Don't Sleep! Knox Will Soar with Martz in Town.
With most fantasy drafts being held over the next few weeks, you can’t help but feel a certain amount of excitement starting to build. All those endless hours of preparation will finally get put to the test. One of my favorite parts of any draft is selecting players in the later rounds. I can’t think of a better feeling than unearthing a fantasy gem with a late round flier.
To make your job easier we do our Sleepers and Busts a little different. We cover all 32 teams and identify multiple players who we feel could have a fantasy impact. The fact is, we’ve become very good at identifying these players. Last year we recommended taking fliers on Miles Austin, Sidney Rice, Jermichael Finley and Jamaal Charles to name a few. If you happened to land two of these guys in the later rounds, you probably had a competitive team. My goal when creating this ranking was to give you an edge over other owners in your league.
As always, make sure you take advantage of our Free Draft Kit along with our NEW DRAFT TOOL and ASK a QUESTION FEATURE. Our job is to help you win a fantasy title. It’s what we do, and we love doing it.
Arizona
Sleeper: Tim Hightower – ARI – RB
Hightower isn’t the most talented back, but he will play a significant role in this offense. I love Wells this year but he can never seem to stay healthy. Hightower is a valuable handcuff for Wells owners who can be drafted in the 9th round.
Deep Sleeper: Early Doucet – ARI – WR
Doucet is battling an abdominal strain but he should be ready to go by week one. He’ll start off the year in the slot, but he could eventually push Breaston for the #2 wide out spot.
Super Sleeper: LaRod Stephens-Howling – ARI – RB
Keep an eye on this kid in deeper leagues. He may be to explosive to keep off the field. He’ll be an asset in return leagues and PPR formats.
Bust: Matt Leinart – ARI – QB
Leinart has done very little this pre-season to instill confidence in his teammates. He’s looking like a low end QB2 and I wouldn’t be surprised if Derek Anderson takes his job at some point.
* Update: Derek Anderson has taken over as the Cardinals starting quarterback.
Atlanta
Sleeper: Tony Gonzalez – ATL – TE
Gonzalez isn’t exactly a sleeper. However, his ADP suggest you can land him in the middle to late 7th round in 12 team leagues. That’s great value for an elite tight end.
Deep Sleeper: Jason Snelling – ATL – RB
Snelling proved his worth when Turner went down last year. He’s a solid back and worth a late round flier. He should be considered a must handcuff for Turner owners.
Super Sleeper: Harry Douglas – ATL – WR
Douglas appears to be completely healthy after tearing his ACL early last year. His greatest asset is his speed, so there is some concern. The fact is, a healthy Douglas could do some serious damage out of the slot in this offense.
Bust: Michael Jenkins – ATL – WR
I like Jenkins, but he’s always dealing with a nagging injury. I don’t think he’ll ever be more than a low end WR4 play.
Baltimore
Sleeper: Derrick Mason – BAL – WR
For whatever reason Mason isn’t getting any love this year. His ADP suggest you can land him after the 11th round in 12 team leagues. That’s better than great value. I know he’s 36, but he hasn’t missed a game since ’03 and he’s topped 1,000 yards in eight of the past nine seasons. Who wouldn’t want that type of production from your WR3?
Deep Sleeper: Willis McGahee – BAL – RB
Like Mason, McGahee isn’t getting the respect he deserves this year. His ADP put’s him between the 14th and 16th rounds. He’s a must handcuff for Rice owners and could be a valuable flex play behind the Ravens outstanding offensive line.
Bust: Ravens – BAL – DF
The Ravens secondary is in shambles. They’ll be stout against the run and pressure the quarterback, but I just think there are too many decent defensive options to rest your hopes on their secondary.
Buffalo
Sleeper: Fred Jackson – BUF – RB
Jackson should be ready for the first week of the regular season. He’s seen his value drop substantially since the start of training camp. I know he plays for a bad team in a crowded backfield, but he’s a talented play maker that is slipping into the 9th round. That’s great value for a potential low end RB2.
