2008 Sleeper Preview

by Michael Nazarek

Everyone knows about Tom Brady, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Randy Moss. The top 50 players taken in most fantasy drafts will likely be the same group of players. What separates the men from the boys is knowing who will produce when they are not expected to produce. To this end, I will supply you with sleeper lists of players at each of the key fantasy positions. Consider each and weigh them against your league competition. I will list sleepers in three distinct categories… obvious, darkhorses, and long-shots. I have also offered my “deep sleeper” at each position.

For those of you wondering exactly what I said about WR Kevin Walter (months before he became a solid fantasy producer during the season) on these pages last JUNE, read on…

The Deep Sleeper (Excerpt From 2007 Draft Guide)

Kevin Walter (Houston) - Everyone knows WR Andre Johnson is the #1 WR for the Texans, but who is the #2 option? Veteran WR Eric Moulds was released this off-season. WR Jerome Mathis has shown promise, but continued hamstring issues have him on the edge of being released. Meanwhile, HC Gary Kubiak made it clear he wanted Walter as the No. 2 target for QB Matt Schaub. After weeks of watching film of the 2006 season, Kubiak kicked himself for rarely utilizing Walter. "I think what you're looking at right there is a player that earned the right to play," Kubiak said. "I went back and watched our film, and it felt like if I gave Kevin Walter more chances to make plays, we win a few more games. That's what he is. He's an overachiever, so to speak, a tremendous worker. His teammates can count on him. He's going to win out because of his work ethic in the long haul, and that's what we want around here." In the first two weeks of organized team activities this off-season, Walter's play stood out to Kubiak. He made some big catches on the field and also showed the work ethic for which he's becoming known. Now the only question remains… Can Walter's off-season success translate into real NFL football production?

Below you will find PARTIAL analysis of some of the 49 2008 sleepers we offer with each player mentioned. As a reminder, this is only a portion of the players listed in each category.

QUARTERBACKS

The Obvious

David Garard (Jacksonville) – Until he got injured last year in week #7, Garrard was the poster boy for the 250-yard, 1 TD with another 20-50 yards rushing QB. And when he returned to action, he threw at least 2 TD passes in 5 of his final 6 regular season games. He has clearly become a solid fantasy QB, but he doesn’t seem to have that high side, as evidenced by his just one 3-TD game in week #15 last year. Still, you could do a lot worse than draft him as your fantasy backup in the middle rounds of your draft!

Jake Delhomme (Carolina) – The question here has never really been about talent, only about health. Back in 2004 and 2005, Delhomme threw 29 and 24 TD passes respectively. But after suffering through two major injuries in the past two seasons, he threw just 25 TD over that period of time. Delhomme had Tommy John surgery on his arm last year, but is progressing well in his recovery. If he can return to full health and remain healthy, he could be good for another 25+ TD passes in 2008. But that’s a very big IF…

The Longshot

JaMarcus Russell (Oaklland) – Nothing went right for Russell and the Raiders in 2007. A contract holdout kept Russell from starting all games but one. Against the Chargers in week #17, Russell managed one TD pass, and still has the backing from the owner and coaching staff to lead the team in 2008. Bottom Line: Russell has talent, but is an unknown quantity as a fantasy producer. Take a chance on him late in your draft as a #3 QB and he might surprise. What have you got to lose?

RUNNING BACKS

The Obvious

Michael Turner (Atlanta) – This guy has blazing speed and can rip off an 80-yard TD run if he gets any daylight at all. Turner served behind RB LaDainian Tomlinson for the Chargers, so he’s plenty fresh and capable of handling a full workload as the Falcons’ new lead back. The only issue here is whether the passing game can take some pressure off the running game so Turner won’t see eight men in he box on every play. Yet, even if that happens, he should still be good for more than 1,200 total yards and more than a half-dozen scores.

Thomas Jones (New York Jets) – Yeah, I had him here last summer and he scored only a few times. But things have changed for the Jets and their improved offensive line with OT Alan Faneca and crew. Jones will get the carries and better blocking will allow him to not only rush for more than 1,100 again, but also score more times. In fact, if the passing game steps it up too, Jones could surprise and score more than 5 times in 2008.

