Fantasy: 10 deep sleepers for 2016
Even with fantasy owners entering their drafts more prepared than ever, there are still players who slip through the cracks.
Last year in this space, we mentioned names like Tyrod Taylor, Kamar Aiken, and Jacob Tamme, all of whom emerged as fantasy starters at some point in the year.
In a continued effort to shine a light on the unnoticed or outright ignored, we've once again built a list of players being taken outside of the top 150 picks, who are candidates to become fantasy relevant this season.
Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyFootballCalculator and based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.
Robert Griffin III, QB, Browns
Is there a chance that a change of scenery is just what Griffin needs to rediscover his dynamic rookie form? Maybe not a great chance, but you couldn't pick a better head coach to build Griffin back up than Hue Jackson. The Browns aren't exactly overloaded with offensive weapons, but Corey Coleman and Duke Johnson could surprise some people this year. If Griffin can rediscover his mojo - and manage to finally learn how to stay healthy while still running frequently - it's not inconceivable he could return to QB1 value.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: Undrafted
Blaine Gabbert, QB, 49ers
A year ago, you would have been laughed at for suggesting Gabbert was anything more than an epic bust. Then he came on in relief of Colin Kaepernick and showed brief moments of competency in the second half of 2015. Now Gabbert appears to have the early edge on Kaepernick to start for new head coach Chip Kelly, whose offenses tend to produce fantasy numbers thanks to volume alone. Will Gabbert be able to deliver if he wins the starting job? Probably not. But whoever Kelly tabs as his starter will have a chance to be fantasy relevant this season.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Josh Ferguson, RB, Colts
All that stands between Ferguson and a starting job on what should be one of the NFL's best offenses is a 33-year-old Frank Gore and a few assorted journeymen. Ferguson doesn't exactly have the pedigree fantasy owners covet - he was an undrafted free agent, though the Colts reportedly considered drafting him as early as the fourth round - but he does have an NFL skill set. He has a chance to be this year's Thomas Rawls.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: 15th round
Zach Zenner, RB, Lions
Zenner is part of a crowded backfield in Detroit, with Ameer Abdullah expected to start, Theo Riddick a near-lock for passing downs, and Stevan Ridley also in the mix. Though Zenner's path to carries is muddy, don't rule out him beginning the season with a situational role as the Lions' short-yardage specialist (including those coveted goal-line carries) and carving out a bigger role for himself if another of the team's running backs suffers an injury or underperforms.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: Undrafted
Chris Thompson, RB, Redskins
While he wasn't worthy of consideration as a starter in fantasy, Thompson was a productive player in limited action for Washington last season, compiling 456 total yards and 35 receptions, while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Coming off shoulder surgery, Thompson will resume his role as the Redskins' passing-down back and should see an increase in playing time as he shares the backfield with starter Matt Jones. The 5-foot-8, 193-pound back may not have prototypical size to earn a lead role, but if Jones gets injured, Washington doesn't have many options on the roster.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Bruce Ellington, WR, 49ers
It's a lock that Chip Kelly's offense will be up-tempo and run a ton of plays. What's not a lock is who is going to catch all the passes. Torrey Smith should take the biggest piece of the pie, but the speedy Ellington should also eat up plenty of targets in the slot - a position that's heavily featured in Kelly's scheme.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★★
ADP: Undrafted
J.J. Nelson, WR, Cardinals
Nelson averaged a ridiculous 27.2 yards per reception on 11 catches as a rookie, but didn't see the field much playing behind Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd, and John Brown. An uptick in production is likely for Nelson's sophomore season, but the jump could be enormous if any of the wideouts ahead of him on the depth chart suffers a major injury.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★★☆
ADP: Undrafted
Chris Conley, WR, Chiefs
Jeremy Maclin is the Chiefs' top wideout, but it's second-year man Conley who best fits the mold of a prototypical No. 1. Conley is ultra-athletic and is still only scratching the surface of what he's capable of. The Chiefs' passing game hasn't exactly been a fantasy goldmine in recent seasons, but taking a shot on Conley's upside is worth it considering how late you can get him.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Dez Lewis, WR, Bills
The Bills are talking about opening up the offense and allowing Tyrod Taylor to take to the air more in 2016, a plan that will only be successful if they can field multiple quality receiving options. Lewis, who failed to record a catch during his lone appearance as rookie, returned smarter and stronger in hopes of making an impact in Year 2. With Sammy Watkins recovering from foot surgery, Lewis saw more reps in OTAs and impressed the entire coaching staff, putting himself in position to secure the No. 3 receiver job. If Watkins misses time, Lewis could be a sneaky pickup early in the season.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted
Jeff Heuerman, TE, Broncos
Unless you're in the deepest of leagues, there's not much reason to be adding long-shot tight ends to your roster. Heuerman is more of an intriguing prospect worth monitoring in the preseason, since he could emerge as Denver's starting tight end. The former third-round pick still has to prove himself after missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL, but the team reportedly had plans for him last year prior to the injury. If he can carve out a role, he could be a streaming option in 2016.
Overachiever Potential: ★★★☆☆
ADP: Undrafted