In today’s fantasy football world it is getting harder and harder to find a true sleeper. Most players are on Twitter and hearing breaking news daily from the hundreds of content creators and reporters. With this being said I am going to guide you through the NFL landscape and find some deep sleepers who many people are not talking about. These types of players are the gems you need to find to get that leg up on your league mates. We have a lot of players, 32 to be exact to discuss. Let’s dive in and find some league winners!
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Deep Sleeper Picks for all 32 NFL Teams – Fantasy Football
Eno Benjamin – RB (Arizona Cardinals)
Eno Benjamin was not a high pick in the 2020 draft class, however, he was drafted in the seventh round. With the departure of Kenyan Drake, the window opened for Benjamin. However, that shut quickly with the addition of James Conner. As a result, Benjamin’s value has dropped drastically, but most of us know Conner has struggled to stay healthy as of late. He profiles as a solid pass-catching third-down style back with comps to Duke Johnson. Benjamin could play himself into a role on a very pass-heavy team and be a decent flex option in PPR leagues this year or next. So keep your eye peeled for any news on him out of camp!
Frank Darby – WR (Atlanta Falcons)
When drafted in the sixth round this year by the Falcons, Frank Darby was originally thought of as a developmental project by most. As a result, he has gone fairly unnoticed in the fantasy community. However, he has a real opportunity to carve out a role this year. Overall Darby doesn’t profile great, he ranks in the bottom third percentile of most metrics. This is somewhat surprising as he flashes on film. With the departure of Julio Jones, the need for a true outside threat besides Ridley is needed. Why cant this be Darby? He has the size and frame that guys like Russell Gage and Olamide Zaccheaus do not have. It is for sure a long shot to see Darby be hugely used this season, however, it is not impossible as this team is forecasted to be passing a ton.
Devin Duvernay – WR (Baltimore Ravens)
Devin Duvernay is going into his second season in the Ravens system in which he flashed at times last year. He showed good versatility as a rookie, he was used in the run game and short passing game. His game-breaking speed was on display proving his 4.39 40 time was no fluke. He also posses solid skill once the ball is in his hands. As a result, he is used in a role similar to Deebo Samuel. Duvernay could find his way into a solid flex option this season in an improved offense that should be more effective. With the departure of Mark Ingram, there will be touches vacated and the coaching staff could send some to Duvernay. He is worth a good look in any dynasty league as he has serious upside in this offense.
Isaiah Hodgins – WR (Buffalo Bills)
Isaiah Hodgins never saw the field for the Bills in 2021, due to an injury in training camp costing him his rookie season. However, if you turn on the tape from his days at Oregon State you will see a kid with tons of talent. He shows got ability to get in and out of breaks and great hand-eye coordination. If we put this all together with the fact the Bills are one of the most pass-heavy offenses in the league we get a perfect opportunity. Now Hodgins is behind some talent at the position, however, Beasley is facing some pressure from the COVID fallout and could possibly move on from the NFL. This could open a window for Hodgins to get some playing time in the near future. We could see a break out as soon as late this year or next year for this deep fantasy sleeper.
Shi Smith – WR (Carolina Panthers)
Shi Smith is coming out of South Carolina this year, where he posted over 2000 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. Smith excelled out of the slot in his college career and shined at the Senior Bowl. Taken in the sixth round this year cooled many people’s expectations on Smith. However, the landing spot seems perfect to me. Landing in a wide receiver friendly system after they lost their swiss army knife in Curtis Samuel. Smith could work his way into this role, or become the slot guy for Sam Darnold. This would be perfect for his fantasy value as we saw Crowder emerge as Darnold’s favorite target in New York. The opportunity is going to be there for him to emerge as the third wide receiver, so don’t be late to the party if he does break out!
Damiere Byrd – WR (Chicago Bears)
Last season in New England Damiere Byrd flashed some of his potentials as he produced 604 yards on 77 targets. Coming over to the Bears he will have a chance to cement a role in an improved but unproven wide receiver group. The bears also addressed the quarterback position in free agency and the draft so I expect an increase for all of those involved in the passing attack. Byrd is almost free in most leagues so the risk and reward ratio is in favor of the reward. Why not take a chance on a veteran deep sleeper to break out fantasy-wise when given the opportunity!
Chris Evans – RB (Cincinnati Bengals)
Chris Evans is a super athletic running back out of Michigan who never really got going statistical at the college level. He showed great ability the break long runs and make plays in the passing game. With Evans’ lack of consistency and the fact that the Michigan offense overall was never a well-oiled machine he never broke out. At the Senior Bowl, he impressed enough to get drafted in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Not the best draft capital however he lands in a spot where he has immense opportunity. After lead back Joe Mixon the depth chart is wide open, so why couldn’t Evans cement that role as the RB2. With Mixon’s health issues this could be a huge role for Evans and any managers willing to take the risk on him.
Harrison Bryant – TE (Cleveland Browns)
Harrison Bryant is probably not a super deep sleeper for some fantasy leagues, however, he is still under the radar in some. Bryant last season exploded in the one game without Austin Hooper, totaling over 20 fantasy points in PPR leagues. Add this to the fact he was one of the top tight end prospects a year ago in the draft, along with an offense that favors a tight end in the passing game and all things look great for Bryant. Bryant will inherit the lead role this year or next as Hooper is aging and Bryant’s talent is too good to not take advantage of. If you have the roster spot and can wait a year try and stash Bryant. Who knows, he could even break out this season.
Simi Fehoko – WR (Dallas Cowboys)
Drafted in the fifth round this year Fehoko was a surprise pick to many. However, if you turn on the tape you will see this kid can play! Playing at Stanford where the passing volume was limited really let him fly under the radar. Simi Fehoko made play after play with his ability to win in contested catch situations. His size stands out at 6-4 and 222lbs, along with a decent workout profile Fehoko has drawn comps to Alshon Jeffery. With Cooper on the PUP list, Fehoko will have a chance to prove himself going into this season. When Cooper returns he could work in as the fourth receiver, and help give him a chance to become the third option next year if Gallup moves on or the team moves on from Cooper. Fehoko is a deep deep deep sleeper but in the right situation a guy who will win many fantasy leagues.
KJ Hamler – WR (Denver Broncos)
Going into his second season with the team KJ Hamler is kind of being forgotten about by the fantasy world. Last year there was a decent amount of hype for Hamler as he posses game-breaking speed and solid route running abilities. The Denver offense really limited the ceilings for its playmakers however Hamler had some solid performances as a rookie. With the third option up for grabs in the wide receiver group, I see him taking over this role. This paired with the possible quarterback accuracy upgrade with Bridgewater the opportunity will be there for Hamler to make an impact in fantasy in 2021.
Jemar Jefferson – RB (Detroit Lions)
This past season at Oregon State Jermar Jefferson rushed for over 800 yards and 7 touchdowns in 6 games. He also had a 1000 yard season as a freshman, he has proven for years he has the skill to produce. He has solid vision and a good ability to make quick and clean cuts however he lacks that game-breaking speed. Playing behind D’Andre Swift, who had concussion issues last season, and one of his player comps in Jamaal Williams he may see limited touches in 2021. However, he is one injury away from carving out a solid role on a team that lacks playmakers. Although a long shot there is a chance he can see some work this year and has value as a deep fantasy sleeper.
Kylin Hill – RB (Green Bay Packers)
Kylin Hill was drafted in the seventh round this year by the Packers after opting out of Mississippi State this past season after only a few games. In those few games, he showed great pass-catching ability and a solid ability to be effective on the ground. He struggles with vision at times but also has the ability to make guys miss in a phone booth. Hill will start the season behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, he could find a role as a third-down back in this offense at times. If anything would happen to Aaron Jones I believe Hill would have a large role in the passing game. If you can be patient and wait for a year the return could be huge on Kylin Hill.
