Fantasy: 7 sleepers to steal in your draft (Updated)
Get ready for your season with theScore's 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.
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.
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 has the best chance to start in Week 1, as 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, and Watson's rushing ability will give him a chance to succeed immediately in fantasy, 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: 14th round (QB21)
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: 12th round (RB49)
Jonathan Williams, RB, Bills
LeSean McCoy has suffered significant hamstring injuries in consecutive seasons and at 29 years old he 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: 13th round (RB53)
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
With all the attention being given to the Saints' backfield battle between Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson, very few people are talking about the rookie in the mix. New Orleans used a third-round pick to secure Kamara's services, with the hope that he could eventually become the team's primary passing-down back. Ingram is an underrated receiver, but Kamara could begin stealing work on obvious passing downs as early as Week 1, and the rookie has the skill set to handle an even bigger role if injuries hit his fellow backs.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: 15th round (RB57)
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: 15th 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: Undrafted (WR73)
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: 16th round (TE21)
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(Photos courtesy: Action Images)