10 Deep Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers (2024)

You are on the clock very late in your draft. Panic rears its ugly head.

You are looking for that sleeper or a breakout player that can pay huge dividends. A player that helps bring you to fantasy football championship glory.

Which player has the opportunity to break out or step up when the opportunity presents itself and shine like your fantasy football championship belt?

Here are the top 10 deep sleepers with an average draft position (ADP) past pick 200 you should highlight or queue up in your fantasy drafts.

2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT KIT

Deep Fantasy Football Sleepers

Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)

The fourth-round running back from Wisconsin made quite an impression during organized team activities (OTAs) and didn’t disappoint in his first NFL preseason action. Braelon Allen led the team with 54 rushing yards, averaging 9.0 yards per carry, while impressing everyone with his ability to fight through contact.

Allen, 20, is one of the youngest players in the NFL and will turn 21 in January. The former Badger projects to enter the 2024 season as the RB2 behind Breece Hall. However, he should have a significant role in short-yardage and goal-line situations, bringing a unique aspect to the Jets’ running back room.

Allen led Wisconsin in rushing every year of his collegiate career and averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2023. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, 69.5% of his yardage came after contact. Jets head coach Robert Saleh liked what he saw from Allen in his NFL debut:

Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Allen’s debut ‘didn’t disappoint’ after the contest. “When he got to the second level, it’s painful to just touch the human,” Saleh continued. “He is a very heavy runner. And it was really cool to see him out in the open field.”

With Aaron Rodgers returning behind center, the offense should thrive this season. Allen helps the offense by filling a massive hole as the No. 2 running back. Fantasy managers should not overlook pieces of this offense late in their drafts, especially the rookie running back.

Andrei Iosivas (WR – CIN)

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow shook off the rust and showed his wrist had recovered in his first game since surgery. The Bengals’ offense is expected to be explosive again, and the wide receiver room can’t wait, including second-year wideout Andrei Iosivas. With Ja’Marr Chase holding out early in camp, Iosivas was turning heads in training camp and building on that momentum in the first preseason contest with one catch for a 23-yard gain in the team’s opening possession.

The battle for the WR3 role following Tyler Boyd‘s departure looked destined for Bengals 2024 third-round pick wide receiver Jermaine Burton. Burton led the team with a 3-82-1 line in his NFL debut Saturday, but the sophomore wideout from Princeton is pushing hard to make an impact and fill that role. Last season, Iosivas caught 15 passes for 116 yards and four scores, including a two-score effort in Week 18.

The former sixth-rounder made significant strides in the offseason and will compete for the No. 3 job. Both Bengals star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have failed to play a full 17-game schedule across the past two seasons. Iosivas should be on your fantasy radar as a late-round deep sleeper in all leagues.

Theo Johnson (TE – NYG)

With Darren Waller deciding to retire, the New York Giants starting tight end job is wide open. The Giants found a Waller clone in rookie fourth-round pick Theo Johnson. Johnson stands at 6-foot-6, 259 pounds. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash. His athletic testing is off the charts. The former Penn State star is a pass-catcher who can step directly into the Waller role, while Daniel Bellinger remains primarily an in-line/blocking tight end.

Johnson was delayed in training camp due to a hip pointer, but he quickly stood out thanks to his massive frame and elite athleticism. He was utilized for first-team reps in camp. However, the Giants’ preseason depth chart listed Johnson as the fourth-string tight end. The former Nittany Lion made his NFL debut last week but did not notch an entry in the box score.

All reports from training camp indicate Johnson is the front-runner for the TE1 pass-catching role. Johnson will need to fend off fellow rookie Malik Nabers, a highlight reel in camp, for looks in an offense that hopes quarterback Daniel Jones is recovered from his torn ACL and inconsistent play. Johnson is a late-round dart throw sleeper to stash in deeper formats.

Dylan Laube (RB – LV)

One player getting plenty of buzz in training camp fantasy managers should take notice of is Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube. Laube was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of New Hampshire, where he was their offense. Last season, Laube rushed for 745 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2022, he produced 1,205 rushing yards and 15 scores. Laube also produced over 100 receptions for over 1,000 receiving yards in both seasons combined.

