Fantasy Football Sleepers 2017
Every season in fantasy football, there are players who nobody expects to do great, who end up being incredible. Players like David Johnson, Jordan Howard, Jay Ajayi, Spencer Ware, Dak Prescott and Ty Montgomery have turned into excellent fantasy players out of nowhere. This year, players were inevitably emerge out of nowhere, and you can be the one to draft them. Most of these players will be able to be drafted in the final rounds of the draft, or picked up as free agents.
Eli Manning: QB, Giants
Ranked 181 on ESPN projections
As Manning has aged he has experienced regression, losing more arm strength and throwing more picks. Manning threw 26 TDs to 16 interceptions last season, ranking fifth in interceptions thrown. Despite this, Manning has the most talented offense and defense he has had in his career this season, and maybe the most talented offense in the NFL. New additions Brandon Marshall and rookie Evan Engram combine with superstar Odell Beckham, Sterling Shepard, and Paul Perkins to form one of the most dynamic units in the league. Manning should see a decent statistical increase this season.
Samaje Perine: RB, Redskins
Ranked 121 on ESPN projections
The rookie out of Oklahoma could see himself becoming the primary back in Washington, and if not, should be the main person to steal touchdowns from Robert Kelley. The 5'10", 234 pound runner is an electric player who has the talent to change an offense. The rookie has impressed in OTAs so far, and even if he cannot beat out the talented Kelley, him and Perine should form one of the best backfields in the NFL.
James Conner: RB, Steelers
Ranked 243 on ESPN projections
In 2015, James Conner was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In 2017, the Pittsburgh legend was drafted by the Steelers. His incredible story aside, Conner is a perfect fit for the Steelers. The 6'2", 229 pound back is the bruising power runner the Steelers have been missing. The Steelers lack a true goal line back, which could lead to Conner having 10+ rushing touchdowns this season as a rookie. Conner’s 52 college touchdowns should translate to the NFL right away.
Chris Conley: WR, Chiefs
Ranked 351 on ESPN projections
After the surprise release of Jeremy Maclin by Chiefs, Conley becomes the top option at the position in Kansas City. Conley is a gifted athlete and has an elite physical profile, standing at 6'3" and 205 pounds. At the combine in 2015, Conley ran a 4.35 40 and set the record for the vertical jump among receivers all time, at 45 inches. His 11 foot, 7 inch broad jump was also the all time record for receivers. Conley finally has the opportunity to break out as an elite receiver in this league in 2017.
Robby Anderson: WR, Jets
Ranked 295 on ESPN projections
After the departure of Brandon Marshall and numerous reports that Eric Decker is on the way out, the wide receiver spot is wide open. The candidates to start at receiver for the Jets are Quincy Enunwa, Charone Peake, ArDarius Stewart, and Robby Anderson. Stewart, although talented, is a rookie, and Peake was not productive least season. The two starting receivers will most likely be Enunwa and Anderson. Anderson was fairly productive last season, and should be in for a much better season in 2017. He totaled 587 yards and 2 scores on 42 catches, only starting eight games in 2016. If Anderson can win the starting spot, he could be in for a breakout season if his legal issues subside. Look to pick him up as a free agent if you are in need of a receiver.
Jack Doyle: TE, Colts
Ranked 137 on ESPN projections
Doyle will be the primary player getting snaps at tight end this season with Dwayne Allen in New England. Doyle, along with being an excellent run blocker last season, broke out last season as a receiver, recording 584 yards and 5 touchdowns on 59 receptions. Doyle was one of the most reliable players in football last season, catching 78.7% of his targets, good for ninth best in the NFL of players with 50 or more targets. With Doyle emerging as one of Luck’s favorite targets, he could end up as one of the top tight ends in the league.
Jake Butt: TE, Broncos
Ranked 410 on ESPN projections
Butt tragically tore his ACL in his final college football game, the orange bowl against Florida. This caused Butt, who is a first round talent to fall to the Broncos in round 5. Butt’s ability to block and catch passes should allow him to be on the field a lot, and could see Butt becoming the starter at tight end. He is a reliable player who does not drop passes, and could become a go-to target for the winner of the Broncos quarterback competition.
Donnel Pumphrey: RB, Eagles
Ranked 241 on ESPN projections
Pumphrey is by far the biggest sleeper on this list, and the biggest long shot to make an impact this season. The rookie out of San Diego State is the all time FBS leader in rushing yards for a career, at 6,405, to go along with 62 touchdowns. Pumphrey also was a prolific receiver, totaling 5 touchdowns and 1158 yards in his collegiate career. Pumphrey is unlikely yo get many minutes this season, as he is competing with LeGarrete Blount, Ryan Mathews, Wendell Smallwood, and Darren Sproles for minutes. Pumphrey has been getting snaps as a slot receiver, which could be a role for him in the NFL. If the stars can align, Pumphrey could turn in to an elite scat back in this league.
