Fantasy: 8 sleepers to steal in your draft

A fantasy sleeper can be defined in many different ways, but we're aiming to find players flying under the radar who could emerge as significant fantasy assets in 2017.

Related: Bust candidates to avoid in 2017

Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans

The third quarterback taken in this year's draft is the one with the best chance to start in Week 1. Watson joins a playoff-caliber team that's desperate to get even average play under center. The Texans are loaded with talent at the offensive skill positions, which will give the rookie a chance to succeed immediately, assuming he beats out the incumbent, Tom Savage. Questions about Watson's arm strength remain, but he's a proven winner at the college level and has landed in a perfect spot, in both real life and fantasy.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: ​15th round (QB23)

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Buccaneers

Prior to 2016, Rodgers wasn't viewed as a back capable of carrying the load in an offense, but that changed when he was thrust into the starting lineup. In the five contests that Rodgers carried 15 times or more, he averaged 105.4 total yards per game and topped 100 rushing yards on two occasions. After going through drug rehab, Doug Martin is saying and doing all the right things to try to reclaim the role as Tampa's lead back, but he's still suspended for the first three games. If you draft Rodgers, you're getting an early-season fantasy starter in a high-powered offense, who could maintain a larger role if Martin falters again.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: ​15th round (RB58)

Jonathan Williams, RB, Bills

The soon-to-be 29-year-old LeSean McCoy has suffered significant hamstring injuries in consecutive seasons and could be breaking down under the heavy workload the Bills have handed him. With Mike Gillislee now out of the picture, McCoy's backup is Williams, a highly talented sophomore runner who fell to the fifth round of the 2016 draft due to character concerns.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: ​Undrafted (RB66)

Aaron Jones, RB, Packers

The second of three running backs selected by the Packers in the draft, Jones is perhaps the most intriguing from a raw talent perspective. Highly productive at UTEP, running for nearly 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2016, Jones is a big-play threat with good receiving skills. He'll have to compete with fellow rookie Jamaal Williams, selected a round earlier, for touches behind starter Ty Montgomery, but it shouldn't shock anyone if Jones rises above the rest.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: ​Undrafted

Robert Woods, WR, Rams

Woods should easily suck up 100-plus targets as the Rams' No. 1 receiver in an offense that sorely lacks reliable pass-catchers. Particularly in PPR leagues, Woods represents tremendous value at his current ADP.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: ​Undrafted (WR69)

Ted Ginn Jr., WR, Saints

Ginn isn't the most polished receiver, but he's just one season removed from finishing as the WR26 in fantasy. The veteran handpicked his new team, stating he hopes playing with Drew Brees will extend his career. Spoiler - it will. Ginn won't completely replace Brandin Cooks in New Orleans, but he will become the team's new deep threat, which will lead to a few long touchdowns and some big fantasy days. As long as you can live with the lack of consistency, Ginn is guaranteed to outproduce his draft slot.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: 14th round (WR59)

J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals

Nelson hasn't seen much volume in the Cardinals' offense, but that hasn't stopped him from making a big impact. The speedster flashed his big-play ability repeatedly in 2016, and had five touchdowns (four receiving, one rushing) over the final five weeks of the season. He's currently set to be the third receiver in Arizona behind Larry Fitzgerald, who will be 34 in Week 1, and John Brown, who is still trying to overcome health issues. Rookie Chad Williams is an intriguing prospect, but he's unlikely to be a major factor right away. If the Cardinals make a point to get him more targets, Nelson could go from offseason sleeper to breakout star.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: ​13th round (WR55)

Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons

A 2016 third-round pick who played only two seasons in college, Hooper has only scratched the surface of what he's capable of. We saw a glimpse in the Super Bowl, when he led the Falcons in targets and scored a touchdown. Atlanta should remain one of the NFL's best passing attacks and Hooper will be further integrated. He's an ideal target for owners who prefer to swing for the fences on late-round tight ends.

Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: ​Undrafted (TE23)

More from this series

• Breakouts to target
• Busts to avoid
• Risky picks to gamble on
• Bounce-back candidates
• Super deep sleepers
• Players who will lead you to a title

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)