With fantasy football draft season in full swing, many players are weighing their roster choices, particularly between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, in anticipation of Thursday’s opening game.
In a re-draft league, selecting a rookie can be quite risky, as it involves trusting someone who hasn’t played a single snap in the regular season. Even the top rookies this year, such as Ashton Jeanti and Omarion Hampton, come with uncertainties regarding their immediate impact and usage until the season kicks off.
This concern is amplified for low-first-year players. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a rookie unexpectedly breaking out, whether from the draft or the free-agent pool. For instance, Puka Nacua started his rookie season with an average draft position of 293 in PPR leagues and ended up as a top-five fantasy wide receiver. Similarly, Bucky Irving, who entered last season with a low profile, found himself among the top 15 running backs.
Here are some rookie sleepers to consider for your drafts. Now, I’m not saying we’re seeing history repeated, as with Nacua, but if you find any of these names available while rounding out your roster, think about it. Using PPR rankings for reference, let’s explore some potential picks.
Jacoley Crosskey Merritt, Washington Commanders
There’s potential for Crosskey Merritt to be a breakout for the Commanders, especially as the team aims for a return to the NFC Championship Game. His performance in training camp was impressive enough to influence the organization’s decision to trade veteran Brian Robinson Jr. While it’s uncertain how many touches Merritt will get as a rookie, early signs suggest he could be a key player, possibly stepping in behind starter Austin Ekeler in significant situations.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in their typical state of confusion, but this opens up opportunities for new players like rookie Sampson, who is expected to be the RB2 going into the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Initially projected to be a fourth-round pick, he found crucial chances during training camp due to issues surrounding another player, Quinshon Judkins. Although Jerome Ford is set as the starter, there’s a good chance Sampson will make an impact this season.
Isaac Teslaa, Detroit Lions
Teslaa is another rookie who’s been catching attention during training camp, and might soon be a name to watch in the wider football community. At 6’4″, he was a standout for the Lions in the preseason, posting 10 catches and three touchdowns across three games. While he’s currently behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams on the depth chart, he could emerge as a significant threat in Detroit’s offense.
Eric Ayomero, Tennessee Titans
Ayomero was selected in the fourth round after an impressive college career at Stanford, where he accumulated 125 receptions for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. You might recall his name—he was part of a notable game featuring a dramatic comeback this year. As he works to build chemistry with a top overall pick, he could become a valuable asset for the Titans and, even with established players around him, he’s on track for significant snaps this season.
Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns
Similarly to Sampson, Fannin finds himself in a position to capitalize on the Browns’ shifting dynamics. This 6’3″, 241-pound target was drafted in the third round following an exceptional season at Bowling Green, where he recorded 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns. There’s a belief that he could play a significant role in the offense, especially since Cleveland appears ready to incorporate more versatile tactics, giving the rookie a chance to see the field alongside starter David Njoku.
