Sample sleepers (2006)

QUARTERBACKS

Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions, Age 34 – New offensive coordinator Mike Martz usually gets the most out of his offense so Kitna would likely make a nice QB2 selection in the later rounds. He doesn’t have a big time arm but has some nice targets to throw to.

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals, Age 26 – This might be the first time ever a player is listed as a sleeper after finishing #1 at his position the previous year. But Palmer (ACL surgery) worked hard on his rehab and looking pretty good so far.  The team is hoping that he will be ready for the start of the regular season but he could still miss a couple of games if he has a setback.

LATE ROUND LONG SHOTS

Chad Pennington, New York Jets, Age 30 – If he’s healthy, he has the arm to hook up with Laveraneus Coles and be a late round bargain as a QB2-3 in deep leagues.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Age 24 – The Bolts believe that Rivers will develop into a better quarterback than Drew Brees. Big and smart, he has a very quick release but has a sidearm motion without the great arm strength most scouts love. Needs a good line in front of him as well.

RUNNING BACKS

Joseph Addai, Indianapolis Colts, Age 23 – Addai has good size, athleticism and quickness but is not very elusive. Does have the vision and instincts to find the hole, but he lacks an explosive burst to make big plays. He also is a weapon in the passing game. He will battle Dominick Rhodes in camp and during the season for carries and could eventually win the job.

Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins, Age 24 – Brown should have his breakout season. He has the size, speed, power, and receiving/blocking skills you like to see in a featured back.

Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints, Age 21 – Bush will split carries with Deuce McAllister with multiple touches in every game and could easily attain 1200 all-purpose yards with 7-10 TDs. He has the toughness and vision to run inside and the speed and cutback ability to turn the corner for a big gain. Great speed and elusiveness make him an impact player running and catching the ball – and returning punts.

DeShaun Foster, Carolina Panthers, Age 26 – Foster runs hard but with his injury history, he is a risk. He is having a good camp and, if he gets some of the goal line carries, will have extra added value this year.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers, Age 23 – Gore is a strong, explosive runner who should be quicker this year after ACL surgery on both knees in 2003. He missed two games with a hip injury last year and is coming off a pair of shoulder surgeries over the summer.

Kevin Jones, Detroit Lions, Age 24 – After an impressive rookie season, Jones fell off with the rest of the team last year. He has the power to run through tackles and the speed to get around the corner. The new coaching staff likes him as an every down back, including short yardage situations.

Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings, Age 27 – Taylor isn't an established feature back, but he's young and has fresh legs, never having carried the ball more than 160 times in a season. He will also be running behind an improved line. Brad Childress said that he should touch the ball "20 to 30 times" a game. If so, he’ll be very valuable, especially if they use him on the goal line. He could wear down as the season progresses though.

LATE ROUND LONG SHOTS

Marion Barber, Dallas Cowboys, Age 23 – Barber is more quick than fast with good receiving skills. He runs well with balance and vision but lacks elusiveness in the open field. If Julius Jones struggles, he will be the man.

Mike Bell, Denver Broncos, Age 22 – Bell, one of the first players Mike Shanahan signed after the draft, has impressed with his power running and the way he fits the Broncos' system. They like his size, blocking ability and hands but his lack of big time speed could be a concern. He also lacks the elusiveness you like to see in a featured back. Running backs coach Bobby Turner thinks he has the vision, quickness and cutting ability needed for a starter despite a less then desirable 40 time though. Assistant head coach Mike Heimerdinger says the test now is whether he can deal with an accelerated learning curve, handle pass protections and succeed when the real hitting starts.

Derrick Blaylock, New York Jets, Age 27 – Blaylock has decent size and strength with vision and speed. He’s also a good receiver and pass blocker but has dropped way down the depth chart under the new management. But he could garner some extra value if Curtis Martin retires.

Cedric Houston, New York Jets, Age 24 – Houston is a powerful inside runner who could be the main ball carrier if Martin is gone. Not much speed that will hold his value down but is a decent receiver and blocker. His value slips if a veteran is acquired though.

Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots, Age 21 – Bill Belichick like his speed, size and aggressive running style as well as his advanced receiving skills. He will back up Corey Dillon this year and should spell him often.

DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers, Age 23 – Williams has quickness, elusiveness, vision and instincts, but he lacks the explosiveness and top-end speed you like to see in a tailback. He has the strength to run off-tackle but lacks the bulk (5-9, 214 pounds) to break tackles consistently. Foster is the starter, but Williams spell him often to keep him fresh. He is not the kind of back who is going to get a lot of goal line carries though.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles, Age 25 – Brown is a big target with big play potential and somebody is going to have to step up and be the man this year. He lacks burner speed but is quick off the line and runs very well after the catch. He be the compliment to L.J. Smith this season.

Laveranues Coles, New York Jets, Age 28 – Coles had a disappointing season last year but if Chad Pennington can stay healthy, maybe the pair a recoup some lost ground. In the three games they started together last year, Coles made 15 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown.

David Givens, Tennessee Titans, Age 26 – The team likes Givens play-making ability and positive locker-room influence he provides for the young receiving corps. During the past four seasons at New England, he didn't get as many opportunities as he would have liked though. He could get them here.

Matt Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars, Age 23 – With Jimmy Smith retired, Jones is being counted on to step up in only his second year at the position.  A 6’6, 242-pound quarterback in college, he made a successful transition to wide receiver last year displaying good hands and speed. Good pick in keeper leagues as well..

LATE ROUND LONG SHOTS

Bernard Berrian, Chicago Bears, Age 25 – Berrian has good speed and decent size with big play ability. Good route runner and is willing to go up in a crowd and is currently penciled in as a starter but the Bears do not throw a lot. "Whether it’s as the two receiver or the three receiver playing a lot, I see him being part of the mix," Lovie Smith said.

Reche Caldwell, New England Patriots, Age 27 – Caldwell has solid athletic ability and a good burst off the line, but has been somewhat inconsistent in his career, mostly because of knee injuries. He has the speed to beat defenders and the elusiveness to make them miss but needs to keep working hard and stay focused. He will challenge for a starting job in training camp.

Jerricho Cotchery, New York Jets, Age 24 – Cotchery should be the third receiver this year unless he wins a starting job. He has shown good speed, toughness and elusiveness but is not a burner. He can play the slot or flanker out wide. Very good route runner and blocker. Hard worker.

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