6/6/23
We are just about half way through the NFL off-season. Free agents have signed, college players have been drafted, and teams are in the midst of holding off-season workouts to give us a look and feel of what to expect this upcoming year. The fantasy football addict in us simply couldn’t wait any longer and already started doing research along with mock drafts to stay ahead of the game. It’s never too early to see how teams are shaping up, so we have put together a small list of guys we are keeping our eye on throughout the summer as we get ready for our league drafts. Here’s Dimes’ ‘Way-to-Early Sleepers’ for this coming fantasy season:
1. Alexander Mattison RB
It seems likely the Minnesota Vikings move on from running back Dalvin Cook. If you’ve played fantasy football in the past, you know how immediately valuable backup running backs are when starters get hurt. In this case, it looks as if the Vikings are prepared to make Mattison a 3-down back, setting him up for a potential career year. Mattison has proved to be capable of handling a full work load when needed but the question still remains if he can produce for a full season. Currently Alexander Mattison is being drafted in the 9th round of mock drafts.
2. Kadarius Toney WR
After being traded mid-season last year, Toney ended up fitting in quite nicely in the championship lineup of the Kansas City Chiefs. Seeing Kadarius in that offense gives us Tyreek Hill vibes, and with Juju and Hardman out of the picture now, Toney could easily become Patrick Mahomes favorite weapon this year. He’s quick, swift, and smooth and currently not being drafted until the 9th or 10th round in most mock drafts.
3. Brandin Cooks WR
New team, who dis? It seems like no matter where he goes, Brandin Cooks always makes an immediate impact. A true journey man through the league has played with some of the best and some of the worst, regardless, Cooks always remains relevant. Now with the Dallas Cowboys, playing opposite of star WR Ceedee Lamb, this could be one of the most explosive and high-powered offenses Cooks has ever been in. The fit couldn’t be better as he perfectly complements Lamb as well as the running game in Dallas. The Cowboys could be a sneaky team this year, and Cooks will be a big reason for it.
4. Khalil Herbert RB
Another back-up last year who found success when the starter missed time was our boy Khalil. Whenever David Montgomery wasn’t available, which seemed often, Herbert would step up and at most times look liked the better back. Fast forward to this upcoming season and Montgomery is now out of the picture and playing in Detroit, freeing up plenty of potential playing time for Khalil. Chicago has already come out and said they will be running a committee at RB this year. However, I have to believe with guys such as D’Onta Foreman, Travis Homer and rookie Roschon Johnson, that Herbert should have no problem leading that committee in both carries and downs played. In current early mock drafts, Khalil Herbert is being selected around rounds 8-10, similar to Alexander Mattison.
5. Allen Lazard WR
Same QB, different city. Lazard is another receiver looking to make an immediate impact on his new team. Not only does Lazard have the luxury of bringing his favorite QB with him, but also has the luxury of playing opposite of Offensive Rookie of Year, WR Garrett Wilson. While teams are worried about dealing with Wilson and the running game of Breece Hall, Lazard should benefit significantly. Many thought Lazard would have a breakout season last year, myself included. However, I think the lack of WR depth last year on the Packers impacted Lazard negatively, knocking down his stock this year, but we don’t mind. Both Rodgers and Lazard shouldn’t take long to settle into NY and both are currently being drafted after the 12th round in standard 10-man mock drafts.