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 2024 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 is loaded with insights to help you win your draft in the later rounds.
Fantasy Football Sleepers: Wide Receivers
Which wide receiver outside the top 55 in half-PPR WR ADP do you plan to target in all drafts as a late-round fantasy football sleepers 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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