Bust: Trent Edwards – BUF – QB
I hope I’m wrong, but I think Edwards may be to timid for the rigors of the NFL.
Bust: Lee Evans – BUF – WR
Like I said last year, I like Lee Evans as a low end WR3. Unfortunately, my colleague Rob insists I label him a bust. He owned Evans for four frustrating seasons on one of his dynasty teams. Talk about holding a grudge.
Carolina
Deep Sleeper: Matt Moore – CAR – QB
I could be the only one, but I like this kids game. Consider him a low end QB2 with upside if he can hold onto the starting job.
Bust: Dwayne Jarrett – CAR – WR
Jarrett is another name on the long list of USC receivers who failed to live up to expectations.
Chicago
Sleeper: Johnny Knox – CHI – WR
Knox will be the best wide out on the Bears this year. He has great hands, runs good routes and has blazing speed. A perfect fit for a Mike Martz offense. Don’t sleep on him too long.
Sleeper: Matt Forte – CHI – RB
Forte entered ’09 as a consensus top 5 fantasy back. To say he had a disappointing season would be an understatement. He enters ’10 as a low end RB2 prospect that is slipping to the end of the 4th early 5th round in 12 team leagues. The Bears offensive is still bad and Chester Taylor will take carries away, but Forte offers great value that late.
Bust: Devin Hester – CHI – WR
Hester is a great athlete and an above average football player. However, he doesn’t display the skill set to make him a consistent wide receiver option. He’ll have some decent games but, his best asset is his ability in the return game.
Cincinnati
Sleeper: Bernard Scott – CIN – RB
Scott enters the season as the #2 back behind Cedric Benson. Benson has a checkered history and has never played in two full seasons. Scott would instantly become a decent RB2 if anything happens to Benson.
Bust: Antonio Bryant – CIN – WR
Bryant continues to battle knee injuries throughout camp. With Owens in the fold, I wonder if he’ll even make the roster at this point.
Update: The Bengals have released Bryant.
Cleveland
Sleeper: Jerome Harrison – CLE – RB
Harrison is a talented back who consistently produces when given the opportunity. His ADP for 12 team leagues suggest you can land him in the late 6th or early 7th round. That’s very good value for a potentially solid RB2.
Deep Sleeper: Josh Cribbs – CLE – WR
Cribbs is a tremendous athlete who can score from anywhere on the field. He could provide decent production as a sneaky WR3 in deeper leagues.
Bust: Jake Delhomme – CLE – QB
Delhomme has played well enough to secure the starting spot. However, the Browns lack the weapons to make him anything more than a weak QB2 option.
Dallas
Sleeper: Marion Barber – DAL – RB
Barbers stock has plummeted throughout the off-season. The fall is directly related to the presence of Felix Jones. The fact is, Barber was once considered a can’t miss RB2. Those day might be over, but he provides good value considering you can land him as late as the 7th round. He should make a decent low end RB2 or flex play.
Deep Sleeper: Martellus Bennett – DAL – TE
Bennett has the size and speed to be weapon in this offense. The biggest knock on him is that he plays too soft. Rumor has it he entered camp with a bit of a mean streak and has impressed the coaches with his play making ability in the redzone. He’s someone to keep an eye on in deeper leagues.
Bust: Roy E. Williams – DAL – WR
I think we can finally admit that the Williams trade was a bad one. Dallas gave up a ton and has gotten very little in return. Williams shouldn’t be on your radar come draft day.
Denver
Sleeper: Kyle Orton – DEN – QB
Orton quietly threw for over 3,800 yards last year. He doesn’t have the greatest arm, but he’s accurate and productive. You could do worse for your bye week fill in.
Sleeper: Eddie Royal – DEN – WR
To say Royal had a disappointing sophomore campaign would be an understatement. With Brandon Marshall off to Mimai, Royal has a decent chance to produce solid numbers. He’s falling late in drafts and could provide great value as a late round flier.
Deep Sleeper: Jabar Gaffney – DEN – WR
Like Royal, Gaffney is going very deep in most drafts. He’s not a sexy pick but Kyle Orton trusts him and that’s enough to warrant a roster spot. He could be a sneaky WR3 option.
