ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Writer Daniel Johns
 
Well every year in the world of fantasy football there is that one sleeper who comes out of no where and produces at high-levels that no one could have possibly predicted. 

Running backs like Ryan Grant, Earnest Graham and Justin Fargas who all exceeded expectations last season ring some bells.  Wide outs such as Marques Colsten a 6th round draft pick who surprised everyone in his rookie year of ’06, Mike Furrey came second in the entire league that year with 98 catches and don’t forget Wes Welker a 5’9 undrafted receiver more known for his return abilities prior to being in New England, tied, for the most receptions last season with 112! (Albeit Brady was an upgrade at QB over the mess in Miami )  
Most likely it’s because of an injury to a fellow teammate, allowing that person to get more playing time than usual; and others just come out of left field and put up numbers that have you flying to the waiver wire to pick them up!  Whatever the case may be, here is a possible list of sleepers you should definitely take the time to look at prior to your draft. 

Fantasy Sleepers in 2008

Let’s start at RB.  Statistically running back is usually the most production position for rookies on average.  There are three rookie running backs that immediately come to mind as potentially putting up some solid numbers.  No not Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch’s rookie numbers, but hopefully “do-able” numbers.
RB’s

* James Stewart         Carolina Panthers
Well let’s just say DeAngelo Williams can’t catch a break.  Just when you think he has the keys to the driver’s seat once DeShaun Foster exits to the Bay Area, the Panthers go out and draft another running back in the first round.  Stewart at 5’11 235 lbs. is a bowling ball who should command the goal line carries.  Sure, they will split time, and sure John Fox may give Williams one last chance and have Stewart learn for awhile, but all signs point to Stewart taking over sooner rather than later.  Not to bash Williams in any right, he still has the potential to be a really good back, but Carolina wouldn’t draft a running back 13th overall if Williams was the definite answer.  Look for a running back by committee here, with Stewart getting the nod toward the end of the season (especially if there is no shot at the playoffs).  He’s worthy of a mid-round selection in your draft.

* Kevin Smith Detroit Lions 
            Three things were scary about being a Lion’s running back last year.  One, it had one of the worst offensive line’s in the league, two, it had pass happy Mike Martz as the Offensive Coordinator and three, it was completely crowded back there.  Now only one of those problems still re main and it is the extremely weak offensive line.  It’s a good thing they addressed the need for more bodies at that position by drafting Gosder Cherilus with their first pick, and also addressed another need by nabbing Kevin Smith later on.  He was a work-horse in college but doesn’t have to worry so much in a Detroit offense that loves to throw.  Well, that was with Martz, now without him, expect a much more balanced offense and his only real competition is Tatum Bell; It’s pretty evident that Smith won’t have to worry about loosing very many carries with that situation.  Kevin Smith looks like he will be a legit sleeper worthy of being a third running back on your fantasy team.   

* Matt Forte               Chicago Bears
            Well time to celebrate if you’re a Chicago fan, the brief but tiring, Cedric Benson era is abruptly over.  In comes a 2nd rounder out of Tulane by the name of Matt Forte.  There is already much hype on the kid, probably because the Bears have no backfield whatsoever, so who better than him?  Well Adrian Peterson may have the nod in pre-season but don’t be shocked if Forte not only steals playing time, but also takes over the reigns at some point in ’08.  Chi-town has no receivers, no quarterback and virtually no offense, so it wouldn’t be all the surprising if they favor heavily on the run.  However, that line is still aging and Forte isn’t known for his break away speed or agility whatsoever.  He is a bruising type of back who can block and will dig out tough yards in ugly, cold weather games.  With all that being said, he still looks like a lock to be the next Chicago Bears ball carrier and hopefully a lot of carries on an anemic offense; making him at the very least a bench running back on your fantasy team.

