DLF's 72 Sleepers for 2010 and Beyond

For the past month, we at DynastyLeagueFootball.com have been working hard putting together dynasty capsules for all 32 teams in the NFL.

The most conversation from this series of articles has certainly been on the list of sleepers and super sleepers for 2010 and beyond.

As defined, sleepers are candidates who have a chance to contribute as early as this season if all the cards fell their way or the rare case of an established player being forgotten in league circles.

Super sleepers are mostly developmental prospects with very little chance to make an impact as soon as this year.

Any site out there can list Jay Cutler, Dez Bryant, or Carson Palmer as a sleeper. We’re serious about mining deep into the rosters in search of future gems. We believe these are where you find the real sleepers for fantasy football.

As a dynasty league team owner, it’s important to keep tabs on not just the stars, but also these sleepers.

After all, it would have been nice to have Arian Foster, Jermichael Finley, and a host of others secured before other owners knew about them last year. They were all on watch lists like this last year.

Without further hesitation, here’s the complete list of 72 sleepers based off our 32 dynasty team capsules, just in case you missed them.

NFC TEAMS

ATLANTA FALCONS

Sleeper

Jason Snelling, RB

It’s not out of the question that Snelling gets another opportunity to start some games this year. If not for some serious struggles on the goal line, Snelling’s 4.3 yards per carry and 4 TD’s would have been even better.  

He did have five double-digit fantasy performances, though. It was also obvious the team had faith in him to carry the ball in some serious games. If I’m a Michael Turner owner, I’m a Snelling owner, too.

Super Sleeper

Dmitri Nance, RB

Now this is REALLY going out there, but Nance is a guy to keep an eye on in camp.  He may not make the team, but he showed some flashes of talent at Arizona State.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Sleeper

Cadillac Williams, RB
It’s pretty unusual to list a former fantasy football hero as a sleeper, but the boot fits here. Cadillac enjoyed a fine 2009 with 823 yards on 211 carries. 

That’s nowhere near No. 1 RB numbers, but he’s being drafted way too late in startup dynasty leagues. In the recent dynasty experts league, he was taken at No. 204 overall. 

I see him as a valuable No. 3 RB for the next couple of seasons, worthy of a pick at least four rounds sooner.

He’s a player you can get on the cheap now who could help this season.  Cap’n Morris has gone on record saying the offense will run through Caddy.

Super Sleeper

Josh Johnson, QB

Something bad would have to happen to Freeman for Johnson to have value, but this San Diego product has talent and showed some of it in spot duty last year.

Rumor had it more than a few teams attempted to acquire him during the draft and were turned down.

Add to that the jettisons of Luke McCown and Byron Leftwich, and you could have a Matt Schaub-like backup QB situation in the future.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Sleeper

Armanti Edwards, WR

Fans of DynastyLeagueFootball.com know how much we like the former Appalachian State quarterback’s chances at the next level.

He has an “it” factor that has shown up big time at spring practices and what should be an incredibly difficult transition to Wide Receiver is coming much more naturally than expected.

Super Sleepers

Kenneth Moore, WR/KR

He’s more of a special teams weapon, but word has it that he lined up with the first-team offense ahead of many others at a recent practice.

Is this a sign that he’s progressing towards a bigger role? It’s doubtful, but worth keeping an eye on.

Hunter Cantwell, QB

Many local beat writers believe Cantwell would be the choice if Moore fails to impress early. Can he really hold off Jimmy Clausen?

Tyrell Sutton, RB

Three super sleepers off the same team, you ask?  Well, it could easily be four if we counted Mike Goodson. Sutton has been very impressive in preseason action and played well in spot duty last year.

He’s a long shot for production as long as Williams and Stewart are around, but either he or Goodson could be the next handcuff in a run-oriented offense.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Sleepers

Jimmy Graham, TE
It looks like the Saints are prepared to replace one Hurricane TE with another.  Graham is a bit raw for sure, but he landed in a great spot. With Shockey’s injury history, Graham could be useful sooner rather than later.

Lance Moore, WR
Novice dynasty league owners may have forgotten about Moore, but we certainly haven’t.  He was actually Drew Brees’ favorite target a couple of years ago.

Last season was lost due to injury. Don’t be surprised if he re-emerges to challenge the other WRs for serious playing time.

Super Sleeper

Lynell Hamilton, RB
If Thomas struggles at all with an increased workload, it’s likely going to be Hamilton, not Reggie Bush, who is the beneficiary. Keep an eye on the L-train, for sure.