Isaiah Coulter – WR (Houston Texans)
The Texans’ wide receiver room lacks proven talent after Brandin Cooks, Isaiah Coulter has an opportunity to cement a role as the second or third option this season. He missed most of the year last year due to an injury and then when he returned struggled to be active. The talent is there for Coulter who is a former 1000 yard receiver at Rhode Island. He posses the size as well at 6-4 and 190 lbs. After a full offseason to get healthy and learn the pro way, I think Coulter has a good shot to make an impact for the Texans and your fantasy team in 2021 as long as he seizes the opportunity as a deep sleeper!
Kylen Granson – TE (Indianapolis Colts)
Kylen Granson is a former wide receiver converted to tight end this gives him a great mismatch factor. He posses solid hands and great YAC ability. The Colts have always loved to use multiple tight ends, and he brings a speed factor nether Mo Alie-Cox or Jack Doyle posses. This could give him a leg up on the receiving work on a team that lacks proven weapons outside Ty Hilton. Granson is a huge boom or bust player for 2021, however, he is much safer in 2022. That is when the Colts will move on from Doyle allowing a path for Granson to take over as the lead tight end. He could hot sooner if an injury occurs or he simply outplays the two in camp. Keep your eyes out for this name as he will be a riser this time next year.
Byron Pringle – WR (Kansas City Chiefs)
As we know the main two targets in this offense are Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, after that it is open for anyone to seize the moment. All of Hardman, Pringle, and Robinson saw some action last year, Byron Pringle stood out at times to me. While only producing 160 yards on 13 receptions is not eye-popping, it is a solid per reception number. He posses good speed and big-play ability, these are two things that are perfect for the Chiefs’ offense. There will be equal opportunity for all three of Hardman, Pringle, and Robinson to step up as the WR2 behind Hill. Why couldn’t it be the 27-year-old 6-1 guy out of Kansas State?
Zay Jones – WR (Las Vegas Raiders)
Zay Jones is going into his third season with the Raiders, he has never seen more than 27 targets though. He is a previous 600 yard 100 target player early in his career in Buffalo. Jones has been working hard this offseason to make a push for an increased role in the passing game. There is a path for this as he has to beat out either Bryan Edwards or John Brown for the third option. He could also make a huge climb to the second option if he beats out both of them. The Raiders are not a pass-heavy team and even if he climbs into a larger role he will be no more than flex viable. If you are in need of a receiver he could be a solid stash for the beginning of the season until we know his role.
K.J. Hill – WR (Los Angeles Chargers)
K.J. Hill was selected in the seventh round last year by the chargers out of Ohio State. His workout metrics are nothing to write home about however he produced over 2000 yards receiving at OSU and 20 touchdowns. Last year he saw limited action, now with a full season under his belt, he will have a chance to battle for that third wide receiver role in this offense. A new coaching staff has been brought in who will look to air it out a touch more this season. This could help Hill for fantasy if he can cement the third option in the passing attack. He only has to beat out some unproven talent in Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson, and Josh Palmer. This is a very achievable goal, so if you’re looking to stash a deep sleeper look no further this could be your guy!
Jake Funk – RB (Los Angeles Rams)
A few days ago we would have never considered any running back from this team as a sleeper. However, the devastating news for Cam Akers opens doors for others to step up and perform. Jake Funk was a player who few had their eyes on until his very impressive pro-day. He ran a 4.49 40 at his pro day! On top of this, all his workout metrics are impressive as well with a 10.83 agility score and 125.6 burst score. Funk has a lot of talent as he averaged 7.2 yards over his career at Maryland. Henderson is the lead back in this backfield however I believe we will see a committee and I think Funk will carve out a solid role and become viable this season. Opportunity makes Funk a value add as a deep sleeper for your fantasy league.
