Last year, Ryan Grant ran many fantasy owners all the way to the finals with his 956 yards and eight TDs, despite only starting seven games.
He was joined in the super-sleeper category last year by Packers' receiver Greg Jennings, who notched 920 yards and 12 TDs, as well as Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham, who racked up 898 yards and 10 TDs over 10 starts.
So who will surprise this year? It's a very popular question, and the time has come for me to weigh in with my answer.
Before I get any angry comments from the Lions' fans, I want you all to know that Calvin Johnson won't be on my list because I've seen him go as high as the sixth round in fantasy drafts, which disqualifies him as a sleeper.
A sleeper is someone who either gets taken in double-digit rounds or is undrafted and surprises many.
And so, in no particular order, let the breakdown begin.
Sidney Rice, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Sidney Rice had a very average rookie year, gaining 396 yards and four TDs on 31 receptions.
This year, Rice will serve as the Vikings' No. 2, next to Bernard Berrian. Rice's 6'4" frame will offset Berrian's speed, and while Berrian will easily get more yards, Rice should pull in at least seven or eight TDs, becoming a great offensive weapon for Tarvaris Jackson, especially in the red zone.
A year of experience under his belt won't hurt either.
Rice shouldn't be drafted any higher than Round 11, and in most leagues, he will hit free agency without being drafted. You can take your chances on the waiver wire, but I would recommend scooping him up in one of the last two or three rounds as a reserve receiver to keep your eye on.
Jerry Porter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
If Jerry Porter played for Jacksonville last season, he would have been the Jaguars' leading receiver with 705 yards.
The Jaguars haven't had a 1,000-yard receiver since Jimmy Smith in 2005, and they are hoping Porter can be that guy. I wouldn't bank on him putting up stellar numbers, but he should duplicate, or even improve upon, last year's numbers in yards.
If Reggie Williams can grab 10 TDs in Jacksonville's passing system, then Porter can easily get at least eight.
He should be considered as a late-round flyer, and at this point, he could even be counted on as a No. 3 receiver, with the potential to develop into a No. 2.
Leonard Pope, TE, Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Pope is a good, blocking tight-end, but his receiving numbers shouldn't be overlooked either.
Pope logged 238 yards last year, which isn't great, but his five TDs were tied for eighth among all tight ends in the league, even though he missed the final two games of the season. He improved in his second year, and he should improve again this year.
Pope is perfectly designed to be a red-zone terror at 6'8" and 258 pounds, and the Cardinals realized that late last year, as three of Pope's five TDs came in his last five games.
His numbers should rise again this year, and while he won't get drafted in many leagues, he is well worth adding as at least a backup tight end, with the possibility to start for your team. He may even log eight or nine TDs.
Donald Lee, TE, Green Bay Packers
Donald Lee is in the perfect position for a breakout fantasy year.
comments (16) write a comment »
write a new comment
4 months ago
I agree with 90% of this, but I don't think Lee is going to get a chance to improve on his 2007 numbers. Donald Driver and Jennings will demand attention, and Grant will be mooching a lot of those red-zone opportunities. I'm all for Donald Lee having a good year, but I don't think this year will be the best chance.
Otherwise, great article!
4 months ago
Agree with some too. I like the Torain stuff. he could be a break out. One thing I disagree with though is Rice. He's got talent, but Jackson just isn't going to get the ball to people that much in that offense.
Overall, good article.
4 months ago
I always follow the time tested rule of "Mike Shanahan Hates You"... No matter which RB you draft or start, the other one is going to get all the points.
from 4 months ago
That's hilarious Casey! And soooo true!
from 4 months ago
Leatherman hates everyone...except the sun.
4 months ago
Calling All Bleacher Report "Fantasy Experts"
Are you interested in joining a Bleacher Report football league on RotoHog? If so, please email me at wrongarm300@yahoo.com. I am trying to get as many Bleacher Report writers as possible so if you know anyone else that may be interested, have them contact me as well!! Let's make this huge and represent the Bleacher!!
