Fantasy Football Sleepers 2012: Underrated Offensive Talents to Target Early

Unfortunately, there is only one Aaron Rodgers to go around in your fantasy football league. 

So, in order to draft a championship-caliber fantasy squad you must be aware of the underrated offensive talent that many of your competitors will pass on in the early rounds of your draft.

Whether it's a wide receiver with a knack for the big play, a tight end set to benefit from a new signal-caller or a running back who has landed in a new town. These early round sleepers will wind up winning you games. 

Here we break down a trio of underrated fantasy talents to target early in your draft this summer.

Torrey Smith, WR

Smith has emerged as the Baltimore Ravens' No. 1 deep option, and averaged nearly 17 yards per catch last season as a rookie. Smith made the most of his 50 receptions as well, going for 841 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011.

In addition to Smith's speed and impressive numbers, his health is also a plus. He played in all 16 games last season and both of Baltimore's playoff games last January. With Anquan Boldin opposite him in the Ravens offense this season, look for Smith to continue to develop as one of the league's top deep threats.

With Joe Flacco improving every season and boasting one of the NFL's strongest arms, Smith is a risk-free pickup this summer. His presence as a deep route runner keeps him away from big hits and gives him plenty of chances to score. 

Fred Davis, TE

With a rookie quarterback under center in Washington, tight end Fred Davis could very well turn into the most targeted receiver in the Redskins' offense. Similarly to the Cam Newton-Jeremy Shockey connection last season, Robert Griffin III should find confidence checking down to his tight end when no one else is open. 

Davis had 59 receptions for 796 yards and three touchdowns in 2011, and at 6'4" will present Griffin with a can't-miss target down the field and in the flat. Based on the current situation in D.C., Fred Davis promises to be a utilized piece and a dependable fantasy option. 

Considering it's never wise to take a tight end too early, Davis will provide fantasy owners with an opportunity to acquire underrated talent after the fifth round or so. 

Peyton Hillis, RB

At 6'2", 250 pounds, Peyton Hillis is a powerful runner who will likely rediscover success with a new team in the Kansas City Chiefs this fall. Hillis will have a talented running back in Jamaal Charles to team up with, and will get plenty of carries to showcase his ability.

Hillis rushed for over 1,100 yards in 2010 with the Cleveland Browns, and earned a spot on the cover of Madden 12 thanks to his out-of-nowhere production. Hillis should be fresh after only carrying the ball 161 times last season because of injury.

Another key reason Hillis should succeed in 2012 is the fact that the Chiefs hired Brian Daboll as their offensive coordinator this offseason. Daboll was the Browns' OC when Hillis had his breakout season in 2010, and is a fan of running the football.

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