The teams that are able to uncover the hidden gems in rookie drafts inherently gain a major value boost. For example, teams that drafted Antonio Gibson and Chase Claypool last year had their teams injected with elite talent at late rookie draft cost. And those fantasy managers who drafted James Robinson at the end of their drafts or scooped him off waivers early in the offseason were likely rewarded a playoff berth.
By finding those diamonds in the rough, you can gain a huge advantage in retooling for the following season or preparing for a championship run.
Here are rookie sleepers that you should see if you can grab off the wire or get as toss-ins in your next trade.
Running Backs
Chris Evans – Cincinnati Bengals
The former Michigan Wolverine has the size to be a 3-down back in the NFL with elite burst and agility. But because he ended up behind Joe Mixon in Cincy, Evans is frequently available late in rookie drafts and sitting on the waiver wire in dynasty leagues. A skilled runner at Michigan, Evans was on track to be drafted much earlier but an academic suspension changed the course of his NFL trajectory. After getting only 16 carries in his final college season, Evans inevitably slipped in the draft to the 6th round.
Early reports out of Bengals OTAs are that offensive coordinator Brian Callahan has raved over Chris Evans’ pass-catching prowess. Callahan noted that Evans has the most natural hands for a running back that he ever been around. This could be a sign that Evans might see opportunities on third down. If history is any indication, the Bengals will want to spell Mixon on third downs with a strong pass-catcher like they used Giovanni Bernard. Additionally, if Mixon were to go down to another injury, Evans could see himself in a huge role.
Gerrid Doaks – Miami Dolphins
Gerrid Doaks’ production at Cincinnati wasn’t great but he has the physical tools to be a force in the NFL with great size and burst. His production profile. GM Chris Grier is on record talking about Doaks’ physical game and the energy he brings on every play. With an elite defense, Head Coach Brian Flores appears to want a power running game to pair with his defense and to take pressure off his franchise QB in Tua Tagovailoa.
Even though Myles Gaskin performed well last season, he doesn’t really have the size to be a featured NFL back who can handle 250+ touches. Although I am a fan of Gaskin and think he can hold off Doaks, it would make sense to hedge on this bet and stash the rookie RB.
Wide Receivers
Ihmir Smith-Marsette – Minnesota Vikings
At only 21 years old and somewhat of a raw prospect, Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a late breakout at age 20 but still possesses a good amount of upside. With a shallow depth chart ahead of him, ISM has a good chance to not only secure a roster spot but find a role in three receiver sets in his rookie year. There are not enough people who realize that the Vikings WR room is barren after its top 2 options – Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. There is little competition for targets after those top WRs and Irv Smith, even in a conservative run-heavy offense. In addition, Thielen has suffered hamstring injuries in the past and according to Sports Injury Predictor, there is a 57% chance that Thielen will suffer an injury in 2021. Even if Thielen misses a single game, that could be enough for Smith-Marsette to have a breakout game and solidify a case to see more playing time.
ISM seems to be a roster lock given his special teams ability and the shallow Vikings depth chart, even as a fifth round pick. In fact, early reports out of the Vikings organization suggest that the team believes Smith-Marsette has untapped potential and is giving the rookie every opportunity to secure the WR3 spot on the team. Smith-Marsette has the ability to inside and outside and displayed burst and good body control. In addition, ISM is a good route runner who makes strong cuts. His main weakness is making contested catches which he will need to develop. If he can tap into that talent the Vikings believe he has, the rookie WR can become an interesting player for fantasy purposes.
Anthony Schwartz – Cleveland Browns
Anthony Schwartz is a WR who possesses elite Olympic level speed (4.27 40 at his Pro Day), good draft capital (round 3), and is only 20 years old making Schwartz an intriguing prospect. Schwartz could have been an Olympic track star if he didn’t want to pursue a football career. This is the type of player you want to have stashed on your dynasty teams in the event he can put it all together with route running and the nuances of the game. Schwartz has that high of a ceiling.
The former Auburn standout has a decent chance of making the Browns roster even though the depth chart is stocked with talent headlined by Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham along with Rashard Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones. Schwartz’s blazing speed will give him an opportunity to play in his rookie season on special teams as a kick returner which will only aid in his development. The speedster was utilized on running plays at Auburn, accounting for 7 rushing touchdowns during his college career. He may be called upon to provide a spark on offense with manufactured touches. However, Schwartz will need to continue developing as a well-rounded receiver by improving his route tree and mastering the Browns playbook. If he can do those things, he can unlock his potential and provide a spark to the Cleveland offense as well as the fantasy teams he’s rostered on.
Tight Ends
Kylen Granson – Indianapolis Colts
The TE position is largely considered a wasteland in fantasy football so when you can add a tight end with top end speed, burst, agility, it’s hard to pass up as an UDFA or late round flyer like Kylen Granson. The SMU standout boasts an age 18 breakout season and falls in the 86th percentile in terms of yards per reception.
Granson finds himself on the Colts led by Carson Wentz who loves to pass to his tight ends (see Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert). Outside of TY Hilton (who is aging and well past his prime), the Colts do not have a strong receiving core with question marks around Michael Pittman, Jr. and Parris Campbell. There are two incumbent TEs on the Colts roster (Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle), but Granson profiles as a move tight end and looks to be a strong fit with Frank Reich’s offense. Alie-Cox and Doyle are not known to be TEs that excel playing detached or out of the slot, which is where Granson does his best work. It isn’t hard to imagine the Colts building an offensive scheme predicated on running the ball and allowing Wentz to reestablish his confidence through a conservative approach, mixing in the occasional deep ball. This could feed into Granson’s ability to make plays after the catch and extend gains. Granson plays much like a WR and is a strong pass catcher, capable of breaking big plays and vertically stretching the field. The Colts have not had a strong tight end in recent years as they rotated between Doyle, Trey Burton, and Alie-Cox last season, so Granson has an opportunity in Indy. Granson should be picked up after rookie drafts in most dynasty leagues.
Noah Grey – Kansas City Chiefs
Another sleeper on the Chiefs is this TE who boasts very good speed as he ran a 4..67 40. For comparison, Kelce ran a 4.66 although Kelce boasts better top end speed, burst, and agility. But Grey is no slouch athletically as he has above average athleticism all around. The aforementioned Kelce is still elite but he also turns 32 this season and there is no one of significance to carry on the torch.
James Palmer of the NFL Network recently reported that the Chiefs traded up to draft the Duke tight end to play him alongside Travis Kelce in 12-personnel sets. With the lack of receiving threats outside of Kelce and Tyreek Hill, Gray could have a chance to play a key role in the high-powered Kansas City passing attack. Mecole Hardman has disappointed mightily and this may force the Chiefs to look to make plays in the short and intermediate passing game when Kelce and Hill are focused on by opposing defenses. Gray is a great stash, especially in any dynasty league that offers a TE premium.
