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Charlie Riedel / Associated Press Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles showed flashes of potential in his rookie season with the Chiefs. Sometimes in fantasy football, the players you least expect to make an impact (mostly because you'd never heard of them before) earn or inherit a prominent role during the course of the season. Whoever thought that someone named Samkon Gado,San Francisco Giants Gregor Blanco Jersey, a former practice squad player, would ever have value as a starter? But for a short stretch of the 2005 season, he scored more fantasy points than LaDainian Tomlinson! In tribute to Gado and his lesser-known brethren, here's a look at 10 deep fantasy super sleepers, who could have some value this season. Team Player Analysis Chicago Bears Earl Bennett,Diego Reyes Mexico Jersey, WR The Bears don't have a true No. 1 wide receiver on their roster (converted DB Devin Hester is their current top option), and Bennett isn't about to claim that role next season. However, he has been running with the first-team offense during offseason workouts and is a player to watch in the preseason. If he can earn a prominent spot on the depth chart,Matt McGloin Raiders Jersey, Bennett could be worth a late-round filer in drafts. Team Player Analysis Philadelphia Eagles Brent Celek, TE The departure of L.J. Smith (Ravens) opens the door for Celek to take over as the No. 1 tight end on the Eagles' depth chart. While his overall numbers in 2008 weren't impressive, Celek did make an impact with a combined 19 receptions, 151 yards and three touchdowns in three postseason games. The Eagles have always used their tight ends in the pass attack, so Celek could make an impact for fantasy owners. Team Player Analysis Kansas City Chiefs Jamaal Charles, RB Charles is a versatile runner with some potential at the NFL level. He showcased his skills in a limited role last season, averaging a solid 5.3 yards per carry with 27 receptions for 272 yards. His stock will be limited with Larry Johnson in the mix, but L.J. has been anything but dependable since his 416-cary season of 2006. Charles, a potential handcuff for Johnson, is someone to keep tabs on this summer. Team Player Analysis Cleveland Browns James Davis,Dwan Edwards Panthers Jersey, RB Davis, a rookie out of Clemson,Chris Long Patriots Jersey, could have some value in larger leagues if he's able to earn a backup role behind Jamal Lewis. The veteran will be 30 at the start of the season and is coming off ankle surgery, so he could be a bit more susceptible to injuries. If Davis earns a prominent role in training camp, ahead of Jerome Harrison, he'll be well worth a late-round flier in fantasy drafts. Team Player Analysis Indianapolis Colts Austin Collie, WR Fantasy owners probably haven't heard of Collie, but he has a chance to make an impact this season. With Marvin Harrison out of the mix and Anthony Gonzalez starting opposite Reggie Wayne, Collie will have a chance to move up to third on the Colts' depth chart if he can beat out Pierre Garcon. That alone would make Collie worth a look in larger leagues, especially with Peyton Manning under center. Team Player Analysis Green Bay Packers Jermichael Finley, TE Finley has made a name for himself in the preseason,Christine Michael Cowboys Jersey, as he's gained a great rapport and become a red-zone target for Aaron Rodgers. The Packers offense should score more than its share of points in 2009, so Finley could be a candidate to score five-plus touchdowns. While he might be be taken in most drafts, Finley is a player who could warrant a roster spot on your fantasy team sooner than later. Team Player Analysis New York Jets Shonn Greene, RB The Jets have Thomas Jones, a top-five fantasy back on NFL.com last season, and Leon Washington on the roster. But the team was enamored enough with Greene to trade most of their second-day picks to move up and take him in the draft. A real bruiser who could push Jones for carries (or at least become his fantasy handcuff), Greene's stock is on the rise. He's worth a look in the late rounds. Team Player Analysis Cincinnati Bengals Chris Henry, WR Henry has been better known for off-the-field problems and league-imposed suspensions in recent seasons,China Jerseys Wholesale, but he's re-committed himself to football and could re-emerge into a playmaker for the Bengals. Remember, Henry scored a combined 15 touchdowns in his first two seasons and has developed a solid rapport with Carson Palmer. The veteran is well worth a late-round pick in drafts. Team Player Analysis San Francisco 49ers Josh Morgan, WR The 49ers drafted rookie standout Michael Crabtree in April, but the team has raved about Morgan the entire offseason. He showed flashes of potential as a rookie and was considered the top wideout on the roster before Crabtree came into the mix. If he continues to perform at a high level in training camp and the preseason, the Niners will have a hard time keeping Morgan on the sidelines in 2009. Team Player Analysis Jacksonville Jaguars Troy Williamson, WR The Jaguars parted ways with Matt Jones,Captain Munnerlyn Vikings Jersey, Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams this offseason,Morgan Moses Redskins Jersey, so Williamson is in line to see far more targets in 2009. Even with Torry Holt in the mix and slated to top the depth chart, Williamson appears to have won a starrting role. If he can avoid injuries and make strides off a strong preseason, Williamson will be well worth a late-round flier in larger fantasy leagues. Have a burning question for Michael Fabiano on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section below or send it to AskFabiano@nfl.com, and the best questions will be answered throughout the season right here on NFL.com! |
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