Luke Farrell – TE (Jacksonville Jaguars)
No doubt the Jaguars are in need of a tight end… sorry Tebow lovers. Luke Farrell was draft in the fifth round this year out of Ohio State. Where he produced over 300 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. These are solid numbers for a college tight end on a team that they are not the main option. He has proven to be a solid blocker and has good hands. The depth chart is wide open for anyone who wants to step up. Farrell could emerge as a day one starter for a team set to pass a lot this year. He could be a good option for tight end streamers out there this year.
Gerrid Doaks – RB (Miami Dolphins)
Gerrid Doaks is not going to wow you with game-breaking speed, however, he has enough to break off the big runs. He is very bursty as shown by his 127.2 burst score, he has a good pass-catching ability and a solid frame at 5-11″ and 228 lbs. Myles Gaskin had health issues at times last season and the team only added Doaks and Malcolm Brown to the backfield. Doaks will have an opportunity to carve out a large role in this rushing attack. His size could help him be a power/short-yardage type back, this will mean goal line carries! Touchdowns are king in fantasy so there is definitely a path to viability for Doaks.
Tyler Conklin – TE (Minnesota Vikings)
I know the buzz is around Irv Smith Jr currently, but that allows us to buy into Tyler Conklin if we chose. The price is very low for a guy who saw a decent target share when Rudolph went down last year. On 26 targets he produced 194 yards and 1 touchdown. I think there is a chance Conklin sees more targets than we expect and could take away from Irv Smith Jr. There is also a world where Conklin could lead the position in targets, although highly unlikely. Conklin is a seriously deep sleeper but one we could argue has a solid fantasy opportunity as well.
Marvin Hall – WR (New England Patriots)
Marvin Hall showed big-play ability last season in Detroit on limited action. He turned 32 targets into 302 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 73 yarder. Last season he carried a 16.8 yard per reception stat. Now the Patriots lack weapons at wide receiver outside Nelson Agholor and Jakobi Meyers. Hall could work into a slot role and become a safety blanket for Newton. His home run ability makes him a threat to score at any time. Hall could work his way into a flex option for fantasy if he can secure a solid role in the passing game. The opportunity will be there for him in camp, so keep an eye out for his name.
Stevie Scott- RB (New Orleans Saints)
Stevie Scott is an undrafted free agent from Indiana. He is a big back at 6-0 and 225 lbs, however, he lacks good work metrics as he is in the lower third percentile in most. He has earned a comp to James Conner, which is not a terrible outcome. With Murray hitting that 28 year age mark I can see Scott pushing for his role in this offense as the season goes on. The saints want to run the ball more this year, and we have seen Murray be a solid flex option at times. Keep an eye out for Scott’s name as he may overtake Murray sooner than we think.
John Ross- WR (New York Giants)
John Ross has struggled to stay healthy over his career and this has soured many people. This has allowed him to fall into this sleeper category. I have seen him go undrafted in multiple drafts, and at this cost of free, I’m in on taking a shot on a former top-ten pick. The wide receiver room is a touch crowded, but also has many players with injury issues. Ross brings the speed to this room and could carve out a solid role if he remains healthy. His ceiling is very fantasy viable, however, he carries a super low floor. I think we all should be ready to give Ross one more opportunity. If he hits, you will have a sure-fire fantasy league winner at deep sleeper prices.
Ty Johnson – RB (New York Jets)
Ty Johnson shined in the few opportunities he received last season in New York. Johnson brings a lot of speed and pass-catching ability to this filled backfield. Although full of options none are proven players. Johnson could easily win this backfield and carry a bulk of the load, Micheal Carter is the new fancy toy but Johnson could push him for the lead role. With Salah coming over from San Fransisco we could expect a team that plays the hot hand weekly. So even if Johnson is not the lead back he could have weeks where he is viable. We also can expect the running backs to see a decent workload in the passing game also bumping their PPR value.