Bust: LenDale White – DEN – RB
Regardless of the situation White shouldn’t be considered an option in any league.
Detroit
Sleeper: Jahvid Best – DET – RB
Best has an ADP of 57 or the late 5th round in 12 team leagues. He has looked good throughout the pre-season and will provide great value at that point in the draft.
Deep Sleeper: Nate Burleson – DET – WR
Burleson is a talented wide out. If he can remain healthy he’ll produce respectable numbers.
Bust: Matthew Stafford – DET – QB
I’m a fan a Mathew Stafford, I just wouldn’t rely on him at this point in his career. He should only be drafted as a QB2 option.
Green Bay
Sleeper: Jermichael Finley – GRE – TE
I’m proud to say I had Finley pegged as a deep sleeper last year. He could very well be the top tight end this season.
Deep Sleeper: James Jones – GRE – WR
If Jones beats out Nelson for the third receiver spot he could put up respectable numbers in the Packers offense. He could be a sneaky WR3 play and is worth a late round flier in deeper leagues.
Deep Sleeper: Jordy Nelson – GRE – WR
Like Jones, Nelson has a chance to be fantasy relevant. Whom ever wins that job should be considered a deep sleeper.
Houston
Sleeper: Arian Foster – HOU – RB
Foster has the opportunity to be very productive this year. He’s the #1 back on a potent offense. He should make a decent RB2 with upside.
Deep Sleeper: Jacoby Jones – HOU – WR
Jones is a deep threat who could finally put it all together this year. He’s worth a late round flier as a potential WR3.
Bust: The Texans schedule. Houston faces the most difficult schedule in football this year.
Indianapolis
Sleeper: Pierre Garcon – IND – WR
I keep hearing people say that there won’t be enough balls to go around in Indy. The fact is, Peyton targets the open receiver. With defenses focusing on Wayne and Clark, Pierre should see plenty of single coverage.
Sleeper: Donald Brown – IND – RB
Brown had a disappointing rookie season. He’ll split time with Addai, but could become a top 15 fantasy back if Addai gets injured. He’s being drafted around the 8th round making him a great value pick.
Bust: Anthony Gonzalez – IND – WR
Unfortunately, Gonzalez could be the odd man out this year. At the most he’ll likely rotate in the slot with Austin Collie.
Jacksonville
Sleeper: Mike Sims-Walker – JAC – WR
If Sims-Walker stays healthy he could finish in the top 15 for fantasy wide outs.
Deep Sleeper: Mike Thomas – JAC – WR
Thomas has looked good throughout the pre-season and should start opposite Sims-Walker. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues as a potential sneaky WR3.
Bust: Marcedes Lewis – JAC – TE
The former 1st round pick has never been able to produce on a consistent basis. He’s a great blocker but he could lose out to the other Zack Miller.
Kansas City
Sleeper: Dwayne Bowe – KAN – WR
Bowe has the potential to become a top 10 wide out. After a disappointing ’09 campaign, he showed up to camp in great shape. The hope is that he’s matured enough to make the leap. He provides great value at the beginning of the 5th round.
Deep Sleeper: Tony Moeaki – KAN – TE
This is one of Rob’s guys. He says the kid has talent and he’s usually right. If Moeaki can stay healthy he’ll provide Cassel with a decent option in the middle of the field.
Bust: Thomas Jones – KAN – RB
Jones is an all around good guy who’ll provide a veteran presence to a young team. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to find the same running lanes as he did in New York. He could be the goal line back but he isn’t going to come close to his ’09 production.
Miami
Sleeper: Chad Henne – MIA – QB
Henne has progressed nicely throughout his short career. He’s a pure pocket passer who makes good decisions with the ball. With Brandon Marshall in the fold, he could become a low end QB1.
Deep Sleeper: Anthony Fasano – MIA – TE
Fasano should be able to roam free with Marshall drawing constant double teams. He could become a valuable asset if he receives enough targets.
