|
Seventh 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 NFC South teams:
NFC South
Atlanta — WR Laurent Robinson
Robinson, a third-round pick in 2007, quietly amassed 437 yards and 37 receptions in his rookie season and solidified himself as the Falcons’ No. 2 option in the receiving corps. As defenses focus more of their attention on No. 1 target Roddy White, who is coming off a breakout year, things could open up for Robinson.
Carolina — WR Dwayne Jarrett
Jarrett had a disastrous first season in Carolina after being highly touted out of USC, but with the injury-prone D.J. Hackett and the aging Muhsin Muhammad competing for the No. 2 slot, Jarrett could surprise observers and pass both veterans on the depth chart before long. He could be the complement to Steve Smith that the Panthers have long been searching for.
New Orleans — WR Robert Meachem
Meachem is in the running to replace Devery Henderson as the Saints’ No. 3 receiver. In New Orleans’ explosive offense, a lot of production can come from such a position. It’s not hard to envision Meachem, who basically had a redshirt season as a rookie, taking some reps away from No. 2 receiver David Patten in training camp if he comes on strong early.
Tampa Bay — RB Warrick Dunn
Dunn was a fantasy dud last year in Atlanta, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry behind a banged-up offensive line. He could be rejuvenated by his return to Tampa, and he is only one year removed from rushing for more than 1,000 yards, averaging four yards per carry and 7.7 per reception. If Earnest Graham can’t duplicate his performance from late last season, Dunn could take over as a starter and post solid numbers.
Related Articles:
AFC East sleepers: Ricky Williams is back in Miami and ready to fill in for Brown
AFC North sleepers: Stallworth takes his speed to Cleveland
AFC South sleepers: Vince Young will exceed low expectations
AFC West sleepers: Torain has potential in Broncos' uncertain backfield
NFC East sleepers: Booker, Curtis may emerge as productive weapons
NFC North sleepers: Vikings' Rice not a household name, but he'll produce in starting role
|
