Ten Late-Round Rookie Sleepers with Upside

The NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, and pro days are peppered throughout March and April. The NFL Draft is quickly approaching. If you’re reading this article, you probably have a good idea of which prospect you’re targeting with your first-round pick, and you might even have some names in mind with your second-round pick. But how about your third or fourth-round pick?

If you haven’t thought that far ahead, I’m here to help. Here’s a list of my ten favorite deep sleepers in this class. I’ll be looking at players with an ADP of 25 or later (according to DLF’s Rookie ADP) who have the potential to be fantasy starters.

Israel Abanikanda, RB Pittsburgh - 27 ADP

The best-kept secret in this class is a 215-pound, 20-year-old running back who broke hall of famer Tony Dorsett’s single-game rushing record at Pittsburgh. Abanikanda led the ACC in rushing yards and touchdowns in 2022. A terrific athlete with a background in track, “Izzy” was a two-time 100-meter Gold Medalist at the NYC Mayor’s Cup. Pittsburgh’s pro day is March 29th, and Abanikanda is expected to participate in all drills. He’ll become a popular riser once his athletic numbers come in.

Chase Brown, RB Illinois - 27.6 ADP