Top 10 Sleeper Picks for Your 2023 Fantasy Football Draft

As the fantasy football draft season looms, finding those elusive sleepers can set you up for success. Those hidden gems that others overlook can become the backbone of your team. Here are ten sleeper picks that should be on every manager's radar for the 2023 draft:

1. Damien Harris, Bills: The Bills have hinted at a desire to reduce Josh Allen's rushing attempts, particularly near the end zone. Remember, it wasn’t too long ago that Harris recorded a stellar 15-touchdown season with the Patriots. Double-digit touchdowns aren't just possible but probable in this high-flying Bills offense. And while James Cook might offer bursts of explosive plays, Harris's potential for touchdowns could make him the more prized fantasy asset for 2023.
2. Collins, Texans: Collins showcased remarkable growth in his second year, despite a foot injury curtailing his season. In just 10 games, he surpassed his rookie stats and racked up 40+ yards in seven of those games. With Houston's aerial attack set to thrive under QB C.J. Stroud, Collins is primed for a breakout season. He'll face competition from veteran Robert Wood and rookie third-rounder Tank Dell, but Collins’s ceiling is sky-high, especially when factoring in his 12th-round ADP. Per Matt Harmon of Reception Perception, Collins producted a success rate of 71% vs. man, and 74.5% vs. press coverage in 2022. Should he continue that success, at higher volume in 2023, Nico Collins could be a fantasy league winner.
3. Jake Ferguson, Cowboys: Despite Dalton Schultz's strong fantasy numbers, it’s the system, rather than raw talent, that's propelled him to those heights. As a rookie, Ferguson had flashes of brilliance, and he's tipped to step into Schultz's shoes for 2023. Especially in dynasty leagues, Ferguson is worth a late-round flier to see if he can seize a significant portion of the targets left by Schultz.
4. Jeff Wilson, Dolphins: After joining Miami in Week 9, Wilson instantly became a pivotal part of their offense. His numbers closely mirror those of Raheem Mostert, providing a stable ten points per game on average. The consistency he brings is undeniable, making him a dependable RB choice. Should Tua Tagovailoa stay healthy this season, Miami's offense has the potential to take a giant leap. Grab Wilson in the 11th round of your drafts to make sure you have a piece of the explosive Dolphins offense.
5. Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers: Aiyuk's 2022 season might look like a peak for many, but insiders believe he's still warming up. His blend of elite route-running and post-catch dynamism is a deadly combo. In Kyle Shanahan's system, Aiyuk has all the tools to smash through last year's totals and reward fantasy managers handsomely.
6. Rashaad Penny, Eagles: After a rollercoaster career with the Seahawks, Penny could be the feature back the Eagles are looking for. Given Philadelphia’s run-heavy approach and Penny's late-season resurgence in 2022, there's ample potential for him to become a consistent RB2 with upside. Further solidifying his position as a sleeper pick is the sheer explosiveness he brings to the field. Penny has managed to average 1.3 carries of 15-plus yards per game – a testament to his breakaway speed and vision. Moreover, his 10.5 rushing fantasy points per game have positioned him sixth among running backs playing at least 15 games since 2021. Only one other back outpaced Penny in this metric, further underscoring his potential value in fantasy circles. For those fantasy managers eyeing a running back who possesses explosive play potential, Rashaad Penny should undoubtedly be on your radar. He is not just an asset but a potential game-winner, making him an enticing option in the middle to later rounds of your draft.
7. Greg Dulcich, Broncos: Tight ends often take a bit longer to adjust to the NFL's rigors, but Dulcich showed enough in college to warrant attention. With the Broncos looking for reliable targets, he might just be the red-zone threat they've been searching for. Moreover, new head coach Sean Payton has always featured a receiving tight end in his offense. Whether it be future Hall-of-Famer Jimmy Graham, or do-it-all gadget piece Taysom Hill, Payton's tight ends have a history of becoming consistent fantasy producers. In a position that often lacks depth in fantasy football, Greg Dulcich stands out as a promising tight end ready to break into the elite category. With a respectable average of 5.5 targets per game last season, Dulcich was a consistent element of his team's passing attack. Even more impressively, he drew eight or more targets in almost half of his appearances, tallying such numbers in four of his 10 games. Clearly, quarterback Russell Wilson trusts Dulcich. At his current ADP of #130, so should you.
8. Quentin Johnston, Chargers: The Chargers have a history of fostering wide receiver talent, and Johnston is next in line. His college tape showcases a player who can make big plays and, more importantly, be a consistent producer. With defenses focusing on other Charger weapons, Johnston might just sneak under the radar and become a fantasy favorite. Moreover, starting wideouts Keenan Allen and Mike Williams each missed time last season. Should either one go down in 2023, Quentin Johnston will see a plethora of targets. Additionally, new Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore loves to find creative ways to feature the downfield passing game. His offensive system is ready made for the talents of Quentin Johnston. Grab the former TCU star in the 9th round and smile your way to victory this fantasy football season.
9. Darnell Mooney, Bears: Mooney's speed and route-running made him a darling for analysts last year. With the Bears committed to improving their offense and another year under his belt, Mooney could transition from sleeper to star in 2023. With the Chicago Bears snagging top receiver DJ Moore, the field is poised to open up more than ever for Darnell Mooney. Moore's arrival is a clear signal that the Bears are committed to enhancing their aerial attack and providing QB Justin Fields with high-caliber targets. Moore's prowess will inevitably draw primary attention from defenses, creating more opportunities for Mooney to exploit matchups against secondaries. The Bears haven't merely focused on adding talent around Fields; they've put a considerable emphasis on developing his downfield passing abilities. With a fortified offensive line and more weapons at his disposal, Fields will be looking to capitalize on deep threats, and Mooney, known for his speed and route-running precision, is in a prime position to benefit. This strategical shift is promising for Mooney's fantasy prospects. Last year, he displayed a knack for making key plays when called upon. Now, with defenses possibly overcommitting to Moore, Mooney could see an uptick in both targets and quality looks. For fantasy managers, this means Mooney might transition from a flex option or WR3 to a consistent WR2, depending on the matchup. Don't sleep on Mooney; he's poised to make a leap in production this season.
10. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Through the first week of training camp, one name has consistently echoed louder than the rest: Zay Flowers. Both local and national media have been abuzz about the rookie wide receiver's prowess on the field. Even the venerable Peter King of NBC Sports, with his vast experience, singled out Flowers as the most impressive rookie he has seen across six different camps. King marveled at Flower’s ability to create separation, noting, "Unless they literally interfere with him or hold him, he has tremendous separation on almost every cut. His quickness, his speed out of cuts is going to be a thing to watch in the NFL this year." Flowers has been virtually unguardable in man coverage, and if this early showing is any indication, fantasy managers should brace themselves for an explosive season from this breakout candidate.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy football, these sleepers are poised to outperform their current average draft positions. As you prepare for your draft, keep these names in mind. They might just be the difference between playoff heartbreak and championship glory.