Fantasy Football 2010: 20 Deep Sleepers To Invest In

We all love that word don't we?

Sleeper. 

I'll admit, I'm a big fan of it. 

But maybe even more than the excitement I get from nailing a sleeper pick is nailing a deep sleeper pick. 

I've failed on more than a few, but last year, I'll admit I did succeed on one: Rashard Mendenhall. 

These are the guys you go get in the last few round because you have that good feeling. 

Then you drop them, pick them back up again, and drop them again. 

And hope nobody picks them up, because you still have that good feeling.

Does anybody else do this? Or is it just me?

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1. Javon Ringer, TEN RB

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NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 20: Javon Ringer #21 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at LP Field on September 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Remember those good ol' days in Tennessee? When Chris Johnson and LenDale White split carries? 

Okay, so maybe that won't happen again. 

But maybe the Titans might want to rest CJ2K every now and then. 

After all, he's not a big guy, and an injury seems inevitable at some point. 

In comes Ringer, who got a lot of good rest last year after a grueling last year of college at Michigan St. 

But for those of you that don't know, Ringer ran for 1,447 yards his junior year and 1,637 his senior year. 

Pretty interesting, no?

At the very least, draft Ringer as Johnson's handcuff. 

2. Larry Johnson, WAS RB

Win McNamee/Getty Images

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 29: Running back Larry Johnson #27 of the Washington Redskins carries the ball during drills on the first day of training camp July 29, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

That's right. 

That Larry Johnson. 

Word out of Redskin camp is that Johnson has impressed Mike Shannahan. 

You know, Mike Shannahan? 

The guy who made Peyton Hillis fantasy worthy?

And Clinton Portis has a lot of wear and tear on his body. 

Johnson was fantasy relevant in the past, and he could be again this year--watch him closely. 

3. Mike Thomas, JAC WR

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 06: Mike Thomas #80 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Brice McCain #41 of the Houston Texans during the game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 6, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Gett

Some rumors can't be believed. 

But still, when a rumor coming out of Jacksonville states that Mike Thomas has outplayed Mike Sims-Walker, fantasy footballers everywhere snap to attention. 

Maybe we've all been investing in the wrong Jacksonville receiver?

Scary thought. 

What's also scary that many people don't know is that Thomas is the all-time leader in receptions in the Pac-10. 

So the dude can catch the ball. 

Thomas is short (5'8") so he doesn't seem to fit the receiver that Garrard would like to throw to, but if he forms a connection with Thomas, who cares?

Right?

And plus, there are a lot of receivers you could do worse to get...

4. Laurent Robinson, STL WR

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 27: Wide receiver Laurent Robinson #11 of the St. Louis Rams runs on the field during the preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Image

Unlike Thomas, there are some definite stats to back up my theory here. 

In two games last season before getting hurt, Robinson caught 13 balls for 167 yards. 

If you translate those numbers to a 16 game schedule, you get 104 catches for 1,336 yards. 

Now while it's not reasonable to expect those numbers, at least 60 catches and 900 yards doesn't sound completely dumb does it?

Well, don't take it from just me. 

Take it from Christopher Harris too. 

5. Aaron Hernandez, NE TE

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 12: Aaron Hernandez #85 and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots greet each other before the the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Foxboro. Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogas

It's hard to justify taking a tight end late, but in a deeper league, I think you can definitely make a case for Hernandez. 

It's hard to put too much emphasis on the preseason, but those of you who watched the New England-Atlanta game on Thursday saw Hernandez's talent front and center. 

His touchdown catch from Tom Brady was very impressive. 

Quarterbacks tend to remember those type of plays, and place their trust in a guy who makes them. 

While New England has many weapons, Hernandez could still find himself used in three and four wide receiver sets. 

And he could prove to be a valuable red-zone target for Brady. 

Don't waste an early pick on him, but if he's still around come the last round, why not take him?

6. Legedu Naanee, SD WR

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 14: Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers makes a reception against the Chicago Bears on August 14, 2010 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Much has been made of the Vincent Jackson suspension and possible holdout in San Diego. 

What hasn't been noticed much are the wide receivers who will try to replace his production in the meantime. 

Legedu Naanee is one of those guys, as he should start opposite Malcolm Floyd. 

Naanee is a name that's been tossed around fantasy circles for a while now, but has yet to break out. 

This year is a good a chance as any for him. 

