Good morning everyone, I hope this finds you well. Today we are going to look at some deep sleepers. I’m talking double digit round picks that will be big breakouts (hopefully). Each fantasy team has about two picks you can reach with. Try and grab an upside RB, WR, TE. I am looking at guys that are 60+ in their positional ranking for WR and RB, and for TE’s it’s really just anyone beyond TE12. Here are my Deep Hibernation Picks by position.
Running Backs:
- Bryce Love – Washington – RB 67
Death, taxes, and the Washington Football Team being a mess. AP is old, Gibson is a novelty, McKissic is a possibility, but Love was an investment. I feel like the draft pick used on Love needs some return. I think they want an every down back, Love is the better option for that over Gibson. With the team being bad you really have two options, 1) is run AP into the ground, and 2) try and have your young guys play together. Love is a double digit round pick, he’s worth the gamble. If after a couple weeks he is seeing no time, he’s the top of your list to cut. But if the Washington Football Team makes the move to have Love be a starter, then he’s an absolute steal.
- Sony Michel – New England – RB 61
Injury and a decent showing by Harris has Michel plummeting in fantasy drafts. The New England backfield is a group effort, but Michel took the lead the last two years. While James White has ppr value, Michel’s value now is laughable, if he plays. The injury is the big question, but a healthy Michel, even if that happens week 3, the value is too good to pass up with you last skill position pick. Michel has the capability to be a quality RB, he’s just broken our hearts so many times. This year the heartbreak won’t be as bad, and I just want to feel something. I am going to try and get Michel in every draft, and he just is the first one on the chopping block if it doesn’t work out. Plus, my mom likes his name so pick him because of his cool name.
- Chris Thompson – Jacksonville – RB 77
This is if you are in some sort of PPR league. Thompson is a pass catching back, he’s been hurt his whole life. If we get who everyone wants Chris Thompson to be, he is worth the last pick. Jacksonville has issues at RB, and we do not know if Fournette is going to stay with the team, get traded, play less, who knows. All we know is that Thompson catches the ball and they brought him in for that reason. When you are at this point in the draft, you are either looking for a guy that may come on late, is a big handcuff, or can score points each week. Thompson is the guy that will score points each week, Jags will be behind and will have to pass the ball a lot this year. How much work Thompson gets we don’t know, but we do know he’s a great third down back.
Wide Receivers:
- Allen Lazard – Green Bay – WR 66
Lazard came on late last season and has cemented himself as the WR2 for the Packers. The biggest red flag with Lazard is that the Packers are becoming a running team. His big body and being opposite of Adams should provide favorable matchups, and if you have a half step, Rodgers can put that ball there for you. Also, Adams has had injuries, and that’s why Lazard became an option, so if Adams goes down it’s Lazard. Three starts and three touchdowns last season, just shy of 500 yards, Lazard needs things to go his way, but there is plenty of room in Green Bay for someone to become the WR2 and all signs point to Lazard.
- Dede Westbrook – Jacksonville – WR 77
I like the Jaguars as the AFC Detroit Lions. The Lions find themselves in passing situations fighting for a .500 record. Westbrook had 101 targets last season and is a late pick. That’s value. He’s a part of the Jags offense, he just has to put it together better, and so does Minshew. Westbrook should have more yards and Minshew should complete more passes. Combine a little bit of both and Westbrook becomes a solid flex option in ppr/half ppr leagues. This year, Chark will receive a lot of attention, this should open up things for Westbrook the clear WR2 for the Jags.
- N’Keal Harry – New England – WR 62
Every Patriot is undervalued this year, but Harry is undervalued with some reason. We are hoping Harry breaks out this year, that he takes over as the WR1, or at least a possession WR/red zone guy. Cam made Kelvin Benjamin a good WR. Cam can make Harry a good WR. Harry was a rookie and is now hoping to play more, the Patriots do not have many options, let alone red zone options. Harry is worth the risk because he is a double digit round pick and will over perform because it’s the Patriot way.
Tight Ends:
- Eric Ebron – Pittsburg – TE 18
Here you have a couple of vets, but you have no clue what they have left. Big Ben is coming off of injury, Ebron has had a career of injuries, will they click? The only things that are certain for Pittsburg is their defense, Big Ben throwing the rock a bunch, and James Conner running as long as he’s healthy. Juju had a good couple years, but now that he’s the guy, he’s been a let down. The WR2 position is wide open in Pittsburg. Ebron is in a perfect position to be the WR2 from the tight end position, he just has to stay healthy. Ebron is one of those names that you just think he’s going to be good this year, and finally the risk is worth the reward as you can take him late.
- Dawson Knox – Buffalo – TE 27
Pick Knox if you hate tables. I think Knox can blow up this year. The problem is that this is not really analytical based, it’s a feeling. Knox as a rookie had 50 targets, John Brown and Beasley both had over 100 targets. Now you add Stefon Diggs. If you are a defense you try and stop Diggs and let anyone else beat you. Maybe that opens up things for Knox, and maybe Allen has more trust in Knox with it being his second year. If you pass on Knox in the draft you can pick him up off waivers.
- Blake Jarwin – Dallas – TE 22
I think everyone is looking here. Jarwin steps into the role of Jason Witten. The Cowboys have arguably the best offense in football. Jarwin already had 41 targets last season with 31 receptions. Witten had 83 targets with 63 receptions. Witten has always been a target on 3rd downs for the Cowboys, he always seems to just get the first down. Jarwin is guaranteed 65 targets this year. He’s young, explosive, he has not had the ability to show it yet. Being on the Cowboys offense Jarwin could easily sneak into that top seven TE position. Everything would have to go right for Jarwin, but that is well within reach.
Drafts should be wrapping up, hopefully you have some good picks are able to make a waiver move to sweep up a long shot fantasy player for your team. We are still working through logos on insta (@jonnydiiifootball) and are hoping to have a league name soon, still looking for a sponsor for the trophy name. Next week I think we will come out with the power rankings for the season and get ready for the season. That’s all for this week, I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.
Let’s Go!
JonnyDIII
DIII Digest 