Summer Sleeper: St. Louis Rams

TheFFGhost

sleeperseriesWith training camps opening all around the NFL, we continue our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

Zac Stacy, RB STL

stacyThere are just so many options one could point to when trying to select a sleeper from the St. Louis Rams. Austin Pettis, Stedman Bailey, Daryl Richardson, Isaiah Pead, even Sam Bradford could all be labeled as legitimate sleepers, such is the confusion surrounding the St. Louis Rams from a fantasy perspective. Instead, I’ve gone with a player who has the skills, has the chance but needs it all to come together perfectly, that player is Zac Stacy.

Stacy was drafted in the fifth round in the 2013 draft in a move that immediately caused some fans to scratch their heads and ask, “Did the Rams just take two running backs last season?!” With the departure of Steven Jackson to the Atlanta Falcons in the offseason, it was widely assumed the Rams would head into the 2013 season with some kind of timeshare between Daryl Richardson and Isaiah Pead. Nonetheless, there is now a full-blown three-way battle for the starting job in St. Louis, to speak nothing of the possible goal line vulture Terrance Ganaway.

So, how does Stacy stack up in this battle?

Well, he’ll have to compete with the fact Richardson saw a substantial share of the carries at running back last year as well as Pead’s draft status as a second round draft pick so he will no doubt be facing an uphill battle. However, he does have some things going for him. First, one should look no further than last year as proof that Fisher has no problem ignoring draft status and going with a running back who makes the most sense for the offense. Just last year, Jeff Fisher passed over Pead and decided to use Richardson, a seventh round draft pick, as a focal point of his offense. Second, Stacy more closely fits the mold of a traditional running back where Richardson and Pead would have a very hard time being three down backs, instead they would likely be utilized best as change of pace backs.

The final thing going for Stacy is perhaps the most interesting and exciting thing point I’d like to share. Stacy posted the following measureable at the NFL Combine and compiled these statistics while at Vanderbilt:

  • Height – 5′-9″
  • Weight – 216 lbs
  • 40-Yard Dash – 4.55
  • 3-Cone – 6.70
  • Shuttle – 4.17
  • Bench – 27 Repetitions
  • Carries – 581
  • Rush Yards – 3,143 yards
  • YPC – 5.4

Now compare those measureables and statistics versus those listed below:

  • Height – 5′-9″
  • Weight – 215 lbs
  • 40-Yard Dash – 4.55
  • 3-Cone – 6.79
  • Shuttle – 4.16
  • Bench – 28 Repetitions
  • Carries – 617
  • Rush Yards – 3,431 yards
  • YPC – 5.6

Some of you have likely seen this comparison already, but for those who haven’t, the second of measureables and statistics belongs to an extremely highly drafted player this season. In fact, he is the number two ranked running back according to the DLF Dynasty Running Back Rankings. That player is none other than Doug Martin.

While the comparison is fun, I’m not suggesting Stacy will be a clone of Martin. Does he possess a lot of the same characteristics and would I be thrilled if Stacy performed even a fraction as well as Martin? Sure. That being said, Stacy’s situation is clearly very different. However, based on his running style and skill set, one could see Stacy claiming a good percentage of the Rams’ rush snaps if given the opportunity. If he does, watch out!

Right now, Stacy is going at the end of the first round in most rookie drafts. Normally that kind of selection doesn’t scream sleeper, but in a draft with a clear lack of high level prospects at the top of the class, Stacy’s position is more a reflection of that reality as opposed to an indication that he has his position locked down like first round players normally do. Nonetheless, if you were a playoff team last year (or have one of their draft picks), you could do worse than selecting Stacy and stashing him. Worst case, Stacy is a handcuff, more likely he will be involved in some kind of running back by committee (RBBC), best case he wow’s the Rams’ coach staff and finds himself getting Steven Jackson’s workload. Whatever the outcome, grab Stacy before the situation becomes too clearly defined and his value skyrockets.