 as the RB14, totaling 23 touches for 152 scrimmage yards and 16.7 half-point PPR fantasy points despite not scoring a touchdown. The second-year pro is a solid flex option with significant upside if Cook’s contract situation leads to a holdout.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Ray Davis profiles as one of the top late-round steals for 2025. When James Cook missed Week 6 last season, Davis proved he could be a three-down workhorse, racking up 23 touches for 152 total yards. In games where he saw at least a 50% snap share, he averaged over 100 total yards, while ranking in the top five in missed tackles forced per attempt. He also contributed as a pass-catcher, recording 17 receptions and two touchdowns in a limited role. With Cook’s contract situation up in the air and Davis’ ADP sitting outside the top 100, he’s a high-upside lottery ticket that I’ll be targeting everywhere.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
Austin Ekeler (RB – WAS)
“Austin Ekeler is being left for dead (RB48) in early ECR, even though he was productive when healthy last year and is playing in an exciting, up-and-coming offense. Ekeler scored double-digit PPR points in 8-of-12 games last season and finished RB31 in fantasy points per game. When Brian Robinson Jr. missed a pair of midseason games with a hamstring injury, Ekeler had 134 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns in those two contests. Two of those TDs came against a tough Pittsburgh defense. I’m not expecting a return to the high-end RB1 days for the 30-year-old Ekeler, but I think he’s a value in the later rounds.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Audric Estime (RB – DEN)
“A player that stands out to me who has legit upside is Audric Estime. In a press conference, head coach Sean Payton said, “He’s a back that requires enough touches. He’s gonna get those opportunities.” Alvin Kamara was selected only 7 picks after RJ Harvey in the 2017 NFL Draft. Kamara and Mark Ingram co-existed in New Orleans, and I think that Estime and Harvey could be Payton’s new Kamara and Ingram. Kamara was the RB4 in FPPG his rookie season, while Ingram was the RB8. Harvey is a great pass-catching RB, just like Kamara, and Estime is a thumper who will run through the defense. Estime had 13 MTF on only 76 rushing attempts last season.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Kendre Miller (RB – NO)
“For me, it’s target Kendre Miller of the Saints, whom I plan to target outside the top 45 RBs. His current ADP is RB85 and 288th overall, meaning you can use your last pick on him. Miller showed flashes of explosiveness in limited action last season, and with potential changes in the Saints’ backfield as veteran Alvin Kamara nears the age cliff, he could see a significant role. His pass-catching ability fits well in half-PPR formats, offering value if he secures more touches. Kendre Miller’s athleticism and receiving skills make him a breakout candidate if he earns a larger share of the Saints’ backfield in 2025. With Alvin Kamara’s contract situation uncertain and Devin Neal as the only other competition, Miller could capitalize on increased opportunities. His low ADP makes him a high-reward pick with minimal risk in late rounds.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Tyler Allgeier (RB – ATL)
“Tyler Allgeier remains one of the NFL’s most efficient and underrated complementary backs. In 2024, he posted a broken tackle rate of 0.26 per carry (top 12 among RBs with at least 100 carries), averaged 3.1 yards after contact per attempt, averaged 4.7 YPC (11th among running backs with at least 100 carries), a 100% catch rate, and recorded a positive run on 83.2% of his carries. While Bijan Robinson is the clear lead in Atlanta, Allgeier carved out a valuable role in short-yardage and red zone situations, logging 31 carries inside the 10-yard line and converting 9 of them into touchdowns. His north-south efficiency, vision between the tackles, and low fumble rate (0.4%) make him a reliable asset providing weekly contributions and an immediate RB1 should anything happen to Bijan.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
Which one WR outside the top 55 in half-PPR WR ADP do you plan to target in all drafts as a late-round fantasy football sleeper and why?