4 months ago
I'm pretty close to the Jaguars ( season ticket holder) and even attend practices so have some insight. I disagree with the Porter pick as a sleeper only because of the hamstring surgery and him missing all of camp and the entire preseason. There is good reason to believe the injury could dog him this season not allowing to finally reach his potential after getting out of the Al Davis doghouse.... Please do consider Mike Walker as a real potential sleeper ( Jag WR) in deep leagues as simply a free agent pick-up if you have the bench space. When he is on the field he catches everything and looks incredibly polished coming in and out of breaks. It all depends on his knee, but so far so good...He has Brandon Marshall potential ( both being Central Florida grads..) ...And don't laugh, especially if you are in Minnesota, but Troy Williamson has looked like a young Randy Moss thus far with great deep separation ( running by the Rasheen Mathis easily) and catching EVERYTHING... okay.. my thoughts, he did catch the ball wll while playing outside on grass for South Carolina ( the reason he was drafted #7 overall in 2005), maybe just maybe, the change to familiar grass/outside scenery will make the difference. No one will argue he can run with the best of them...If you look at the drop videos I've noticed most were inside the dome at home, see what I mean, could be worth a round 12 flyer! Especially with Matt Jones problems, Jerry Porter surgery, Troy will get his chance with a MUCH better QB throwing him the ball....just my take and I've been watching him every day at practice...
4 months ago
Really fun article. I think comparing these guys to Ryan Grant might be a bit of a reach though, since no one on the planet thought Grant would ever get in a game, let alone start, before the season began. You hear it all the time, but Grant really "came out of nowhere". Except for Torain, all the other guys have been starters already, and with Mike Shannanigans as his coach, even Torain has a good chance to start.
(You see that? I find a nit and I pick it!)
But seriously, nicely done. :)
4 months ago
throw jonathan stewart and kevin smith into the mix for this...these young backs will get a chance to get a lot of workload and will be around late in most fantasy drafts
4 months ago
Ted Ginn Jr.
Fantasy wise he should do wonders for fantasy owners as a double threat for receiving yards and KR/PR yards. He's very underrated because he was chosen over everybodys golden boy (Brady Quinn) but he's a burner with playmaking ability.
If you try to make a "no quarterback" argument this is my defense: Running game. They are very deep at running back and have rebuilt their offensive line. The Dolphins offensive line is bulit to run the ball and they'll be able to do just that; opening up the passing game.
from 4 months ago
I completely disagree on that point Angelo.
Miami's run game ranked 23rd in the league last year averaging an abysmal 98.1 yards/game.
Ronnie Brown has yet to play a full season in his career, and their top rusher behind him (Jesse Chatman, 515 yards) is now a member of the New York Jets. The Dolphins are deep at the position with mediocre players like Lex Hilliard and Jason Parmele (both rookies) as well as Patrick Cobbs, who has rushed for a grand total of 47 yards in his 3-year career. Not quite the depth Miami is looking for.
Unless Ricky Williams can revive the run game, I see Miami's rushing attack being nothing short of mediocre once again next year.
4 months ago
Good sleepers although I've very cautious of Porter and Pope. Porter's days might be on the decline, and other receivers - like the previously mentioned Mike Walker - are showing a lot in camp.
Pope, unfortunately, might not get a chance to really show what he has in the Arizona offense. Just when he started getting into the mix in Arizona, he went down. Now the Cardinals picked up a veteran favorite, run blocking TE in the off-season that might keep Pope's hands off the field.
I like Torain as the sleeper in Denver. Not sure if a Ryan Grant could EVER emerge from Denver, but Torain has the skills to challenge for carries by the end of the year. Don't forget that they also have Andre Hall there on the depth chart.
4 months ago
Seriously? They acquired Jake Long and Justin Smiley over the offseason to go along with Veron Carey and Samson Satele. They gave a rookie battle at guard with Shawn Murphey and the kid out of Conneticut. Ronnie Brown was amazing last year before he got hurt and Ricky Williams will bounce back and contribute.
My question is why don't you think TGJ will be effective this year?
from 4 months ago
I think TGJ has a long way to go as a receiver.
His route running is still raw and once he gets that down he will be fine, but I don't think he perfects that this year. He's alot like Devin Hester in that he's a game-breaker, but may not be effective as a receiver.
Plus he is being given No. 1 duties, which I don't think he can handle, especially with the QB carousel going on down in Miami. Maybe he's a 3rd year sleeper, but this year? I don't think so.
4 months ago
One big difference. Devin Hester is switching to full time receiver this year. Ginn has been a full tine receiver since his freshman year of college.
from 4 months ago
That's absolutely true, but do you really think Ginn can handle being the No. 1 receiver for an awful team with a QB situation that is far from stable?
I don't think he'll be able to produce.
write a new comment