There are three New England Patriots players that offer some high upside that fans may want to snag later in fantasy football drafts.
Like I mentioned in a previous article, there is no need to select them all, but grabbing one at the end of the draft might be a smart play in deeper leagues.
The Patriots have a history of having low fantasy numbers for their skill players, but with Bill O’Brien back in the fold, the three players on this list might offer some higher upside if the offense ends up clicking in 2023.
I wouldn’t consider drafting these players as more than bench players for fantasy. I’d also lean towards taking them after Round 10, if possible.
Here are three fantasy football sleepers for the Patriots:
DeVante Parker, WR
Parker had flashes of greatness last season, which has been a common theme throughout his whole career. The knock on him has to do with his inability to stay on the field and be a consistent threat on offense. He missed a few games last season, and his absence was still felt, even for a bad offense.
If the Patriots do not add a receiver or another pass-catcher to the wideout room, Parker could become a sneaky good flex play or WR2 in deeper leagues, if O’Brien unlocks his skills.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, a slot receiver with RAC ability, could take some pressure off Parker, who thrives in one-on-ones.
Kendrick Bourne, WR
Bourne is an electrifying playmaker, and if DeAndre Hopkins signs elsewhere, he would have the ever-important role as the Patriots’ starting Z receiver. Confidence that offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is better than Matt Patricia means Bourne might not be as checked out as he seemed last season.
A locked in Bourne, who is still only 27 years old, could work wonders for the Patriots offense as the primary playmaker with the ball in his hands in intermediate routes. Bourne, alongside DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki, and JuJu Smith-Schuster could be fun to watch.
Bourne was fantasy relevant in 2021, so he could be another backend round play if you are looking to gain an edge, while having some hometown players on your fantasy roster.
Ty Montgomery RB/WR
Montgomery was my favorite sleeper for fantasy last season, but he was injured fairly early in the preseason, which lingered to a season-ending injury after Week 1.
Montgomery is in the lead as the team’s primary receiving back, and he has skills to be a steal as a flex option in that hybrid role that not many players can handle in the NFL. If Montgomery stays healthy, he could be a sneaky weapon for Mac Jones and the Patriots offense in 2023.