Kyle Williams (WR – NE)
“Even though the Patriots did sign Stefon Diggs to a one-year deal this offseason, there are still massive questions as to who will emerge as the go-to target for Drake Maye. Enter Kyle Williams. The Patriots spent a third-round selection on the former Washington State product, and he comes to New England with the reputation of a burner who runs slick routes and is a YAC (yards after catch) monster. In a new regime, Williams, the current WR63 in half-PPR ADP, has every chance to emerge quickly as the main target for Drake Maye and even overtake Stefon Diggs as the number one target in this New England offense.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Rookie receivers are rarely good bets, and New England’s recent history of WR drafting is an unmitigated disaster. But maybe Kyle Williams is ready to break these rules and trends. Williams has the ability to play all over the formation, and perhaps he’s the ideal young talent to grow together with second-year QB Drake Maye. Don’t overlook the hiring of return OC Josh McDaniels — he’s one of those coaches who’s miscast as a head coach but a home run as a play designer. You might not even have to draft Williams; be ready to pounce if he’s available around Halloween, mindful of how first-year skill players often ascend in the second half of their debut season.”
– Scott Pianowski (Yahoo! Sports)
“When selecting a flyer at wide receiver, I’m looking for two types: a relative unknown with high ceiling or a player returning from injury who showed out in flashes at some point. The latter perfectly describes New Orleans’ Rashid Shaheed, but he doesn’t quite qualify as he’s just inside the top 55. However, the former describes New England’s Kyle Williams, who could face a path of least resistance to a starting job in the Patriots’ patched-together WR room.”
– Matt De Lima (Athlon Sports)
“There are so many good WR options to pick outside the top 55, but one feels like the clearest path to being the top pass game option, and that’s Patriots rookie Kyle Williams. Stefon Diggs is coming back from a serious knee issue at an advanced age and partying on boats rather than attending workouts. Meanwhile, Williams has a highlight or daily at OTAs showing him getting behind whoever is in coverage. Williams can be used underneath or deep, and with an ascending young QB, I expect the young WR to return solid, probably WR3 level value at WR5 prices.”
– Justin Frye (Pro Football Network)
“If there’s one word to describe Kyle Williams, it’s explosive. Williams plays faster than his 4.40 forty time from the combine, which is impressive. And while Kyle probably won’t be a high-volume guy, his calling card is big plays. Remember Paul Revere’s ride…..one if by land, two if by sea, and you’re going to want to see Kyle Williams play. The Drake Maye and Kyle Williams connection should provide plenty of celebratory musket shots for Patriots Nation. Ringo’s comp- Kyle Williams reminds me a little of former Carolina all-pro WR Steve Smith Sr.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“I desperately want Kyle Williams and Drake Maye to develop a quick rapport this offseason. Williams was one of the more underrated receiver prospects heading into the 2025 draft. The Patriots concurred, taking him with the 69th overall pick despite having recently signed Stefon Diggs. The Washington State standout has some flashes of a healthy Jaylen Waddle in him in a potentially up-and-coming New England offense.”
– Zach Greubel (Gridiron Experts)
Marvin Mims Jr. (WR – DEN)
“Marvin Mims Jr. flashed major upside in the second half of 2024, averaging 62 receiving yards per game and leading all WRs in yards per route run (3.63) from Week 11 onward. He also posted a strong 28% target rate per route run on the year, ranking 13th in the NFL. Still just 23 years old, Mims is a prime third-year breakout candidate in a Broncos offense looking to grow alongside Bo Nix.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Marvin Mims Jr. (WR59 in the rankings) is my favorite late-round wide receiver draft target. The Broncos’ offense became fantasy-friendly late last season. Courtland Sutton was the only non-quarterback that fantasy players could trust for most of the year. However, Mims started to shine over the final two months. He scored 12.3 or more half-point PPR fantasy points in four of the final seven regular-season games, including at least 18.4 in three outings. Many believed Denver would have made a splashy addition at the wide receiver position this offseason. However, that didn’t happen because of how Mims ended last year. He averaged 6.5 receptions for 77 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 22.9 fantasy points per game over the final two weeks, making several big-time plays for Bo Nix and the offense. Mims should be a popular third-year breakout candidate.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Marvin Mims Jr. (ECR: WR58). Last year, Mims scored six touchdowns over the Broncos’ last seven regular-season games and averaged 62 yards a game over that stretch. He didn’t play half of the Broncos’ offensive snaps in any of those seven games, yet Mims was WR26 in PPR fantasy points per game over that stretch. Mims averaged 0.72 PPR fantasy points per snap in those games. Top fantasy receiver Ja’Marr Chase averaged 0.38 PPR fantasy points per snap last season. Mims is only 23. If his role doesn’t expand, you can waive him without regret. But Mims has flashed exciting potential, making him a perfect late-round flyer.