The 2020 NFL Draft has been one of the more loaded rookie draft classes that were seen in recent years. The group was headlined by collegiate studs namely quarterback Joe Burrow, defensive end Chase Young, and cornerback Jeff Okudah, among others. But those guys aren't exactly your definition of a fantasy football rookie sleepers, as they're clearly on people's radars, as well as defenders.
A lot of talented first-year players will be entering a loaded rotation and will probably see limited minutes, which means they won't be attractive in terms of fantasy production. However, some rookie gems will clearly fall through the cracks towards the latter part of fantasy draft boards and could end up being valuable sleepers.
Here are the top 3 fantasy football rookie sleepers who will be eye-openers in their first campaign in the pro ranks.
Fantasy Football Sleepers
3. Laviska Shenault
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wideout Laviska Shenault sits at the fifth spot due to his injury history dating back to his college days. The former Colorado Buffalo nursed a left shoulder, toe, and pelvic injuries which ultimately limited his production in the amateur ranks. These recurring injuries can still possibly haunt him in the NFL which makes drafting him a risk.
However, once healthy, Shenault can be a dynamic threat on the gridiron. He can be utilized as a swiss-army knife that can be slotted in several positions on the field. In fact, he lined up at perimeter wide receiver, slot wide receiver, running back, punt returner, and even wildcat quarterback back in Colorado. His versatility can be used to fill the holes in a lackluster Jaguars offense which can open more opportunities for him to land a bigger role in other positions. If he manages to stay healthy in the upcoming season, fantasy owners can nab some late-round production as a true sleeper.
2. Denzel Mims
The biggest concern for wide receiver Denzel Mims heading into the draft was his drop-rate. He dropped a total of 24 passes over his last three seasons in Baylor. However, he did play through a broken hand during his junior season where he accounted for 11 drops. He eventually improved and limited his tally to only 5 drops in his senior season.
He started all 13 games for Baylor last season, recording 66 receptions for 1,020 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mims will be seeing action for the New York Jets right away as he will be inserted into the offensive rotation from the get-go. He will be manning the right wide receiver slot along with veteran Breshad Perriman and sixth-year player Jamison Crowder on the wings.
Mims' effectiveness will be determined by quarterback Sam Darnold's accuracy in aerial passes in the upcoming season. Potent offensive production is expected from him if he recovers from his hamstring injury in time for Week 1 action (and all indictions are that he will play), making him a sleeper to keep your eye on.
1. Zack Moss
The 2020 NFL Draft was deep when a talent like Zack Moss falls in the 86th pick in the third round. The running back is considered one of the greatest products that have been developed in the Utah Utes football program. He has also set a plethora of school records to his name throughout his four-year career. He was the university's all-time leader in career carries with 657, the all-time leader in career rushing yards with 3,809, the all-time leader in career rushing touchdowns with 37, and the all-time leader in career touchdowns scored with 38.
Moss will aim to translate his prolific running game to the league with the Buffalo Bills. He is expected to vie for the starting ball-carrier spot along with sophomore Devin Singletary. His bigger frame armed with a more physical ground game will help him land the role sooner or later, making him one of the more intriguing fantasy football rookie sleepers out there.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints' top fantasy football sleepers at running back, wide receiver, and quarterback, and tight end*
Follow Us
Subscribe