All too often in fantasy football, managers tend to focus on rookie and sophomore players who could be sleeper stars in the draft.
It’s easy to understand why. Especially when so many college favorites who have already shown off their potential are ready to enter the league. But some guys transition a bit slower than others to the NFL. Some are dealt some pretty unsetting injuries issues early on, too. Others are just drafted (or developed) under the wrong circumstances and need a big change to succeed.
These are the players we’re going to be looking at. Veterans who have plenty to offer—and may even find a starring role this fantasy season—but won’t be getting drafted in any early rounds.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers
There are still plenty of us on Aiyuk Island just waiting for the ASU product to have his breakout year in The Bay.
With Trey Lance beginning his tenure as the 49ers unquestioned QB1, this might be the year. Defenders already have to key in on George Kittle and Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell. The opportunities will be there for Aiyuk to make a dent in the offense. After catching five touchdown passes in each of the last two seasons, it’s time for Aiyuk to become his fully realized self.
David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears
This is starting to feel like a make-or-break year for Montgomery.
With the Bears’ rebuild fully underway—and the team in play for the No. 1 overall pick—it’ll be on the tailback to prove he’s Chicago’s future at the position. He certainly has all the tools to do it.
Montgomery just barely crossed the 1,000-yard mark in his sophomore campaign but a lackluster coaching staff under Matt Nagy stalled his progress. A new regime in Chicago should be able to help him get back on track in Year 4.
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Denver Broncos
The 2020 NFL Draft could end up with the best wideout class of all time if the receivers on this list live up to their potential. The second wideout taken that year was Jeudy, who went to the Broncos at No. 15 (CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Brandon Aiyuk, Michael Pittman Jr. Tee Higgins, Chase Claypool and Van Jefferson all went before the end of the second round).
Pairing up with quarterback Russell Wilson should help Jeudy a ton this year. After recording just three touchdowns in his first 26 games, the Alabama product could be a steal this year for fantasy managers.
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys
The casuals in your league will reach for Ezekiel Elliott. You, a smart person reading this post, will sit back and wait for Pollard to fall into your lap.
The Cowboys tailback may be second on the depth chart, but all he does is eat into Zeke’s snap count and carries. He had a top-30 fantasy season last year and at just 25 years old, he could take the spotlight away from Elliott altogether this year.
Logan Thomas, TE, Washington Commanders
BetFTW’s Prince Grimes had a more nuanced look at Thomas’ season outlook here. The moral of the story is that Thomas, when healthy, is an elite tight end who averaged 9.3 yards per catch with six TDs over 16 games 2020. He averaged 10.9 yards per catch with three scores in just six games last year.
Another full season in D.C. should have Thomas as one of the biggest steals of the year.
