All 32 NFL teams will head to training camps next week in preparation for the 2017 NFL season, which it means it's officially time to kick off research for your fantasy football league(s).
And come draft time, every owner has to corral at least one or two superstars while also finding those high-value, low-cost "sleepers" that make every fantasy draft simultaneously nail-bitingly frustrating and exciting.
The term sleeper doesn't necessarily have a proper definition, but it's largely a player that no one, not even their real-life NFL team, had previously expected to become a fine-tuned, consistent offensive machine week to week. When it comes to fantasy, that's largely determined by a player's average draft position (ADP) and the lower a player went in the average draft, the more of a steal or sleeper he later proved to be.
Here's an early list of seven players—a mix of running backs and wide receivers—who could possess some serious value later in drafts and thus exceed expectations and their ADP, from FantasyPros.com.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's perfectly understandable for Martin to have nosedived in value. A nagging hamstring injury in 2016 limited Martin to eight games last season, one year removed from a 1,402-yard outburst, and he's out of Tampa Bay's first three games this season for violating the league's performance enhancing drug policy. Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter also wasn't making any promises of playing time or a roster spot last month. But all those reasons could actually cause Martin to fall lower in 10-team leagues, making him a major-value third-string back in the ninth or 10th rounds this year. Also consider Martin has very green competition to beat out like Quayvon Hicks, Russell Hansbrough and the inconsistent veteran Jacquizz Rodgers.
Position ADP: 28.8; Overall ADP: 80.5
Latavius Murray, RB, Minnesota Vikings
After three years in Oakland, Murray's now in the Midwest and he's been a fairly durable back with only three combined games missed in three seasons. Currently, he's sitting at the 10th to the 11th round in 10-team leagues and roughly the eighth or ninth round in 12-team. That's a steal for a guy that a) notched 12 touchdowns and caught 33 balls last season; and b) joins a Vikings squad that committed nearly $90 million at right and left tackle in the offseason. Murray could also benefit from quarterback Sam Bradford having a full season and camp under his belt.
Position ADP: 37.8; Overall ADP: 105.5
Samaje Perine, RB, Washington Redskins
The former Oklahoma Sooner went in the fourth round of the draft and he's going far later in fantasy drafts, which makes sense given he's a rookie. But he was a stud in college and showed brilliant flashes of power and speed. Couple the talent with a very good opportunity in Washington, beside fellow back Robert Kelley, and Perine could help a Redskins rushing attack that was No. 21 in total yards and No. 27 in total attempts last season.
Position ADP: 40.3; Overall ADP: 115.3
Eric Decker, WR, Tennessee Titans
A hip injury that required surgery forced Decker to miss 13 games last season, a major disappointment after racking up 1,027 yards and 12 touchdowns off 80 receptions in 2015. But the injury also made him cheap on the open market, allowing the Titans an affordable risk and pairing for third-year quarterback Marcus Mariota. Mariota's been starving for a consistent receiving threat, and while rookie Corey Davis has promise, Decker could be a reliable target.
Position ADP: 39.3; Overall ADP: 101.0
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Wallace led Baltimore's thing receiving corps with 1,017 yards, while the Ravens also got a so-so final year from likely Hall of Famer Steve Smith, followed by tight end Dennis Pitta leading the team with 121 targets. Meaning, the Ravens were in serious need of another option for quarterback Joe Flacco, who represents a strong step-up for Maclin after two years with Alex Smith in Kansas City. Baltimore also needs to open up its ground game (No. 28 in yards, No. 22 in touchdowns in 2016), which could translate into lots of targets for Maclin.
Position ADP: 42.8; Overall ADP: 112.0
Jared Cook, TE, Oakland Raiders
Other than quarterback Derek Carr's massive extension, the Raiders addressed a gaping hole in their blistering offensive scheme: tight end. Cook got a $10.6 million deal because Clive Walford, Mychal Rivera and Lee Smith, off a combined 83 targets, netted four total touchdowns and 580 yards. Despite Carr's prolific season, the Raiders were No. 13 in red zone offense last year, and Cook can help them change that really quickly if he's healthy. When he's going this late in drafts, a pick in the teen-rounds is worth a gamble.
Position ADP: 21.8; Overall ADP: 189.3
Jonathan Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills
The second-year back Williams has a big chance to make up for Buffalo's loss of Mike Gillislee in free agency. The Bills can look to maintain their rushing title (No. 1 in yards, touchdowns and yards per carry, and No. 2 in attempts), and Williams can slot right in as Gillislee's heir apparent. He does have some young competition in training camp, but Williams does have a year of familiarity and rapport with the offense. He's LeSean McCoy's primary backup, as Pro Football Focus pointed out last month, making Williams a major steal that will likely improve his ADP as the summer wears on.
Position ADP: 52.5; Overall ADP: 153.5
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