Fantasy Football 2022: 3 Rookie Sleepers Undervalued in Drafts

It's fun to have rookies on your fantasy football roster.

Oh, and it can prove to be hugely helpful if you pick the right first-timers.

Between the rise of dynasty leagues and the early impact of some recent NFL rookie classes, it might be more important than ever to add a first-timer or three to your team. This is how you add upside, and even if it comes attached to some risk, that's a gamble worth taking at least once or twice.

The only issue is most fantasy managers seem to recognize the importance of rookies in the modern game, so the cream of the crop won't come cheap. That's fine, though, since the following three sleepers could deliver a major return on your investment.

David Bell, WR, Cleveland Browns

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BEREA, OH - JUNE 08: David Bell #18 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during the Cleveland Browns offseason workout at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 8, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)

David Bell is really, really good at football.

He also happened to have a disastrous draft combine, where he ran just a 4.65-second 40-yard dash. That potentially put enough fantasy managers off of his trail to provide a real bargain opportunity at your draft.

High-end speed may not be in his arsenal, but it wasn't during his time at Purdue, and he still routinely torched defenders. His numbers from 29 games across three seasons are mind-boggling: 232 receptions for 2,946 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Talent isn't an issue, and he just might have enough of it to grab the No. 2 receiver gig alongside Amari Cooper.

Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 21: Romeo Doubs #87 of the Green Bay Packers poses for a portrait during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere on May 21, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers lost his safety net when Green Bay traded away Davante Adams this offseason.

The Packers' receiving core is now very much in flux. Allen Lazard could be the top target early, given his chemistry with Rodgers, but a rookie receiver may challenge for that spot sooner than later. Romeo Doubs could be that pass-catcher, as the rookie fourth-rounder has delivered some explosive moments this preseason, albeit while battling a bout of the dropsies.

"He's been able to separate, which is something that's tough to coach," Packers coach Matt LaFleur told reporters. "Guys can either do it or they can't. There's stuff to clean up, for certain, but he's a guy that we are excited about it."

Doubs might need to earn more trust from Rodgers, but opportunity knocks for a breakout rookie season.

Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 13: Dameon Pierce #31 of the Houston Texans rushes in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints during a preseason game at NRG Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Dameon Pierce has gobs of talent that, for whatever reason, the Florida Gators too often allowed to go unused. The Texans shouldn't make that same mistake.

With Houston pivoting into a full-scale rebuild, this roster lacks quality playmakers, but Pierce could go a long way toward filling that void. In 2021, he averaged 5.7 yards per carry, 11.4 yards perception and one touchdown nearly every seven touches (119 touches, 16 scores).

He now has a non-zero chance to assume control of the Texans' backfield. His primary competition comes from Marlon Mack, who played seven games the past two seasons combined while navigating around a torn Achilles, and Rex Burkhead, a 32-year-old who rushed for just 3.5 yards per carry and managed only three scores on 147 touches last season.

If nothing else, Pierce has the highest ceiling of any of Houston's running backs, and that should be reason enough for the Texans to give him every chance to succeed.