Fantasy Football 2022: Sleeper Cheatsheet and Strategy Tips for Mock Drafts
The 2022 fantasy football season is fast approaching.
Hopefully, you're already knee-deep into your pre-draft preparation. If not, consider this your kickstart to get things into high gear, as we'll lay out sleepers to target at the three marquee positions.
As part of the pre-draft process, it's always helpful to run through at least a few mock drafts so you're ready when the real thing starts, but you need to have a plan to make the most of your experience. We'll also help put that in place with mock draft tips.
Quarterbacks
Sleepers: Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts; Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Ryan's stats sagged a bit in recent seasons, but his move out of Atlanta and into Indianapolis might rejuvenate the former MVP. He should have ample time to throw given the offensive line in front of him and the threat of running back Jonathan Taylor, and Ryan could help fuel Michael Pittman Jr.'s rise to stardom.
Out West, Lance has a chance to make plenty of noise in his first season as a full-time starter. The 49ers have surrounded him with playmakers like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle, which not only gives Lance options as a passer but should also open things up for his running attack.
Strategy Tip: Mock Draft QBs at the Extremes
The best mock drafts are the ones that allow you to learn something. The easiest way to learn something at quarterback is seeing how your roster takes shape if you address the position really early or really late.
Waiting for a quarterback is always tempting, but if you find playmakers late, you can get a ton of mileage out of pouncing on a Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes early.
Running Backs
Sleepers: Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars; Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
Etienne missed all of his rookie season to injury, but that might be just as well given how messy things got in Jacksonville. With a new coaching staff in place, though, the Jags should be ready to unleash their explosive running back. Etienne, a college teammate of Trevor Lawrence, should dazzle as both a rusher and pass-catcher.
Sanders has tantalizing talent, he just needs to stay healthy. Obviously, you can't guarantee that he does, but if your gamble pays off, the return could be enormous. He's an electric runner (career 5.1 yards per carry), and it feels like a matter of time before his touchdown count better aligns with his ability.
Strategy Tip: Don't Reach in the Early Rounds
While you could be in business by starting your draft with a pair of running backs at the top, that only works if the draft board breaks just right.
If you get a top-four pick, by all means push hard for Jonathan Taylor, Christian McCaffrey, Austin Ekeler or Derrick Henry. If your second-round pick offers a shot at Nick Chubb or Alvin Kamara, feel free to take it. Just don't force the issue, because you can still get worthwhile players at the position even if you wait a few rounds to address it.
Wide Receivers
Sleepers: Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos; Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
The No. 15 pick in the 2020 draft, Jeudy hasn't exactly hit the ground sprinting in Denver, but there was only so much he could do while navigating around injuries and catching passes from Drew Lock and Terry Bridgewater. With Russell Wilson now in the Mile High City, Jeudy's numbers could explode.
As for Olave, his silky smooth route-running could allow the rookie to make a rapid transition to the NFL and potentially pace his new team in targets. He has everything you want in a star receiver: great hands, a complete route tree and blazing speed. Jameis Winston has the arm strength and aggression to bring a lot out of a burner, and Olave's burst could really shine in this offense.
Strategy Tip: Buy Big Early If the Board Breaks Right
The wide receiver spot is deep, so you don't have to go out of your way to chase premium talent. Having said that, you also shouldn't shy away from adding an elite or two if the draft board allows it.
Cooper Kupp can absolutely return value on a top-five selection. First-round investments in Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase or Stefon Diggs could deliver massive returns. Again, don't go out of your way to reach on receivers, but also don't let the fact this position has a lot of pretty-good-to-good players prevent you from adding a great one.