With fantasy season right around the corner, we’re continuing our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL. You can find all of the Summer Sleeper articles here.
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” which include such such dynasty mainstay names as Toby Gerhart, Christine Michael or Cordarrelle Patterson. 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!
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Nick Toon, WR NO
The Saints offense has been explosive ever since the arrival of perennial fantasy football uber-stud Drew Brees. From the emergence of Marques Colston years ago, to the PPR dominance of Darren Sproles earlier this decade to the tight end juggernaut named Jimmy Graham, New Orleans has boasted some of fantasy football’s greatest performers each and every week.
The running back depth chart of the Saints is loaded. Mark Ingram returns as his owners hope he can finally break out and fulfill his potential, Pierre Thomas remains a sneaky flex play (if not better) and a moderate producer is bound to emerge between the likes of Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet. In short, there really isn’t anything on the roster at quarterback, running back or tight end that really merits a lable of “sleeper.”
Enter the wide receivers.
For the most part, we know what to expect from Colston (WR2 numbers), Robert Meachem (inconsistent stat lines and novice fantasy football players running to the wire after his annual 100-yard game, followed by thuds), Kenny Stills (more growth, but likely not enough to be a fantasy staple yet), Joe Morgan (a hopeful return from injury) and Brandin Cooks (an exciting new dynamic). That really leaves Nick Toon as the biggest mystery on the roster, thus earning him the sleeper label this season.
Toon was selected with pick #122 in the 2012 NFL Draft as a supposed NFL-ready player with adequate (though not elite) speed, but the ability to run solid routes. Truth be told, he likely would have been selected higher in the draft had it not been for some chronic foot issues that hampered him at Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the son of former great Al Toon would experience more foot issues as his rookie season in New Orleans was ruined as he spent it on injured reserve after being unable to work through his most recent foot injury. This ailment forced him to undergo surgery and clouded his future in fantasy and reality.
Last year was a bit of a mixed bag for Toon as he was relatively healthy for the entire season, but struggled in game action despite a second straight preseason where he gained a ton of praise from the coaching staff. Toon played a total of 205 snaps in the eight games where he was active, but still only posted four catches for 68 yards, despite Morgan being lost for the season. In short, last season was a major disappointment as Toon failed to capilitze on his opportunity, despite being healthy and earning playing time.
As we enter this season, Lance Moore is gone and Toon again has an opportunity for significant playing time. At 6’4″and 218 pounds, Toon has the size to play multiple positions and looks poised to really do some damage if any of the current Saints receivers go down with an injury. Early reports from camp are again glowing Toon seems to be standing out yet again. The New Orleans offense is explosive enough to support virtually anyone with ability and Toon very well could fit the bill. Is he a simply going to be a camp wonder yet again or actually put it together in 2014? Time will tell on that front, but at this point, Toon certainly looks worthy of the “sleeper” label again this season.
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Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.
Ken is on Twitter at
DLF_KenK
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