Training Camp Insights: Fantasy Football Sleepers to Monitor

As training camps commence across the NFL, the excitement for fantasy managers begins to build with draft season on the horizon. This period provides valuable insights into teams' strategies for the upcoming season, although it can also lead to overreactions. For instance, a third-string wide receiver making a highlight-reel catch could spark premature excitement, while a starting quarterback throwing interceptions might cause undue panic.
Nevertheless, training camps are rich with information that can benefit fantasy managers. The league is rife with position battles awaiting resolution, as seen with the quarterback situation in Indianapolis and the running back competition in Dallas. Various players are vying for larger roles, attempting comebacks from injury, or looking to make a significant impact in their first NFL season. The term 'sleeper' is often thrown around in fantasy discussions, typically referring to players who can be drafted in the later rounds but possess the potential to outperform expectations. Every player discussed here is generally available in the double-digit rounds, each having the capability to transition from a mere draft pick to a valuable weekly starter.
Among the intriguing players is Sam Darnold, currently available with an average draft position (ADP) of QB28, 178th overall. Darnold experienced a remarkable season last year, leading the Minnesota Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record while accumulating 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, resulting in a fantasy finish as the QB7. However, following Minnesota's decision to acquire J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback, Darnold's status has diminished. Critics speculate whether his previous success was a fluke, particularly with his transition to a new team. Yet, analysts suggest that Darnold’s new arrangement with the Seattle Seahawks, under the guidance of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, could replicate his past success. While Seattle’s offensive line remains a concern, Darnold's substantial upside in a quarterback-friendly offense cannot be overlooked.
The Indianapolis Colts’ Daniel Jones holds an ADP of QB32, 238th overall and is facing a challenging situation as he competes for the starting role. His performance from last season, marked by just over 2,000 passing yards and eight touchdowns in ten games, has led many fantasy managers to overlook him. Although he trails Anthony Richardson in the draft, reports indicate that Jones has established a significant lead in the competition for the starting job. While Richardson boasts athleticism, his inaccuracy as a passer raises questions about his viability. Jones, meanwhile, has shown the ability to be fantasy-relevant, with a career best season in 2022 yielding 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns alongside 708 rushing yards. Should Jones secure the starting position, he could present excellent value at his current draft cost.
Javonte Williams, ranked as RB38 with an ADP of 112th overall, once showcased potential during his rookie season with the Denver Broncos, accumulating over 1,200 total yards. However, after suffering a knee injury, his performance waned, evident in his career-low of 513 rushing yards last season. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, Williams claims he feels fully healthy and ready to reclaim his previous form. Despite facing competition from veteran Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue, Williams’ past success coupled with his recovery positions him as a player to watch. If he can indeed regain his previous prowess, he may win the role in Dallas, where past performances have shown that the team can utilize its running backs effectively.
J.K. Dobbins, with an ADP of RB40, 119th overall, has demonstrated capability on the field, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and achieving over 1,000 total yards with the Los Angeles Chargers last season. However, injury issues have hampered his participation in recent years, leading to a period of uncertainty regarding his value. Dobbins recently joined the Denver Broncos after a brief stint in free agency, following the team's draft investment in a second-round running back. Despite the competition for touches, Dobbins’ history with high performance highlights the potential rewards he could bring if he remains healthy throughout the season.
For the Chargers, Tre Harris—who has an ADP of WR54, 135th overall—was selected in the second round of the draft after showcasing impressive statistics at college, averaging over 17 yards per catch and surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in just eight games. With Mike Williams' sudden retirement, Harris finds himself in an advantageous position to potentially secure the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Analysts predict that with a strong training camp, he could emerge as a reliable option for quarterback Justin Herbert. An increase in passing opportunities in the Chargers' offense could lead to significant fantasy value if Harris capitalizes on this scarce opportunity.
Cleveland Browns receiver Cedric Tillman is another player offering sleeper potential with an ADP of WR65, 169th overall. The Browns face numerous questions this season, including their quarterback situation, causing many to overlook Tillman as a viable fantasy option. Despite his previous season's limited production, Tillman had a notable performance during a brief full-time role, averaging high targets, receptions, and yards per game. Given the shifting roster dynamics, his chances of stepping into a starting role seem plausible, particularly if opposing defenses concentrate on other targets, allowing him room to thrive.
Lastly, Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens, holding an ADP of TE17, 145th overall, nearly had a breakout season last year but ended up behind Mark Andrews in the depth chart. Despite this, analysts continue to consider Likely as a potential breakout player, especially if Andrews suffers an injury or experiences a decline. There are expectations for Likely to receive increased looks if he solidifies his role during training camp, which could put him in a position to become a significant part of the Ravens' passing attack. The emergence of Likely would offer another layer of depth to a tight end group that often presents challenges in fantasy football.
With training camps in full swing, these players are among several noteworthy candidates for fantasy managers to monitor closely. Their respective situations can transform rapidly, and capturing their increasing value early in drafts can lead to substantial rewards come the fantasy season.








