Sleepers
A player that exceeds expectations based on their current average draft position.
Royce Freeman (103rd overall ADP)
After being overhyped and over-drafted last season, Royce Freeman is set up as one the better bargains in 2019 fantasy football drafts. While UDFA Phillip Lindsay shined last season, Freeman has a chance to retake the starting position in their sophomore season in the National Football League.
The electric Lindsay earned his snaps last season, but there are concerns about the smaller back’s ability to maintain a large workload. With the Denver Broncos expected to even the snaps between the two backs, Freeman should out-play his current ADP outside of the top-100.
While Lindsay has earned a significant role in Denver, the more powerful Freeman has the potential to be a true bell-cow. If ever given the reigns, the former Oregon Duck could shatter his current projections.
Curtis Samuel (106th overall ADP)
Just outside the top-100 overall, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel might be one of the biggest steals of the year. Ranked 78th overall in my latest rankings, I would be willing to draft Samuel much higher than the consensus.
After a disappointing, injury-plagued start to his career, Samuel is one of my favorites to have a third-year breakout in fantasy football. After only recording 15 catches for 115 yards in his rookie season, Samuel broke-out down the stretch of 2018 to finish his second season with over 500 yards of total offense and seven total touchdowns.
The Panthers have shown creativity in getting the speedy wideout the ball in space, while Samuel has continued to impress in training camp with tremendous route-running and playmaking ability. While I love D.J. Moore as a prospect, the discounted Samuel can be just as fantasy-relevant. Buy him while you can.
Matt Breida (151st overall)
If you’re looking for someone to pick up immediately before they skyrocket up draft boards, look no further than 49ers running back Matt Breida. Last season’s 26th overall scoring running back, Breida is currently the 52nd running back off the board in 2019 fantasy football drafts.
Even with the addition of Tevin Coleman and the possible return of Jerick McKinnon, there is no reason for Breida going so low in fantasy drafts. With McKinnon having another setback with his ailing knee, Breida’s ADP won’t be this low for long, so grab him while you can.
Mark Andrews (153rd overall)
I’ve touched on my affinity for Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews in the past, but I have to repeat it for those still not listening. The 2017 John Mackey Award winner, given yearly to the most outstanding tight end in college football, is set up for a breakout season in 2019 fantasy football circles.
Andrews has slowly become one of Lamar Jackson‘s favorite targets, with the improving passer routinely looking for the tight end late last season. That’s a trend that has continued early in training camp, where Andrews has shown the ability to get open both in-line and in the slot where he excels.
I love Andrews’ value at his current ADP, as I have him ranked higher than multiple players ranked above him in FantasyPro’s consensus rankings. I have Andrews 11th overall on my TE rankings, and I’d gladly take him over Eric Ebron, Delanie Walker, and Trey Burton among others.