As NFL teams gear up for training camps in the coming weeks, fantasy football managers are ready to gain an edge over their competition. With the ability to monitor potential sleepers and their progression throughout the summer, managers can make informed decisions as they head into their fantasy drafts. While not every sleeper will deliver, tracking how players are performing in practice and scrimmages can help separate the stars from the disappointments. Here are key fantasy football sleepers to keep an eye on during the 2026 offseason, each with an average draft position (ADP) of 100 or worse, which could offer valuable return on investment.
Quarterback: Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints may have found their franchise quarterback sooner than anticipated in Tyler Shough. Drafted as a second-round rookie, Shough didn’t make his starting debut until midway through the 2025 season, yet he instantly made an impact. After a dismal 1-7 start, the Saints turned around their season, boasting a nearly .500 record in his nine starts, including a commendable 4-1 finish. Under Shough's leadership, the Saints showed revitalized energy.
Shough’s rookie statistics are impressive, comprising 2,384 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, complemented by 186 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. A closer look reveals that if extrapolated over a full season, his totals could skyrocket to 4,261 passing yards and an impressive tally of 19 passing touchdowns. Not only could he accumulate nearly 300 fantasy points, placing him within the top 12 quarterbacks, but he still sits at an inexplicable QB20 with an ADP of 122. With the Saints committed to nurturing Shough’s talent by enhancing his offensive weapons through the 2026 draft and free agency, savvy managers could snag him as a high-upside backup or a starting option in the later rounds.
Running Back: Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers
Jonathon Brooks could very well be on the brink of a breakout season with the Carolina Panthers. Burdened by knee injuries that sidelined him for a significant portion of his first two seasons, the 22-year-old running back has returned to practice with full medical clearance. Despite a rocky start to his rookie season with merely 45 yards from scrimmage and an ACL tear that kept him out all of 2025, Brooks is eager to prove his worth. He recently expressed his frustrations but remains confident in his capabilities.
With the departure of leading rusher Rico Dowdle and Brooks set to share carries with Chuba Hubbard, who experienced a downturn in productivity last year, Brooks is poised to take on a substantial workload. Drafted first among running backs in 2024 due to his tantalizing blend of speed and athleticism, Brooks is known for his explosive playmaking ability. Given that he has a current ADP of 102 and is being drafted as the RB35, this represents a perfect chance for fantasy managers to secure a future RB1 at minimal risk. A strong showing throughout training camp could dramatically elevate his draft stock.
Wide Receiver: Wan'Dale Robinson, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans made significant offseason changes, including hiring Robert Saleh as head coach and bringing in Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. Among their less-publicized acquisitions was Wan'Dale Robinson, a free-agent signing who may prove vital to their offensive strategy. Robinson enjoyed two successful seasons with the New York Giants, managing 1,713 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during that span.
His size may limit his yardage output, but Robinson’s role as a possession receiver affords him ample opportunities. Coming off a noteworthy 2025 season, in which he exceeded 1,000 yards and earned 217.9 fantasy points, he is set for further growth in a system that also features rising star Carnell Tate and experienced wideout Calvin Ridley. Despite a promising WR14 finish last season, Robinson is currently falling within the later rounds at WR48 and ADP of 107, making him a hidden gem for fantasy leagues.
Tight End: Isaiah Likely, New York Giants
After being lured by the New York Giants, head coach John Harbaugh brought former Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely along for the journey. While Likely displayed flashes of brilliance in Baltimore, he was often overshadowed by established star Mark Andrews. His best performance came in the 2024 season opener, totaling 111 receiving yards and a touchdown. However, his inconsistent role limited his production, culminating in a disappointing TE45 finish in 2025.
The Giants are poised to offer Likely the opportunity he needs. With Theo Johnson as his main competition for target shares after a modest TE18 finish, Likely has a clear path to a significant role in the offense. As a talented playmaker with a substantial ceiling, he could rival elite tight ends. Entering his fifth NFL season, he is currently being drafted as a TE12 with an ADP of 125, suggesting that many fantasy managers overlook his potential. If he can secure the lead tight end role, he may easily ascend into the top tier.
As training camp progresses and these players take the field, fans and fantasy managers alike should keep a close watch on developments. These fantasy sleepers possess the potential to not only enhance ordinary rosters but also provide those courageous enough to draft them a chance at a winning season.
