6 Fantasy Football Players You’re Drafting Too Late
When it comes to fantasy football, you don’t need an expert to tell you to target players like Aaron Rodgers or Alvin Kamara. But where many fantasy drafts are won is in the mid-to-late rounds. That’s where you can pick up sleepers no one else is looking for. Here are six fantasy football players who will be drafted too late.
Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With 963 total yards and six touchdowns, 2018 was something of a breakout year for Peyton Barber. This season, he’ll likely be the primary back. Barring injury, Jameis Winston will be back for the entire season, which means the passing game has a better shot at consistency. This should open up the running game somewhat.
Bruce Arians is an offensive-minded coach looking for a running back to carry the load as well as catch passes out of the backfield. There’s no reason that running back won’t be Barber.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Last season, Dede Westbrook recorded 66 receptions for 717 yards with five touchdowns. This was with Blake Bortles. Now the wide receiver has a better quarterback in Nick Foles. Expect Westbrook’s production to increase as Jacksonville looks to move the ball downfield more confidently. He’ll be a solid second wide receiver on your fantasy roster.
Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Because he likes to run the ball so much, Lamar Jackson isn’t your typical fantasy quarterback. But that penchant for running could also give Jackson a leg up (pun intended) on some other quarterbacks.
While his passing numbers may not blow you away, a healthy Jackson playing a full season has a great chance to rush for 1,000 yards and add a few rushing touchdowns as well. When paired with his other offensive stats, Jackson could be a solid mid-round steal at quarterback.
TJ Hockenson, TE, Detroit Lions
At 6-foot-5, 247 pounds, TJ Hockenson no doubt leaves the Detroit Lions with visions of Rob Gronkowski dancing in their heads. Matthew Stafford has no problem filling up the stat sheet, and Hockensen will be one of the recipients of those stats.
The Lions used the eighth overall pick on the Iowa product, who is deceptively fast for a tight end his size, so he’ll definitely get the opportunity to show what he can do. If Hockensen can total even a fraction of the production Gronk showed, he’ll be a valuable fantasy pick. And you should be able to wait to take Hockensen until after your draft’s run on elite tight ends.
Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Jackson didn’t put up huge numbers in 2018. But with Melvin Gordon sidelined due to a holdout and not looking to end it anytime soon, someone has to get carries. Internally, the Chargers are high on Jackson’s ability.
Defensive end Melvin Ingram said, “He’s definitely an elite back. His vision, you can’t coach what he has. Man, his vision. His vision and the way he runs the ball is great. It’s amazing how he can see stuff in a split-second.” Even if Gordon returns, expect Jackson to get a significant amount of carries — well worth a late-round pick.
Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills
Yes, Devin Singletary is a rookie running back without a proven body of NFL work. With that in mind, it helps to look at Singletary’s competition in Buffalo’s backfield. He’s behind both LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore — neither are considered spring chickens. With the two in front of him likely to sit at some point due to injury, Singletary is a good bet to emerge as the top rusher in Buffalo this season.
