2022 Fantasy Football: 10 Sleeper Candidates

Championships are not won in the first few rounds of your fantasy football drafts. They could be lost due to a bust, but for the most part, fantasy leagues are won in the mid to late rounds. Finding that one sleeper that will make an impact that lasted to the end of the draft is crucial. When Alvin Kamara was a rookie, those who drafted him towards the end of their rounds were rewarded with top-tier play from a double-digit fantasy pick. Every year it’s a search to find that same type of value.

The following 10 players can provide some sleeper value whether it is the last round of your draft, near the end, or on the waiver wire. There is a possibility one of these 10 players might be the headline of that Week 1 waiver wire article.

Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans

Dameon Pierce was drafted by the Houston Texans with pick 107 in the 4th Round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Pierce has excelled this summer in the backfield. He carried the ball five times for 49 yards in his preseason debut. He started over both Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead. His first touch of the game was a 20-yard run. Pierce is on an up-and-coming Texans team and is an excellent dynasty option, and a very intriguing pick in redraft leagues.

Currently, his ADP sits around 120 on FantasyPros, which is round 12 for a potential starting running back. Take Pierce and know you just got yourself a potential workhorse running back in the double-digit rounds.

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

The talk of training camp risers must include the Chiefs rookie running back, Isiah Pacheco. The 7^th Round rookie running back out of Rutgers has been making a name for himself this summer with Kansas City, so much so that Ronald Jones’ name has floated around as a potential cut candidate. In his preseason debut, Pacheco took two of his three touches on the first series of the game. He also added a reception for five yards. The backfield consists of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon, Pacheco, and Jones.

Pacheco has a real chance to carve a role out and could rise to the second running back on this list. He is someone that has a skyrocketing ADP, but if you can draft him at the end of any draft, you have a potential home run pick.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Tyler Allgeier is a great dynasty pick, and late-round pick in redraft leagues. The rookie has a chance to carve out a starting role opposite Cordarrelle Patterson. In the preseason opener against the Lions, he rushed three times for 25 yards. His main competitor is Damien Williams who is over 30 years old. Allgeier is a physical back who can also catch out of the backfield, which can lead to extra goal line carries. Atlanta is in a rebuilding phase, and it’s very likely they give Allgeier a run at the offense to see what they have in him.

Rachaad White, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rachaad White was taken with the 91^st overall pick in the 3^rd Round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. White lines up as potentially the primary backup for Leonard Fournette this season. In his preseason debut, White rushed seven times for 32 yards. He caught two of three targets for 13 yards as well. White was also used in the kickoff return game.

White has had success in college in the passing game, which is something Tom Brady uses very well. This could really end up benefiting White if he does indeed carve a decent role out. He is currently competing with Ke’Shawn Vaughn for the main backup spot. If Fournette were to miss any time, White would become a potential RB1. White is a great dynasty draft, and if you have Fournette in redraft, you may want to have a late share of White as well.

Khalil Herbert, RB, Chicago Bears

Khalil Herbert is in a good position to put-up big-time numbers this season. Last season when David Montgomery was out, Herbert averaged nearly 14 fantasy points per game and was a top 10 running back. Montgomery is in the final year of his contract, and for dynasty managers, Herbert could be the RB1 in Chicago next season if they were to let Montgomery leave in free agency.

When Montgomery is healthy, Chicago rarely gives Herbert playing time, but he is a very good stash and hold. He’s a good backup pick if you do end up drafting Montgomery.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce was drafted 53^rd overall in the 2nd Round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Colts. Outside of Michael Pittman, Pierce is competing with Parris Campbell for the WR2 role in Indianapolis. Campbell has shown flashes at times, but he struggles to stay healthy. Pierce has had a great training camp, and there is no reason he shouldn’t see consistent playing time.

In his preseason debut, Pierce caught two of three passes for 27 yards. Pierce is going to be a significant part of this offense, and with Matt Ryan, he is primed for a rookie season breakout. Even with Campbell on the field, Pierce will see plenty of time in three wide receiver sets.

Jalen Tolbert, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Jalen Tolbert was selected with the 88^th pick in the 3^rd Round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Tolbert has a real shot of being the WR2 for Dallas come Week 1. CeeDee Lamb is currently the WR1, but Michael Gallup isn’t looking like he’ll be ready to go in Week 1 and someone will need to step up.

In his preseason debut, Tolbert saw seven targets. It’s been reported Tolbert has had a strong training camp, and the rookie is looking at significant playing time right away. Even when Gallup returns, James Washington is Tolbert’s main competition, Tolbert should still remain on the field in three wide receiver sets.

Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Skyy Moore was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 54^th overall pick in the 2nd Round in the 2022 NFL Draft. Moore couldn’t ask for a better landing spot after Tyreek Hill was sent off to the Dolphins. He lands with Patrick Mahomes who is in desperate need of a WR1. In his preseason debut, Moore caught three passes for 23 yards. Moore is competing with Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Mecole Hardman for targets.

For dynasty, Moore is an excellent pick as he will be with Mahomes for years. In redraft, he is a good late-round flier if he takes over the WR1 or even WR2 role and puts up Flex numbers.

Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers

Romeo Doubs has been gaining attention all summer. The rookie wide receiver has been rising up the depth chart and the Packers desperately need someone to step up. In his preseason debut, Doubs saw seven targets and scored a touchdown. With Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball, Doubs outlook significantly increases in both dynasty and redraft leagues. For redraft, Doubs can be had at the very end of all drafts or will be a waiver wire option.

There is a possibility here Doubs takes over and is an everyday starter. Even Rodgers has come out publicly and complimented him. Doubs has a realistic chance to take over the WR2 role, or even challenge the WR1 role.

Tyler Conklin, TE, New York Jets

The recently signed tight end by the New York Jets has emerged as the TE1 in that offense. CJ Uzomah was also signed, but Conklin has been the main target of the two tight ends by Zach Wilson, and even Joe Flacco. Conklin is an excellent late-round flier in redraft or tight end-premium leagues. For dynasty, I wouldn’t put too much stock here with Jeremey Ruckert on the team, but it seems that Conklin could be primed for a big season. He’ll either go undrafted or you can use one of your last picks on him this year.

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