Here are a couple more names to watch for in your fantasy football leagues. These are the rookies which were drafted in the fourth round and later that can have a fantasy impact this season. Fantasy Football Sleepers for the 2016 season, Rookie Edition.
Chris Moore – Baltimore Ravens…A downfield receiver playing with quarterback Joe Flacco who throws a pretty deep ball for a team who lacks receivers could lead to big things this upcoming season. Steve Smith Sr. is coming off a torn Achilles injury, Mike Wallace hasn’t been Mike Wallace in a while, and Breshad Perriman is now out for his second consecutive season. Keep an eye on this guy.
Tyler Higbee – L.A Rams…The Rams’ passing offense was anemic last season with Nick Foles and others under center but enter the new kid in L.A Jared Goff and the new look offense. Higbee has a chance to be a solid security blanket for the rookie QB and can have fantasy value immediately. Higbee first has to get over his legal situation and mature in the NFL but his talent is immense.
Pharoh Cooper – L.A Rams…A dynamic play-maker at South Carolina, Cooper gets his shot in L.A with the aforementioned Goff and Higbee. An explosive slot receiver who is a yards after the catch dynamo has a similar type game as new teammate Tavon Austin. It will be interesting to see how the Rams utilize his unique skill set but one thing is for certain they need to find a way to get the ball in his hands.
Kenneth Dixon – Baltimore Ravens…Here is the guy you will want to target, especially in dynasty leagues. Dixon is a shifty, elusive, pass catching back that fits perfectly in Marc Trestman’s offense which produced 100 catches from Matt Forte a couple seasons ago. For now Dixon will be a backup to Justin Forsett but he will be too good to keep off the field for the Ravens who are looking for help in their passing game. Think Dion Lewis when you think of Dixon.
Devontae Booker – Denver Broncos…Back-to-back running back steals in the NFL Draft and in fantasy drafts this upcoming season. The biggest difference in the fantasy value of Booker compared to Dixon is the competition Booker faces in Denver. The Broncos have two quality backs on the roster already with C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman in the fold. If Anderson goes down with an injury I can see Booker surpassing Hillman on the depth chart and making an impact. Booker is a three down back who excels in all facets of the game and can be an interesting pickup in your fantasy drafts.
DeAndre Washington – Oakland Raiders…Why not take a late round flier on a back that can help out in the run and passing game. Latavius Murray was hyped as a fantasy “stud” last year but wore down to the end of the 2015 season. The Raiders made it evident all off-season that they wanted to add another running back and Washington is that guy. Murray has always been prone to injury and if Washington gets an opportunity to get carries in an up and coming Raiders offense, watch out.
Paul Perkins – New York Giants…The committee backfield is a fantasy no… no. But Perkins will have the opportunity to show he is the best option for the Giants offense. He is a younger version of Rashard Jennings who has receiving chops and a power running style. A three down back Perkins can carry fantasy relevance if Jennings go down, and if you know Jennings injury history it is not unfathomable.
Jordan Howard – Chicago Bears…I believe Howard is an average no non-sense type of back that doesn’t do anything great. But he is a perfect compliment/handcuff to second year back Jeremy Langford and should be on your radar this upcoming fantasy season. The name of the game for fantasy football, TOUCHDOWNS!!! He should be the Bears goal-line back and a player who can get up to 8 TDs this season.
Other names to watch in deeper leagues:
Alex Collins – Seattle Seahawks
Mike Thomas – L.A Rams
Daniel Braverman – Chicago Bears
Thomas Duarte – Miami Dolphins
Daniel Lasco – New Orleans Saints
Keith Marshall – Washington Redskins
Jakeem Grant – Miami Dolphins
