Fantasy Football Sleepers: 5 Washington Redskins you need to consider

Fantasy Football Sleepers can determine if your team will compete for the prize, or be out of the playoff race by mid season. 

If you are serious about fantasy football, chances are you have your own special list of sleepers. 

Only once a year do you get a chance to prove why you should be the general manager of your favorite franchise. 

It’s this sleeper list you create that reveals why it should be you writing for all those fantasy football guides, and not that moron who told you Donovan McNabb would have a bomb year in 2010.

Sometimes sleepers arise as the result of the failure of another sleeper.  I don’t know anyone who drafted Arian Foster ahead of Steve Slaton last year.

The best way to start is to go team by team and analyze a players potential within the scheme he’s in along with the players ahead of him. 

Here are five sleepers to keep an eye on from the Washington Redskins.

No. 5: Leonard Hankerson

Hankerson was drafted by the Redskins in the third round and left the “U” behind him at just the right time. 

The excitement on Hankerson comes from his big-play ability.  He fits similarly in the mold of Terrell Owens, which includes a penchant for dropping the football. Early jeers out of Redskins Park have nicknamed Hankerson “50/50”—indicative of the odds given him catching a pass thrown his way. 

Against the Colts, Hankerson improved those odds to 75/25 and showed flashes of big-play ability.

He is a big target with good speed.  His tendency to take his eyes off the ball for the sake of yards after the catch is admirable and can only improve. Hankerson has the chance to move into the Redskins third wide receiver and become their-big play guy.

I would not use a draft pick on Hankerson, but keep an eye on him.  If he snags a few early-season touchdowns, you can expect that to continue so don’t hesitate to pick him up.

No. 4: Roy Helu

Helu has impressed thus far in preseason. He had a nice performance against the Steelers, rushing for xx yards in Week 1 of the preseason. He then followed that up by scorching the Colts for 101 yards on the ground and four receptions out of the backfield.

You have to like him as a third-down or second-and-long-type back to start the season. If Tim Hightower puts the ball on the ground, look for Helu to take over more carries.

Helu has the speed to be that big play guy. His style reminds you of a more physical version of Marshall Faulk. 

Helu might be worth a low-round pick if you are thin at RB. Ideally, you should keep your eye on him as a free agent, as he probably won’t open the season with numbers warranting a draft pick. 

No. 3: Redskins Defense

Washington’s defense ranked 31st in 2010.  Don’t expect them to come anywhere close to that in 2011. The Redskins have upgraded at nearly every position and brought in the right personnel to carry out the 3-4 scheme. 

Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts were held under 200 total yards on offense by Washington in each of their two preseason games. 

They have been getting decent pressure on the quarterback with six total sacks thus far.  And that's all without starting safeties LaRon Landry and O.J. Atogwe who have nursed injuries and have yet to play.

No doubt the Redskins defense will be overlooked after last season's debacle.  There’s a great chance they will go undrafted so keep an eye on them if your starting D under performs.

No. 2: John Beck

If there is any question who will start the season at quarterback in D.C. don’t fret, it will be John Beck. Shanahan Inc. has always been high on Beck.  Admittedly, in 2007, Beck was rated as the No. 1 quarterback on Kyle Shanahan’s big board, ahead of Jamarcus Russell. 

Beck was exceptional in his first start with the Redskins against the Indianapolis Colts, completing 14-17 passes for 140 yards and a 101 quarterback rating. 

The name of Beck's game is efficiency.  He doesn’t appear to have the momentary brain farts that Rex Grossman has, which gives him the edge. 

Beck has been taking charge all offseason by organizing team workouts and helping rookies with the playbook. He’s been displaying great leadership ability and backed it up on the field against the Colts.

Try adding depth at receiver and running back, and then snag Beck in the late round of your fantasy football draft.

No. 1: Tim Hightower

The Arizona Cardinals have to be kicking themselves for trading Hightower to the Redskins after losing second-round pick and former Virginia Tech Hokie Ryan Williams for the season.

The big knock on Hightower is that he puts the ball on the ground too much.  He’s been nothing but electric thus far.  With oft-injured Ryan Torain again healing from injury, Hightower is No. 1 in Washington. 

Hightower shows great speed and burst, and seems to read the zone-blocking lanes well. He’s a true threat to take it to the house. 

Hightower is worth a low-round draft pick, but be careful because people are starting to catch on.  Don’t be surprised to see someone scoop him up in the mid rounds. It may not be a bad strategy for you, either, as Hightower has the potential to have a breakout season. 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns is not out of the question.