What Makes a Sleeper?

By definition a sleeper is anyone you can pick up that is flying under the radar. However, in the realm of today's fantasy football world this is growing increasingly rare. With the amount of magazines, television shows, and web pages devoted to the subject of "fantasy football" the likelihood of finding that one major player that no one else is considering is growing increasingly rare. Because of this, sleepers have been higher in demand, and thus being selected before their time.
The true test to find a sleeper is to make the selection of someone you will likely be ridiculed for - for instance, if you had drafted Derek Anderson in the eleventh round in last year's draft as your starting QB, you would have been laughed at (and rightfully so since he was second on the depth chart at that point behind Charlie Frye) - only for you to be the one with the last laugh by not wasting a second or third round pick on the likes of Carson Palmer or Drew Brees.
My point is simple, to truly get a sleeper in today's fantasy football formats, you must be willing to endure some ridicule, because you will be the one laughing when that late round draft pick works in your favor.

Top Busts -2008

Here I will list those players I view as being a potential bust. The term "bust" is realitive to the round the player is expected to be drafted in, so no round and no player is safe from this list. Shall we begin:

Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns - Jamal is a big, tough running back, but he has lots of miles on his legs now. Given the fact that he had an outstanding season last year, his draft value has likely risen - meaning he has farther to fall. I don't see Jamal duplicating his numbers of last year - he may still be a 1,000 yard back this year, but 1,300 and beyond will be a stretch for the aging back.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh Steelers - He is quick and is deadly in the open field, but he's small and durability might become a factor. Add in the fact that the Steelers drafted Rashard Mednenhall, and you have a running back by committee situation. I won't doubt Parker's abilities, but if he's taken before the second round, you'll be jumping the gun on this one.

Bernard Berrian, Minnesota Vikings - I've seen Berrian on many a sleepers list this year, but I think he'll fall flat after signing the big (and probably overpaid) contract. Don't get me wrong, the guy can fly, but he only has marginal hands. Add in the fact that you can make the argument that his QB-situation has actually gotten worse and the running game is vastly improved moving from the Bears to the Vikings, and you can see that Berrian won't have many balls flying his way, whether he can fly or not.

Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals - I don't care where you draft this guy, he is overrated. I believe even in his heyday he was overrated. For a running back in today's NFL to not catch the ball out of the back field he is automatically a bust (in my world). Given his recent injury history, and he is as safe a bet as any of someone you should just say no to.

Donte Stallworth, Cleveland Browns - If he is taken in the waining rounds, he might be a steal, but if he is drafted higher than that, he will be considered a bust. He has all the talent and speed to excel, but the Browns are not a good fit for Stallworth since there are not enough balls to go around in Cleveland - he will have the occasional big day, but his inconsistency will hamper his fantasy value.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers - Don't fall into the delusion that just because Brett Favre had success in Green Bay that Aaron Rodgers will follow suit. Rodgers is a few notches down from Brett and even though his receivers are the same - Favre made those receivers look better than they are (and you can make an arguement that Driver and Jennings will both be overvalued as well - Jennings likely to be the more productive of the two). If Ryan Grant can't hit the ground running then Rodgers will struggle mightily - I expect Grant to alleviate some of the pressure, but Rodgers' numbers won't be nearly as impressive as you would hope.

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons - In my running back sleepers post, I mention Turner, but I also mention he could flop given the Falcons lethargic offense. Turner is definitely a high risk, high reward guy. A lot of people are picking him to excel, but I am having trouble seeing this. He produced in San Diego and has all the tools to be a star back in this league, but not when playing on a Falcons' offense lead by Matt Ryan, Chris Redman, or Joey Harrington.

Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints - Given his name alone, he still carries a reputation as "play maker" but if you delve into the numbers you'll notice just another average NFL ball carrier. If he goes too high, his numbers will not justify the selection - but for him to be taken in a place that isn't considered "too high" he would have to fall to the 5th round or beyond, and in most cases that will not happen. If he falls to beyond the 5th round, he might carry some value - but will he be drafted based on his name alone? Most likely.