Laube is trying to carve out a role as an all-purpose back as he tries to climb the Raiders’ running back depth chart. The Raiders have Zamir White firmly sitting on the top of the depth chart after his late-season surge last season. However, neither White nor Alexander Mattison is a threat in the passing game. Mattison was brought in this offseason to serve as White’s backup but is no threat to White or opposing defenses. Laube is currently battling Ameer Abdullah for the RB3 role, which should be an easy win for Laube.

Laube is also a special teams demon, returning two kicks for touchdowns last season. He earned a First Team All-Conference award as a returner. His play-making ability has been very evident and caught the eye of Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, who said that the New Hampshire product is “special:”

“That dude is special. I like him,” Pierce said of Laube. “And he’s gritty. He’s a gritty (running back). One thing – he surprises you with his speed… He’s going to be a difficult matchup, and it’s already showing up in practice.”

His role in the Raiders’ offense will develop initially as their pass-down back. Laube will elevate into the RB2 role, surpassing Abdullah and Mattison into a fantasy commodity you should select as a deep sleeper option to fill one of your final roster spots.

Jordan Mason (RB – SF)

Jordan Mason is a player fantasy managers realize could pay huge dividends if the unthinkable happens to Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. The RB3 behind the best running back in the league holds tremendous value if you have room on a deep roster.

Last season, Mason finished with 206 rushing yards and three scores while adding three receptions for 31 yards in primarily mop-up duty. However, Mason worked tirelessly on improving his skills, specifically pass-blocking. His improvement has stood out in training camp and his strong start has afforded Mason the ability to take advantage of opportunities in camp with McCaffrey (calf), Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) dinged up and sitting out.

Mason has been running with the first team lately and impressing coaches. The former Georgia Tech star started in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans. On six carries, he led the team with 34 rushing yards and a score.

The 25-year-old running back is on a path to seize the primary backup role behind McCaffrey. Being the handcuff to McCaffrey holds massive value. Mason should be drafted and rostered in all leagues. If the unthinkable does happen, Mason could provide league-winning upside.

Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)

 

Another rookie getting rave reviews in training camp is Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan. Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield has labeled the third-round pick “legit” and a “young stud” with “tons of potential.”

His work in camp has placed McMillan in a battle for the WR3 role with Trey Palmer. On Saturday, the former Washington Huskie carried that momentum into his NFL debut in the Buccaneers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals. McMillan recorded two grabs for 23 yards, just one play apart.

McMillan is listed as the No.3 wide receiver on the Bucs depth chart. He will benefit from having two Pro Bowlers lining up with him in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin with Godwin returning to his slot role where he flourishes. New offensive coordinator Liam Coen, formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, loved utilizing three-receiver sets and led the league in three-receiver sets, which should allow McMillan to produce fantasy numbers immediately.

McMillan flashed at Washington, exhibiting great hands and excellent speed with a 4.4 40, and he is a gifted route runner. Unfortunately, a knee injury limited McMillan last season, but he produced 1,000 receiving yards for the Huskies in 2022 and recorded nine touchdown passes.

Fantasy managers will see a different style of offense in Tampa Bay this season. The Bucs offense should be one fantasy managers turn to for fantasy gold. Look for McMillan to shine in this offense and be a wide receiver whose stock rises throughout the season. Get ahead of the spike, draft McMillan as one of your depth pieces, and reap the rewards.

Jalen Tolbert (WR – DAL)

Third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert has been impressive while being utilized in the available first-team reps with CeeDee Lamb holding out for a contract extension. Dak Prescott has some high praise for the rising wide receiver. Prescott discussed the trust he has built with Tolbert, saying, “There’s no telling how great he can be.”

The release of Michael Gallup, who was third among Cowboys wideouts in receiving yards last season, created a void in the WR3 role. The Cowboys did not pursue adding anyone, which positions Tolbert in the driver’s seat to take the next step and be the team’s WR3.

Tolbert appeared in all 17 games last season. He recorded 22 receptions for 268 yards and two scores. The South Alabama product should easily surpass his career-best numbers from last season. Although he will likely be the fourth option for Prescott after the starting WR duo of Lamb and Brandin Cooks and tight end Jake Ferguson. However, the Cowboys are expected to throw the ball a ton this season with an unproven running game behind a possible shaky offensive line.

Tolbert should provide splash weeks for fantasy managers, which is an intriguing option to fill your last wide receiver roster spot as a deep sleeper target.