You know who he reminds me of though? With his talent, opportunity, situation, etc.?

Miles Austin. 

I'm just saying, that's all...

7. Steve Johnson, BUF WR

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 03: Steve Johnson #13 of the Buffalo Bills is tackled after a catch by Chris Roberson #33 of The Detroit Lions at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 3, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The Buffalo passing attack leaves much to be desired. 

But admit it, they actually looked decent against Indy on Thursday night. 

Johnson himself didn't exactly do great, finishing with just a catch for two yards. 

But right now, the Sports Xchange is saying that Johnson has all but locked up the number two receiver position for the Bills. 

And with Lee Evans probably seeing most of the attention, Johnson has the chance to make a name for himself this year. 

8. Jason Avant, PHI WR

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 27 : Jason Avant #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Lincoln Financial Field on December 27, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsa

I have many friends who play fantasy football. (I couldn't say that 10 years ago)

One of them said that he heard good things coming out of Philly's camp that Avant has been very impressive, and has formed a good report with Kolb. 

In fact, there's a rumor going out there (and maybe a Philadelphia fan can confirm this) that Avant hasn't dropped a pass in training camp. 

I don't care who it is...if that's true, that's impressive. 

Right now, he's the number three guy in a passing offense. 

And Jeremy Maclin, though dangerous as a number two guy, is still young. 

If he doesn't produce, or gets injured for some reason, you'll look like a genius for drafting Avant. 

9. Tony Scheffler, DET TE

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KANSAS CITY - SEPTEMBER 28: Tony Scheffler #88of the Denver Broncos stands on the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 28, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 33-19. (Photo by:

Remember when Scheffler was a legit sleeper?

He had 49 catches for 549 yards and 5 TDs in 2007, and fantasy footballers everywhere started to drool. 

He was supposed to be the next big TE to come out...the next Jason Whitten. 

And...it never happened. 

Now Scheffler wasn't even wanted in Denver, being dealt in the offseason to Detroit. 

And what's interesting is that he may reproduce those numbers in 2010. 

If you think about it, he's got an up and coming quarterback in Matthew Stafford, and a weapon on the outside that takes a lot of attention in Calvin Johnson. 

Scheffler should benefit. 

You could definitely do worse for a backup tight end. 

10. Bernard Scott, CIN RB

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - AUGUST 20: Bernard Scott #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball during the NFL preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Paul Brown Stadium on August 20, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

You've certainly heard the name by now. 

At least Cedric Benson owners have. 

But even if you aren't a Benson owner, you should invest in Scott, and here's why:

1. It's Cedric Benson we're talking about here. 

2. The Bengals are a running football team. They could easily be this year's Jets (look what Shonn Greene was able to do last season). 

3. Scott has great athleticism, and the Bengals will be hard pressed to keep him off the field. 

Who knows? Scott could outscore Benson this year. 

11. Mike Williams, TB WR

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 01: Receiver Mike Williams #19 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs during the Buccaneers Rookie mini camp at One Buccaneer Place on May 1, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Buc rookie has had an impressive training camp and preseason thus far. 

And I'm sure you've noticed. 

Tampa Bay doesn't exactly stir fantasy excitement, but Josh Freeman has to have a good to receiver. 

It could easily be Arrelious Benn. It could be Sammie Staughter. 

But I really think it could be the tall, physical Williams. 

Time will tell. 

12. Correll Buckhalter, DEN RB

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DENVER - JANUARY 03: Correll Buckhalter #28 of the Denver Broncos returns a kick off against the Kansas City Chiefs during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on January 3, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 44-24. (Photo by

Last season, Buckhalter was the thorn in the sides of Knowshon Moreno owners. 

This season, he may be more. 

Moreno looks to be ready for the season opener. 

But when you get a hamstring injury early on in the preseason, it tends to linger for a while. 

Now, Buckhalter has struggled with injuries himself (which is why the Broncs signed Justin Fargas) but they have been a bit more minor. 

There are just some guys you just get a good feeling about, and for me Buckhalter is one of those guys. 

13. Jacoby Jones, WR HOU

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 14: Wide receiver Jacoby Jones #12 of the Houston Texans during preseason NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 19-16.

Usually 27 catches for 439 yards doesn't inspire a fantasy sleeper tag. 

But when six of those catches are for touchdowns, someone somewhere noticed. 