Earnest Graham, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I hate to say it; I really do. I like Earnest Graham. He works hard and played well in extensive work last season, however, he lacks the physical gifts required to succeed as a star. Since Cadillac will be coming back and Dunn has reemerged as a Buccaneer, Graham has potential to falling hard and fast. Best case scenario for Graham is he duplicates his statistics of last season - worst case scenario is he finds himself buried on the depth chart. Due to this uncertainty, I would pass on Graham until the middle to late rounds, but he is (for now) atop the Bucs depth chart, and will likely be taken before the end of the fourth round - far too high for someone that has so far to potentially fall. I hope I am wrong on this one.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars - Jones-Drew has tremendous speed and he can take ever carry to the barn, but he has two negatives against him. First of all, Fred Taylor is still in Jacksonville and he will command at least half of the carries which will limit Jones-Drew's touches. Secondly, Jones-Drew must overcome his size (much like Brian Westbrook has been able to do) and he has yet to shed the notion that due to his size, he can't carry the load. Jones-Drew is diminutive in ever sense of the word, but sometimes that small stature can help him run in limited space. He is a good back, but will likely be drafted too early to warrant the workload he is likely to get.

Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles - McNabb has been overrated for years, and I think it is finally coming out. For a quarterback that has only had about 2 good seasons, he sure was always high on draft boards. Given the fact that he no longer looks to run, he has certainly slipped in the fantasy department. If at all possible, pass on McNabb. He warrants a backup at best.

Santana Moss, Washington Redskins - He's fast and has big play capabilities, but he has been slipping in recent memory. It seems either Jason Campbell can't figure it out, or he and Moss simply do not click, but either way, Moss is a wideout you might consider passing on. As a mid-round backup he might help a team in spotty duty, but if you need a starting, every week receiver, keep looking.

Chad Pennington, New York Jets - Pennington is going to manage the game, nothing more and nothing less. He will be good as a spot starter, but not an every week guy. If you are looking for a strong, durable quarterback then you need to take another look at who's left on the board. Chad is a good QB for the Jets, but not for fantasy football championships.

Matt Hasselback, Seattle Seahawks - His prime has passed him. If he had gotten the ball and scored (and not for the other team) in Green Bay, perhaps he'd have a championship ring by now, but since he did not (and since he failed against the Steelers) he has fallen from grace. Also, Seattle's offense is in shambles and probably won't be resurrected this season - if at all in the near future.

Mark Bulger, St. Louis Rams - Bulger was never the all star quarterback he was made out to be. Even in his heyday he still threw too many interceptions and never quite led the Rams the way Kurt Warner did before him. Throw in the loss of Issac Bruce, the aging of Torry Holt, and the recent injuries to Bulger himself, and you can find a better QB in the pool. Don't be fooled by Bulger's past success.

Chris Chambers, San Diego Chargers - Chambers is a big target that had mild success in Miami, but now in San Diego, his yard per game has dropped, and even though his touchdowns were up in San Diego last year, it isn't enough to offset the drop in overall prodcution. Chambers is one of those receivers that never quite developed fully - once a sleeper candidate himself, this year Chambers is someone you should avoid considering all the other talent in San Diego that will warrant the ball before Chambers. He is a backup at best.

Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs - Johnson has had lots of success in the past, but is that past catching up with him? His body might be breaking down from the number of carries from season's past. If he can stay healthy, he's still a force, but that could be a big if. If someone falls into a trance, and views last season as an outlier, then it's possible Johnson will be drafted too high, and thus, he finds himself on this list. He is a late first round or second round pick at this point in his career.

Top Ten

So, who should be drafted in the first round? Is Tom Brady worthy of a top 5 pick? Is Peyton Manning? Where does Brian Westbrook make the grade? Is Tomlinson still the number 1 fantasy footballer out there? All these questions and more in my first annual top 10:

1) LaDanian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers - It's hard to argue with success, and I won't do that here. His numbers were down from the previous season, but Tomlinson still provided his owner's with 18 total TDs and almost 2,000 yards of total offense. It seems you can expect at least numbers on par with this given Tomlinson's track record. He is also very durable, missing only 1 game in his 7 year career.
2) Brian Westbrook, Philadelphia Eagles - This is a guy I have liked for years (and I hate the Eagles) and it seems he is finally getting the recognition he deserves for being such a dynamic player. He has been given more and more opportunities in recent seasons and I only expect this trend to continue. Look for Westbrook to easily surpass 2,000 total yards (for the second straight season) and score 12-15 TDs. Durability no longer seems to be an issue in regard to Westbrook.
3) Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings - What can you say about this guy? He has excellent vision and quick feet - once he has day-light he can hit the home run with his break away speed. A grip? Possibly his lack of receiving out of the back field, but it seems that was more of a coaching thing than a reflection of Peterson's ability. Peterson has tremendous upside value, but don't forget that Chester Taylor may still take away from his touches - most likely in the passing game. Look for Peterson to have 1,500 yards rushing, 150-200 receiving and 15 TDs.
4) Tom Brady, New England Patriots - Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with picking running back, running back in rounds one and two - but the value added for the other top running backs vs. Brady here is not an even trade off. Brady lost Donte Stallworth in the off-season, but he retained Welker and Moss - and those were the driving forces to Tom's record setting performance. Look for Brady to near his totals of last season with over 4,000 yards and 40 TD tosses.
5) Stephen Jackson, St. Louis Rams - His numbers took a nose dive last year, but I look for him to rebound. If Bulger stays healthy, Jackson's receiving totals should push back into the 500-600 yard range. As for his rushing totals, I look for him to receive more carries and push the pile hard given his large frame - look for 1,300 yards rushing out of him. He also has the size to be a scoring machine near the goal line, for this reason, I expect a dozen TDs out of him.
6) Randy Moss, New England Patriots - Sure, who wants to pick a WR with the 6th pick, I get that, but just like Brady at 4, the value added with Moss is far too great to ignore given the remaining field. Moss is far and away the best receiver in the game (my apologizes to Terrell Owens) playing on the best team in the NFL (and my apologizes to the Cowboys), and he is the best run away talent at any position. For this reason, Moss makes this list - he should near his totals of last year - look for 1,400 yards with 15-18 TD receptions.
7) Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts - The time will soon come when Manning to Harrison is no longer the staple of the Colts offense, and when that time comes Addai will step in to pick up the pieces. Addai has everything you could ever want in an every down back in the NFL: good feet, blitz recognition, good hands, and toughness. Oh yeah, he's a pretty good runner as well. Taking all that into consideration, and provided that the Colts wideouts might soon become depleted, I look for Addai to rack up around 1,500-1,700 total yards with about a dozen touchdowns.
8) Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers - Here the field becomes muddled and you can make arguments for a multitude of players, but I have to go with Frank Gore. Granted, much like Jackson above, he had a down year last season - but that should change this year. Gore has the speed and strength you look for in a number 1 back. He also has excellent hands and should catch his share of balls in the passing game. I look for Gore to secure 1,600-1,700 total yards and 10-12 total touchdowns.
9) Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins - Believe me, I know what the naysayers will say here - he is coming off a major injury and the Dolphins have no passing game - which I retort - that is exactly why I pick him. I feel he will fight through the injury and return to form - given that the Dolphins do not have a passing game, it simply means more touches all the way around for Brown. If he remains healthy (be sure to check his status throughout the preseason to ensure no ill-effects are shown when cutting) Brown should come in at 1,500-1,700 total yards with 10-12 TDs.
10) Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers – He came on strong last year when he saw significant playing time, and his numbers did not decline in the playoffs. He is a strong talent and he should not disappoint this year, if Aaron Rodgers can provide enough relief in the passing game. Rodgers will not be mistaken for Favre any time soon and Grant could suffer for it. However, given his raw talent and breakaway speed, I still would put Grant down for 1,500 total yards and 9-11 TDs.

Honorable Mentions:

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts - I'll be honest, I can't stand the way the media puts this guy on a pedistal, but I have to admit, he is a rare talent throwing the football. If Harrison can remain healthy (and out of off the field trouble - sounds weird to hear and say) then Manning should easily surpass 35 touchdown passes, and 4,000 yards or more is a given with this guy, considering he has accomplished that feat for 8 of the past 9 years running (his only miss was a 3,747 yard showing in 2005).

Larry Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs - When was the last time a Chiefs running back was not drafted in the top 3, let alone the first round? It seems like a long time, but this is the season that has too many question marks surrounding the Chiefs' back. First of all, Johnson has endured a lot of carries in a short time leading up to his injury that sidelined him last year - is that a sign of things to come, or a mere fluke? If Johnson can remain healthy he is just as dynamic as anyone and can provide a great steal in the late first; early second round - that is, IF he can stay healthy. The Chiefs like to run the ball, and Johnson likes to carry it - but does he have enough left in the tank? Only time will tell, but I'll pencil a healthy Larry Johnson in for 1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys - I put Barber in as a sleeper in terms of number one running back if taken in late round two or round three, but it seems he might actually be taken earlier than that. He runs hard, but the question remains if he can carry the load for a full season - how many of those punishing blows he delievers will leave him battered and bruised? Will it add up over the full season? Still, he has first round potential and does require first round consideration and should gain close to 1,200 total yards and a 12-15 TDs.

Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens - If the Ravens ever figure out the passing game, which they seem to be trying to do since their inception, McGahee will have loads of room to run. Even still, with limited room and teams stacking the box, McGahee still manages to be a solid producers and his numbers - given the scarcity of the running back position - warrant first round consideration as well. He should gain over 1,100 yards rushing - throw in another hundred or so yards receiving and 5-8 TDs.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills - Lynch was also on my sleeper list for running backs, but I don't think he'll honestly last. He will be a tremendous resource no matter when drafted, even if in the first round. If he stays healthy and the Bills passing game improves (as it should, at least on paper) then look for Lynch to have more holes than he did last year. That can only lead to improved rushing totals, and hopefully more goal line touches. I figured Lynch will have about 1,200 total yards and a half dozen TDs rushing the ball - but this numbers could skyrocket if the passing game pans out as it should. The sky is the limit with Marshawn.

Sleepers - Wide Receivers

As promised:

Wide receivers are harder to diagnose than other positions. The rule of thumbs for top wide outs is that they will break out in their third year - but this may or may not be true. Many a wide receiver has failed to break out in the third year or ever, and some have broken out long before their third season. With that said, I do not have any rookie wideouts on my list, and most are hovering around the third season mark, but let's move on to it:

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions - an excellent receiver with all the tools you look for. He is coming off his first full season and should quickly improve over his numbers from last year. His time with Jon Kitna will only help in his vast improvement. Watch for some cannibolism from his teammate and fellow sleeper candidate - Roy Williams - but expect Calvin to easily cath 75 balls for 1,100 yards and 6-9 TDs. Given his tramendous potential, Calvin may go early, but try to hold off and draft him accordingly - between rounds 4 and 6 he should be off most boards.

Roy Williams, Detroit Lions - since speaking of Lions wideouts, why not move directly to Calvin's counterpart? Roy Williams was in and out of the lineup last year, but he still managed to average almost 70 yards per game. People will forget about Williams with the emergence of Calvin Johnson, but at this point in his young career, Roy is already a veteran, and two years ago he put together some impressive numbers. Same rules apply here - watch for Calvin to take some of his gusto, and expect Roy to finish slightly down from his high marks in 2006 - I'd expect him to come in between 65-70 receptions with 1,000 yards and likely 8-10 TDs to his name. Look to pick up Roy in the middle rounds, 6-9.

Santonio Holmes, Pittsburgh Steelers - this is a classic example of a wide receiver coming into his third season with everyone expecting a breakout performance, and the jury is still out on this one. Holmes has blazing speed, but he lacks height that Ben Roethlisberger really wants. However, Holmes has played two full seasons in one offense, with the same QB (Ben Roethlisberger) which seems to be a luxury for today's young stars in the making. The experts expect Holmes to improve on his 70 YPG and 8 TDs of a year ago - I expect his numbers to hover right around that mark, but if he's available in the middle rounds (7-10), he would be a great addition to any team. Just remember, Hines Ward will take a lot of catches away from Holmes.

Vincent Jackson, San Diego Chargers - this was one of the guys that fell off the third year breakout bus last season, however, for all the tools he possesses, he should make up for it in his fourth campaign. At 6 foot 5 inches Jackson is a huge target that runs well - probably needing to improve his route running - and has solid hands. Given the other weapons the Chargers present, Jackson could very well be a forgotten man, and he should benefit from this scenario - as he did in the playoffs last season with 18 receptions, 300 yards, and 2 TDs in the Chargers' 3 playoff games. Expect that trend to continue, and expect Jackson to nab 65 balls for 1,000 yards and 6-8 TDs, but expect Jackson to fall on most boards, but not too far. Round 5 I'd start thinking about pluking him, but depending on how the draft is flowing (and what other WRs are still on the board) I would try to hold off until rounds 7-9.

All the other WRs on most sleepers lists don't impress me much. Sidney Rice has all the tools, and I will not deny him that, but he is still a season or two too soon, and given the QB situation (and RB situation) in Minnesota, Rice will not put up impressive enough numbers to warrant any consideration. Also, another player that has been on the "sleeper" list seemingly for the past 4 seasons is D.J. Hackett (I have never been impressed, and remain unimpressed). I feel as if his name says it all - "Hack"-ett . . . and that will continue. He might find some success with the Panthers, but Hackett is oft beaten by the injury bug, as are the Panthers players in general - they seem like a good fit, and I predict Hackett will play only 5-7 games - which equates to little value.

That wraps up my sleepers. I will be editing these posts as other players move into my radar.