John Hightower- WR (Philadelphia Eagles)
John Hightower was selected in the fifth round last year by the Eagles, however, he saw a limited role last year. He produced 167 yards on 1o receptions. Now with a year under his belt and another full offseason of preparation I see him pushing for the third option in this wide receiver group. He will only have to beat out journeyman Travis Fulgham, Greg Ward, and Quez Watkins. This is for sure a possibility for the 6-2 wideout. The Eagles may need to pass more this year as the defense may regress, this will only help Hightower become viable. If he can’t break through this fantasy season he is still a solid taxi stash for 2022 and a strong deep sleeper next year.
Anthony McFarland Jr. – RB (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Anthony McFarland brings speed and explosiveness to the backfield, something Snell and Harris do not have. Harris will be the lead back and control a majority of the work, however, he will need to be spelled at times. This is where McFarland can gain his opportunity. He is an explosive player who can catch the ball well out of the backfield and has home-run speed. I feel like he brings something different to the game than Harris and Snell who are similar. The Steelers need to run the ball more and there will be plenty of opportunities to go around. I can see McFarland reaching RB3 numbers which will be a solid flex play at times this year.
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Elijah Mitchell- RB (San Fransisco 49ers)
Elijah Mitchell was the second running back drafted by the 49ers this year. Even though this is the case I believe there can be a strong case for him becoming a key cog in their ground attack. This case can be founded on the fact that Jeff Wilson was down for most of the year and lead back Raheem Mostert‘s injury history. Mitchell brings 4.35 40 speed and impressive speed and burst scores both landing in the upper 80 percentiles. Having been comped to Jerick Mckinnon can give you a clue as to what Kyle Shanahan may have been thinking when they drafted him. If he can impress in camp there is a chance they go with Sermon and Mitchell as the lead back in the RBBC. If not this year he will be used next year when they move on from Mostert. Grab him now before his price rises!
Freddie Swain- WR (Seattle Seahawks)
The Seahawks moved on from David Moore who was an important third piece in the passing game. Freddie Swain will have to compete with rookie Eskridge for this role, having an extra year under his belt will give him an advantage. The Seahawks hope to run more this year, however with a weakening defense that may not be the case. The third wide receiver in a Wilson-led offense may have flex viability from weak to weak. Keep an eye on Swain as he could emerge as a deep and solid sleeper this year in fantasy.
Jaelon Darden- WR (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Jaelon Darden is a rookie out of North Texas who set many school records. He is a very versatile wide receiver who can play outside, in the slot, and in the backfield. This offense in Tampa is full of playmakers and they found a way to use them all last year. Darden is another weapon and I’m confident that Arians will find a role for him. It is a tough road ahead for him though. He will likely start behind many talented wide receivers. If Darden gets the opportunity he will certainly make the best of it and could cement a role weekly. If not this season Darden is a great dynasty stash for the next few years to come.
Dez Fitzpatrick – WR (Tennesse Titians)
Dez Fitzpatrick is a big receiver at 6-2 202 pounds, out of Lousiville. His workout metrics do not jump off the chart, however, his tape is great to watch. He constantly made big play after big play when called upon. Although the arrival of Julio Jones hurts his value this year, his future outlook is great. He will get to learn from one of the best the game has seen. Fitzpatrick will also have a chance to carve out a role as the third option in this passing game. He will battle with Josh Reynolds who hasn’t cement a role yet. I also expect more passing from the Titans this year so if he can carve out a role he could see some viability this year.
Antonio Gandy-Golden- WR (Washington Football Team)
Antonio Gandy-Golden had an injury-plagued rookie year in which he saw very little opportunity. Now with another full offseason to learn the system and get his health back I expect him to rise up the depth chart. He stands 6-4 and weighs in at 223 pounds, bringing some serious size to the wide receiver room. Gandy-Golden has a solid college dominator rating and breakout age which are two good indicators of NFL success. The true second outside wide receiver role is still up for grabs here and I expect Samuel to be used more as a swiss army knife type player. If Gandy-Golden can impress in camp there is no reason he can’t cement that role this year. He could end up being a league winner and deep fantasy sleeper if this is the case.
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