Every year, a few players emerge from the draft’s middle-to-late rounds to carry fantasy rosters deep into the season. They weren’t the talk of training camp. They weren’t plastered all over ADP charts. But they were available — until someone in your league made the quiet pick that changed everything.
That’s the goal here: to get ahead of the inevitable buzz. These 10 players aren’t on every sleeper list. But they should be. Their situations, skill sets, and projected roles all point to one thing: serious value at a discount. Let’s go.
1. Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets (ADP: QB14)
Fields flamed out in Chicago and didn’t really get an opportunity in Pittsburgh. But now, in New York, the former first-rounder gets a clean slate and a wide receiver with whom he’s familiar. There’s no QB controversy. This is his team.
What hasn’t changed is the rushing ability. Fields remains one of the best running quarterbacks in the NFL, and that alone gives him a top-10 floor. Add in playmakers like Garrett Wilson, Josh Reynolds, Mason Taylor, and Breece Hall, and you’ve got a quarterback being drafted as a mid-range QB2 with legitimate weekly QB1 upside.
2. JJ McCarthy, QB, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: QB20)
McCarthy is being treated like a developmental prospect, but the Vikings don’t see it that way. Everything points to him being the Week 1 starter, and he’ll be walking into a quarterback’s dream.
Justin Jefferson. Jordan Addison. T.J. Hockenson. A play-caller who knows how to create easy throws. McCarthy doesn’t need to put up monster passing volume to return value. Currently being drafted as the QB20, his supporting cast and innate ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground could have him outperforming his ADP.
3. Ray Davis, RB, Buffalo Bills (ADP: RB49)
Davis is the type of back who earns coaches’ trust quickly. He’s compact, tough, and consistently finishes runs. More importantly, he fits what Buffalo wants to become — a more physical, downhill team that can win in cold weather and close games.
While James Cook is still the lead option, Davis could eat into his workload. He impressed last year when called upon, totaling 442 rushing yards on 113 carries while adding 189 receiving yards. If his role expands, especially in pass protection or inside the 10, he could emerge as a steady flex with the potential for more.
4. Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: RB38)
Mason was always a tough eval in San Francisco — buried behind Christian McCaffrey, but efficient every time he touched the ball. Last season, when McCaffrey went down, he took advantage of the opportunity and dazzled. Now, after being traded in the offseason, he gets a fresh start in Minnesota, where the backfield depth chart is wide open, save for 30-year-old Aaron Jones, who is currently penciled in as the team’s starter.
Mason runs with vision, balance, and a surprising burst for a bigger back. In an offense that may lean on the run more with an inexperienced quarterback, there’s an opportunity here. He’s one of the better bets for volume among backs being drafted outside the top 30.
5. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans (ADP: RB40)
Spears was never fully healthy last season, and it showed. But when he was right, the flashes were obvious — particularly as a pass catcher. He’s one of the better receiving backs in the league already, and Tennessee is expected to get him more involved in that role.
Tony Pollard is the starter, but Spears could carve out consistent PPR value — think 4-6 targets a game with occasional red zone usage. If Pollard struggles or gets banged up, Spears could become a high-end RB2 overnight. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points per game in games he received 10+ touches. There’s upside here that’s not priced into his ADP.
6. DeVaughn Vele, WR, Denver Broncos (ADP: WR103)
Vele’s name isn’t widely known yet, but don’t let that fool you. The 6-foot-5 sophomore from Utah has quietly earned praise in Denver’s offseason program, and the wide receiver depth chart is unsettled behind Courtland Sutton.
Bo Nix has reportedly been looking Vele’s way consistently in camp. That early chemistry matters, especially when a young quarterback is learning to trust someone in contested situations. Vele could emerge as a high-target, possession-style option with red-zone appeal. At WR103, he’s essentially free.
7. Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens (ADP: WR61)
It’s been a long road for Bateman — injuries, inconsistent usage, and changing offensive schemes all stalled what looked like a promising start. But in 2024, he quietly put together his best season yet, finishing with 756 yards and nine touchdowns while finally staying healthy.
He enters 2025 with renewed confidence and an expanded role in Todd Monken’s offense. The Ravens still spread the ball around, but Bateman showed he can be trusted, especially as the Ravens’ home run threat. If he continues to trend upward, he could return WR3 numbers with WR2 weeks sprinkled in.
8. Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions (ADP: WR26)
Yes, we’ve been here before. But once again, the Lions’ coaching staff is glowing about Williams — his growth, his role, his maturity. And this time, it might actually stick.
Williams has world-class speed and flashed throughout last season. With Josh Reynolds gone and the offense evolving, he’s poised to take on a full-time role opposite Amon-Ra St. Brown. There will be volatility, but the ceiling remains sky-high. If he hits, you’re getting a potential WR1 for a WR3 price.
9. Zach Ertz, TE, Washington Commanders (ADP: TE20)
Ertz, 33 years old, finished as TE8 in half-PPR last year despite limited games. He became Jayden Daniels’ safety blanket down the stretch. So, with another offseason together under their belts, it’s fair to surmise Ertz can be trusted once again for fantasy purposes.
He’s always been a reliable route-runner and chain-mover, and that’ll likely continue to be his role in 2025. He doesn’t need 1,000 yards to be fantasy-relevant. If he stays healthy, he’ll be a steady weekly option with touchdown upside.
For anyone punting the tight end position, Ertz is a smart late-round target.
10. Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: TE23)
This is a projection. Strange didn’t see much action unless Evan Engram was hurt. Now, with Evan Engram gone, Strange becomes the presumed starter in a system that has historically supported tight-end production.
Strange has the size and athleticism to make plays in the middle of the field and in the red zone. The Jaguars have a lot of mouths to feed with the ascension of Brian Thomas Jr. and the addition of Travis Hunter, but there’s an open lane here for Strange to become a trusted target. At his price, he’s well worth the flier.
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How many times do I need to say it? JJ McCarthy is a bust. He lacks in every trait needed to succeed as an NFL quarterback. The Vikings will go 5-12 with him under center. Fear not though, lord and savior Brett Rypien will take over week 3 and lead the Vikings to 9 wins!