Sleepers - Running Backs

This is a place I like to think I excel in. Take it from a guy who in 2002 landed both Ricky Williams and LaDanian Tomlinson and then in 2006 landed Stephen Jackson and Frank Gore. The combinations were deadly, and I picked up my second back in the third round (Ricky Willaims) and sixth round (Frank Gore) those years. In 2002 my backup running back was also landed late - Travis Henry. That year I had 3 running backs go for over 1,400 yards and 10 TDs, not a small feat. And in 2006 my backup was none other than Chester Taylor, so again, I was blessed with three solid backs. In 2005 I pluked Thomas Jones out of the fray in the mid to late rounds and he produced a solid 1,335 yards and 9 TDs. Hopefully my track record speaks for itself and I can continue the trend this year - and help some of you to your championships. I will start with a few no brainer "sleepers" then move into the more risky for those looking to make a bigger splash.

Sleepers - 2008

Running Backs
Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders - this is a guy that is on everyone's radar, and I'm sure a lot of ears will perk up during the preseason games when this guy touches the ball. If you want this not-so-tired - "sleeper" you better act fast (by round 3-5 I would look to be picking McFadden up). He could easily become this years Adrian Peterson - and who wanted to take a chance on a guy with Chester Taylor sitting atop the depth chart? This year, McFadden will have no problems unseating Justin Fargas for the majority of carries.

Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons - do you believe in the hype? Do you believe in Matt Ryan? This is a touchy situation for me. I believe Turner has some staying ability, but I feel like it is a year or two (possibly three) too early. With all that is surrounding the Falcons offensively, I would pass on Turner - besides, he's price tag might be a bit too steep since he will be taken likely before the end of the third round in most cases.

Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys - again, Barber is high on many fantasy footballer's radar. The kid is tough and runs hard. He certainly earns each yard he gains. However, much the same as Turner his price tag might be a stretch for the value added over the course of a full season with Barber as the full time running back. He will be taken as a second back in most cases, so unless you want to pass on running back in the first round and use your second rounder to score Barber as your number one running option, then he is a steal (leaving you to take a late round runner and use your first round pick for a top notch receiver or quarterback) - otherwise, I would also pass on Barber. As your number one runner he may be a stretch, so be sure you draft your other positions wisely.

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants - this was a guy I liked last year as a major deep sleeper, however, he didn't quite pan out as such (his numbers were impressive but he was stung by the injury bug). This year, he is likely to last until round four or five since most will be looking at Jacobs as nothing more than a backup, but when healthy, Jacobs can do some major damage given his size and speed. I like him in the fifth round as my number two - but beware, you may need a handcuff to ensure you don't lose production if he proves to be less than durable, as he did last year.

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills - as I said in my quarterback sleepers, the Bills offense is poised to take off this year, but if that's going to happen, they'll need Lynch to continuously move the chains. Last season Lynch provided 85 yards per game - and he shows no signs that those numbers were a fluke - add in 8-10 TDs this year with the improved offense, and you have recipe for success. Lynch may go fast considering his tremendous upside, but he could last until the third round - but he would provide an excellent number one option if taken in the second (as with Marion Barber above).

Deep sleepers - and judging by the lists, it looks short this year. As with every season, the running back position is still a prime position, and these guy may even find their way off the board early, but I will do my best to give a realistic portrayal of when they will be selected.

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - coming off the injury that sidelined him for the better part of last year, he will be a forgotten man. Add in the emergence of Earnest Graham - who will likely be the first Buc's running back selected - and the reintroduction of Warrick Dunn in Tampa, and Cadillac has fallen on all draft boards. I believe he still has the tools to regain his number one spot on the depth chart, and he could fall as far as round 8 or later - provided someone does not wish to handcuff Graham. At this late stage, Williams might provide the best value - albeit a risky one. With great risk comes great reward.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears - the Bears running back position hasn't had a legitimate threat since the team traded away the rights to Thomas Jones, however, with the departure of Cedric Benson, Forte steps into a role he may simply thrive in. Forte is a tough runner with good speed, and should easily win the starting role - provided he can pick up the blitz - over Kevin Jones, formerly of the Detroit Lions. Forte will likely fall since Chicago's offense as a whole will be all but forgotten in most drafts. I can see Forte being a strong number two back and being available in round 5 or later. I might jump the gun on Forte and pick him in round four if I'm betting on him being my number two (if I have only have one back drafted at that point). Look for Forte to gain about 1,200 yards with 6-8 TDs - not stellar numbers, but they will improve as the season progresses and he grows more comfortable with his role - still not bad for a 5th rounder.