Bust: Ronnie Brown – MIA – RB
I love Browns talent. He’s a top 10 fantasy back when healthy. The problem is, he’s never healthy. If you draft him make sure you land Ricky Williams at some point.
Minnesota
Sleeper: Bernard Berrian – MIN – WR
Berrian is completely healthy heading into the season. If he stays healthy, he could become a decent WR3 play. Sidney Rice is out with a hip injury so the opportunity will be available for Berrian .
Deep Sleeper: Greg Camarillo – MIN – WR
Camarillo was brought in as insurance for Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. If he picks up the playbook I like him in this offense.
Bust: Percy Harvin – MIN – WR
Harvin is an elite talent but the migraine issue scares me. He’s obviously worth a pick, but be prepared for a long season of guessing. There’s nothing worse than waiting till the last minute to set your line up.
New England
Sleeper: Julian Edelman – NEP – WR
The former college quarterback is too talented to keep off the field. He should be considered a low end WR3 with upside. If Wes Welker suffers a set back in his recovery bump Edelman up.
Bust: Patriots – NEP – DF
The Patriots lack a true pass rusher. They could have a difficult time this year keeping opposing offenses from scoring at will.
New Orleans
Sleeper: Robert Meachem – NOR – WR
Meachem has matured as a wide receiver throughout his career. Last season he displayed the type of play making ability that made him a first round pick. He’ll get lost in the shuffle at times, but he has tremendous upside for someone falling in the middle of the 8th round.
Super Sleeper: Chris Ivory – NOR – RB
The rookie out of Tiffin University has looked good throughout the pre-season. He has a chance to become the teams third running back. If you draft P.Thomas, consider taking a flier on Ivory.
Bust: Jeremy Shockey – NOR – TE
Shockey reportedly showed up to camp in great shape. Unfortunately, he may find it hard to receive consistent targets in the Saints offense. Tight end is too deep to rely on someone as injury prone as Shockey.
New York Giants
Sleeper: Ahmad Bradshaw – NYG – RB
If he can remain healthy, Bradshaw has the ability to produce top 15 numbers in the Giants offense. His ADP suggest you can land him in the 8th round. I think his stock will begin to rise so make sure you don’t wait to long to draft him.
Super Sleeper: Ramses Barden – NYG – WR
Barden is a physical freak that has impressed the coaching staff throughout camp. He could find himself used in redzone packages. He’s worth a look in deeper leagues.
Bust: Mario Manningham – NYG – WR
Manningham could be the odd man out with Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks entrenched as the starters.
New York Jets
Sleeper: LaDainian Tomlinson – NYJ – RB
Tomlinson looks refreshed playing for his new team. He could vulture short yardage situations and third downs duty making him a low end RB2 and flex play.
Bust: Braylon Edwards – NYJ – WR
Edwards has too many mental lapses to be considered a weekly option.
Oakland
Sleeper: Zach Miller – OAK – TE
Miller is poised for a breakout season. He’s been able to produce despite horrific quarterback play. With Campbell under center Miller could slide into the top 5 for fantasy tight ends.
Bust: Darren McFadden – OAK – RB
With each passing day McFadden is looking more and more like a complete bust. The Raiders will need a physical back and McFadden doesn’t fit the bill. I suggest staying away on draft day.
Philadelphia
Sleeper: Kevin Kolb – PHI – QB
Kolb has looked very good throughout the pre-season. Aside from losing snaps to Vick, Kolb should be very successful in his first year at the helm.
Super Sleeper: Charles Scott – PHI – RB
Scott is a bigger back that would be a nice compliment to McCoy. If he’s able to carve out a niche he could hold fantasy value.
Update: Scott has been traded to the Arizona Cardinals.
Bust: Mike Bell – PHI – RB
Bell doesn’t have the speed or ability that he displayed earlier in his career. I don’t think he’ll play a significant role in this offense.
Pittsburgh
Sleeper: Mike Wallace – PIT – WR
Wallace displayed the ability to separate from defenders and make plays down the field. With Holmes off to the Jets, he’ll get every opportunity to display his talents. He should be a valuable WR3.