If there is an injury to Thomas, he could be the steal of the year.  If I’m a Thomas owner, I’m a Hamilton owner.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Sleepers

Martellus Bennett, TE
It seems he’s been on this list so long that he needs a CPAP machine. There’s no denying his personality or his ability, that’s for sure.

An injury to Jason Witten would vault him to No. 1 TE status in a heartbeat. Remember, the Bengals reportedly made a significant offer for him and were turned down. The Cowboys like his prospects and so should dynasty owners.

Kevin Ogletree,WR
He’d be very high on the overall sleeper list if not for all the WRs ahead of him on this team. In fact, the team is very high on Sam Hurd as well. It’s just going to take a significant injury or the movement of Crayton and Williams for them to get their chance.

Super Sleeper

Lonyae Miller, RB
Many people don’t know much about Miller since he played behind Ryan Mathews at Fresno State.

The Cowboys weren’t on that list since they signed him quickly as an undrafted free agent. He has an uphill climb to make this team, but this kid is a bruiser. He’s already impressing the coaching staff.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Super Sleeper

Ryan Torain, RB
Nobody really fits the bill for a conventional sleeper on this team at this point, but Torain is most definitely a deep sleeper in dynasty circles.

Many owners were salivating when Torain finally got his first start in Denver two years ago, but were left crushed when he tore up his knee that same night.

Injuries are a huge concern for Torain and have been since he was at Arizona State, but the coaching staff is very familiar with him and we know how quickly a depth chart can change on a team led by Shanahan. He’ll likely be left off the final roster, but he’s worth monitoring.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sleeper

Charles Scott, RB
A lot of people are forgetting about this bruising running back, but it wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see him push Bell for short-yardage duties this year. He could make Bell completely expendable next year.

Super Sleeper

Mike Kafka, QB
Everybody seemed to forget Kafka existed after he was taken by the Eagles in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. He was one of Ron Jaworski’s pre-draft darlings and he ironically went to Jaworski’s ex-team in Philly.

He possesses a skill set that translates well to the West Coast system and he’s a good stash as a developmental quarterback in a dynasty league.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Sleeper

Gartrell Johnson, RB

A powerful runner from Colorado State, Johnson was gobbled up by the Giants after being released from the Chargers.

He’s shown an ability to be a good receiver out of the backfield and has the ability to break tackles. With Jacobs struggling and Bradshaw’s injury history, Johnson is a guy to keep your eye on.

Super Sleepers

Andre Brown, RB

At this point, I prefer Brown to Danny Ware, but either of them could fit in this category. If Brown is healthy, he has a lot of natural ability.

Ramses Barden, WR

He was about as raw as raw could be coming out of Cal Poly last year. He’s a monster target at 6’6” and 227 pounds, though. Can he be developed enough to make an impact as early as this season?

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Sleeper

James Starks, RB

At 6’2” and 218 pounds, Starks is well-built for a RB. If Ryan Grant gets injured or underperforms, Starks has starting RB ability. You may not know much of him since he went to school at Buffalo, but that may change one day.

Super Sleeper

Matt Flynn, QB

Flynn is certainly no challenge to Aaron Rodgers’ job as the starter in Green Bay. However, he’s been impressive enough for the Packers to let go Brian Brohm and feel comfortable with him as their backup.

If Flynn shows up big in the preseason, he could find himself being a trade target for other teams in the future.

DETROIT LIONS

Sleeper

Tony Scheffler, TE

He could take advantage of Pettigrew’s injury and flourish early for this offense. If he plays well, he could make it very difficult for the Lions to take him off the field. Disregarding his talent in dynasty circles could be a mistake.

Super Sleeper

Aaron Brown, RB

It’s not inconceivable to think both Kevin Smith and Jahvid Best could deal with injuries this year. If that’s the case, Brown has shown a lot of versatility and explosiveness.

He averaged nearly five yards per carry and was a preseason wonder last year. If he can avoid mental mistakes, he has a chance to make it as a third-down back.

CHICAGO BEARS

Sleeper

Kahlil Bell, RB

He’s squarely on the roster bubble this summer, but he showed some talent by averaging 5.5 yards per carry and rushing for 220 yards last year in spot duty behind Forte.

His best run was 72 yards, which was the longest offensive gain by any Bear last season. Keep your eye on Bell, as he could make a push to get some touches.

