Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target In Drafts
Focusing on what to do with a top-10 pick in fantasy drafts is important, but where leagues are won is how well the team is drafted during the later rounds. Last year, Brian Thomas Jr. was being taken in the seventh round or later in drafts. He ended up as a top-five fantasy wideout on the year. Bo Nix was not even drafted in most leagues, yet he saved countless managers’ squads en route to the Broncos' playoff appearance. Who are this year’s most underrated players that are must-haves on fantasy rosters? Here are the top sleepers to target in fantasy drafts for 2025.
Rasheed Shaheed, WR, Saints
Through six games in 2024, the Saints' vertical weapon, Raheed Shaheed, was the 17th-ranked wide receiver in all of fantasy football. Although his season was cut short by a meniscus tear in Week Six, Shaheed carved out a nice role in an offense with, when healthy, a fair amount of weapons. Chris Olave is a great threat over the middle, and Alvin Kamara is uber-dangerous out of the backfield, opening up space over the top for Shaheed to dominate on deep routes. The reason that he needs to be drafted this year is that the Saints hired former Eagles Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. When Moore was with the Eagles, he loved to run screens and posts; two areas where Shaheed shines. Keep an eye out for the former Weber State All-American.
Jordan Mason, RB, Vikings
When Jordan Mason took the reins in San Francisco after the league and its fans learned about Christian McCaffrey’s injury, he was spectacular. Mason boasted a 37.3% missed-tackle rate, good for number one in the entire league. Mason is a powerful runner, a guy who will do severe damage on early downs and in the red zone. He signed a deal to travel to Minnesota this year in free agency, and it was well deserved. He was a savior for fantasy managers, and his impact as a Viking will be similar to his as a 49er. Yes, Minnesota has Aaron Jones, but Jones is aging and is not an early-down, red-zone back. Expect a lot of carries inside the ten and inside the tackles for Mason, where he will chip away at opposing defenses and ultimately score short-yardage touchdowns.
Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints
This might seem like a deep sleeper, but here is why veteran tight end Juwan Johnson deserves a spot on fantasy football rosters. The Saints might not have Taysom Hill for a long time after he tore his ACL in Week 13 last year, so the tight end position is Johnson’s to keep. Another key reason why he lands on this list is because of the Saints’ quarterback situation. Second-round rookie Tyler Shough needs a safety net down the seam, and that is exactly what Johnson offers. Rookie QBs love having a reliable red zone target, too, and Johnson’s big frame keeps him relevant inside the 20-yard line.
Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, Giants
All eyes are on second-year WR Malik Nabers, but who else is going to get targets in this offense? Wan’Dale Robinson fits the mold of a Russell Wilson favorite right away, as his play style is eerily similar to Wilson’s old friend, Tyler Lockett. Robinson has silently been one of the more productive Giants WRs, as he racked up 93 catches in 2024. Although he only scored three times, he is the type of guy who can be used everywhere, a real offensive weapon, and Wilson is going to love having a sure-handed target, whether he is doing damage over the top or across the middle. Yes, Nabers is the star in this offense, but keep an eye out for the former Kentucky star because he looks to be the undoubted number-two wideout in this offense.
Geno Smith, QB, Raiders
Pete Caroll was adamant about adding Geno Smith to his roster, and his wish was granted. It cost a third-round pick, but with how well this offense is set up for Smith, it will be more than worth it, for fantasy and real-life purposes. The Raiders re-invented their entire coaching staff this offseason, including hiring OC Chip Kelly. Kelly loves play-action and will not slow down for anybody. Smith excels at spraying the ball all over the field, so the Las Vegas receivers might be a no-go in fantasy drafts, but Smith is going to shine in this offense. He has a ton of somewhat underrated weapons like slot WR Jakobi Meyers and rookie wideouts Dont’e Thornton and Jack Bech. Not to mention, Smith will have a phenomenal safety net in Ashton Jeanty next to him in the backfield this year.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Steelers
Jonnu Smith was just traded to Pittsburgh, an offense run by OC Arthur Smith. Smith loves to utilize his TEs, and Smith is somewhat of a unicorn in the position. He was the Dolphins’ lone Pro Bowler in 2024 and is hitting the stride of his career. This movie is going to benefit both the Steelers’ fantasy relevance and Smith’s draft stock. He is a real weapon down the seam and will complement current Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth extremely well. Having two tight ends might steer some fantasy managers away from Pittsburgh, but it should not.
