I am absolutely giddy about the next two weeks! This is the time of year that most leagues should be hosting there drafts. One of my favorite parts of any draft is taking fliers on players in the later rounds. There isn’t a better feeling than striking gold on a late round flier. This list was created as a tool to help you strike gold on draft day. You should print this out and slip into the middle of your draft kit. Pull it out and study it while doing your duty on the throne. Familiarize yourself with the names on this list. Some players ranked will simply be players who are being overvalued or undervalued on draft day. Some of the guys will be late round fliers who could prove to be the difference for your fantasy team. We do things a little different with our sleepers and busts. We use all 32 teams and rank deep sleepers for owners in dynasty leagues and deeper drafts. Since we rank all 32 teams some of the teams on the list didn’t have a player labeled a bust. I hope this list can help you strike gold on draft day and uncover some nuggets that might be of value to your fantasy team, like Kevin Walter of the Houston Texans.
Arizona
Sleeper: Chris Wells – ARI – RB
He wasn’t drafted in the 1st round to sit. Wells is ultra talented and should see a healthy amount of touches. He could be a beast in the high powered Cardinals offense.
Deep Sleeper: Matt Leinart – ARI – QB
With Warner turning 89 next year the keys could finally be handed over to the southpaw. Leinart is a good dynasty pick and worth a late round flier.
Bust: Tim Hightower – ARI – RB
If Hightower doesn’t steal the goal line carries he could have very little value. He has good hands so he could be on the field for third downs but that could be it. He’s worth a draft pick as a hand cuff for Wells owners.
Atlanta
Sleeper Jerious Norwood – ATL – RB
I have put Jerious on this list since he came into the league. If the Falcons are going to limit Turners touches to around 300-325 then Norwood should see about 10 touches a game. Right? The guy averages 5.8 yards per carry for his career, can we please give him the ball.
Deep Sleeper: Michael Jenkins – ATL – WR
Jenkins will probably see single coverage for most of the year. He could become a sneaky WR3 play.
Baltimore
Sleeper: Ray Rice – BAL – RB
Along with everyone else in the free world we have been all about Ray Rice this summer, we just called it first. Rice should be the focal point of the Ravens power running game. He should get a ton of catches and double digit touchdowns is possible.
Deep Sleeper: Mark Clayton – BAL – W
The former first round pick has never been able to produce consistent numbers. How long do we have to wait to see if he will ever reach his potential? Clayton has gone undrafted in most drafts and could be worth a late round flier.
Bust: Todd Heap – BAL – TE
If you genetically combine Todd Heap and L.J. Smith you could probably create a decent tight end. I don’t know if the Ravens have that type of technology.
Bust: L.J. Smith – BAL – TE
See Todd Heap.
Buffalo
Sleeper: Trent Edwards – BUF – QB
He was on his way to becoming a reliable fantasy quarterback last year before he suffered a concussion. Edwards has the ability and the supporting cast to become a consistent quarterback play.
Deep Sleeper: Josh Reed – BUF – WR
Reed is an above average slot receiver who runs good routes. He should find plenty of space and receptions with Lee Evans and Terrell Owens on the outside.
Bust: Lee Evans – BUF – WR
I actually like Evans this year. My colleague Rob told me to put him on this list because he has owned him in his dynasty league for the last four years. Funny how the lack of fantasy production can sour some people.
Carolina
Sleeper: Mike Goodson – CAR – RB
This kid has some talent. Read Sean’s Carolina Panthers backfield breakdown to see why Goodson is a solid sleeper.
Bust: Jake Delhomme – CAR – QB
His collapse during the playoffs was one of the worst performances I have ever seen from a quarterback. I want nothing to do with him just knowing he has that type of game in him.
Bust: Jonathan Stewart – CAR – RB
I worry about his constant lower body injuries. Call me paranoid, but the Panthers drafted Goodson for a reason.
Chicago
Sleeper: Earl Bennett – CHI – WR
I don’t care that he played with Cutler at Vanderbilt. The fact is Bennett could be the most polished receiver on the team.
Bust: Jay Cutler – CHI – QB
Cutler won’t be asked to simply manage games like some think. You don’t trade two first round picks to get a guy then have him hand the ball off all day. However, Cutler will find life difficult without Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal.
