Fantasy: Super deep sleepers for 2017 (Updated)
Get ready for your season with theScore's 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.
Even with fantasy owners entering their drafts more prepared than ever, there are still players who slip through the cracks. Last year in this space, we mentioned names like Tyrell Williams and J.J. Nelson, both of whom emerged as fantasy starters at some point in the year.
In a continued effort to shine a light on the unnoticed or outright ignored, we've once again built a list of players going undrafted who are candidates to become fantasy relevant this season.
Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.
Branden Oliver, RB, Chargers
After being placed on IR in each of the last two seasons, Oliver is a forgotten man on the Chargers' roster. However, word out of camp is that he has re-emerged as the immediate backup to Melvin Gordon, and could factor in as a pass-catcher with the first-team offense. When thrust into the starting lineup in 2014, Oliver fared well as a solid all-around back, and if Gordon goes down, we could see him get a chance to carry the Chargers' backfield again.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: Undrafted
De'Angelo Henderson, RB, Broncos
Jamaal Charles isn't a lock to make the Broncos' final roster, and starter C.J. Anderson, who's coming back from a foot injury, has only topped 800 rushing yards once in his career, including college. That leaves Devontae Booker, who was a major disappointment when called upon as a rookie last year and has been sidelined in camp with a wrist injury. Henderson will likely start the season fourth on the depth chart, but suffice it to say, the Broncos' backfield could be cracked wide open at any minute. With solid pass-catching skills, Henderson's early contributions could come as a third-down back if Charles falters.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: Undrafted
Elijah Hood, RB, Raiders
First impressions are important, and Hood apparently impressed the coaching staff at the Raiders' rookie camp. However, he still has a long way to go if he's going to see the field on offense in 2017. If 31-year-old Marshawn Lynch were to get hurt in his return from a year off, Hood would be best suited to take over as a true lead back. Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington are quality complementary pieces, but neither has excelled behind Oakland's above-average line. Hood could give the team that physical running style, but he might still be a year away from landing on the fantasy radar.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Paul Richardson, WR, Seahawks
Richardson's NFL career has started slow, as he's played in a run-first offense behind established veterans. That trend might change this season, after he showed well filling in for an injured Tyler Lockett late last year. Jermaine Kearse's involvement in the offense was reduced significantly in 2016, and Richardson will certainly challenge him for snaps moving forward. He looked great in the team's first preseason game, but suffered an AC joint sprain that will keep him out until the start of the season. With Russell Wilson throwing passes in Seattle, playing time is the only thing holding Richardson back.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: Undrafted
Mack Hollins, WR, Eagles
The Eagles' decision to trade Jordan Matthews came one day after Hollins caught four passes for 64 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut. That's not to suggest Hollins' performance in the offseason and camp was the main factor in Matthews being moved, but the rookie's bright future with the team certainly contributed. A size-speed freak at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, the fourth-rounder isn't likely to start right away, but he'll contribute on special teams and could see work in specific offensive packages.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Aldrick Robinson, WR, 49ers
Robinson doesn't have much production on his NFL resume, but the 28-year-old has an excellent opportunity to change that in 2017. After bouncing around between the Redskins, Ravens, and Falcons, he'll finally have a chance to compete for a starting role with the 49ers. The veteran followed Kyle Shanahan to San Francisco, where he'll have the advantage of playing in a familiar system. Marquise Goodwin has the early edge for the No. 2 job, but with no proven options in the receiving corps outside of Pierre Garcon, Robinson could be this year's Taylor Gabriel.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: Undrafted
Erik Swoope, TE, Colts
With Dwayne Allen now in New England, Swoope steps into the Colts' No. 2 tight end spot behind Jack Doyle. The former basketball player flashed an ability to make plays downfield in limited action last season, averaging 19.8 yards per reception. Don't expect to see him during the preseason, since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in early August, but he should be back in September and will continue to see his role grow. If Doyle were to miss time, Swoope could emerge as a low-end fantasy starter later in the season.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: Undrafted
More from this series
- Breakouts to target
- Busts to avoid
- Sleepers to steal
- Risky picks to gamble on
- Bounce-back candidates
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)