Just about every fantasy expert can tell you when to draft players in the early rounds, but fantasy success often comes from gambling on the players in the later rounds and hitting the jackpot. This list will hopefully help highlight some of the later round players that you could "ninja" away from other teams and break bank on them.
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| Teddy could be a very solid QB1 |
QB - Teddy Bridgewater - Minnesota Vikings
Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. Fantasy Gurus are screaming at their computer screens right now, "This isn't a sneaky pick!" But people who are just now starting to prep for this year's draft season may not know about the potential that Teddy has.
Mike Wallace has come to town, Adrian Peterson is back and Charles Johnson started to become a reliable option toward the end of last year. Throw in the fact that he led the league in third-down completions (68.5%) AND in red-zone completions (72%). That's pretty solid! His rushing stats always gives a nice little bonus as well.
Currently, Teddy Water-Under-the-Bridge is being drafted around the 12th round according to FantasyPros.com. However, I could see his ceiling returning numbers similar to Cam Newton. I feel like getting him in any rounds past round 10 is legit, and anything after 12 is a potential steal.
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| Martin could be a sneaky low-end RB2 or Flex option in '15 |
RB - Doug Martin - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not sure if you listened to Episode 3 of our podcast or not, but I brought up Doug Martin for a reason. Ian and McQ don't seem to agree with me, but I feel like Dougie is another sneaky pickup late in drafts. It was only 2012 when he took the fantasy world by storm as a rookie and the following year was considered a sure-fire, top-5 pick in drafts. Oh, how the tides turn.
I'm not saying he is going to produce his rookie totals again. I don't think he will come close to it, honestly. But, if you waited on taking a flex position or even your 2nd RB, I would feel alright about taking the starting RB in an offense with a new QB and two HUGE WR threats. Defenses will surely be focusing on stopping the pass.
Dougie came into camp it wonderful shape, according to Tampa Bay and there isn't much competition behind him (Sims averaged 2.8 yards per carry). His ADP is about round 9 and that is a fabulous deal for a RB that has RB2 potential.
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| Tre finished last season strong, and Gurley may not surface at the beginning of '14 |
RB - Tre Mason - St. Louis Rams
He's not even the starter! I know, I know...hear me out though, Todd Gurley was drafted in the first round, but he may not even start Week 1. Honestly, he may not play much at all through the first half of 2015. Why would the Rams rush back their 1st round pick this year? The won't, which means that Tre will have plenty of opportunity to get some solid points for your fantasy team, especially early in the year.
My only concern with the Rams is the lack of weapons, Kenny Britt and Tavon Austin are the starting WRs. Nick Foles is the new QB. Nothing I just said scared me, so defenses should man-handle the Rams offense. However, that didn't stop Tre from rushing for 4.3 yards per carry in '14.
Snag Tre in the very late rounds and you may have a very solid Flex option on your team until Gurley is productive. Mason's ADP is currently super late in drafts...making his value spectacular. Positive news from Gurley will only help Mason's ADP.
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| Rueben Randle is being overlooked in OBJ's shadow |
WR - Rueben Randle - New York Giants
Odell Beckham Jr. is the new hotness in the NFL. He exploded onto the scene in 2014 and made our jaws drop. On the other side of the field, Victor Cruz stayed a consistent threat, until he suffered a horrible knee injury. Cruz is talking like he will be playing and playing at a high level in 2015...However, I doubt he will be playing at full capacity.
Because of this, I'll be makin' me a big ole Rueben sandwich! Randle will have the opportunity to shine this year, with defenses focusing on OBJ and Cruz not being 100%. I like Rueben super late, and I could see him producing like a WR3.
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| Robinson could put up WR2 numbers, especially in PPR leagues |
WR - Allen Robinson - Jacksonville Jaguars
That's right, a Jaguar! This Jaguar isn't going to be a super sleeper this year though. You will need to take him a little earlier than the others on this list. But I have no doubts that Allen can produce as a WR2 on your team, especially in PPR formats.
Before having a season ending injury in '14, especially from Week 2 to 10, he caught 47 passes for 550 yards and was producing at that potential WR2 level. With the addition of Julius Thomas and TJ Yeldon, Mr. Robinson should find some wiggle room to produce like this on a consistent level.
His ADP is about Round 8 - but getting him there would be a dream in my opinion. That means he is at least your WR3...and that my friends will win you your WR match up every week.
