Research and a bit of luck are needed to win a league championship and knowing those players that could have a breakout season is a big help, especially in the later rounds when depth for a roster is a must.
These players are known as “sleepers” and can make the difference between making the playoffs or watching your friends and co-workers battle for bragging rights. Here’s a closer look at the top options available at this draft. However, make sure you watch the preseason games closely as injuries and young emerging players can shake things up before the season opener.
With the passing game changing the way owners draft players, wide receivers and quarterbacks have become more valued over the last decade. Rookies are usually the easy way out, but experienced owners know to search depth charts for players on the upswing.
Pittsburgh wide out Sammy Coates is a young player to watch, despite having just one catch in the 2015 NFL regular season. With Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, the second-year youngster will get plenty of targets. After two catches for 61 yards in the playoffs last year, Coates showed the potential for big plays, making him worth a late round selection.
Quarterbacks are hard to judge when it comes to productivity, but that being said, Joe Flacco is a proven veteran coming off a serious injury. Baltimore has a solid group of wide outs and if healthy, the 31-year-old could be ready to have one of his best years of his career.
Running backs have dropped in the overall player rankings in recent years, but finding the right player can get owners some consistent points each week.
Rookie Jordan Howard for the Chicago Bears is in perfect position to make a significant contribution. With Matt Forte now playing elsewhere, fantasy football owners need to keep an eye on the youngster heading into the regular season as he has a shot at winning the starting job, making him the perfect late round steal for those in the know.
