Do you still have a fantasy football draft coming up? Here are a few last-minute sleeper candidates to consider.
Quarterback
Cam Newton (NE) — If you’re looking for a big name but don’t want to pay early, Newton is your guy. Health is the concern with Newton, but should he stay on the field, he will provide great value, and even has top-5 potential. In fact, every time Newton has played a full season, he’s been a top-5 quarterback. He has enough weapons in New England’s fast-paced offense to thrive, as long as he gets enough goal-line carries to pad his numbers.
Teddy Bridgewater (CAR) — Newton’s replacement in Carolina finds himself in an enviable position, having Christian McCaffrey and D.J. Moore as top targets, not to mention an excellent supporting cast in new addition Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel and Ian Thomas. Also look for offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who worked with Bridgewater in New Orleans, to implement a pass-happy scheme that works to Teddy’s advantage.
Running Back
Antonio Gibson (WAS) — The rookie has impressed all summer long, and is now emerging as a viable starting option after Adrian Peterson was released. The former receiver has the hands that could lead to great PPR value in Scott Turner’s offense.
Chase Edmonds (ARI) — Kenyan Drake is far from a sure thing as Arizona’s RB1, given his injury concerns this summer. Edmonds killed it as the starter in his one chance last season, and his coach recently gave him a public vote of confidence.
Alexander Mattison (MIN) — Not as exciting as he was when Dalvin Cook was threatening to hold out, but still a must-own handcuff for Cook owners, and worth a flier elsewhere given that Cook has been prone to injuries in the past.
Damien Harris (NE) — Though he’ll likely miss Week 1 with an injury, Harris had a great camp and should be very much in the mix for New England before long.
Wide Receiver
N’Keal Harry (NE) — Mohamed Sanu’s release tells you all you need to know. Newton has his new Kelvin Benjamin-type (when he was good).
Allen Lazard (GB) — A favorite of Coach Matt LaFleur. Geronimo Allison is gone and Devin Funchess opted out, leaving Lazard to start opposite of DaVante Adams.
DeSean Jackson (PHI) — Marquise Goodwin opting out opens things up for Jackson in an offense that should be more pass-happy in 2020.
Dede Westbrook (JAC) — Hard to believe a guy coming off of 100 targets has such a low ADP. Expect him to do more with his targets this year in Jay Gruden’s new offense, which he fits into nicely.
Tight End
Dallas Goedert (PHI) — He doesn’t need an injury to Zach Ertz to have fantasy value, seeing at least five targets in 10 of the last 11 games in 2019.
Jonnu Smith (TEN) — Starting now with Delanie Walker gone, he should receive enough red-zone targets to finish as a TE1, despite being in a low-volume passing offense.
