Finding value in the later rounds of fantasy football drafts is how leagues are often won. Players like Raheem Mostert, Puka Nacua, and CJ Stroud all emerged from the bottom of draft boards to play a big role in fantasy leagues of all formats.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: 2024 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet
Identifying players who are candidates to significantly outperform their average draft position (ADP) is a must for any savvy fantasy manager before their draft. The definition of a wide receiver sleeper varies from analyst to analyst; hardcore fantasy players may scoff at the names whose ADP falls before Round 15.
For this exercise, these wide receivers have an ADP past pick 100 (per FantasyPros Consensus ADP) and are candidates to pay off significantly at their current cost. These receivers should be highlighted on every drafter’s cheat sheet.
2024 PPR Rankings
Top 250 Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Who are the best fantasy WR sleepers for 2024?
This list features some young receivers who are looking to ascend the wide receiver ranks, along with a seasoned veteran who could make a splash on a new team. In no particular order, Brian Thomas Jr., Curtis Samuel, Rashid Shaheed, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Dontayvion Wicks could be underrated steals for fantasy managers on Draft Day.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
After an electrifying junior season at LSU, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Thomas Jr. will look to fill the void left by Calvin Ridley.
Thomas was a dominant vertical threat in Baton Rouge and will be asked to do the same in Jacksonville. At LSU last season, he led the nation in receiving touchdowns and hauled in 11 receptions of 30+ yards. We're talking about a player who had 1/4 of his reception turn into endzone trips.
This skill set will translate perfectly into filling the shoes of Ridley. In 2023, Ridley saw 28 deep targets (passes 20+ yards downfield), which was the 8th most among WRs. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence also ranked 5th in deep throw rate.
Given Thomas Jr.’s ability to get deep and Lawrence’s willingness to push the ball downfield, this duo could create fantasy fireworks early and often.
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | TE
Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills
With Stefon Diggs in Houston and Gabe Davis in Jacksonville, targets are up for grabs in Buffalo. Tight end Dalton Kincaid has the edge on being Josh Allen’s favorite target, but Curtis Samuel could easily see the second-most opportunities of any pass catcher.
Reports on Samuel from Buffalo training camp have been glowing. He has made spectacular plays and has been lining up all over the field, including in the backfield.
Okay, @CurtisSamuel4__!! 🤯@Ticketmaster | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/BYqgrKkouY
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) July 29, 2024
Samuel’s move to Buffalo also reunites him with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Samuel and Brady last met in Carolina where Samuel’s “do it all” role allowed him to finish as the WR24. This role featured 97 targets and 41 carries in an offense led by Teddy Bridgewater. With plenty of available volume and an elite quarterback commanding the offense, Samuel is in line for a career year.
Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints
Rashid Shaheed is another downfield burner who could blow up in 2024. Through two NFL seasons, Shaheed has been a part-time player whose greatest contribution has come as an explosive playmaker.
Heading into 2024, the Saints wide receiver room has thinned out, and Shaheed will be relied on to a greater degree. It’s expected that he will be a full-time player with a full route tree. In six games last year where he ran a route on at least 80 percent of dropbacks, Shaheed cleared 15 PPR points three times.
Shaheed’s fantasy value will likely still be driven by his ability to make big plays. However, a more diverse role and consistent usage will allow him to provide more consistent and reliable production.
2024 POSITION TIERS & DRAFT STRATEGY
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t exactly your typical sleeper. He was a high-profile prospect and is known by the vast majority of NFL fans. However, he’s available in Round 9 of fantasy drafts and is going overlooked by many drafters.
Smith-Njigba was held back as a rookie for numerous reasons. First, he missed out on key training camp reps due to wrist surgery. This undoubtedly prevented him from coming out of the gates quickly. More importantly, former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron failed to use Smith-Njigba in a role that played to his strengths. He was relegated to short passes that were tight to the line of scrimmage.
Moving into year two, Seattle has a new offensive coordinator who will ideally use Smith-Njigba in a more creative fashion. The Seahawks hired former University of Washington head coach Ryan Grubb who orchestrated one of college football’s most prolific passing attacks. On top of more favorable usage, it’s not unrealistic to expect Smith-Njigba to surpass Tyler Lockett as the WR2 in Grubb’s offense.
Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
Dontayvion Wicks has been a darling of the fantasy community throughout the summer after a promising rookie campaign. He posted a promising 1.94 yards per route run while lining up all over the formation in Green Bay. This efficiency and versatility could allow him to emerge from the pack in Green Bay.
Wicks will ultimately have to compete with multiple talented receivers to pay off in fantasy. However, his ability to line up both outside and in the slot could allow him to become a full-time player in Green Bay. As a member of what should be a potent offense, he has a path to paying off in a big way.
2024 FANTASY AUCTION VALUES (PPR & STANDARD)
Overall | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
2024 Fantasy Wide Receivers: Deep Sleeper WRs
In leagues with bigger rosters, there may be multiple rounds in drafts after the previously mentioned receivers have been drafted. While the success stories are few and far between, there are several players who could be meaningful in fantasy despite their late-round price tag.
Ja’Lynn Polk, New England Patriots: New England’s wide receiver depth chart is wide open. Ja’Lynn Polk has already been getting reps with the starters and has a path to being the Patriots' top target earner.
Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos: Marvin Mims showed an ability to put up big numbers as a rookie, but he was given limited opportunity. With a thinned out wide receiver room in Denver, Mims should be a starter and have the opportunity to impress.
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals: Michael Wilson is another receiver who is poised for a second-year breakout. After flashing as a rookie, it seems that he will be the WR2 in an ascending offense in Arizona
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jalen McMillan may be getting overlooked due to injuries that hampered his production last season at the University of Washington. He can line up outside and in the slot, and glowing reports indicate that he will be Tampa Bay’s WR3 with tremendous upside if something happens to one of the veteran stars.
Late-round WR dart throws
And if you're still craving more wide receiver picks or are in leagues with even bigger rosters, here are some more names to consider in the final rounds of drafts.
- Luke McCaffrey, Washington Commanders
- Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
- Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals
- Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys