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“Marvin Mims Jr. should be a priority target in all Half-PPR fantasy drafts due to his explosive second-half breakout and elite efficiency. He posted 33 receptions, 451 yards, and 6 touchdowns over the final stretch of 2024, averaging 13.7 yards per catch and ranking fourth among WRs in yards per route run (2.57). Mims also led the league in slot target rate (38.2%) and ranked top-10 in targets per route against man coverage (35%), indicating both volume and versatility. His 131.5 passer rating when targeted underscores the trust he earned from quarterbacks. With a more stable role projected for 2025, Mims is a high-upside, late-round value who could emerge as a weekly flex option with WR2 potential.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
“Emeka Egbuka is a sleeper worth targeting late in drafts, offering immediate upside in Tampa Bay’s evolving offense. Selected No. 19 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State standout brings elite route running, natural separation skills, and deep-threat explosiveness, making him a strong fit alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Numerous OTA highlights show Mayfield looking his way often, displaying strong early chemistry as Egbuka flashes his downfield speed and ability to stretch the defense. With his vertical playmaking and ability to keep defenses honest, Egbuka could carve out a significant role sooner than expected. If his early momentum carries into the season, he could outperform his draft cost and become a valuable late-round fantasy asset.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
“I’d target Emeka Egbuka of the Buccaneers, ranked outside the top 55 in half-PPR ADP on FantasyPros with an ADP WR54. Egbuka, a 2025 first-round pick, brings polished route-running and reliable hands from Ohio State, where he posted two 1,000-yard seasons. Despite a crowded Buccaneers WR room with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, his slot-ready skill set signals high floor potential. With Evans aging and Godwin’s injury history, Egbuka could see significant targets from Day 1. He’s a low-risk, high-reward late-round pick with WR2 upside.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)
“Jalen McMillan at WR61 (151 overall) seems like the best steal of the later rounds at WR to me. I get that he’s stuck behind both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but either one of them could miss time this year and launch McMillan into the starting roster discussion. Not only that, in keeper leagues where the round drafted matters, McMillan and Egbuka could be the two WRs in Tampa next season, adding even more value to his late-round price.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU)
“Thank you, ADP. Jayden Higgins sitting at WR56 is a gift that EVERYONE should take advantage of. Higgins should immediately file in as the starting outside receiver opposite Nico Collins. Higgins was an underrated player during the entire draft process after ranking 27th and 16th in yards per route run and first and 18th in receiving grade during his final two collegiate seasons (per PFF). With Tank Dell likely out for the entire 2025 season, Higgins has a clear path to playing time with the talent to produce as a WR3 this season.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR – NYG)
“Wan’Dale Robinson had 140 targets last season, the 10th most in the league. Robinson only had 699 receiving yards and three touchdowns, but there is a good chance he will see 120+ targets again this season. Robinson led the team in red zone targets with 17, so we could see him have more touchdowns. The Giants are basically running it back with their skill position group at wide receiver, which is good news for Robinson. You aren’t going to find someone in his draft range who will see the type of target volume he is in store for this year.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Jack Bech (WR – LV)
“I’m going to try to draft Jack Bech in all my drafts in those later rounds. He was a great playmaker in TCU last year with second-round draft capital, and the opportunity is there with not much competition in the WR room. In these later rounds, you don’t expect much from these players. So if Bech ends up posting WR2 or WR3 numbers, decisions like this could be the reason you make the playoffs in your league. Take a risk on those rookies who have a clear path to fantasy success like Bech.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
Pat Bryant (WR – DEN)
“Pat Bryant is one of my favorite deep fantasy football sleepers heading into 2025 drafts. The Broncos’ third-round rookie posted 54 catches for 984 yards and 10 TDs in his final season at Illinois, showcasing strong hands and red-zone reliability. Head coach Sean Payton compared him to Michael Thomas, hinting at a potential high-volume role in a thin receiver room behind Courtland Sutton. While he lacks elite speed (4.61 40-yard dash), Bryant wins with physicality, route discipline, and quite possibly the strongest hands in the class, traits that fit Payton’s offense perfectly. With a current ADP of WR73, Bryant offers strong late-round value and a realistic path to early playing time.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
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