The saying that the early bird gets the worm definitely doesn’t apply in the game of fantasy football. More often than not, late picks or free agents end up playing key roles on fantasy rosters when they get hot during the season as did Brandon Lloyd in 2010. Here is a countdown of five top sleeper picks that most virtual General Managers will overlook during their 2011 fantasy football drafts.
5. Mike Tolbert, RB San Diego Chargers
Ryan Matthews this, Ryan Matthews that. Mike Tolbert should be the starting running back in San Diego and he’s out to prove it. At 5’9, 243lbs, Tolbert has nimble feet making him the modern day Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. Last season he bowled defenders over on his way to an impressive 11 touchdowns in part time play. Tolbert may only start in the event of a Matthews’ injury but he’s sure to be the go to guy in goal line situations and with the firepower of that Chargers offense, their sure to be in the red zone often. Because of the shared time in the backfield he’s not an ideal fantasy starter but come bye-weeks and injuries he can definitely help your team.
4. Mike Williams, WR Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Williams is an emerging star in this league. At 6’2, 212 lbs he’s a big target who can stretch the field for Josh Freeman and that Tampa offense. Last season as a rookie, he led the all Buc receivers with 65 receptions, 964 yards and 11 touchdowns. With both he and Freeman entering their second seasons, look for the tandem to have improved chemistry in 2011. This sets Mike Williams up for a big season. Mike Williams is a sleeper pick that may still be around in the later rounds. Get him before he’s gone.
3. Stevie Johnson , WR Buffalo Bills
What, the Bills have a team? Yes. And someone deserving of a spot on my fantasy roster? Hell yes! Steve Johnson is 6’2, 205lbs and finished eleventh in total receiving yards with 1,073 a season ago. He doesn’t get a lot of run because he’s in the NFL abyss for the State of New York playing in Buffalo. Despite their statuses as Bills, Johnson and QB Ryan Fitzpatrick are a heck of a combination and with the departure of Lee Evans to Baltimore, look for Johnson to improve on his 10 touchdown season in 2010. Steve Johnson is a fantasy football can’t miss in 2011.
2. Tim Hightower, RB Washington Redskins
Who? Surprise surprise and here’s the reason why. At 6’0, 220lbs Tim Hightower is big back ready to explode. Entering his fifth season in the NFL he doesn’t have a lot of miles on him with only 439 carries. To put that in perspective, Michael Turner led the league in 2010 with 334 carries. Admittedly, Hightower is a gamble but he has been named the Redskins starter under a Mike Shanahan led offense. Remember Terrell Davis and Clinton Portis in Bronco orange and blue? Sharing time with Beanie Wells in Arizona last season, Hightower only had 153 carries and still finished in the top 30 in total yards rushing with a 4.8 yards per carry average. Although Hightower can’t fix the budget, look for him to be deemed a savior in DC with career highs in both touchdowns and yardage. More than worth the risk.
1. Kyle Orton, QB Denver Broncos
At #1 Orton is our caveman. Here’s a guy the Broncos tried to trade during the off season yet he’s the top dog on this list. How can that be? Kyle Orton can’t throw the deep ball, he’s not a franchise quarterback and he can’t lead a team to the Super Bowl . Because of those negatives people will shy away from him in their fantasy drafts and that makes Orton our number one sleeper. Last season Orton finished tenth in total passing with 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns. Keep in mind he did that in 13 games before giving way to rookie Tim Tebow. John Fox’s arrival in Denver returns stability to the organization. Orton will have the NFL’s leading receiver from a year ago in Brandon Lloyd as his primary target and if Eddie Royal can come close to his 2009 rookie performance, Orton is in for a big year. Don’t make him one of the first five quarterbacks selected, but anywhere after that and he’ll do you justice.