Sleeper: Ben Roethlisberger – PIT – QB
Roethlisberger would have been a top 7 quarterback if he was able to stay out of trouble. Rumor has it he’s dedicated to becoming a better person. If this is true then he could have his suspension reduced to four games. He’s going very late in most drafts but he shouldn’t. It should be considered a steal if you land him around the 9th round.
San Diego
Sleeper: Darren Sproles – SDC – RB
Sproles is the definition of a change of pace back. He’s an above average receiver who’s able to create plays in space. He could see an increased role in order to keep Ryan Mathews from wearing down.
Deep Sleeper: Malcom Floyd – SDC – WR
Floyd should see an increase in targets with Jackson sitting out. He’s a big receiver who has earned Rivers trust. He could produce decent numbers on a weekly basis.
Bust: Vincent Jackson – SDC – WR
I’m OK with NFL players trying to get paid, but I’ll label him a bust until he steps on the field.
Seattle
Sleeper: Justin Forsett – SEA – RB
Forsett is the most talented back on the Seahawks roster. Unfortunately, the backfield is crowded with Leon Washington and Julius Jones in the mix. My hope is that Forsett displays the ability to separate from the pack and emerge as a fantasy contributor. He could be a steal in the 7th round.
Sleeper: John Carlson – SEA – TE
Carlson should see an expanded role in the passing game this year. He could very well become a top 10 fantasy tight end that’s going undrafted in most leagues.
Bust: Matt Hasselbeck – SEA – QB
Hasselbeck has looked good throughout camp, I just don’t think the o-line can keep him healthy for an entire season.
San Francisco
Sleeper: Michael Crabtree – SFO – WR
Crabtree will take the next step this year and become a top 15 fantasy wide out. He offers great value considering you can land him in the 5th round.
Deep Sleeper: Anthony Dixon – SFO – RB
Dixon has looked very good throughout the pre-season. His value is directly tied to Gores health, and he should be considered a must handcuff.
Bust: Ted Ginn Jr. – SFO – WR
Ginn will help in the return game and provide a deep threat in four receiver sets. However, he won’t be consistent enough to warrant a draft pick.
St Louis
Sleeper: Laurent Robinson – STL – WR
Robinson will be the best receiver on a bad team. In most leagues Steven Jackson is the only Ram being drafted. Even the Raiders and Bills have more.
Bust: Sam Bradford – STL – QB
Bradford should only be drafted in dynasty formats or two quarterback leagues. He shouldn’t be considered an option in redraft leagues.
Tampa Bay
Sleeper: Mike Williams – TAM – WR
Williams has looked like an absolute beast throughout the pre-season. Williams and Dez Bryant are the only two rookie receivers I would consider drafting this year.
Super Sleeper: Sammie Stroughter – TAM – WR
Stroughter is a decent slot receiver who could produce in the redzone. He could be worth a look in very deep PPR leagues.
Bust: Derrick Ward – TAM – RB
Rumor has it the Bucs want to expand Wards role this year. I’m not buying it. He’s not worth a draft pick in most formats.
Tennessee
Sleeper: Javon Ringer – TEN – RB
If Ringer wins the #2 spot behind Chris Johnson he should be drafted as a must handcuff.
Bust: Vince Young – TEN – QB
I’m a fan of Vince Young. The problem is some people are considering him a legit fantasy option this year. The fact is, he’s never thrown more than 12 touchdowns or over 2,500 yards in a season. He’s a QB2 until he improves his passing totals.
Washington
Sleeper: Santana Moss – WAS – WR
Moss would make a solid compliment to a true #1 wide out. Unfortunately, he’s the best receiver on the Redskins. He’ll never produce eye popping numbers but he should be considered a solid WR3. He offers great value as a mid round pick.
Deep Sleeper: Anthony Armstrong – WAS – WR
Armstrong has looked very good throughout the pre-season. He’s a true sleeper who’s worth a look in deeper leagues.
Bust: Devin Thomas – WAS – WR
Thomas is solid athlete but lacks the mental make up to produce at the NFL level. Until he matures he shouldn’t be considered a fantasy option.
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