Fantasy Football 2017 Preview: 5 Deep Sleeper Rookies
We know about Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffery, and Corey Davis. Those rookies are high-profile, and they’re getting drafted in most leagues. But year after year there are rookies that come out of nowhere. Below, find five rookies that are not on radars yet, but could have an impact on the season.
DeShone Kizer, QB, Browns
Kizer, a second-round pick, might be a stud. He was up-and-down at Notre Dame, but there’s a lot to like. For starters, he’s enormous. Kizer stands 6’5, and weighs in at 225 lbs., meaning he will be a load even for NFL linebackers if he decides to make plays with his legs.
He was able to do that in South Bend, rushing for 997 yards and 18 touchdowns in his two-year career. His build lends toward a more Dak Prescott-esque type of rusher, and that could be highly effective. As a passer, Kizer has a bazooka for an arm and makes plays. He’s also shown some spotty accuracy, completing 58.7 percent of his passes last year. You’d like to see a higher connect rate in college before throwing him to NFL wolves.
Kizer is most likely to begin the year on the bench, but Cody Kessler was born to be an NFL backup, and Brock Osweiler may wind up a free agent before training camp ends. If Kizer can get to No. 2 on the depth chart in training camp, I’d definitely take a flier on him in dynasty rookie drafts.
Zay Jones, WR, Bills
Jones is not a major name, but he has an immediate opportunity to contribute in Buffalo. Jones, despite having never playing a snap yet, is currently slotted in as the No. 2 receiver. He’s a promising prospect; over his four-year career at East Carolina, Jones improved each season, topping out with a 158-catch, eight-touchdown season as a senior. He should at worst post similar numbers to Robert Woods, making him a serviceable WR3/FLEX play in deep leagues.
David Njoku, TE, Browns
Njoku was a guy many Giants fans wanted, and for good reason. He’s a massive target, and as of right now he looks like he will be the best red zone target for whomever is quarterbacking this team. He only had one year’s worth of high-level play at Miami, but that year included eight touchdowns and an average of 16.2 yards per reception. He’s capable of big plays, and his size will make him a threat anywhere on the field. O.J. Howard is the TE prospect everyone wants, but Njoku will have less competition for targets, and likely more touchdowns.
Joe Williams, RB, 49ers
Rookie contribution often comes down to opportunity, and Williams, a 5’11 wrecking ball out of Utah, is likely to get a shot in San Francisco. His competition is Carlos Hyde, a definite starter, but a guy who has played in 7 and 13 games, respectively, in the past two seasons. Behind Hyde is Tim Hightower, a 31-year-old power back who struggles on the goal line.
As for Williams, he averaged 6.7 yards per rush last year for the Utes, punching it in 10 times. He didn’t show much in the way of receiving chops, which could limit his upside, but his burst and weak competition makes him worth a late flier.
Jake Butt, TE, Broncos
Butt, like Njoku, is a very big body and scouts say he has excellent hands. His speed is limited, but plenty of TEs make it in the NFL with average athleticism, paired with great size and catching ability. He’s also going to draw very little attention from opposing defenses, who will have to worry about Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Butt also gains value if Paxton Lynch wins the starting job out of training camp, as young QBs often lean on their tight end.