Take a look at the 2010 season. Whoever drafted Peyton Hillis received a thousand-yard rusher for practically nothing. He probably turned a so-so backfield into one of the bests. However, the number one sleeper was Michael Vick. The Philadelphia quarterback began the season as Kevin Kolb's backup, but, when Kolb when down with an injury, Vick took over and never looked back.
The Sleepers
Grab the following players if you get a chance. Not many people are going to be interested in them, so they'll go cheap. Many of these players have been plagued by injuries in the past, so try to handcuff another player to go with them.
1. Matthew Stafford (QB) Detroit - He's had trouble with injuries, but the Lions have been building that offensive line to protect him. He's a good cheap number one quarterback.
2. Jordy Nelson (WR) Green Bay - Aaron Rodgers will be throwing, so while opponents double team Greg Jennings, that will leave Nelson open for big yards.
3. Lance Moore (WR) New Orleans - Drew Brees throws and it is about time one of his receivers will stand out. The Saints paid Moore big money this year, so obviously they think he's the one.
4. Knowshon Moreno (RB) Denver - Plagued by injuries in the past, this will be his year. Handcuff Willis McGahee later in the draft.
5. Mike Sim-Walker (WR) St. Louis - The Rams signed him to a performance contract and look for him to be successful in Sam Bradford's breakout year.
6. Sam Bradford (QB) St. Louis -Breakout year! With Josh Daniels guiding the offense, Bradford is going to light it up!
7. James Starks (RB) Green Bay - I'm not convinced that Ryan Grant is fully recovered from his injuries. If not, then Starks is the man. You saw what he did in the playoffs during their Super Bowl run.
8. Montario Hardesty (RB) Cleveland - Who? Remember how Peyton Hillis came from nowhere last season? That was supposed to be Hardestry, but he injured himself in the preseason, opening the door for Hardestry.
9. Jimmy Graham (TE) New Orleans - The Saints released Jeremy Shockey because they believe in Graham. Brees loves throwing to his tight ends.
10. Tim Hightower (RB) Washington - He has a fresh start in Washington. Even though it might be a backfield by committee, Hightower has the receiving back locked up, but will do even more. He's so talented. Handcuff Ryan Torian.
Look for sleepers at the end of the draft as well, even if you don't think you'll need them on your team. I mean if you already have Peyton Manning there's no need for a sleeper like Sam Bradford, right? Wrong! Think trade bait for later on.
Sources:
Beckett's Fantasy Football 2011 Draft Guide.
Phil Steele's Pro Football 2011: NFL Preview & Fantasy Football Guide.
Sports Illustrated Presents Fantasy Football 2011.
Terry Pruyne - I wrote for my high school and college newspapers on my way to teaching degrees in English and History. Later, I received a Masters Degree ...
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