The Darkhorse

Matt Forte ® (Chicago) – Ah, my favorite darekhorse sleeper! Well, he was a real sleeper back in May when I first drafted him as my #3 RB in the 7th round of the FF Index magazine mock draft. But everyone probably knows now that the Bears want Forte to start and excel whereas former Bears RB Cedric Benson did not. The only concern here is that Forte might be slow to pick up the blocking scheme on passing downs, which coud limit his playing time to only first and second downs. Still, Forte has a golden opportuinity to impress and become the Bears future at the RB position, and I believe he’ll take advantage and make everyone forget about Mr. Benson.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The Obvious

Nate Burleson (Seattle) – Last year, WR Bobby Engram was a great fantasy sleeper, but 2008 should be Burleson’s season to finally show everyone he deserved the big bucks he got when he first signed with the Seahawks. WR Deion Branch (torn ACL) will miss much of the coming season, and Engram’s in a contrat dispute. That leaves Burleson as the #1 WR for the team this summer. After all, Burleson did score nine times last year. Targeting him in the middle rounds of your fantasy draft is a good thing to do!

Anthony Gonzalez (Indianapolis) – Gonzalez is the heir apparent to succeed WR Marvin Harrison for the Colts. The only question here is whether Gonzalez takes over for Harrison as a starter this year, next year, or two years from now. Harrison’s health has been sketchy ever since he injured his knee early last season, and basically sat out the rest of the year until the playoffs. Harrison hasn’t practiced with the team this off-season, as rumors persist that his great career is all but finished. Let’s just say that Gonzalez will play this year, whether it’s as the #2 starter or #3 slot receiver. And that’s good enough to be a nice sleeper for fantasy owners in 2008.

The Darkhorse

Isaac Bruce (San Francisco) – Ah, my man Ike is with a new team! Yes, the Rams cut Bruce and he promptly signed with the 49ers under new OC Mike Martz. Everyone knows Bruce excels in Martz’s system, and a move to San Francisco shouldn’t change that fact. Many people believe WR Bryant Johnson will be the #1 WR for the team, and that may be true at some point, but it’s been Bruce who has been impressive this off-season working hard to develop chemistry with QB Alex Smith. Grabbing Bruce as your #4 WR in the middle rounds of your draft is a smart strategy indeed!

Drew Bennett (St. Louis) – With The Reverend gone in St. Louis, Bennett takes over as the new #2 starting WR opposite WR Torry Holt. Bennett struggled to stay healthy and had limited success as the #3 WR in 2007. If he stays healthy, that should change in 2008. Bottom Line: The Rams will continue to pass and Bennett will see increased looks. If he can stay healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t top 1,000 receiving yards and score a half dozen times or more. Consider him a decent depth pick in the middle rounds of your fantasy draft

The Long-Shot

Ernest Wilford (Miami) – Wilford was only an after-thought in Jacksonville last year, but has quickly latched onto the #1 WR job for the Dolphins this off-season. He’s by far the most experienced WR on the roster after their cut of WR Marty Booker, but is limited by the uncertainty at the QB position. But much like Robinson, Wilford can excel if given the proper attention and accuracy by the starting QB, whomever that turns out to be. Wilford is worth a look as a depth pick late in your fantasy draft.

TIGHT ENDS

The Obvious

L.J. Smith (Philadelphia) – Much like Heap, Smith’s 2007 season was basically a wash due to injury, a nasty sports hernia and other assorted groin ailments. But Smith is healthy once again, and signed his franchise tender for one year with the Eagles this off-season. He’s got all the motivation in the world to produce a big season in order to get that long-term deal with big signing bonus from Philadelphia. Best of all, he’s sliding until late in most fantasy drafts, as many owners are avoiding him like the plague. Grab him as your fantasy backup and you’ll have one of the better fantasy producers at this position if Smith’s healthy holds up.

The Darkhorse

Ben Utecht (Cincinnati) – Utecht signed as a free agent with the Bengals after playing for the high-powered Colts. He brings nice pass-catching abilities to a team searching for a third target in the passing game after the release of troubled WR Chris Henry. Even if WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh play the entire season and produce as usual, Utecht generate another 500 yards and 3-5 scores if targeted properly.

The Longshot

Leonard Pope (Arizona) – Pope showed promise as a Cardinal last year until an injury ended his season in week #14. He scored five times in 2007, but caught more than two passes in just four games. Let’s just say Pope’s fantasy production was feast or famine, a trait that doesn’t make for a quality fantasy starter. But Pope’s five scores show potential, and where there is potential, there could be stardom down the road.

back to top