The term “sleeper” has different meanings for different people in the world of fantasy football. Some folks believe it’s simply a player who will outperform his draft position. Others believe it’s someone who was a relative unknown and emerges into a useful fantasy option, such as Tyler Allgeier, Zay Jones or Juwan Johnson.
However, I think there are different levels of sleeper value among NFL players.
For example, a typical sleeper like Rachaad White is likely to come off the board in the middle rounds of drafts. Then, you have another tier. I like to call them the “deep sleepers.” These are the players who have average draft positions (ADPs) in the later rounds who could bring back surprising value.
With that in mind, here are 10 players to target in the late rounds who could be the best of the best when it comes to the fantasy football deep sleeper class of 2023.
Kendre Miller, RB, Saints
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Miller was a stat sheet stuffer in his final season at TCU, rushing for 1,399 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. He could see an expanded role to start his NFL career, as the Saints could be without starting running back Alvin Kamara due to a potential suspension. In that scenario, Miller would be the second backfield option behind veteran Jamaal Williams. I’d take a flier on the rookie during the later rounds.
Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs
Kadarius Toney and rookie Rashee Rice might be getting more love in the fantasy world, but maybe the “Skyy” is the limit for Moore? A second-round pick of the Chiefs in 2022, he will also be in the mix for targets after the team lost both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman as free agents. Also keep in mind that Toney hasn’t been all that durable, so Moore could play a bigger role than projected.
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 fellow rookie 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 flier as a No. 5 wideout.
Nico Collins, WR, Texans
The Texans added a bunch of wide receivers in the offseason, including the likes of Robert Woods, Noah Brown and rookie Tank Dell. Still, I see Collins as the most talented of the bunch and the one with the most fantasy potential. He likely won’t be consistent with many mouths to feed and a rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud under center, but Collins could push for flex value when the matchup is right this season.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans
Spears is coming off a monster season with the Tulane Green Wave, rushing for nearly 1,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also put up 22 receptions, so Spears can be used as a pass catcher, too. While he has no chance to start immediately, veteran starter Derrick Henry is entering his age-29 season and has a ton of wear and tear. If Henry misses time, Spears could be a league winner in a lot of fantasy leagues.
Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Eagles
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Most of the talk in the Eagles backfield centers around D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny, who project to be the top two players on the depth chart. But what about Gainwell? Swift has proven he isn’t a true featured workhorse, and Penny is one of the least durable runners in the league. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Gainwell sees more work than we’re projecting even if Swift and Penny remain at 100%.
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 with rookie Broderick Jones and added Allen Robinson to the passing game in the offseason. In addition, I could see Pickett rushing for around 350-400 yards.
Trey McBride, TE, Cardinals
McBride didn’t do much as a rookie from a statistical perspective, but he did have a huge game in fantasy championship week against the Falcons. In that contest, he put up seven catches, a touchdown and scored nearly 21 fantasy points. While much of his value will depend on the return of veteran Zach Ertz from an injured knee, McBride could hold some early-season value (or maybe more) in 2023.
Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, Panthers
The Panthers added Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark as free agents, and they picked Jonathan Mingo in the second round of the NFL draft. Still, Marshall might be the most likely wideout in the group to post a career-best season. After all, Thielen is 33 and Chark has had just one big statistical campaign in the league. Marshall isn’t even being picked in a lot of leagues, but he’s well worth a late flier for me.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Luke Schoonmaker in the second round of the draft, but he’s unlikely to make much of an impact as a receiver in Year 1. I like Ferguson to be their best option in the passing game, and we all know the Cowboys like to use the tight end in their offense. While a committee with Schoonmaker and Peyton Hendershot is possible, Ferguson is the most likely to make a fantasy impact.
