It’s never too early to start gearing up for your fantasy leagues, and what better way to gain an edge over your leaguemates than by identifying key players to target later this summer? Some of these names might not fall into the traditional “sleeper” category, but they’re players I really like at their current ADP values. And some of these guys will breakout this year – and will be league winners. Let’s dive in.
1. Kenneth Walker III – RB, Seattle Seahawks
Let’s kick this list off with a bit of a homer pick—Kenneth Walker. Yes, I’m a Seahawks fan, but I genuinely love what the team has done this offseason and in the draft. The return of a healthy Abraham Lucas to anchor the right side of the line, combined with Charles Cross on the left, is a huge boost. The interior line, one of the worst in football last season, got a massive upgrade with North Dakota State rookie Grey Zabel. This could be Seattle’s best offensive line in years.
The addition of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is also key. Kubiak helped Dalvin Cook to a 1,100-yard, 6-TD season as the Vikings’ OC in 2021, and he was also a major part of the Saints’ early-season success in 2023 when Alvin Kamara looked revitalized. Kubiak’s zone run scheme suits Walker perfectly—last year, Walker averaged 4.5 yards per carry on zone concepts.
Walker played through injuries and appeared in just 11 games, still managing a finish inside the top 30. He’s an elite tackle-evader with 0.42 missed tackles per attempt—the highest in PFF history. I’m projecting his first career top-10 fantasy finish. At his current ADP, I’d rather have him than RJ Harvey, Kamara, Mixon, or Kaleb Johnson. Wait a round and grab Walker—you won’t regret it.
2. Michael Penix Jr. – QB, Atlanta Falcons
For years I was someone who waited until the end of drafts to grab a couple of quarterbacks late. Lately, I’ve shifted my strategy, focusing on value—like landing Lamar or Allen in the fourth round. Last year, I struck gold with Jayden Daniels late. What do these guys have in common? Mobility. Dual-threat QBs eat in fantasy.
But what if you miss out on the elite tier? Caleb Williams? Jared Goff? Hope Dak bounces back? Instead, I’m eyeing Michael Penix Jr. Yes, he’s more of a traditional pocket passer, but he flashed serious upside in a limited sample last season—775 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 picks (none of which were truly his fault). The offense had a different energy with him under center.
Penix finished the season with a QB7 performance, and he’s surrounded by top-tier talent—Bijan Robinson in the backfield and Drake London, who he targeted heavily down the stretch. He’s a high-floor, high-upside option available late in drafts. If you snag London earlier and miss out on a top-tier QB, stacking him with Penix makes a ton of sense. He’s a value play that could pay big dividends.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, Arizona Cardinals
You might be shocked to see Harrison’s ADP floating between WR20 and WR25. That’s far too low in my eyes. Yes, wide receiver is a loaded position, and breaking into the top 10 is no easy feat—but I believe Harrison Jr. can do it this year.
Take a look at the guys going near or ahead of him: Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, Rashee Rice, Mike Evans, Terry McLaurin. Hill is banged up and Tua-dependent, Wilson is tied to Justin Fields and has been wildly inconsistent (just 11 top-15 finishes in 54 games), and Rice’s status is uncertain off the field. McLaurin could be hit by the sophomore slump of his quarterback.
Harrison, on the other hand, was top five in red zone targets last year and converted seven of them into touchdowns. He also ranked top five in air yards. With a full offseason to build chemistry with Kyler Murray and the same coaching staff in place, Harrison is poised to exceed expectations. Yes, he had some struggles with separation and contested catches, but the volume and scoring potential are elite. He’s an early-round pick who could legitimately win you a league.
4. Marvin Mims Jr. – WR, Denver Broncos
Marvin Mims Jr. is one of my favorite late-round darts this year. After a quiet second season, where he posted only 8 more receptions than his rookie year, Mims still managed 6 touchdowns and flashed serious upside late in the year.
In Weeks 17 and 18, he finished as WR3 and WR7, despite never playing more than 50% of snaps. That’s the appeal—what happens when he’s actually on the field more?
From Week 11 onward, Mims led all wide receivers in yards per route run (3.63) and ranked 13th in target rate per route run (30%). Sean Payton has a strong history of elevating deep threats like Mims, and with Bo Nix now entering his second season, there’s a real chance for growth.
At his current ADP (WR59 or later), Mims is nearly free. His floor is Robert Meachem (45/722/9 in 2009), but his ceiling could be Lance Moore (1,000+ yards in 2012). He’s a fantastic high-upside stash with WR2 potential if things break right.
5. Chuba Hubbard – RB, Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard quietly finished RB13 in points per game last season, outperforming expectations and cementing himself as a key piece in Carolina’s offense. The Panthers added first-round rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan, and Bryce Young looks like he could be the real deal.
Carolina struggled in the red zone last season, finishing 21st in conversion rate, but that’s expected to improve with a more mature offense. Hubbard was 14th in red zone touches and 3rd in snap share among RBs. The Panthers also had a top-10 run blocking grade (73.1) and retained their offensive line heading into 2025.
Hubbard is being drafted in the middle of Round 4, and by then you’ve likely built a clear roster identity. Whether you’re going WR-heavy early or building a balanced squad, Hubbard fits perfectly—either as your first RB or a solid RB2. Players like George Kittle, Rashee Rice, and Davante Adams are going ahead of him, but I’d much rather lock in a back with fringe RB1 upside in that range.
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