* Selvin Young           Denver Broncos
            Not a rookie this year, but he was undrafted and is undersized, which ironically fits the résumé of being a Denver running back.  He wouldn’t have been a sleeper if it wasn’t for Travis Henry being cut, now that leaves the door wide open for himself, veteran Michael Pittman and another possible rookie sleeper to take notice on, Ryan Torain.  Going into preseason, Young should have the nod, but you just never know in Denver who is going to come out as Mike Shanahan’s number 1 back.  For a Denver team lacking playmakers on offense since the departure of Travis Henry and Javon Walker, Young could be in for a career year and then quickly become a one-hit wonder, as do many of Denver running backs in the past.  He should give-or-take have about the same value of Forte (above).

* Pierre Thomas         New Orleans Saints
            The Saints just keep getting more and more options in that now crowded backfield.  Reggie Bush is the starter going in who was supposed to split time with Deuce McAllister, but is now coming off another damaging injury.  This after Deuce tore his ACL in week 3.  It required micro-fracture surgery and even with New Orleans optimistic he will recover 100%, there are a lot of concerns and questions with his health and if he can hold up the entire season.  The Saints even have veteran Aaron Stecker as a possible replacement if need be, however, the most upside seems to come with the younger Pierre Thomas.  In his first and only start, which came in the final week of the season, Pierre ran and caught for over 100 yards each.  He showed signs of being a capable back and in the likely event that McAllister would need to be rested at any point, Thomas seems to be the dark horse to compliment the speedy Bush as a one two punch.  Even if not a sleeper this year, he could very well be a candidate at some point down the road.  He probably shouldn’t be drafted in fantasy, but for sure keep a close eye on him in the free agent pool just in case.

·        Other possible RB Sleepers: SEA Julius Jones, NYG Ahmad Bradshaw and KC Jamaal Charles
 
WR’s

* Anthony Gonzalez               Indianapolis Colts
            He has drawn comparisons to Brandon Stokley and maybe even a little Wes Welker mixed in.  But his value all depends on the return of Marvin Harrison.  Even with Harrison back in the lineup, Gonzalez’s value shouldn’t drop that much at all; especially with Peyton Manning at the helm.  Either way he will either be a solid WR next to Reggie Wayne on the outside, or worse case scenario come inside and once again play the slot where he was starting to hold his own as the season wore on.  In the unfortunate event that the 35 year old Harrison doesn’t have it anymore, there aren’t many options outside of Wayne and Gonzo; therefore, he is the clear cut favorite to be one of Manning’s new favorite targets.  Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark are sure enough going to be getting the bulk of Manning’s passes with Harrison as a hit or miss fantasy performer this year, yet Gonzalez will get his fair share of the looks.  And from Peyton Manning that usually translates into very good things out there in fantasy football land.  He’s a lock to be your solid third fantasy receiver.
WR’s

* Nate Burelson                     Seattle Seahawks
            Here is my favorite sleeper heading into 2008.  He signed a fat contract to head over to gloomy Seattle , yet thus far, he hasn’t produced the kind of numbers worthy of such a salary.  He did quietly however, put up 9 touchdowns on only 50 catches last year.  His running mate, long time vet Bobby Engram quietly put up a career year himself with virtually career best numbers across the board.  Taking everything into account, Seattle’s star wide out Deion Branch is coming off a torn ACL injury and everyone’s sleeper pick of last year that didn’t quite live up to the hype, D.J. Hackett has left to Carolina.  That leaves the speedy return specialist Burelson as the main deep threat and possibly even the main target!  Matt Hasselbeck is no slouch either, this after posting career highs in touchdowns (28) and nearly throwing for 4,000 yards.  Even more, it doesn’t exactly hurt that Seattle get’s to play St. Louis and Arizona ’s suspect secondary twice a year.  Although it’s unlikely that Burelson will match his career high back in Minnesota in 2004 when he caught 68 balls, had 9 TD’s and going a shy over 1,000 yards receiving, but expect similar to those numbers now that he should be the number two or surprisingly enough, even the number one option in that high powered offense.  Be cautious, a lot of fantasy players seem to have noticed this already and have been drafting Burelson pretty high to ensure they get their sleeper pick, so if you’re in need of a receiver in the middle of the draft, don’t be scared to pull the trigger.  

