Jeremiah Johnson and other Dynasty League Fantasy Football Late Sleepers

The third preseason game usually gives us a good look at some sleepers we’ve identified much earlier in training camp. This year, we had three surprise players make their own push to be late additions to dynasty league rosters across the country.

Each of these players have performed exceptionally well over the last week or two and will make it nearly impossible for their teams to attempt to sneak them on their practice squad.

I’d contend that each one of these players should be on a dynasty league roster now as a young project player with some very high upside.

Here are the late bloomers from the 2010 NFL Preseason:

Jeremiah Johnson, RB, HOU

He made our list of sleepers last year before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.

This year, he’s come back strong and made the most of the situation created when Ben Tate was lost for the season.

In the last two preseason games, Johnson has rushed for 86 yards on just 14 carries, showcasing the burst and acceleration he was known for at the University of Oregon.

With Steve Slaton ailing with a turf toe issue, it’s time to pick up Jeremiah Johnson. He’s easily beat out Chris Henry to be no worse than the No. 3 running back in Houston.

One thing is certain in the NFL. When you have talent as a running back, you always get a chance at some point in your career.

Arian Foster will dominate the Houston backfield for the foreseeable future, but patience could be rewarded here.

Max Hall, QB, ARI

This former Brigham Young quarterback was left on the outside looking in after the 2010 NFL Draft and signed with Arizona as an undrafted free agent earlier this Spring.

Hall put together a very nice career at BYU, compiling 11,365 passing yards and 94 touchdowns. He also possesses one quality that NFL scouts love to see: accuracy. He completed 68 percent of his passes in his last two collegiate seasons.

The Cardinals drafted John Skelton from Fordham in hopes that they could possibly groom him to be the quarterback of the future. At this point, Max Hall has outplayed him, and it's looking like the Cardinals may just keep both on the roster this year.

In fact, Chris Mortensen reported yesterday that the Cardinals see some “Kurt Warner” qualities in Hall.

He merits an immediate pickup in deep dynasty leagues.

Chris Ivory, RB, NO

We told you earlier this year that Ivory was a player worth watching. Well, he’s a player worth grabbing now.

With the Saints looking to replace Mike Bell in some fashion, Ivory looks to be the one taking advantage of the opportunity.

Ivory led the Saints in their last preseason game with 45 yards rushing on 11 carries. He also had a 76-yard touchdown catch, showcasing his elusiveness and tackle breaking ability on the way.

While Pierre Thomas will most certainly be the back to own in New Orleans, Ivory should be a player to add as a young running back with upside.

Similar to Johnson, running backs always get a chance at some point in their careers.

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For the complete set of strategic 2010 dynasty rankings, click below:

Strategic Quarterback Rankings
Strategic Running Back Rankings
Strategic Wide Receiver Rankings
Strategic Tight End Rankings
Strategic IDP Rankings

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