Fantasy Football Rookie Sleepers

Its almost that time. Fantasy Football is just around the corner. The great players from last year are not always the same players this year. Consistency is the most sought after trait in fantasy football and only a few players can perform on the same elite level year after year. The key is to find the sleepers. These are the players that no one talks about that are much more valuable than their draft position would suggest.

 Every year there are new players in the Fantasy Football universe by way of rookies. These first year players have not gotten a chance to prove their worth in the league just yet. These players are the riskiest to draft since nobody knows what to expect from them. They are also the easiest sleeper picks to acquire. I have predicted the top 5 rookie sleepers for the 2018 NFL Season.


1. Calvin Ridley WR Atlanta Falcons projected round 12 

During his time at Alabama, a team that was run first pass second, Calvin Ridley was able to achieve a 1,000 yard season his freshman year in 2015. He has tremendous upside for a 12th round pick on a team that moves the ball as well as the Atlanta Falcons. I expect Calvin Ridley to establish himself as a viable flex option throughout the season with an estimated 155 fantasy points in a PPR league.


2. Nyheim Hines RB Indiannapolis Colts projected round:
Round 15 

Nyheim Hines was an explosive running back for North Carolina State in the 2017 season. He split carries with Jaylen Samuels and was the speed back in the offense. The Indiannoplis Colts will miss the presence of Frank Gore this year and with Andrew Luck coming back from injury, the offense will be back to form. Nyheim will provide fantasy owners with RB2 production and I would not be
surprised if he assumed the starting role later in the year.


3. Hayden Hurst TE Baltimore Ravens projected round: Undrafted

Hayden Hurst was a hidden gem on a mediocre South Carolina team. He has incredible hands and ball skills for a tight end. The Baltimore Ravens have been known to utilize a system that favors tight ends in the redzone. Hayden's skillset will allow him to become a starting TE in his rookie year with a great chance of finding the endzone at least 7 times.


4. Anthony Miller WR Chicago Bears projected round: Round 13

Anthony Miller's numbers in college can compete with any other rookie wide receiver this year. He benefited from the offensive system at Memphis which was an uptempo offensive with a lot more passing than running. His ability to win 1 on 1 battles with cornerbacks and his nose for the endzone give him a great chance to be a breakout wide receiver in the NFL. I predict that Anthony Miller will make an early impact and become a hot commodity in trade talks during the season.


5. Braxton Berrios WR New England Patriots projected round: Undrafted

Danny Amendola's exit from the New England Patriots combined with Julian Edelman's four game suspsenion gives rookie Braxton Berrios a great opportunity to prove himself to coach Belichick. The Patriots have always favored quick slot receivers such as Danny Ammendola, Julian Edelman, and Wes Welker. If Braxton can replicate his 2017 season at the University of Miami, he will provide a great Flex option in any PPR league for his 2018 campaign.