Malik Washington (WR – MIA)

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is like a mad scientist as an offensive play-caller. He tries to create plays that place his weapons in space, which allows him to showcase their elite speed. The Dolphins added to their offensive arsenal with the selections of running back Jaylen Wright in the fourth round and Malik Washington in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Washington stood out during joint practices and continued his momentum into training camp and his NFL debut in their first preseason matchup. The former Virginia receiver showcased his versatility and his speed on a 21-yard gain on an end around. He also recorded one catch for five yards, returned two kickoffs for 46 yards and returned four punts for 21 yards.

Admittedly, Washington has an uphill climb on the Dolphins’ depth chart. After Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins’ wide receiver room does not look too imposing. Odell Beckham Jr. was signed this offseason, but is he healthy? Beckham is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and there is zero certainty he can be a productive wide receiver. The remaining wideouts, Braxton Berrios, Erik Ezukanma and Willie Snead, do not scare defenses.

Washington displayed he could be another legitimate threat for the Dolphins. McDaniel loves to get creative with different looks, and Washington is already used to moving around the formation.

While Wright is climbing draft boards, grab another piece of the Dolphins’ offense deep in your drafts with Washington.

Johnny Wilson (WR – PHI)

Johnny Wilson has created plenty of buzz in the Philadelphia Eagles’ preseason practices. The towering 6-foot-6 receiver was the tallest wideout measured at the NFL Scouting Combine since 2003. His height advantage and wingspan provide an enormous target with an elite catch radius.

Wilson is already receiving first-team reps with quarterback Jalen Hurts as the Eagles search to fill the WR3 role. Last season, the Eagles suffered with Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus and the ghost of Julio Jones failing to produce from the No. 3 WR role last season. The Eagles signed veteran Parris Campbell this offseason, drafted Ainias Smith in the fifth round and grabbed Wilson, who slid down to the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Eagles have one of the best wideout tandems in the league in AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith and a weapon at tight end with Dallas Goedert, but they long for another offensive outlet. Campbell has displayed flashes but has a lengthy injury history and can’t stay on the field. The door is open for Wilson to carve out a role in the Eagles offense. Wilson is a dart-throw deep sleeper pick that could pay valuable fantasy dividends for fantasy managers.

Bryce Young (QB – CAR)

Dynasty managers know how rookie quarterback Bryce Young struggled in his rookie season. Young was surrounded by lackluster weapons, an offensive line that could not protect him and dysfunction exhibited by veteran head coach Frank Recih. To say his development was hindered is a gross understatement. He threw 11 touchdowns, tying for the fewest in NFL history for a quarterback with at least 500 pass attempts.

Not as expected from the player picked first in last year’s draft. Just remeber the Panthers passed on C.J. Stroud in favor of Young.

Young enters his sophomore season with optimism from significant offseason organizational changes, including new head coach Dave Canales, whose recent track record with revitalizing quarterbacks provides hope and encouragement. Canales worked his magic with Geno Smith in his 2022 resurgent season. We also saw Baker Mayfield post career highs in passing yards and touchdowns in Tampa Bay last season.

A bounceback season from Young is on the horizon with the addition of a new offensive system and more offensive weapons. Additionally, the Panthers invested in the interior of their offensive line by adding guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. The Panthers traded for wide receiver Diontae Johnson to give Young a legit threat and drafted Xavier Legette in the first round and dynamic running back Jonathon Brooks in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. These additions, combined with veteran Adam Thielen and last year’s second-round pick Jonathan Mingo, provide Young with valuable weapons to upgrade the Panthers’ offense.

We trust Canales to elevate Young and provide upside for fantasy managers to consider a sneaky deep sleeper as a QB2 target in Superflex leagues.

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Dennis Sosic is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Dennis, check out his archive and follow him @CALL_ME_SOS.

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Dennis Sosic

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I started my writing career when I won the first So-Called Fantasy Experts writer's contest., I was then hired by socalledfantasyexperts.com while also starting to write for fantasysixpack.net. Currently, I write for fantasysixpack.net where my analysis includes fantasy baseball and fantasy football. My fantasy analysis involves position previews, waiver wire, and drop lists while also discussing sleepers and busts in various positions and sports. I welcome the challenge of joining and being among the best in the fantasy sports universe.

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