Sophomore Sleepers
In some ways football players are a lot like cars. This is especially true when it comes to new cars and new football players. The new cars are always the apple of everyone’s eye all the way up until the next year rolls around and the newest models arrive. At that point in time many of last year’s models are forgotten or marked down, even though some of them are actually superior to the new models, only a year older. NFL rookies are much the same way. As soon as the new class of rookies comes up we often forget all about last year’s crop, even though some of them are more talented and in better situations.
The rookie class of 2012 was one of the best we have seen with potential superstars like Andrew Luck, Robert Griffen III, Russell Wilson, Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, Alfred Morris, and Justin Blackmon. There are also quite a few players that everyone expects to take that next step forward this year like Ryan Tannehill, David Wilson, Lamar Miller, Michael Floyd, and Kendall Wright. We all know those names. That isn’t the point of this article. Instead I’m going to take a look at some sleepers and deep sleepers from the class of 2012 that might step forward and make an impact this year or next year. Keep in mind that these are sleepers, and are a fair number of them won’t make that leap. So paying starter value for them is a bad idea, but if you can get them for cheap and have the roster spots to spare, then go for it!
Sleepers
Brock Osweiler, QB DEN
The former Sun Devil was talented enough to be the second round pick of the Broncos. We all know that he isn’t going to take over until Peyton Manning decides to hang them up. Peyton is 37 years old, and he could retire any year. When he does, Osweiler will step in behind one of the better offensive lines in the league, after having spent several years learning from one of the best quarterbacks ever.
Isaiah Pead, RB STL
Some are starting to give up on the Rams second round pick due to the 2013 selection of Zac Stacy and the play of Daryl Richardson last season. I don’t really see it that way. Richardson isn’t as talented as Pead and Stacy, while talented, is better suited to being the power portion of a committee. Pead has a chance to be the explosive home run hitter and primary back in a committee if he performs well. He could end up being a poor man’s version of Chris Johnson was in 2008 when he was paired up with LenDale White.
Bernard Pierce, RB BAL
Pierce showed some very good potential in the Ravens’ Super Bowl run last year. He has the size, speed, and agility to be a lead back in the NFL and there are many reports that the Ravens plan on sprinkling him in a bit more this year to help ease the load on Ray Rice. Rice is only 26, though he has had over 250 carries and at least 60 receptions each of the last four years. Unless the Ravens go completely pass heavy, Rice is going to need someone to help carry the load and Pierce is the guy.
AJ Jenkins, WR SF
To say that the 49ers have a hole at the wide receiver would be like saying that the Mississippi River is a stream. Outside of Anquan Boldin and possibly Vernon Davis (whom might play receiver almost exclusively) the 49ers receiving corps is completely up at the air. Even if he gets beat out by 2013 rookie Quinton Patton, Jenkins is still the third receiver in line. The talented Jenkins was a first round pick after all.
Rueben Randle, WR NYG
The Giants receiver group has received a lot of press over the last few months with the status of Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks both in question due to their contracts. Both are currently scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency in 2014. We all know that the Giants will keep at least one of the pair, possibly both. If they only keep one, then Randle could be a future WR2 in their offense. If they end up keeping both, that means that Randle likely needs an injury to be startable on fantasy teams, but it is worth a shot.
Chris Givens, WR STL
With the drafting of Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey in 2013, some are getting a little concerned about how crowded Rams wide receiving corps. I’m not nearly as concerned. Givens was the leading receiver in 2012 and the second and third options on the team are now wearing different uniforms. He is the only proven option on the team and has more than enough talent to continue to be a starter for what seems to be an offense heading in the right direction.
Mohamed Sanu, WR CIN
AJ Green is a stud. There is no denying that. Defenses routinely roll two and sometimes three defenders in his direction just to try slowing him down. That leaves a whole lot of space on the other side of the field and Sanu is the most likely candidate to step onto that side. The third round pick has the size, strength, and hands to be a very solid possession receiver opposite the elite Green. If things pan out, he could remind Bengals fans of TJ Houshmandzadeh in his prime.
