By PFW staff
July 21, 2008

More from PFW • Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008, 8/20/2008 12:32:00 PM • PFW examines Hall of Fame prospects for NFL head coaches past and present, 8/20/2008 12:32:00 PM • Third preseason draft board, 8/19/2008 6:32:11 PM • Zorn eases transition from Gibbs regime, 8/19/2008 3:38:19 PM • Suspension, injury ravage Broncos' offense, 8/8/2008 4:13:27 PM Related Topics • National Football League • Denver Broncos • American Football Conference • Ryan Torain • AFC West Division • Jacob Hester • Drew Carter • Jeff Webb • Oakland Raiders • Kansas City Chiefs

Fourth in an eight-part series

“Sleeper” is firmly ensconced in the fantasy football lexicon. Your definition of a sleeper may vary slightly from ours, but we can all agree the ideal sleeper (1) outperforms his draft position, (2) is drafted relatively late and (3) becomes a key part of your fantasy team.

With this in mind, here’s a sleeper candidate to watch on each of the AFC West teams:

AFC West

Denver —RB Ryan Torain
The competition to gain a starting nod in Denver’s backfield should be intense during training camp, and the possibility of Torain taking over cannot be ruled out, even if he is a rookie. Head coach Mike Shanahan has an eye for successful rushers and won’t hesitate to let Torain carry the load. As an undrafted rookie last season, the passed-over Selvin Young proved first-year running backs can thrive in Denver’s system.

Kansas City — WR Jeff Webb
With defenses focusing heavy coverage on Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez, somebody should constantly be open for the Chiefs, and that man could be Webb. The third-year wideout has an edge to start and showed some flashes last season. He figures to see a lot of short, safe throws from Brodie Croyle.

Oakland —WR Drew Carter
In the ragtag Raiders receiving corps, it could be Carter, a Carolina castoff, who emerges as the team’s No. 1 receiver. Sources say he has established a strong connection with QB JaMarcus Russell and could be primed for a big year following a change of scenery. His receiving yardage increased by about 200 in each of the last two seasons, and he has a shot to continue that progress.

San Diego — FB Jacob Hester
With Michael Turner now a Falcon, the rookie Hester appears to be the new backup to LaDainian Tomlinson. The LSU product is a versatile threat, able to block, pick up tough yards inside and catch the ball out of the backfield. If injuries hit L.T., Hester’s value would skyrocket.

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AFC North sleepers: Stallworth takes his speed to Cleveland