25 fantasy football sleepers you should target at your draft

Benson showed flashes as a rookie, but the third-round pick was stuck behind James Conner. Still, he averaged 4.6 yards per carry in 13 games, impressing when he took the field. At worst, he’s excellent insurance behind the 30-year-old Conner, and there’s significant risk for a breakdown from Conner due to age that would allow Benson to exceed his draft day value.

Brown suffered a freak injury in the preseason last year, making it a lost season for his fantasy contribution. He was able to return for the playoff run and has re-signed to rehab his value. Brown has had his share of injuries during his career, but brings playmaking ability when on the field. If the Chiefs offense is able to rebound to its former level, Brown has a chance to be a strong fantasy commodity again.

One year removed from a career season in Jacksonville, Engram played only nine games last season. He enters a favorable situation in Denver, as head coach Sean Payton has often featured the tight end in his offense, and Bo Nix has been prone to short passes. Getting back to 100 catches will be difficult, but Engram should be a strong TE1 option.

There have been high hopes for Hall as a potential elite fantasy option, but he’s yet to reach that level. A losing team and stagnant offense the last two years have limited his value, but the addition of Justin Fields could provide a significant boost to Hall’s value. Mobile quarterbacks have traditionally helped running backs, and a new offense could be just what the doctor ordered for Hall.

Hampton was a star at UNC and couldn’t have entered a better situation than the Chargers. The team was run-heavy under Jim Harbaugh last season, and their focus on the run is exemplified by selecting Hampton in the first round of the draft. He’s being drafted as an RB2 value early this offseason, but has bigger upside.

While Harrison had a strong rookie season, it was considered a disappointment by many given his college production and pedigree. He started to find more consistency late in the year, and there’s no doubt Harrison is the Cardinals’ top wideout entering 2025. Now with more comfort in the league, the hope is that Harrison soars.

Hunt was a savior for the Chiefs last season after Isiah Pacheco went down, and has returned for another year. Pacheco is expected to regain the starting role, but Hunt will likely be a short-yardage specialist for the Chiefs. While that role can be unpredictable for fantasy managers, it also could provide a depth boost in an offense that’s highly capable. Hunt could be more than just a stash for fantasy managers.

Irving was one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season, posting more than 1,500 yards from scrimmage despite beginning the season on the bench. His production during the second half of the season, when he played more regularly, put him on a nearly 2,000-yard pace, adding optimism that he can be a top-five find for fantasy managers this season.

Jennings has been a strong and productive No. 3 receiver for the 49ers during his career, but the team is counting on more after trading Deebo Samuel. His snaps should pick up, particularly early in the season as Brandon Aiyuk recovers from a knee injury, and his first 1,000-yard season could be on the horizon.

Jones is set to battle Anthony Richardson for the starting job in Indy after a disappointing career with the Giants. While the upside is limited, Jones has a strong support system with his new team led by Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and a better offensive line than he had in New York. Given Richardson’s struggles, Jones shouldn’t have much trouble winning the job and potentially being a top 20 quarterback for fantasy managers with the help of his mobility.

The NFL hasn’t been as easy for Lawrence as many hoped, but there’s reason for optimism this season. A new system under head coach Liam Coen gets a boost with rookie Travis Hunter adding to the impressive Brian Thomas, and the Jags have also revamped their offensive line. While some time for adjustment is expected, Lawrence is a clear rebound candidate.

Love showed some regression last season with a nagging leg injury and a more conservative offense. The team helped him by taking multiple wide receivers early in the draft, giving Love a bevy of weapons heading into 2025. The talent around Love alone could elevate him to QB1 status.

McCarthy effectively took a redshirt in his rookie season due to knee surgery, but stands ready to excel in the NFL. The situation couldn’t be better with head coach Kevin O’Connell and elite receiving weapons like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson. It shouldn’t be a shock if McCarthy is worthy as a fantasy starter later in 2025.

Meyers reached 1,000 yards receiving last season for the first time, seeing his production pickup after the Raiders traded Davante Adams. He returns as the team’s No. 1 wideout and has a more capable quarterback in Geno Smith. The situation provides reason to believe Meyers will build on last season.

Moore had a disappointing 2024 season, failing to reach 1,000 yards receiving and averaging only 9.9 yards per catch. There’s optimism the offense will surge with Ben Johnson taking over and a year under the belt of Caleb Williams. Moore remains the team’s No. 1 receiver, and likely to see plenty of work.

Inconsistent quarterback play wreaked havoc on Pittman’s numbers, as his receptions and yards plunged. The aforementioned addition of Daniel Jones adds more passing potential to the Colts’ offense, and should Pittman return to 1,000 yards.

Prescott isn’t the mobile quarterback that he was early in his career, but he won’t have to be after the Cowboys’ offseason. The team added a big playmaker in George Pickens to go along with CeeDee Lamb, giving the team a receiver duo that should put fear into opposing defenses. Prescott has immediate QB1 upside again.

Tight end wasn’t a significant need for the Steelers with Pat Freiermuth around, but the team still saw an opportunity with Smith. He has emerged as a late bloomer over the last two seasons, one of which was spent in Atlanta under current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Matching last season’s big numbers would be tough, but Smith has a chance to be a low-end TE1 again with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and a friendly offensive coordinator.

An elite fantasy option earlier in his career with the Raiders, Waller fought through injuries before taking a year off last season. He steps into a very favorable situation in Miami, replacing Jonnu Smith, and should be an immediate fantasy contributor again.

Warren has provided a boost as a third-down back in his first three seasons, but regressed last season. The team hopes that the addition of Aaron Rodgers will energize the offense, and the loss of Najee Harris could make Warren the lead back, despite addressing the position in the draft.

The expectation is that Williams will take a leap after the Bears hired Ben Johnson, but just how much? A revamped offensive line could be key to unlocking his potential after getting sacked 68 times last season, and the Bears continue to add more weapons. Williams has clear QB1 upside in his second season.

After some early-career trials and tribulations for Williams, we started to see his ability last season with 1,000 yards receiving. His production during the latter half of the season is notable, with 640 yards over the team’s final nine regular-season games. Building on that improvement could make Williams a fringe WR1 option.

A change of scenery is welcome for Williams, who failed to reach four yards per carry in the last two seasons with Denver. He has a chance to take the lead back role with his new team in a potent offense that should limit heavy defensive boxes. Williams has struggled with injuries at times early in his career, but the situation brings RB2 upside for him.

Wilson has become a star early in his career, yet he failed to find comfort with Aaron Rodgers last season. He’s yet to truly ascend, but that could change now that Wilson is the clear No. 1 receiver again in New York. Justin Fields has never been a potent passer, but could focus on Wilson, helping his targets climb even more.

Young was benched early last season before the game started to click for him. The former No. 1 overall draft choice scored 17 total touchdowns over the team’s final eight games and was on a pace for over 4,000 total yards. That production is not only usable in fantasy leagues, but makes him a potential low-end QB1 if it continues into 2025.