The fantasy football draft season is here!
Drafting a winning fantasy team takes a lot of skill and a little bit of luck, including the ability to draw out which players could post career-best seasons and outplay their average draft positions (ADP). These players are called “sleepers” in the fantasy world. Finding the right sleeper or two could be the difference between building a good team and building a squad that becomes a serious title contender.
To help you in your quest to find the best sleepers for 2023, here’s an updated look at 10 of my favorite players to target in the middle to late rounds.
Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers
Pickett didn’t have a great rookie season in the stat sheets, but that’s been the norm historically speaking for a quarterback. Heck, even Peyton Manning wasn’t good as a rookie. Not that Pickett will be Manning, but the Steelers improved the offensive line and added Allen Robinson to the passing game in the offseason. In addition, I could see Pickett rushing for around 350-400 yards.
Rachaad White, RB, Buccaneers
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White is in prime position to outperform his draft position, as the Buccaneers cut ties with Leonard Fournette in the offseason and didn’t replace him in the draft or free agency. Head coach Todd Bowles believes White can “become a complete, three-down back,” and it appears Tampa Bay will give him a chance to achieve that goal. He could emerge into a nice No. 2 fantasy back in 2023.
James Cook, Bills
Cook didn’t put up huge fantasy totals as a rookie, but he averaged better than five yards per carry and caught 21 passes out of the backfield. With Devin Singletary no longer on the roster, Cook should see his opportunities increase, especially as a pass catcher, in Year 2. Veteran Damien Harris could cap his ceiling a bit, but Cook still has more flex appeal in PPR formats this season.
De’Von Achane, Dolphins
Achane is a small but quick and elusive pass catcher who coach Mike McDaniel was thrilled to land in the draft. While the Dolphins do have a crowded backfield with both Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. in the mix, the rookie could etch out his own role, much like that of Darren Sproles during his salad days. I’d look to land Achane as a No. 4 fantasy back in reception-friendly leagues.
Jordan Addison, WR, Vikings
Addison landed in the best spot of any rookie receiver, as he’ll be projected as the No. 2 wideout in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson. Even playing alongside the best wide receiver in fantasy, there will be plenty of targets for Addison to absorb after the team parted with Adam Thielen during the offseason. The Vikings were also third among all offenses in pass percentage last season.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Commanders
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Dotson showed flashes of fantasy potential as a rookie, scoring seven touchdowns while also putting up 14-plus points five times. While Sam Howell brings some questions at quarterback, Dotson will open the season as the Commanders’ No. 2 wideout behind Terry McLaurin. In a best-case scenario, Dotson could bring back No. 3 wideout or flex value in his second season.
George Pickens, WR, Steelers
Pickens showed flashes of potential as a rookie, scoring 14-plus PPR fantasy points seven times. While his overall average of 9.8 points per game wasn’t eye popping, some of his highlight-reel catches certainly were. With a year of experience under his belt and an obvious rapport with Pickett, Pickens is a candidate to be far better than his draft position would suggest in 2023 drafts.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Packers
Doubs had a nice start to his rookie season, scoring 13-plus fantasy points in two of his first four games. Things went downhill from there though, as he missed time due to injuries and was overshadowed by Christian Watson. Still, Doubs will be the No. 2 target in the passing game for Jordan Love this season and could end up being their most targeted player. He’s well worth a late choice.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Titans
Okonkwo had a mini-breakout in the second half of his rookie season, posting 10 or more points in four of his last six games. That includes a six-catch, one-touchdown, 18.5-point effort against the Jaguars in Week 14. With few experienced weapons in the pass attack, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Okonkwo rank among the three most targeted players on the team. He’s a solid late rounder.
Sam LaPorta, TE, Lions
LaPorta is the latest in a very long line of solid, pass-catching tight ends to come out of Iowa. In fact, he’ll replace another Hawkeye, T.J. Hockenson, who was traded last season, as Detroit’s projected starter. He might not be consistent, but the Lions like to use their tight ends in the offense and LaPorta certainly has the most upside on the team. He's getting a lot of positive camp buzz, too.