Cincinnati
Sleeper: Chris Henry – CIN – WR
Have you seen Hard Knocks? Did Henry finally mature enough to play a full NFL season? Watch out if he did. Coming out of West Virgina Henry could have been a 1st round pick if it wasn’t for his baggage.
Bust: Laveranues Coles – CIN – WR
I can’t remember the last time Coles was a consistent fantasy producer. With Henry on the verge of breaking out, Coles could find his targets limited.
Cleveland
Sleeper: James Davis – CLE – RB
Davis has a chance to sneak in and steal significant touches. The Browns are rebuilding and James could play a big part in it.
Sleeper: Jerome Harrison – CLE – RB
New head Coach Eric Mangini will use Harrison the same way he used Leon Washington for the New York Jets last year.
Bust: Jamal Lewis – CLE – RB
Lewis is old and slow. The Browns could opt for younger fresher legs to carry the load this year. He also burned me two years ago and cost me a championship. As long as he’s in the league I will label him a bust. I could have to much power.
Dallas
Sleeper: Miles Austin – DAL – WR
When asked how he felt about potentially being the #2 wide receiver in Dallas, Austin stated, “Why can’t I be the number one?” I love his attitude!
Deep Sleeper: Martellus Bennett – DAL – TE
Bennett is a physical freak. He could be what Vernon Davis was supposed to be. Watch to see if his role expands due to the lack of talent with the wideouts.
Bust: Patrick Crayton – DAL – WR
He talks way too much for a guy who is marginal at best.
Denver
Sleeper: Kyle Orton – DEN – QB
Orton is a good game manager with solid skills. If Marshall shapes up (longshot) Denver could have a top 15 passing game.
Deep Sleeper: Correll Buckhalter – DEN – RB
Buckhalter could be used the same way Kevin Faulk was in New England last year. Keep him on your radar especially if Knowshon falters.
Bust: Brandon Marshall – DEN – WR
Why can’t he just shut his mouth and play football? I think it’s possible that Marshall doesn’t play a single down in Denver this year.
Detroit
Sleepr: Kevin Smith – DET – RB
Smith doesn’t really classify as a sleeper. His ADP suggest he’s going in the middle if the 3rd round. He could however be undervalued. I know Detroit sucks, but Smith looked very good down the stretch last year.
Bust: Daunte Culpepper – DET – QB
Culpepper showed up to Lions camp having lost 30 lbs. Now he only weighs 275lbs. Are you kidding me? Bring on the rookie Matthew Stafford!
Green Bay
Sleeper: Donald Driver – GRE – WR
Driver is a safe and solid number three wide out. I’m not buying a youth movement with Jordy Nelson and James Jones when a sturdy veteran can get the job done.
Deep Sleeper: Jermichael Finley – GRE – TE
Rumor has it Finley and Aaron Rodgers are chumming around together. Finley could be a decent option on an explosive offense.
Bust: Donald Lee – GRE – TE
See Jermichael Finley.
Houston
Sleeper: Kevin Walter – HOU – WR
Walter had more touchdowns last year than Steve Smith, Roddy White, Dwayne Bowe, Brandon Marshall, Wes Welker, Roy Williams, Antonio Bryant and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Love it!
Deep Sleeper: Jacoby Jones – HOU –
Jones is a burner who could see plenty of safeties in coverage this year. He could be a sneaky wide receiver three play.
Bust: Chris Brown – HOU – RB
Rumor has it he’s going to vulture TD’s from Slaton. I don’t think he’ll be healthy long enough to pull it off.
Indianapolis
Sleeper: Anthony Gonzalez – IND – WR
Whats not to love? The number two wide out on what should be the one of the best offenses in football.
Deep Sleeper: Austin Collie – IND – WR
Collie has a leg up on the number three wide out spot. He could be a good bye week fill in or deep dynasty league flier.
Bust: Colts – IND – DF
Can’t think of any player on the Colt’s to drop in here. The defense should be a black hole up the middle and shouldn’t be drafted at all.
Jacksonville
Sleeper: Mike Walker – JAC – WR
The coaches love him, he just needs to stay healthy. Walker could very well be the most productive receiver on the Jaguars not named Maurice Jones-Drew.
Deep Sleeper: Chauncey Washington – JAC – RB
The all important handcuff to Maurice Jones-Drew. Washington is currently #2 on the Jags depth chart.
