Charles Curtis
August 16, 2024 11:53 am ET
It’s the moment that happens to everyone in a fantasy football draft, especially in those later rounds: the big names are long gone, and you start searching around for a few players to queue up, but you don’t see names you like.
That’s where we come in. This is the annual list we doto fill up your queue with some of the deeper sleepers available. And this comes with the caveat that these aren’t picks for the LAST round unless you’re in a league without kickers and defenses, because you should be using yourfinal two picks on D/STsandthen on kickers. Trust me.
So, here you go: some sleeper names for late in your draft.
1
WR Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills
Nov 19, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) runs with the ball for a touchdown after making a catch against New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
There are a lot of receptions up for grabs in Buffalo. With a late pick, you could lock in Shakir and see him grab the reins as a top target.
2
RB Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos
Jul 26, 2024; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) during training camp at Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Is Javonte Williams going to bounce back? If he doesn’t, it’s this explosive runner who could be the guy.
3
WR Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts
Oct 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
He checks off a lot of boxes after a solid rookie year … but his ankle injury wasn’t good, so maybe you take him late, stash him, and hope he’s a solid WR3 later.
4
QB Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes in fantasy, you zag when others zig. And that’s the case with Levis — he has Calvin Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins there, along with an improved offensive line. Hmm.
5
RB Rico Dowdle, Dallas Cowboys
Dec 24, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) rushes with the ball during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
I worry about Ezekiel Elliott’s age and what we saw last year. So, draft Dowdle.
6
TE Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Dec 2, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill (7) scrambles out the pocket against Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
You know it’s going to happen. Taysom Hill is gonna end up with tight end numbers that you’ll want on your team in … some weeks. Instead of leaving him to the waiver wire, take him late in a deep league!
Taysom Hill played six snaps in preseason opener. All with the starters.
2 wide, 2 in-line, 1 RB, 1 slot. Actually impressive to watch.
H/t @AlexLevyFF for the vid. pic.twitter.com/8mPLtr4Kvz
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) August 15, 2024
7
WR DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. (51) dives for New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas (81) during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
He had some noteworthy games and now has some help at QB. More importantly: who else are you worried about on this roster at receiver? Maybe Ja’Lynn Polk? That’s it.
8
RB Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Micah Baskerville (47) tackles Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (22) running with the ball during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t see James Cook getting ALL of the work in Buffalo, and Davis is an injury away from a lot of work.
9
WR Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
May 10, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) smiles during the 49ers rookie minicamp at LeviÕs Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Kupbens-USA TODAY Sports
By the time you read this, Brandon Aiyuk could still be there after signing an extension, or he could be dealt. But if you’re reading this before any of that has happened, be smart and grab Pearsall.
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