In a dynamic offense like Houston's, there are going to be a lot of balls spread around. 

Sure, Andre Johnson is a shoe in for 100 catches, and Owen Daniels is sure to get 60 to 70. 

But who else is going to catch all those passes from Matt Schaub?

Do you really think it's going to be Kevin Walter?

Me neither.

14. Chris Chambers, WR KC

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 03: Chris Chambers #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a first down reception to the two yard line as D.J. Williams #55 of the Denver Broncos makes the tackle during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on January 3, 2010 in Denver, C

You may be asking yourself Chambers age right about now. 

I'll save you the trouble: he's 32. 

But that doesn't mean he can't be a steal late in drafts for you. 

Last season, Chambers had a couple of games with over 100 yards receiving, and actually had a two-touchdown game. 

And that was after changing teams in the middle of the season. 

Now that he's gotten used to KC's offense in the offseason, and won't be given any attention by secondaries because he's lining up opposite Dwayne Bowe, he could put up decent numbers. 

I'm not saying draft him as your starter, but as a solid backup. 

15. Dexter McCluster, RB/WR/etc. KC

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's starting to get crowded in KC. 

Not only do they have Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones in the backfield, and Dwayne Bowe at wideout, they have the quick McCluster as a "secret weapon" of sorts. 

McCluster, in fact, has been seen at the Chiefs training camp lining up as the Wildcat quarterback. 

And he also appears to be the starting slot receiver. 

So it appears that Dexter is going to see the field quite a bit this year. 

And if he can get some touches, look out. 

16. James Jones, WR GB

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: James Jones #89 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the 2010 NFC wild-card playoff game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Glendale, Ar

Another slide, another Jones. 

This Jones, however, has been around for a few years, and every year it seems, some fantasy owners are smitten with him. 

This year, though, may finally be his year. 

Last year, Donald Driver's great season limited Jones in his touches. 

And this year, Jones's value again depends on Driver. 

If Driver gets hurt, which is very possible since he's 35, Jones could be the number two guy. 

And much like Jacoby Jones, James takes advantage of the opportunities he gets, as he scored five times on 32 catches last season. 

Just think if he were to get a few more looks...

17. Brian Hartline, MIA WR

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 03: Brian Hartline #82 of the Miami Dolphins during the pregame against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on September 3, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Miami sure did make a big splash in the offseason. 

And you know of course I'm not talking about the Heat. 

With Brandon Marshall in town, it seems everyone benefits. 

Chad Henne sure benefits. And so does Brian Hartline. 

Hartline appears to be the number two guy on the depth chart right now for the 'Fins. 

And even though they don't chuck it as much as, say, the Texans or Colts, Hartline could see his share of passes, especially since Marshall will see more coverage. 

18. Devin Thomas, WAS WR

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: Wide receiver Devin Thomas #11 of the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium on November 22, 2009 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I know it seems like the list is all receivers, but stay with me. 

I heard a recent writer say that Devin Thomas could be this year's Sidney Rice. 

At first I was like no way.

First of all he's not as big as Rice, and he plays in Washington for another. 

But, still the thought is intriguing, especially since Donovan McNabb is in D.C. 

If the 'Skins can find a decent running game to back up McNabb, the passing game could flourish. 

Thomas could start alongside Santana Moss, and given time and opportunity, he could have a breakout year. 

19. Lex Hilliard, MIA RB

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 03: Lex Hilliard #26 of the Miami Dolphins during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on September 3, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

I definitely am not taking credit for the thought of Hilliard as a sleeper. 

That would be Matthew Berry who came up with the idea. 

His reasoning makes sense though:

You've got Ronnie Brown, who is constantly injured, and Ricky Williams, who is old, in front of Hilliard on the depth chart. 

Hmm...

Methinks that Hilliard will see the field at some point in time this year. 

20. Devery Henderson, NO WR

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Wide receiver Devery Henderson #19 of the New Orleans Saints looks on before the start of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris

You learn something new every day. 

What did I learn today? 

That according to their official website, the New Orleans Saints have Devery Henderson, not Lance Moore or Robert Meachem, as the number two wide receiver. 

Really? 

When did this happen?

Maybe I need to follow the Saints on Twitter or something...

Do I really need to spell out for you why you should take Henderson then? 

In case you haven't guessed, a number two guy in an explosive offense usually means decent fantasy value. 

So see? 

You learned something new today too! 

Maybe...

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