* Jabar Gaffney                     New England Patriots
            Anyone else notice a theme here?  If you have an elite Quarterback on the roster, the receivers will deliver.  Well not all the time, but Gaffney as being apart of the monstrous New England passing attack should have no problems posting career numbers.  Let’s not forget that former number two WR, Donte Stallworth left this off season to join the upstart Browns.  This should pay dividends to Gaffney who is in very good company, with the likes of Tom “Superhero” Brady.  Yes, Randy Moss will probably get 99.9% of Brady’s looks, however once again if not even more he will demand a double team, leaving Gaffney and company open.  Still returning after a career year of his own, is Wes Welker who originally played the slot in previous years.  It is unknown as of yet if Welker will join Moss out in the flats or if he will remain inside to snag all those quick routes off the slot position.  Gaffney has been treading the ultra thin line of being known as an NFL bust, after having Houston select him in the 2nd round back in 2002.  So this could be his last chance to prove that he can produce high numbers in the NFL; and by judging who he has at quarterback, the ball is definitely in his court.  He should be a third or better yet fourth receiver in your lineup, so draft him mid to late.  

* James Hardy                       Buffalo Bills
            I can sum this prediction up in two words: height advantage.  The tall, mammoth rookie out of Indiana has a ridiculous height advantage over all the other Bills WR’s.  Go-to man Lee Evans is 5’10, Josh Reed 5’10 and return specialist Roscoe Parrish is 5’9.  James Hardy stands at 6’7 and that’s not a misprint.  What he lacks in speed, he obviously makes up for in height and jumping ability.  He should be the new red-zone target from QB Trent Edwards.  Rookie WR’s don’t have the best history in the NFL stat wise, but Hardy could play the role of Plaxico Burress or Reggie Williams, lob it up in the end zone and let the big man come down with it.  Although he probably won’t come steam rolling out of the gates, especially being deep on the depth chart, but look for him to get comfortable and then make a good to decent fantasy outburst later on into the season.  He likely will go undrafted in your fantasy drafts, but keep a close eye on him as the season goes on, or even steal him with your last pick as insurance to keep around.   

·        Other possible WR Sleepers: CAR D.J. Hackett, TEN Justin Gage and MIN Sidney Rice
QB’s

* Jay Cutler                Denver Broncos
            Well the list seems thin this year with potential sleeper quarterback candidates but here are a few names that you could draft as your number two or three QB on your fantasy team this year.  One that seems to stand out is Jay Cutler.  After a slow start to the year, he actually finished rather respectfully, all things considered.  A 20 to 14 TD to INT ratio isn’t half bad for your first NFL season as full starter.  Also compile on passing for 3,497 yards and was fourth among QB’s last year in rushing yards at 205 and a touchdown.  So not only does he have a rocket arm, but he won’t be afraid to run a few times a game if need be.  That translates into a solid day of fantasy anytime you can get rushing yards on top of passing out of your quarterback..  He will not have the best targets to throw to, especially now that Javon Walker left to rival Oakland , but his new favorite target Brandon Marshall seems to be a very nice big target for him to relay on in coming years.  Furthermore, with the development of tight end Tony Scheffler as a security blanket down the middle, there is no reason why Cutler won’t put up more of the same numbers heading into 2008..  The only big knock here though is that he plays in one of the toughest divisions in terms of defensive secondary’s, so take cautions on possible high interceptions; Thus, making Cutler at least a pretty solid second QB on your fantasy team.

*Aaron Rodgers                     Green Bay Packers
            Well you knew this prediction was coming.  It’s hard to rank this guy as a sleeper when everyone else all over the world has already done so as soon as Favre retired.  But the heir apparent to Favre does have a legitimate shot at becoming a fantasy stud.  He is drawing comparisons to the likes of Tony Romo.  Remember, it was Romo who sat for three years and waited on the sidelines and then came in and produced at alarming rates.  Rodgers has been waiting patiently for 3 years and now it’s time to make Wisconsin proud.  Much like Romo he also has a plethora of dangerous weapons at his disposal.  He has two stud WR’s in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, has an up-and-coming TE in Donald Lee and a pleasant surprise at RB with a young and dangerous Ryan Grant.  It might take him a few weeks, maybe even mid-season, to gel with his targets, but he will be chomping-at-the-bit to make up for lost time.  It goes without saying, even though with the same high-powered offense as last year, don’t expect Brett Favre-like numbers, but do expect some solid numbers across the board with possible high TD mixed with high INT’s in his first full year start.  Similar to Cutler, make him you’re number two or back up bye-week filer, third QB on your roster.
 
