Sleepers: The 1 Defensive Tackle to Target

Sleepers can take a roster from great to league-winning status. The Footballguys staff finds sleepers at defensive tackle.

Footballguys Staff's Sleepers: The 1 Defensive Tackle to Target Footballguys Staff Published 06/12/2024

A fantasy draft is all about obtaining the most value with each selection. Value is available throughout a draft; grabbing it is one of the most important keys to a successful fantasy team. This article specifically targets deep sleeper value (players that can be found later in a fantasy draft). To point out this value, we asked our staff to look deeper than the Top 150 and identify players that should significantly outperform their late draft position. These players should be your targets in the second half of your draft. Thanks to the folks at TheIDPShow.com for the ADP. 

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There was only one defensive tackle with multiple votes.

Harrison Phillips, Minnesota

And here's why he got those mentions.

Gary Davenport: Is Phillips an elite talent? No. Does he have a chance at double-digit sacks? Also, no—Phillips had just three sacks last season and has just half a dozen over a six-year career with the Vikings and Buffalo Bills. But what Harrison did do last season was finish second among all defensive tackles with 92 total stops and ended the year as a top-10 IDP option at his position. If you don't want to pay retail for a tackle in fantasy leagues that require the position. Phillips is a late-round target to keep in mind—especially in tackle-heavy formats.

Kyle Bellefeuil: Phillips quietly posted a career-high 92 tackles (44 solos) last year with Brian Flores running the Minnesota defense. His three sacks were also a career-best, but Phillips hadn't set the bar too high in that department over his career—he's not a splash play guy. The Vikings have talked about giving Phillips a little more rest this year, as he played over 800 defensive snaps for the first time in his career in 2023. However, even if he gets a few plays off, he still should provide a nice weekly floor with his tackle production from the defensive tackle position.

© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports sleeper

Bonus Sleeper Interior Defensive Linemen

These players got a single vote each.

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