Adrien Robinson, TE NYG
Brandon Myers had a bit of a breakout year for the Raiders last season. He then went to the New York Giants in free agency. However he only signed a one year contract. My read of the situation is that the Giants only wanted him for one year because they have a feeling that Robinson will be ready to be the week 1 starter in 2014. Robinson has the size and talent to be a future fantasy TE1, and I think he will start to take over towards the end of this season.
Deep Sleepers
Cyrus Gray, RB KC
Getting into the deep sleeper range, I’ll be lucky if any of these guys pan out, but they are players to watch. Jamaal Charles should be a top five running back this season under new coach Andy Reid. Should anything happen to Charles, there isn’t a clear cut backup. Knile Davis is more of a workout warrior than a football player in my mind. That leaves Gray and Shaun Draughn to compete for the backup spot and possibly see the field in the case of a Charles injury, which would definitely be fantasy worthy.
Jeremy Stewart, RB OAK
Darren McFadden is one of the most injury prone players in the NFL which led to the Raiders signing free agent Rashad Jennings and drafting Latavius Murray. Jennings is an average talent at best as he showed when playing for the Jaguars last season, and Murray is just as injury prone as McFadden. Stewart showed some flashes last year while splitting time with Marcel Reece when McFadden was injured. He just might get another chance.
Michael Smith, RB TB
Doug Martin thrilled NFL fans and fantasy owners alike last year as he pushed the Bucs running game into the forefront of the league. There really isn’t a whole lot behind him on the depth chart though. Brian Leonard was signed as veteran insurance but is barely a backup quality player at this point in his career. Martin’s backup will come down to either Smith or 2013 rookie Mike James. Whoever it is will be in for a few carries a game and a much bigger role if Martin gets dinged up.
Joe Adams, WR CAR
If Cam Newton is going to be one of the big name quarterbacks of the next ten years like many expect he’s going to need someone to throw the ball to. Steve Smith is 34 years old and no one else on the roster has really locked down a receiving slot. Brandon LaFell is penciled in opposite Smith but the rest of the roster contains all pro talents like Ted Ginn and Domenik Hixon. If Adams has a good preseason he could find himself at least third if not second in the group.
Jarius Wright, WR MIN
The free agent signing of Greg Jennings and the drafting of dynamic Cordarrelle Patterson put a bit of a damper on Wright’s value. Even with those two additions the Vikings have one of the weakest receiver groups in the league. It is so weak in fact that the Vikings converted former quarterback Joe Webb to wide receiver. Wright should have a solid shot at being the third receiver on the field, though Christian Ponder might struggle to support only one or two fantasy receivers.
Juron Criner, WR OAK
The Raiders receivers are a bit of a mess. Denarius Moore didn’t take the step forward that many were hoping for and Rod Streater didn’t live up to the hype after a spectacular pre-season. The only other receiver of note is Jacoby Ford whom missed all of the 2012 season with a foot injury and is a better returner than receiver. Criner has the talent and the opportunity to quickly rise up the depth chart. The only question is if any receiver in Oakland is worth owning.
Devon Wylie, WR KC
Andy Reid is known for having high flying offenses. With Charles in the backfield and Dwayne Bowe lined up out wide, they have a solid start. The spot opposite Bowe is up for competition though between Jonathan Baldwin, Dexter McCluster, Donnie Avery, and Wylie. Wylie is a bit of a long shot to earn the role but that is why he’s in the deep sleeper category. Whoever wins the starting role should be in for fantasy consideration.
Ladarius Green, TE SD
The demise of Antonio Gates has been a little exaggerated in fantasy circles. With that said, Gates is 33 years old and nearing the end of his career. Philip Rivers likes involving his tight ends in the passing game and Green could be the heir to the Gates throne. I don’t view Green as an elite level talent, but he is good enough that he could step and produce if he’s given the opportunity.
Who are your “under the radar” 2012 potential break out rookies?
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- Final 2021 Pre-Draft Rookie Mock: Round One - April 25, 2021