* Jason Campbell                   Washington Redskins
            Well everyone wants to know, is this the year he puts it together?  You can’t ask for a much more high-powered offense than the one he’s got.  Returning to the Skins is Pro Bowl talent RB Clinton Portis, WR’s Santana Moss and Antwaan Randel El and Pro Bowl Tight End Chris Cooley.  On top of all those targets, instead of improving a decent to lack-luster defense, the Skins go out and help Campbell yet some more, by drafting two more receivers back to back in last years draft!  Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly now join the potent offensive lineup.  The only setback that Campbell should face is a new head coach.  Now he could be learning new tools and tips with former Seahawk Coordinator Jim Zorn now leading the squad from DC.  Campbell needs to prove to Washington that he was worth the investment of moving up in the draft to get him back in 2005.  He has shown flashes of being a big time quarterback in the NFL, but arguably is still mediocre at best.  He can be very inconsistent at times.  All that being said, Campbell much like last year will be another sleeper candidate to have a break out year heading into ’08.  Look for him to be used like Rodgers (above) either the second or third QB on your fantasy roster in the mid-late rounds..

·        Other possible QB Sleepers: BUF Trent Edwards, SF Alex Smith and BAL Joe Flacco
TE’s

Greg Olsen                 Chicago Bears
            Well if you just go glance at the Chicago Bears offensive roster, it isn’t much to look at.  In fact stat wise, their top two targets, Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad, left town to Minnesota and Carolina , respectfully.  What does that leave Rex Grossman?  Well it leaves up-and-coming, playmaking tight end Greg Olsen.  Yes, he is without a doubt a playmaker and should be heavily relied on in Chicago .  He does of course split time with vet TE Desmond Clark, who had more catches and TD’s than his counterpart Olsen.  But this has all the makings to the be the year the Bears ditch Clark as an offensive weapon and let him go back to blocking.  No doubt both tight ends’ are good targets but it seems more accurate to keep both TE’s in the game and have Clark block, which will let Olsen, who hates blocking, get free down the field and in the red zone.  Devin Hester should be their main home run deep threat, but Olsen looks to be Rex’s best security blanket and over-the-middle playmaking TE that will no doubt produce for years to come.  And with so little options on offense to help the erratic QB, Olsen has the ability to shine.  You can probably get him undrafted in fantasy leagues, but better yet gobble him up as your second TE.
 
* Owen Daniels                      Houston Texans
            Talk about going under the radar.  Owen Daniels is on the out skirts of being a viable number one fantasy option and if not the top best second tier of the fantasy football tight end rankings.  Why does he go under the radar?  Maybe because he plays in Houston where the rebuilding process still lingers; or maybe it is because he is known for receptions not touchdowns.  Out of 97 career receptions in two years as a pro, only 8 have gone for TDs.  He’s looking to improve on that number this year as he remains the viable number two option on offense behind only WR Andre Johnson.  If QB Matt Schaub can remain healthy this year, there is no reason why Daniels can’t continue to excel and build upon his previous numbers.  He makes a nice addition in fantasy land, and should be drafted in the middle rounds as a possible number one TE or at the very least you’re backup. 

 Other possible TE Sleepers: JAX Marcedes Lewis, NYG Kevin Boss and SEA John Carlson .
                  That does it for my list of fantasy Football Sleepers you must pick on your draft day … The next Fantasy Football Outlook will include- A list of players you’ll want to steer clear of!  In other words, “Red Flag” players heading in the ’08 season.