Now that training camp and the preseason are over, it's a great time to check in on some fantasy football sleepers. There are several factors why NFL players value in fantasy can change right before the start of the season; teams cut their roster, make changes to the depth chart, preseason performances, etc. Keep in mind this list of fantasy sleepers isn't necessarily players you would target in the first half of your draft, but rather a list of players you'd select in the double-digit rounds.
The term “sleeper” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. That would include the likes of Joe Burrow, Damien Harris or Michael Pittman Jr. in 2021. Others believe it’s a relative unknown or once forgotten player who emerges into a very useful fantasy option, such as Cordarrelle Patterson or Dalton Schultz.
However, I think there are different levels of sleeper value among NFL players.
For example, the athletes who I labeled as traditional sleepers are all likely to come off the board in the middle to late rounds. Then, you have another tier. I like to call them the “deep sleepers.” These are the players who have average draft positions (ADPs) in the double-digit rounds but could bring back some level of value based on their skills and potential offensive opportunities based on their respective team’s depth charts.
With that in mind, here are 10 players to target in the late rounds who could be the best of the best when it comes to the fantasy football deep sleeper class of 2022.
Sleepers | Breakouts | Busts
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Patriots
Stevenson will open the season behind Damien Harris on the Patriots depth chart, but that doesn’t mean he won’t see enough touches to be fantasy relevant. He averaged a steady 12.3 touches per game as a rookie, and his 4.6 yards per attempt was second behind Elijah Mitchell among first-year runners. In a New England offense that will lean on the ground attack, I like grabbing Stevenson as a RB4 or RB5 late in drafts.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints
Olave, a first-round pick out of Ohio State, could become a potential bargain for fantasy fans during his rookie season. Compared to Marvin Harrison in some circles, he will no doubt start opposite Michael Thomas right out of the gate. That all assumes, of course, that Thomas is back at 100% from an ankle injury that’s kept him out of action for most of the past two years. If Thomas’s issues continue, Olave could shine this season.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Broncos
Okwuegbunam finds himself in a great position for fantasy purposes this season, as the Broncos traded Noah Fant in a deal with Seattle that landed them Russell Wilson. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett has already talked about Okwuegbunam being “more of a receiver” in the passing game, and the upgrade at quarterback is obviously a positive for the third-year tight end. In fact, he could wind up being a low-end fantasy starter.
Tyler Allgeier, RB, Falcons
The Falcons used a wide receiver, Cordarrelle Patterson, as their top running back a season ago. And while C.P. will continue to see time out of the backfield, I could see a scenario in which Allgeier earns an important role in an offense lacking for playmakers. The top rusher in FBS in 2020, he can break tackles and make defenders miss as a one-cut runner. I like him as a RB5 in the late rounds who could outperform his ADP.
Darrel Williams, RB, Cardinals
The Cardinals added Williams to replace the departed Chase Edmonds, who left as a free agent to Miami. The former Chiefs back quietly caught 47 passes last season, four than Edmonds, and will be used more often than you think in an effort to keep James Conner from wearing down. Arizona’s offense should be an explosive one, and Williams could have some flex value this season … and more if Conner misses time.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles
Miles Sanders doesn't want us to draft him in fantasy leagues (no problem, dude!), so I'm going to take his projected backup. Gainwell is a dual threat player who most fantasy managers can land in the late rounds as a No. 4 or 5 runner, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if his 11.8% touch share from a season ago increases in 2022. It's not like Sanders has been a reliable option, right? Maybe it's time for Gainwell to shine.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars
Lawrence had a very forgettable rookie season, but we’ll give him a pass because of the whole Urban Meyer mess. The Jags added Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and Evan Engram to the pass attack in the offseason, and they’ll also get breakout candidate Travis Etienne back from injury. Lawrence is basically free in most drafts due to the depth at quarterback, so he’s a worthwhile late-round selection and a potential steal.
Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, 49ers
Elijah Mitchell is going to be the lead runner in San Francisco, but will he be more durable than he was as a rookie? If not, Davis-Price could have a door open for him to see a bigger role in the offense. Also keep in mind that the team has had a different rushing leader every under head coach Kyle Shanahan (2017-2021), so it wouldn’t be crazy for the rookie to make an impact. He’s going to be a nice, late-round No. 5 runner.
Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Bills
McKenzie has a lot of competition for targets in what is a crowded Bills offense, but that's why he's a deep sleeper/flier pick. He showed flashes of potential last season, and reports out of training camp suggest he's looked great. That could signal a bit of a competition between McKenzie and Jamison Crowder for the team's No. 1 slot role. If nothing else, this is a competition to watch as we get through the summer months.
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