Bust: Torry Holt – JAC – WR
He’s a shell of his former self. He can’t run anymore and he’s not playing on a fast track. Let someone else sweat over him.
Kansas City
Sleeper: Larry Johnson – KAN – RB
Your welcome Bill!
Sleeper: Jamaal Charles – KAN – RB
Charles is a burner. He has the skills to be a perfect fit in the Chief’s new offense. He’s a must hand cuff to Larry Johnson owners and worth a late round flier in most formats.
Bust: Matt Cassel – KAN – QB
Cassel has a large task ahead of him. The career backup will struggle to pick up the new offense. He holds the ball too long and takes too many sacks. I like him as a QB2 but would not want him being the deciding factor for my teams chances this year.
Miami
Sleeper: Chad Pennington – MIA – QB
The former NFL MVP runner up gets no respect. Pennington could be a good low end QB1 this year. He won’t put your team over the top but he won’t hurt you either.
Deep Sleeper: Anthony Fasano – MIA – TE
Seven touchdowns last year and one last night in the preseason game against the Eagles. Could become a reliable check down option for Pennington.
Bust: Ted Ginn Jr. – MIA – WR
He has sprinters speed and is a dynamic return man. However, he could be the third best wide out on his team.
Minnesota
Sleeper: Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN – TE
Could very well finish the year in the top 5 for tight ends with Brett Favre coming to town.
Deep Sleeper: Sidney Rice – MIN – WR
The third year wideout has shown flashes at times. Is this the year he puts it all together?
Bust: Brett Favre – NYJ – QB
I just don’t like him very much. I don’t care that he is un-retired again, I just wish he wasn’t such an attention whore.
New England
Sleeper: Sammy Morris – NEP – RB
I think Morris is the most talented runner on the Patriots. If he gets consistent touches he could be a good #2 back or flex play.
Bust: Laurence Maroney – NEP – RB
Just admit it Patriot fans…Maroney is a bust. Don’t you feel better now?
New Orleans
Sleeper: Pierre Thomas – NOR – RB
We have hyped the ultra-talented Thomas all summer long. (Read Seans article “I never thought I would like a guy named Pierre”) He was good enough to keep Rashard Mendenhall on the bench at Illinois. He’s better than Reggie Bush and he plays for arguably the best offense in football. It’s time to jump on the wagon folks.
Bust: Jeremy Shockey – NOR – TE
The loudmouth tight end could actually put up ok numbers playing in this offense, but is he going to be able to stay healthy? Don’t fall for the name trap. Tight end is just too deep this year.
Bust: Reggie Bush – NOR – RB
Reggie Bush or Mario Williams? Hindsight is a beautiful thing.
New York Giants
Sleeper: Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG – RB
I had him as my sleeper last year. Didn’t see the Derrick Ward thing coming. There’s that hindsight thing again. Bradshaw is a perfect fit to couple with Brandon Jacobs. He has the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the rock.
Deep Sleeper: Steve Smith – NYG – WR
Smith is going undrafted in most leagues. He could very well lead the Giants in catches this year. He could have great value in the 16th round.
Bust: Eli Manning – NYG – QB
Eli is to the Manning family what Danny Devito was to the movie Twins. I love outdated movie references. How does this guy have a ring?
New York Jets
Sleeper: Leon Washington – NYJ – RB
Leon Washington is what Reggie Bush was supposed to be. A versatile weapon who can do everything on the field. He could be an absolute beast this year.
Bust Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ – WR
Cotchery was ranked in the top 20 for wide receivers last year. He failed to live up to the expectations. He enters 2009 as a fringe #3 wide out. He just doesn’t have the ability to separate from defenders.
Oakland
Sleeper: Justin Fargas – OAK – RB
Fargas may not be the most talented back in Oakland, but he could be the most consistent. He is being drafted between the 12th and 15th rounds in most drafts. That’s very good value.
Deep Sleeper: Chaz Schilens – OAK – WR
When he is healthy he will be the best wide receiver in Oakland.
Bust: JaMarcus Russell – OAK – QB
Doesn’t have the mental make-up yet to be a considered a consistent option this year. He could be a bye week fill in if your desperate.
Philadelphia
Sleeper: LeSean McCoy – PHI – RB
The second round pick will see plenty of touches this year to try and keep Brian Westbrook healthy for the playoffs. Westbrook had knee and ankle surgery in the offseason and we are concerned that he won’t be able to bounce back. McCoy could prove to be the best rookie rusher this year.
