2011 Later-Round Fantasy Football Targets for Your Drafts

For my 2011 fantasy football drafts I always have some hidden gems in my back pocket for later-round picks (not in the first five rounds):

Josh Freeman, QB, TB

Josh Freeman is a weapon that needs to be your backup QB or QB2 in a two-quarterback league.  I bet he goes 3,500-plus yards and 30-plus TDs for 2011.  He is still a bit under the radar, but he won't be any longer after this season.

Mike Thomas, WR, JAX

Jason Hill will play opposite Mike Thomas this year; I see Thomas as coming into his prime and he is very reminiscent of Steve Smith (CAR).   He will slide as I think people will totally forget about this guy.  Mike Sims-Walker is out in Jacksonville and Thomas is the WR1.  Enjoy this hidden gem.

Julio Jones, WR, ATL

Atlanta needed a WR2 opposite Roddy White for a while now and I think Jones has the opportunity to step up and take some receptions.  He is a bit of gamble for sure as with most rookies, but I don't see why he won't produce solid numbers and can be snatched in the later rounds of your draft.  Worth the gamble.

Fred Jackson, RB, BUF

Fred Jackson is going to slip way later in most drafts for 2011.  He still has a ton of gas in the tank and will produce a solid backup RB numbers and if C.J. Spiller were to become injured, then it's game time.  If you draft Spiller, then Fred Jackson is a must-handcuff with potential to be the starter for the majority of 2011.  He is a safer later-round RB pick for 2011.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, DET

Another rookie gamble with strong upside.  Jahvid Best is injury prone as well as a smaller explosive back so Leshoure should take the goal line touches and if Best is hurt, then Leshoure is going to get the lion's share of carries.  One of my favorite rookie RBs for 2011.

The $5 2011 Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft guide is ready for purchase.