As we pass the middle of August, fantasy football draft season is officially upon us. They say the first few rounds are the most important, but late round sleepers are where you can really find some value and win your league.
Last season, we had running backs Chase Brown, Chuba Hubbard, and Bucky Irving all have an average draft position (ADP) past the 100th pick, yet finished top 15 at their position. Flip to wide receiver, and we saw Brian Thomas Jr., Courtland Sutton, and Jerry Jeudy also with an ADP over 100 and finish in the top 15 WRs
Below, we’ll take a deep dive into some notable late round targets, and highlight these players' season-long projections for NFLSZN on PrizePicks — the season-long fantasy football game.
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Vikings RB Jordan Mason
ADP: RB34 (Overall: 97)
I was once an Aaron Jones truther, but the writing is on the wall. Despite a solid campaign last year, a lot is working against him. He’s 30, got banged up with three different minor injuries across last season, and ranked outside the top 30 in yards after contact, breakaway run rate, and elusiveness rating, per PFF.
Signing Jordan Mason to a lucrative two year deal was likely a nod that they recognize Jones’ body can’t sustain the volume, and Jordan Mason is an immediate dangerous option in the backfield.
As a starter last season, Mason eclipsed over 100+ rush yards per game, behind only Saquon Barkley. Taking a RB1 handcuff is never a bad idea, but with Mason, you get the feeling he’s already closer to winning the snap share battle altogether.
Certainly the “punch it in” touch battle with Jones having 13 rushes inside the 5-yard line last season for -2 yards — giving me confidence in reaching for him before his current ADP of 107.
Ravens WR Rashod Bateman
ADP: WR58 (Overall: 165)
At an ADP of 165, Rashod Bateman may be my favorite deep sleeper in the entire draft. The Ravens are a high power offense, and Lamar Jackson and Bateman’s connection has only continued to grow.
As a vertical-route running deep threat and red-zone option, Bateman is a legit starting WR candidate right out the gate in deeper leagues after seeing his body of work last year.
Bateman finished third in the NFL at 16.8 yards a reception en route to five WR2 (top 24) finishes or better.
The WR depth chart remains just Bateman and Zay Flowers posing much of a threat, and if teams can figure the Derrick Henry puzzle out and the Ravens go more pass happy, Bateman's ADP will be laughable by the end of the season.
Panthers WR Xavier Legette
ADP: WR71 (Overall: 179)
Panthers QB Bryce Young has a very interesting group of guys at his disposal this year, and while they drafted WR Tetairoa McMillan in the first round to be the main man, an increase in production for second-year man Legette shouldn’t be ruled out.
His breakout couldn’t be timely enough in the suddenly crowded WR room, and following a preseason fight ejection, Legette looked like a legitimate threat in his 11v11 against the Texans on Thursday.
If we get the Bryce Young that we saw post-Week 8, the Dave Canales who revived the 2023 Bucs team, and a season that isn’t plagued with injuries — Legette beating out his ADP of 191 should come easy. Legette is a great target with your final flier picks.
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Steelers TE Jonnu Smith
ADP: TE13 (Overall: 117)
Jonnu Smith was a great sleeper last season, finishing as the TE4 on a banged up Dolphins team. His production only managed to improve with Tua Tagovailoa at the helm, and he was a swiss army knife of a TE — lining up in the slot 46% of the time on passing snaps.
Now, moving to a team with Aaron Rodgers at the helm, opportunities will be plenty when you look at the receiving options outside of WR D.K. Metcalf and fellow TE Pat Freiermuth.
Smith will be reunited with his OC in Arthur Smith, who used Smith both as a traditional TE and a slot WR in Atlanta. Smith playing out of the slot and finishing only behind Metcalf in all meaningful receiving stats could be how this plays out.
With an ADP around 100 and 10 TEs going before him, Smith's draft stock deserves more respect.
All ADP data via FantasyPros PPR ADP as of Aug. 20.
Pick Fantasy Football Sleepers on PrizePicks
With the fantasy football draft season in full swing, you’re going to want to hit big on your fantasy football sleepers in 2025. This is where you separate yourself from the pack and really find some hidden gems in your fantasy football leagues to come away as the 2025 fantasy football champion.
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