Super Sleeper

Dan LeFevour, QB

If LeFevour touches the field this year, something has gone horribly wrong in Chicago. He does have NFL talent, though.

His decision to not do everything at the NFL combine is going to haunt him for a long, long time as it sent his stock plummeting. However, the Bears were happy to snatch him up late in the draft as a developmental prospect.

He’ll have to eventually beat out Caleb Hanie to be the backup, but that seems possible given his skill set.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Sleeper

Albert Young, RB

The drafting of Gerhart to play behind Peterson clouds his future a bit, but he’s a guy to keep tabs on. If he’s somehow let go, he could really emerge on another team. Favre himself has been gushing about how talented he is.

Super Sleeper

Jaymar Johnson, WR

He’s shown flashes on the practice field the past year or so. He has a lot of players to pass on the depth chart, but he has some talent for sure.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Sleeper

Deon Butler WR
Butler gave the Hawks reason for optimism last year when caught 15 balls for 175 yards. While those may not be eye-popping numbers, those who follow the Seahawks know how explosive he looked and how much he’s seemingly developed in the offseason.

Super Sleepers

Louis Rankin, RB

This local University of Washington product had a semi-productive stint in Oakland before landing in Seattle. The running back position is a major question mark right now and he’ll have an opportunity to make his coaches give him some thought with a productive preseason.

Mike Williams, WR

Yep, we’re going to be the first ones to put it out there. Mike Williams actually has a chance to make this team. You probably remember him mostly as a bust from Detroit, or maybe your neighbor at a local buffet, but he’s in shape right now.

Combine the fact that Pete Carroll was his coach at USC and the fact he’s been impressive so far and you have a player to at least monitor for now.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Sleepers

Andre Roberts, WR

This rookie wide receiver is worth a roster spot in deep leagues.

His stock fell a little when he went to Arizona and their roster full of talented wideouts, but this Mel Kiper Jr. favorite from The Citadel has talent.

I mean, really, has Captain Hairdo ever steered us wrong?

Derek Anderson, QB

If Leinart fails early, Anderson should take over. We’ve seen enough from Anderson to know he’s maddeningly inconsistent, but anyone throwing to Fitzgerald would have value.

Super Sleeper

John Skelton, QB

I love the Skelton pick in Arizona. He should make the team as the third quarterback and has virtually no chance of seeing the field soon, but he has great measurables.

At 6’5” and 258 pounds, this small school product from Fordham has the frame and skill set to take a chance on. He was incredibly productive at the collegiate level, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards last season.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

Sleeper

Jason Hill, WR

Hill has been very inconsistent so far in his professional career. His nine catches, 90 yards and two scores from last year are certainly nothing to write home about. He has been a standout at camp, though.

His price tag is also significantly less than Brandon Jones. Combine those factors and you should have the 49ers No. 3 wide receiver.

Super Sleeper

David Carr, QB

There must be something about former No. 1 draft picks being the 49ers backup quarterback, as David Carr takes the seat left by Alex Smith last year.

Carr’s talent has never been in question. Can he finally get his confidence back after the beating he took in Houston?

Time will tell, but the leash on Alex Smith won’t be incredibly long and Mike Singletary has already shown he’ll play the best player, regardless of it being the most popular of decisions.

Carr is the clear backup and there’s nothing close to a quarterback controversy here, but he’s worth monitoring.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Sleeper

Kenneth Darby, RB

Steven Jackson really has no clear backup at this point. It could be either Chris Ogbonnaya or Kenneth Darby. Regardless, he’d be in a time-share at worst in the event of a Steven Jackson injury.

Darby is one of those guys you’d like to pick up off waivers in a fantasy league, then trade away later for a late-round rookie pick the second he has value.

The way Jackson runs, there’s always the chance of injury. Regardless, he’s probably the most talented running back on the roster outside of Jackson.

Super Sleepers

Fendi Onobun, TE

This DLF forum favorite is a converted basketball player and major project at tight end. At 6’6” and 249 pounds, he has the size and athleticism you need in a tight end.

Combine that with a great opportunity on a depleted team talent-wise and you have the consummate super sleeper.

Michael Hoomanawanui, TE
He may not make the team, but any player with this many syllables should be considered dangerous. At the very least, he and Chris Ogbonnaya make for some serious scores in Scrabble.

For the complete list of AFC Sleepers and Super Sleepers, click here .