2011 Fantasy Football: Mario Manningham and 7 Late Round Sleepers

As a waiver wire guru I am always looking through late -round draft targets that have tons of upside for us to grab in the later rounds.  Here is a list of guys I am strongly considering.

Mario Manningham

Steve Smith may end up on the physically unable to perform list starting the 2011 season.  Mario Manningham would step into his role.  I love his upside and after the catch, big play ability.  Last year he almost broke the 1,000 yard mark and almost recorded double digit TDs.  This is an exciting sleeper.

Ryan Torain

It appears Torain will have a chance to start in 2011, but the worry is his lack of goal-line touches and his ability to get into the end zone.  He has a buyer beware tag, but he will slip into later rounds and should be a starting RB.  I wouldn't be scared to draft him, but know what you are getting into.

Brandon Tate

Allow me to go deep-sea fishing here. The Patriots did not draft a WR in the draft this year.  Some are saying to look for Ochocinco to land in New England, which is possible. However, if I had a draft today I would use a last round pick on Tate and hope for the upside.

Owen Daniels

I believe Daniels will have been forgotten about when it comes to fantasy drafts in 2011.  The Texans recommitted to him and gave him a nice new contract and I wouldn't hesitate on using a later round selection on Daniels.

Jordy Nelson

What if Donald Driver doesn't play much and James Jones goes to another team in free agency?  Well, that makes Nelson a No. 2 WR in Green Bay.  He is a sweet, late-round target with awesome upside

Jacoby Jones

He is another last-round target, but he has the kind of ability—if he can just get the fantasy production—that would satisfy me.  I would feel awesome choosing Jones in the last round of 2011.  Roll the dice.

Matt Cassel

He did throw a good amount of TDs last year and I am hoping he can improve on his down the field accuracy.  In a two-QB league or as a back-up, Cassel is a fine late-round sleeper.

Need a draft guide for 2011?  We have a 2011 Draft Guide.