In dynasty, managers are always chasing that later-round pick that can instantly produce starting levels that help you win. In dynasty leagues, young running backs or first or second-year players skyrocket up the draft boards, but what about the players who are all the way down the draft board?
Some of the players listed below aren’t too far down the list, some are in the middle of drafts, but there are a few that are all the way down the rankings. Drafting in deep leagues is always about finding value. Everyone can draft a top-tier player in the first round or two, but champions are the ones who find the rookie season Alvin Kamara types in the later rounds.
The players you take a mid to late flier on who could have an immediate impact or are a few scenarios away from producing immediately are the ones sought out. Who can help you win now? Some players from last season are coming back from injuries. What happens if they’re not fully ready? Who could step in for them and run away with a job? Below I list seven players who can go from dynasty sleeper to helping you win this season.
1) Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First up is Rachaad White. The rookie running back was selected with the 91st pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He is currently slotted to be the backup for Leonard Fournette. The Buccaneers did not resign Ronald Jones, and the main backup role to Leonard Fournette is up for competition. With news coming out this week regarding his weight, White’s stock may take a boost.
Reports flew out that Fournette showed up to camp at 260 pounds, up from the 228 he’s normally at. Last season, Fournette had a very productive season, but he did miss a couple of games. Fournette did manage 180 rushing attempts, and Ronald Jones, his main backup, saw 101 rushing attempts. There is room for White to see consistent playing time in this high-powered offense.
If Fournette misses any time or isn’t playing to the high level he was, White can step in and be an RB1. Fournette likely is going to be fine, but the weight question will be something that is brought up all summer, and seeing his weight at training camp will be another thing reporters keep an eye on. White is ready to make an impact, and if he gets full playing time, he can be a contender for NFC Rookie of the year.
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2) Khalil Herbert, Chicago Bears
Khalil Herbert is in a prime position to produce some big-time numbers. Last season when David Montgomery was injured, he averaged nearly 14 fantasy points per game and was a top ten running back. Montgomery is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Herbert could be the RB1 next season.
However, this year he is a draft and holds, with the possibility of a true breakout. The Bears barely gave him any run time with Montgomery healthy, but with Montgomery out, Herbert has proven to be a top ten running back.
3) Dameon Pierce, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans were likely to draft Breece Hall before the New York Jets jumped them. They pivot and draft Dameon Pierce with the 107th overall pick. Currently, the Texans’ backfield consists of Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead. Mack has fought injuries throughout his career, and Rex is a good back but is 32 years old. Pierce has a very good chance to start out of this trio and produce right away.
The Texans’ offense is slowly getting better. Davis Mills played well last season, Brandin Cooks is a very consistent option, and Nico Collins / John Metchie III are the other options at receiver. Pierce may not produce over-the-top numbers, but if he takes control of this backfield, he’s going to give you RB2 numbers at a very low draft price in drafts right now.
4) Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Zach Wilson is ready to take off. The Jets did everything they could this offseason to improve the offense from nearly trading for Tyreek Hill, to drafting top-notch draft talent. The Jets drafted Garrett Wilson, and Breece Hall, and signed Laken Tomlinson.
The Jets will also be adding Mekhi Becton back this season. Last season Wilson improved his decision-making in his final six games by throwing 2 interceptions and scoring eight touchdowns. He threw nine interceptions in his first six games and scored four total touchdowns. Wilson also showed improvement running the ball as a mobile quarterback. He played last season without Corey Davis or Elijah Moore for stretches of the season.
Elijah Moore was on his way to a true breakout before missing the remaining five games of the season. Wilson’s best receiver was Braxton Berrios who currently is their WR4. The Jets have improved, and it’s up to Wilson to put it together. He is a solid QB2 in dynasty formats right now with greater upside. Right now, Wilson is going after all of the quarterbacks drafted last season with the exception of Davis Mills.
5) Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
Jalen Tolbert was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 88th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Amari Cooper was traded to the Cleveland Browns, Cedric Wilson signed with the Miami Dolphins, and Michael Gallup is recovering from an ACL injury.
CeeDee Lamb is the WR1 in Dallas, but after that, there are question marks. Insert Tolbert, who as of now is projected to be a day-one starter on a high-powered offense. Gallup is likely not to be ready for week one, so Tolbert should see immediate day-one targets. James Washington is currently his only main competitor for targets. Tolbert is a great flier for a WR3/Flex option and will see volume on day one.
6) Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He gets to catch passes from Matt Ryan. Michael Pittman is the WR1 in Indianapolis. Outside of that, Pierce has a chance to be a day one player with his main competition for the WR2 spot being Parris Campbell.
Yes, the Colts can sign Julio Jones, but even if he played an entire season, Pierce still projects as the WR3 in a starting role. The Colts spent second-round draft capital on Pierce, and he is my dark-horse pick for AFC Rookie of the Year.
7) John Metchie III, Houston Texans
John Metchie III was drafted by the Texans with the 44th pick in the 2022 NFL draft. The Alabama wide receiver tore his ACL last December. His status for week one is still up in the air, but when he was healthy at Alabama, he was dominant going over 1,000 yards last season with 96 receptions before tearing his ACL. He also added eight touchdowns.
The Texans traded up for this pick, showing they have high aspirations for Metchie. Currently, Brandin Cooks is the top receiver in Houston. After that is Nico Collins, then Metchie would line up. If he is healthy in week one, he is going to start.
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