
Hopefully, you’ve already checked out my main sleepers series, going over some of the late-round targets who could drastically outproduce their ADPs in 2025.
Now, we’re diving even deeper into players with average draft positions outside the top 200 who could emerge as fantasy-relevant if everything falls into place for them this season.
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These aren’t players you necessarily need to draft, but names you should still have on your watch list so you’re ready to pick them up when their opportunity arrives.
Quarterbacks
Deep Sleeper: Jaxson Dart, Giants
The Giants’ first-round pick looked the part of a future franchise quarterback in the preseason and that future might be coming sooner than expected. In addition to completing 68% of his passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, Dart also rushed six times for 52 yards and a score. That production on the ground could make for a sneaky fantasy option when he gets under center.
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Deeper Sleeper: Jalen Milroe, Seahawks
The Seahawks offense could be better than expected under Klint Kubiak, which would lower the odds of Milroe taking over for Sam Darnold at some point this season. If he does get called upon, the 22-year-old will immediately be in the mix as a fantasy starter thanks to his incredible skills as a runner.
Super-Deep Sleeper: Dillon Gabriel, Browns
With the Browns not expected to be in the playoff mix, both rookies Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders should get starts later in the year. Gabriel has higher draft capital and outperformed Sanders in the preseason, making him more likely to see action first. The ceiling isn’t high for either player, but there’s very little chance Joe Flacco starts all 17 games.
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Other super-deep sleepers to consider: Jimmy Garoppolo, Rams
Running Backs
Deep Sleeper: Dameon Pierce, Texans
Joe Mixon is going to miss at least the first four games with a foot injury and maybe even longer. While everyone is focused on whether a declining Nick Chubb can carry the load or if rookie Woody Marks can handle more than just passing-down work, you should keep an eye on Pierce. As a rookie in 2022, Pierce had 1,104 scrimmage yards, 30 receptions and five total touchdowns — finishing as the RB22 in fantasy points per game. If Chubb can’t hold up in the lead role, Pierce could get another shot under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
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Deeper Sleeper: Chris Brooks, Packers
MarShawn Lloyd can’t stay healthy and is likely to miss some regular-season time with his latest hamstring injury. That allowed Brooks to step back into the No. 2 role in Green Bay’s backfield behind Josh Jacobs and ahead of Emanuel Wilson. Brooks is a player coaches love for his ability to do everything well. We got a glimpse of his potential in Week 18, when he ran eight times for 59 yards. Now, he’s one Jacobs’ injury away from starting for the Packers.
Super-Deep Sleeper: Zamir White, Raiders
White is back on the fantasy radar after a strong preseason that saw him pass 33-year-old Raheem Mostert on the Raiders’ depth chart. It doesn’t seem like many people realize this is the case though, since he doesn’t even have an ADP. How quickly we forget that White averaged 23 touches per game and topped 100 scrimmage yards three straight weeks, while finishing as the RB13 in half PPR leagues, over the final month of the 2023 season. If Ashton Jeanty gets banged up, it will be the power back White who’s next man up in Chip Kelly’s offense.
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Other super-deep sleepers to consider: George Holani, Seahawks/Hassan Haskins, Chargers
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Wide receivers
Deep Sleeper: Malik Washington, Dolphins
Tyreek Hill has missed three weeks with an oblique injury in August, and though he’s expected to be ready for Week 1, the vibes have not been great for him this offseason in Miami. Meanwhile, sophomore wideout Malik Washington has taken advantage of the extra playing time and made an effort to bond with Tua Tagovailoa. Washington also finished the preseason strong with three catches for 41 yards and a score. If Hill is available, Washington will be the No. 3 option in three-receiver sets. But his ceiling would be unlocked if Hill misses time or is traded, which feels like a legitimate possibility this year.
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Deeper Sleeper: Jalen Royals, Chiefs
Royals already looks like a fourth-round steal by an organization that doesn’t need any more luck to fall in its favor. With Rashee Rice’s looming suspension and Hollywood Brown’s inability to stay healthy, Royals could see the field plenty as a rookie. The 22-year-old is a big-time playmaker who’s excellent with the ball in his hands. He’s even been deployed in similar ways to Rice this summer, which is yet another sign the team is preparing him as a replacement when their star is forced to sit out.
Super-Deep Sleeper: KaVontae Turpin, Cowboys
Turpin appears to be the No. 3 receiver in Dallas behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The dangerous return specialist adds another element to the Cowboys’ attack as a speedy field-stretcher, a dynamic yards-after-catch threat and even a weapon out of the backfield at times. Despite being a part-time offensive player last season, Turpin still posted 50 yards or more in five outings. If his playing time increases as expected, he could be an intriguing flex option.
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Other super-deep sleepers to consider: Josh Reynolds, Jets/Ray-Ray McCloud III, Falcons
Tight Ends
Deep Sleeper: Harold Fannin Jr., Browns
Fannin led all of college football with 117 catches and 1,555 yards — more than any receiver had in the FBS last year. He also has 10 touchdowns and forced 34 missed tackles. Joining an offense with an established starter like David Njoku doesn’t seem ideal, but what if Fannin isn’t just a tight end? In college, he was used in a variety of ways and the Browns coaches have suggested something similar for him in Cleveland. With Diontae Johnson getting released, it’s possible Fannin could serve as the No. 3 receiver in an offense without a ton of proven playmakers after Njoku and Jerry Jeudy.
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Deeper Sleeper: Noah Gray, Chiefs
Travis Kelce will be 36 in October and is already talking like this might be his last year. While he’s still a capable tight end, he’s coming off career lows in several categories. Meanwhile, Gray has become a meaningful contributor in the Chiefs’ attack. Over the first 15 weeks last season, Gray averaged the 18th most fantasy points among tight ends. If Kelce gets injured, Gray will immediately turn into a must-add waiver wire pickup.
Super-Deep Sleeper: Cade Stover, Texans
Stover has been eating into veteran Dalton Schultz’s snaps this summer and that trend might continue into the regular season. The sophomore tight end also has a history with C.J. Stroud going back to their time together at Ohio State. Unfortunately, the tight end spot in Houston hasn’t been a productive one for fantasy, but we’re searching for guys who could come out of nowhere and produce and Stover’s takeover in the Texans’ TE room appears to have already begun.
Other super-deep sleepers to consider: Gunnar Helm, Titans
This news was originally published on this post .
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