Fantasy Football: Rookie Sleepers to Watch Out For

Fantasy League Spotlights
Jun 03, 2024
Jun 03, 2024

Introduction to Rookie Sleepers

As the new NFL season approaches, fantasy football players are gearing up for their drafts and searching for those hidden gems that can give them a competitive edge. One category of players that often gets overlooked are the rookies. While many rookies struggle to adjust to the NFL, there are always a few who make an immediate impact and can provide excellent value for fantasy football teams. These players, known as sleepers, can often be found in the later rounds of drafts and can help catapult a team to victory.

The key to finding a successful rookie sleeper is to identify players who have the right combination of talent, opportunity, and situation. For example, a rookie wide receiver who is drafted by a team with a strong quarterback and a weak receiving corps may have a better chance of success than one who is drafted by a team with an established group of receivers. Similarly, a rookie running back who is drafted by a team with a strong offensive line and a commitment to the running game may have a better chance of success than one who is drafted by a team with a weak offensive line and a pass-heavy offense.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at five rookies who have the potential to be fantasy football sleepers in 2023. These players are not guaranteed to have success, but they have the right combination of talent, opportunity, and situation to make a significant impact in their rookie seasons.

Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans

The Houston Texans had one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL last season, finishing 29th in the league in rushing yards per game. However, with the addition of Dameon Pierce in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Texans may have found their feature back of the future. Pierce, a four-year starter at the University of Florida, was one of the most productive running backs in college football last season, rushing for 1,104 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 171 carries. He also caught 22 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns.

Despite his impressive college production, Pierce slipped to the fourth round of the draft due to concerns about his size and durability. However, those concerns should not be a problem in the NFL, as Pierce has excellent vision, agility, and balance. He is also a tough and physical runner who is not afraid to lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards. With the Texans likely to have a high volume of rushing attempts this season, Pierce has the potential to be a workhorse back and a solid RB2 in fantasy football.

Pierce's biggest obstacle to success will be the Texans' offensive line, which is one of the weakest in the NFL. However, if the Texans can improve their blocking, Pierce has the talent and opportunity to be a steal in the late rounds of fantasy football drafts. He is definitely a rookie sleeper to keep an eye on in 2023.

Skylar Thompson, QB, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have had a tumultuous offseason, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa facing criticism for his play and the team bringing in veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to compete for the starting job. However, one rookie quarterback who could make an impact in Miami is Skylar Thompson, a seventh-round pick out of Kansas State. Thompson is not likely to win the starting job in 2023, but he could provide excellent value as a backup quarterback and a streaming option in fantasy football.

Thompson has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. He has excellent arm strength, accuracy, and mobility. He also has a strong football IQ and a good understanding of the game. At Kansas State, Thompson was a four-year starter and threw for 9,185 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,218 yards and 15 touchdowns.

While Thompson is unlikely to start many games in his rookie season, he has the potential to be a valuable fantasy football asset. If Tagovailoa or Bridgewater were to get injured or struggle, Thompson could step in and provide solid quarterback play. He is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs, which adds an extra dimension to his game. Thompson is a rookie sleeper who could provide excellent value as a late-round pick in fantasy football drafts.

Greg Dulcich, TE, Denver Broncos

The tight end position is often a difficult position to find fantasy football value, but one rookie tight end who has the potential to make an impact in 2023 is Greg Dulcich out of UCLA. Dulcich was selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, a team that has been searching for a reliable tight end for years. Dulcich is a versatile tight end who can line up in the slot, in-line, or in the backfield.

At UCLA, Dulcich was a productive player, catching 80 passes for 1,359 yards and 12 touchdowns in three seasons. He has excellent athleticism, hands, and route-running ability. He also has the potential to be a strong blocker, which will be important in the NFL. Dulcich's biggest obstacle to success will be the Broncos' depth chart at tight end, as the team also has veteran tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam.

While Dulcich may not see a lot of playing time in his rookie season, he has the potential to be a valuable fantasy football asset in the future. If he can earn the trust of quarterback Russell Wilson, Dulcich has the potential to be a reliable target in the red zone. He has the ability to make plays after the catch and can stretch the field vertically. Dulcich is a rookie sleeper to keep an eye on in 2023 and beyond.

Conclusion: Finding Value in Rookie Sleepers

Finding value in rookie sleepers is one of the keys to winning a fantasy football championship. While there are no guarantees with rookies, identifying players with the right combination of talent, opportunity, and situation can provide a significant advantage. In this blog post, we highlighted five rookies who have the potential to be fantasy football sleepers in 2023. From running backs to quarterbacks to tight ends, these players have the potential to make an impact in their rookie seasons.

While it is important to target established stars in fantasy football drafts, it is also important to take a chance on rookies. Rookies can provide excellent value in the later rounds of drafts, and they can provide a significant boost to a fantasy football team. By keeping an eye on players like Dameon Pierce, Skylar Thompson, and Greg Dulcich, fantasy football players can find hidden gems that can help them win a championship.

Remember, finding value in rookie sleepers is not an exact science. It requires research, intuition, and a little bit of luck. However, by following the right strategy and keeping an eye on the right players, fantasy football players can give themselves the best chance of success. So, as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts, be sure to keep an eye on these five rookie sleepers. They could be the difference between a championship and a disappointing season.