There was a time when a fantasy player could find unknown players who were ready to explode. These unrecognized players were dubbed "sleepers" because the rest of your leaguemates were not yet awake to them.
Related: See Quarterback Sleepers here >>>
Related: See Running Back Sleepers here >>>
Related: See Tight End Sleepers here >>>
And we also got our fantasy stats out of the newspaper.
Today, the stats are instant, and everyone knows about everyone. As such, the definition of a sleeper has evolved. To be clear, we define sleepers as players who we think will perform better than most expect and be undervalued at their average draft position.
Our staff recently gathered to offer up their sleepers. Here they are.
Wide Receiver Sleepers from Bob Harris
Christian Watson, Green Bay
While the Packers may not have a true WR1, they're loaded with young talent at the position, including Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath, Bo Melton, and others. None, however, have shown Watson's big-play potential. With an average of 15.0 yards per catch over his first two seasons, only 13 receivers with at least 100 targets over that span have a higher yards per catch average. We've had glimpses of how high the ceiling might be here. Watson scored four touchdowns from Week 11 to 13 last year. You might also remember that four-game, seven-touchdown stretch he delivered as a rookie in 2022. With 69 catches for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns in 23 games, Watson, who, at WR40, is one spot after Bears rookie Rome Odunze and ahead of Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy, neither of whom have demonstrated similar upside.
Jameson Williams, Detroit
By all accounts, Williams has been one of the most impressive players on the field since Detroit opened training camp. Williams didn't have any drops, looked smooth, strong, and confident, and, according to the Detroit Free Press, at times, "he was simply unstoppable." Quarterback Jared Goff and Williams also showed a strong connection. Dan Campbell said Williams was the most improved player during OTAs, calling him "a man on a mission." As Footballguy Jeff Haseley noted in our Team Sleepers series, Williams has faced several challenges, namely injuries and suspensions, but this could be the year he turns things around. With Josh Reynolds gone, Williams has a path to a starting role and likely the opportunity to claim Reynolds' 64 vacated targets. Better still, the former first-round pick's WR49 ADP and 10th-round price tag make him a great WR4 target with upside.
Brandin Cooks, Dallas
The Athletic has been reporting since OTA and minicamp workouts that Cooks was on the same page with QB Dak Prescott, with the two reportedly most impressive due to their connection on deep balls. It was clear the duo had spent a full year working together. With CeeDee Lamb still holding out in training camp, Cooks has worked as Dallas' No. 1 receiving option. The veteran has thrived in that role to this point of camp, looking as good as he ever has during his brief tenure in Dallas. While he'll play second-fiddle to Lamb upon the latter's return, the Cowboys have questions at running back. Expecting them to be a pass-heavy offense is reasonable. Cooks, who has six 1,000-yard seasons in his 10 years as a pro, is available in Round 12.
Wide Receiver Sleepers from Jason Wood
Darnell Mooney, Atlanta
Mooney has one fantasy-worthy season on his resume: 2021, when he caught 81 receptions for 1,055 and four touchdowns for the Bears. Otherwise, he's been beset by injuries, which masks his talent and upside. The Falcons' offensive rebuild is oft-discussed, but few have mentioned that they gave Mooney a 3-year, $39 million contract in free agency with $26 million guaranteed. That's not money you give to someone you hope can be a complementary contributor; that's starter money. With Kirk Cousins looking healthy and a full-camp participant, all eyes are on whom he has chemistry with. Early returns suggest he and Mooney are thick as thieves, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Mooney demolish his ADP.
Stefon Diggs, Houston
The Diggs narrative fascinates me. Yes, he had a terrible second half of 2023. And yet, he finished as the WR9 for the season! What's more likely, Diggs went from one of the best at his position in October and lost all of his abilities by November, or the persistent undercurrent of discontent he had with the Bills and Josh Allen finally his a crescendo? To that end, if he's not motivated by the trade to Houston, I'll be stunned. He lands on a team with a good young quarterback, one of the most respected young coordinators, and all the motivation in the world. He's a steal at the current ADP.
Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco
The 49ers have an embarrassment of riches, but that looks to be changing as Brandon Aiyuk is on the trading block. Even without Aiyuk's departure, Samuel is going too late in drafts. But if Aiyuk does leave town, Samuel should push for top-15 value, at a minimum. Let's also not forget how potent he is with the ball in his hands, and Christian McCaffrey is already out for a few weeks with a calf injury. Samuel can win in so many ways that he's game-script-proof. Very few receivers can say the same.
Malik Nabers, NY Giants
You won't find a bigger New York Giants skeptic. I think they're going to be in the bottom quartile of the league again and probably looking to replace both Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen after the season. And Daniel Jones is almost certainly looking at his last year as the starter. But just because I'm skeptical about the Giants' offense in totality, I love Nabers as a value pick. He's being drafted as a low-end WR3, yet I think he's more naturally slotted as WR2 with fringe WR1 upside. We can't forget how completely barren the Giants' skill positions are outside of Nabers, and he should be targeted an inordinate amount. Look at how DJ Moore was used in Chicago last year, and you can start to conceptualize how Nabers can win fantasy leagues while playing with a bunch of disappointments otherwise.