Deep Sleeper: Brent Celek – PHI – TE
Celek was a Fantasy Football Brothers super sleeper a year ago. He could be a strong weekly option in the high powered Eagle’s offense.
Bust: Brian Westbrook – PHI – RB
I love Brian Westbrook for his grit and passion. It’s just too bad that doesn’t help win fantasy championships. I think this could be the year all the nagging injuries and surgeries catch up to him.
Pittsburgh
Sleeper: Mewelde Moore – PIT – RB
Moore could be the best back on the Steeler’s roster. He is a do it all back who can run, block and catch. He is currently going undrafted in most leagues but could hold significant fantasy value.
Bust: Willie Parker – PIT – RB
750 yards and 3 Td’s is what we can expect from Parker this year. That makes him nothing more than an average flex play at best. He doesn’t catch passes because he has frying pans for hands and he fumbles way too much. Avoid the name.
San Diego
Sleeper: Darren Sproles – SDC – RB
Philip Rivers loves to check down to his running backs. Sproles is as good as anyone in the league when he gets into open space. The Chargers will design plays to utilize his skill set.
Deep Sleeper: Jacob Hester – SDC – RB
If Tomlinson was to get injured again Hester would “vulture” goal line duties.
Bust: Chris Chambers – SDC – WR
Chambers does a wonderful job of starting strong. He also does a good job of disappearing once you get excited.
Seattle
Sleeper: Matt Hasselbeck – SEA – QB
If he remains healthy for the entire year Hasselbeck could finish in the top 8 for quarterbacks. Seattle has the look of the most improved team in football this year and they should battle for the NFC West title.
Deep Sleeper: Nate Burleson – SEA – WR
Burleson was considered a solid #2 wideout last year before he was lost for the season in the first week. Reports out of Seattle are that he looks great and he and Houshmandzadeh are leaps and bounds above any other wide out on the roster.
Bust: Deion Branch – SEA – WR
Can we finally admit that Branch was only good when Tom Brady was throwing him the ball in New England? Stay away from the former Super Bowl MVP.
San Francisco
Sleeper: 76) Shaun Hill – SFO – QB
Shaun Hill is a winner. He always gets the job done and should put together some solid games this year. Hill is a good #2 QB and could be a solid match-up play.
Deep Sleeper: Josh Morgan – SFO – WR
Morgan is a burner who has shown flashes in his young career. With first round pick Michael Crabtree being unsigned the chance will be there for Morgan to establish himself.
Bust: Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR
The longer he holds out the steeper the learning curve will be. Crabtree went form a 10th round pick to 16th round flier.
St. Louis
Sleeper: Donnie Avery – STL – WR
Reports are that the second year wide out is already running following knee surgery. Avery could be a solid late round value pick.
Deep Sleeper: Keenan Burton – STL – WR
Burton has shown flashes and could become a decent possession receiver for the Rams.
Bust: Marc Bulger – STL – QB
Bulger has fallen from grace. Just two years removed from being a preseason top 5 quarterback, Bulger is going undrafted in most leagues.
Tampa Bay
Sleeper: Derrick Ward – TAM – RB
Ward was signed in the offseason and paid like a #1 running back. He should see a majority of the carries and be used out of the backfield often. Ward provides great value for a 4th round pick.
Bust: Kellen Winslow – TAM – TE
The self proclaimed “soldier” has never lived up to being the 6th overall pick in the NFL draft. With the tight end position being so deep I would let someone else deal with this jerk.
Tennessee
Sleeper: Justin Gage – TEN – WR
Gage is currently being drafted between the 13th and 16th rounds. He has been able to string together solid games over the last few years. Is this year he does it consistently?
Bust: Vince Young – TEN – QB
Why isn’t anything made more of the collapse of the former rookie of the year? What impresses me the most is the fact that the Titans have been able to succeed in spite of him.
Washington
Sleeper: Santana Moss – WAS – WR
The speedy undersized wideout has a knack for the big play. If another receiver emerges on the other side, then Moss could be open to run free down the field.
Bust: Jason Campbell – WAS – QB
I had Campbell as a bust last year as well. I said I would take him off the list if he could finally produce week in and week out. He almost did it. Campbell started strong but fizzled in the second half of the season like the rest of the Redskins.
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