Thomas Jones, New York Jets - Jones has never been a sexy pick, but he is always consistent. Keep a close eye on the Brett Favre situation, since Favre's precense can only spell good things for Jones. Look for him to come in in the 1,200-1,300 yard range with 5-9 TDs with or without Favre, and with those numbers is there any better value than someone being drafted likely in round 4 or 5? I didn't think so.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions - the Lions have been starved for a star running back since allowing Barry Sanders to retire on the eve of training camp in July 1999 - and Kevin Smith might finally be the one to ease the void left behind. Smith has size and speed and could be provided with lots of running room considereing the wide receivers on this team keeping the safties honest. Smith almost broke Barry Sander's single-season rushing record in college at UCF, and he could be looking to fill Barry's shoes in similar fashion in the NFL. Provided the receivers stay healthy, Smith could be in for great things. Look to nab Smith between rounds 4-6 - if he goes earlier than that, I'd be surprised - that, and you likely have someone jumping the gun or that is a Lions fan. No matter where he is draft Smith will provide solid numbers all year long - look for 70-75 YPG and 6-8 TDs.

Tomorrow - wide recievers

Sleepers - Quarterbacks

Due to the sheer magnitude of quarterbacks in the league, it should be fairly easy to pick up a middle of the road QB in the middle rounds, but the real test is in finding this years Derek Anderson - which of course is not an easy task. Quarterbacks in the NFL don't tend to come out of nowhere; there are signs all over the place about the team and why their QB will succeed.
You can cite Kurt Warner of years passed as having "come out of nowhere" but the "greatest show" nucleous was already present, and Trent Green was on a lot of fantasy footballer's minds before his injury. If we knew more about Kurt Warner as a player, he wouldn't have fallen so far. Same thing with Derek Anderson last year - with a healthy Kellen Winslow, Jr. and a developing Braylon Edwards - success by a Cleveland QB should not have surpised anyone (the fact that Derek Anderson ultimately won the job after week one is the surprise here). So this year, I try to use this formal when predicting my quarterback sleepers.

2008 - top fantasy sleepers:

Quaterbacks

Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills - those willing to take a chance on this kid can get an excellent return on investment considering he won't be selected until between rounds 8 and 12 - Buffalo's offense is set to take off with the likes of running back - Marshawn Lynch, wide receivers: Evans, Parrish, and new comer James Hardy. Consider that Edwards is your best bet to be running that show, and the fact that the defense is suspect, and you hope to see Edwards airing it out late in the game.

Matt Schaub, Houston Texans - Schaub was on everyone's radar last year, but he faltered due to injuries (both his own and those of his teammates - see Andre Johnson), so this year he will fall slightly of off most radars. He is likely the type of guy you'd want to target between rounds 6 and 9. Schaub and afroementioned Andre Johnson clicked in games they played together last year, and if they can put that together for a full season then they are both in for a special year - barring any injuries.

Other Quarterbacks to keep an eye on:

Rex Grossman, Chicago Bears - he suffered last year, and has been struggling since starting strong in 2006 - a depleted wide receiver corp has got to be worrisome - might be worth a last round flier though if he has developed enough mentally.

JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders - struggled in limited action last year after a lengthy holdout - will he be able to make up for that time missed by being in training camp this year? Only time will tell, one thing is clear, the Raiders have some offensive talent - if only at running back. Russell should go in the late rounds - probably as a backup until he stands on his own two feet.

Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins - if you believe the hype (it's echoing as if falls between the cliffs) then Campbell is still a future star. If you believe the hype, he is worth a late round pick. Otherwise, I'd stay far away from him. Given his track record, he could be primed to break out, but he likely won't. The fact still remains, however, the Redskins do have some talent on offense in Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, and Campbell's favorite, Chris Cooley.

Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions - how can a guy that has thrown for over 4,000 yards in consecutive seasons be considered a sleeper? It's easy, when you are on the Detroit Lions. Kitna still throws too many interceptions trying to make things happen with his young receivers, but those receivers are exactly that, young. Another season under the belt of Calvin Johnson and a healthy Roy Williams could spell trouble for opposing defenses, and Kitna has just the arm strength to get them both the ball early and often. Throw in a rejuvenated running game with Kevin Smith at that helm, and you have an offense primed to take off. Look to pick up Kitna between rounds 6 and 8 - if you are feeling lucky, hang on until the tenth round or later, but don't be surprised if he flies off the board before that.

Look for running back sleepers soon.