Pro Bono Fantasy 2008 Ultimate Fantasy Sleepers

by Steven Kolb (Contributor) In any Fantasy Football Draft it easy to determine which players will fall in which round and we all have an idea of how certain guys will perform. But one of the critical and most overlooked aspects to any draft is the ability to pick those sleepers late in the draft or by scanning the waiver wire. It is crucial to study teams depth charts to find certain players who fit a teams system or who have a chance to win a position battle. It is also important to keep tabs on guys who are backups to injury prone players, see Ryan Grant, Bobby Engram and Ernest Graham. These were three of many players who were completely off draft boards to start the year but who played crucial roles in Fantasy playoff weeks. Unless you have drafted the perfect- injury free team we all must rely on one player who strikes from out of nowhere. So now I present the Ultimate Fantasy Sleepers for the 2008 season.Quarterback

Matt Schaub- A trendy pick as a potential sleeper last year, Schaubs season was cut to only 11 games last season. After off-season surgery to his non-throwing shoulder Schaub returns to a team that has an offense on the upside with number 1 Wr Andre Johnson. He was hot and cold during his first season but he proved the first month of last season he has the potential to be a QB2 in fantasy leagues.

Tarvaris Jackson- Jackson can be the type of player given the right match up who can fill in on your quarterbacks bye week. He showed some promise down the stretch recording two or more touchdowns in 3 out of the last five games. With the addition of a true number 1 WR in Bernard Berrian and the eighth easiest passing schedule Jackson could have some potential breakout games for your team.

Running-Back

Selvin Young- The departure of Travis Henry opens the door for Young to become the next in a long line of 1,000 yard Broncos backs. While filling in for Henry last year he rushed for 729 yards and had 35 catches for 231 yards. With the development of Cutler and Marshall and that Broncos running attack the sky is the limit for Young granted Shanahan stays with him as the starter.

Chris Brown- Ahman Green will head into Texans camp as the starter but given Green’s injury history and age (31) when the season begins, it opens the door for Brown. Brown will most certainly see increased reps because of his familiarity to the Texans running scheme and because of his size when the Texans are near the goal line. Brown is a player to stash away and hold onto as you quietly wait for Green to go down once again.

Adrian Peterson- No were not talking about the Vikings Peterson were talking the Bears running back who with a good training camp could enter the season as a starter. With the lack of production from Cedric Benson and with Benson’s off-field issues it creates an opportunity for Peterson. Filling in for the injured Benson the last five games of the year Peterson showed glimpses of productivity in both the rushing and receiving game.

Wide Receivers

Anthony Gonzalez- Gonzalez could end up playing a key role in the explosive Colts offense this season. With Marvin Harrison beginning to show signs of wear Gonzalez could end up being the number 2 WR opposite Reggie Wayne. Gonzalez began to settle in towards the end of last season as recorded 16 rec for 264 yards and 3 TD in the last month of the season.

Donte’ Stallworth- Stallworth goes from New England were he was the beneficiary to Randy Moss to Cleveland were he will benefit from Braylon Edwards. Stallworth will fit nicely into a pass friendly Cleveland offense where he can use his speed to create mismatches against opposing teams second cornerbacks. He will dip in some drafts but if you pick him as your number 3 WR then enjoy.

Drew Bennett- When the Rams cut loose veteran Isaac Bruce during the off-season it opened the door for Bennett to become the number 2 guy. Bennett was lingered last season by a quad injury, that he says is completely healed this season. If he is fully healthy Bennett could flourish beside Tory Holt, and with his height in the red- zone he could record 6-7 TD’s this season.

Tight-End
Mercedes Lewis- As a full time starter last year Lewis posted respectable numbers receiving, as he had 37 Rec for 391 Yards and 2 Td’s. If you watched the Jaguars playoff game against the Patriots then you saw a glimpse of what Lewis can become. He had 4 catches for 74 yards in that game and I expect that to carry over this season as Garrard has become more comfortable throwing his way.