We all know the real fantasy football draft begins in the later rounds. This is where strategy and research are very important in building your championship roster. That especially comes with fantasy football draft sleepers. If you hit on a fantasy football sleeper late in the draft who outperforms their ADP, you’re almost guaranteed to take home a trophy. Look to grab these potential fantasy football sleepers late in your 2o24 drafts.
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers
(ADP courtesy of FantasyPros)
Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL) | ADP: 61 (TE6)
After a sensational rookie year from Kyle Pitts, he has not replicated that in the last two seasons. His sophom*ore year ended early, so he only accumulated 356 receiving yards. However, last year, he played the full season and only had 667 yards, meaning he had three fewer receiving yards in the previous two years combined than in his rookie season.
Some blame goes to former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith and his offense for not using Pitts or the other weapons he had. However, with a new regime, we could see a resurgence. That’s especially the case with having Kirk Cousins as his quarterback. He had a 27% target rate to the tight end last year, which was the fifth-highest in the league.
Khalil Shakir (WR – BUF) | ADP: 113 (WR56)
With Stefon Diggs gone, the Bills’ current available receivers need to step up. Last year, when Joe Brady took over the play-calling duties, Shakir began to play a significant part in the offense and led the team with eight explosive plays and three touchdowns.
The Bills snagged Keon Coleman in the draft, and the rookie could establish himself as the top receiver. Still, look for Shakir to make a name for himself when training camp begins.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN) | ADP: 117 (RB36)
Chase Brown could break out in his sophom*ore season now that Joe Mixon has moved on to Houston. He wasn’t used much with Mixon, but he did have some nice stretches when he got the ball. In the five games where he got four or more carries, he averaged over 3.9 yards per carry in three of them.
The Bengals did bring in Zack Moss to compete for that starting job, but he is sometimes inconsistent and has missed games due to injury. Brown is someone to keep an eye on during training camp and the preseason.
Antonio Gibson (RB – NE) | ADP: 157 (RB48)
Antonio Gibson had a 1,000-rushing-yard season in 2021, but the Commanders still decided to draft a running back in the next draft. What makes Gibson such a viable option is his ability in the passing game. He’s been one of the better pass-catching running backs in the league, ranking top 10 in targets, catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns over the last four seasons.
Rhamondre Stevenson is his biggest competition, but he had a disappointing 2023, averaging a career-worse 4.0 yards per carry, 4.7 scrimmage yards per touch and a 74.5% catch rate. He also missed time with an injury, something he’s done in two of three seasons.
Noah Fant (TE – SEA) | ADP: 194 (TE:26)
The free Noah Fant campaign was on during the offseason, so some were perplexed when he decided to re-sign with the Seahawks. Just because he is with the same team doesn’t mean we see the same results. The old regime is out, and a fresh perspective could mean a resurgence for Fant.
Former University of Washington offensive coordinator Bryan Grubb will call plays this year. He recently led the Huskies as one of the more successful offenses in College Football, especially in the passing game. The downfield approach could play well for someone like Fant, who comes with above-average quickness for someone his size.
The Seattle depth chart is much thinner with Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly gone, so he should have a high snap and target rate amongst the position.
Jacob Cowing (WR – SF) | ADP: 256 (WR108)
Jacob Cowing was the second-drafted wide receiver by the 49ers, but don’t be surprised when he emerges as one of the top options for Brock Purdy. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, one at UTEP and another at Arizona. Although he didn’t accomplish that last year, he did have 13 touchdowns.
What’s impressive about Kyle Shanahan is that he knows how to spot talent and those who will fit in his system. Cowing can line up in almost any spot. He has excellent footwork and a quick burst for the potential of a big play. He’s coming in with 59 screen targets and an average of 7.6 yards per play over the previous two seasons; we know that is the type of receiver Shanahan loves.
More Fantasy Football Draft Advice
- Erickson’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Fitz’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- DBro’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
- Hoppen’s Must-Have Best Ball Draft Targets (Premium)
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John is a graduate of Quinnipiac University with Masters in Sports Journalism. He has worked in the sports media for over a decade with stints at ESPN and NBC Sports covering fantasy sports and sports betting.
