Though it is early, I thought I would throw some thoughts on 2012 Fantasy NFL Sleepers. A "Sleeper" is defined as anyone who not getting a lot of press who could have a huge year. Examples in the past are Miles Austin from three years ago, Michael Vick from two years ago, and Rob Gronkowski from last year. Let's see if any of these predictions pan out.
The Lions run the ball?
1) Mikel Leshoure, RB, Lions - You had to know that at least one of my sleepers would be coming off of a torn achilles tendon, right? Well, meet Mr. Leshoure. He got hurt in August of last year so will be a full year into his recovery by the time the pre-season games start. He joins a Lions backfield that is comprised of Jahvid Best (who gets concussed while sneezing), Kevin Smith (who was originally cast as Mr. Glass in "Unbreakable"), and a couple other no names. This kid has the skills to really step it up and be the lead running back in the pass happy Lions offense. If he can stay healthy, he can definitely be a solid value this year... and is he can avoid being suspended for his marijuana possession charges. Why do football players all love weed? He is currently going undrafted in early mock drafts.
I hate the Steelers so much. If hate were people, I would be China.
2) Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers - I hate the Steelers... it is known. I also known that the Steelers invested heavily in their offensive line during the draft so that they can 1) protect Big Ben and 2) be a dominant run-oriented offense. Todd Haley focused on a solid run game while in KC with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones. When they threw, they loved to use play action. All this points to an increased workload on Pittsburgh running backs. Rashard Mendenhall is coming off a torn ACL that happened late last season and will most likely be on the PUP through at least week 8 of 2012. Having had two ACL repairs myself, it takes a year to really feel yourself. This opens a huge door for Isaac Redman to establish himself as the lead back for the damned Steelers. In very early mock drafts, he is going around round 7.
3) Juron Criner, WR, Raiders - It is early. Real early. Buy why not make a truly crazy prediction and say some no name rookie WR is going to have a great year a la Steve Johnson in Buffalo a few years back? This is my deep dynasty sleeper for 2012. He is big, runs routes well, and catches everything. They knock his speed... but those same critics probably said the same thing about a kid coming out of Mississippi Valley State in 1985 who only ran a 4.71 40. That kid was Jerry Rice. Now - I am not saying Criner is the next Jerry Rice but he has skills and is playing on a Raiders team that lacks true possession receivers. Sure DHB and Denarius Moore are blazing fast but for true route running and catching, they are not as polished as Criner. Carson Palmer made a star our of Housh a few years ago and he had a similar skill set. Time will tell but there is a lot of upside with Criner.
The ball is my friend... The ball is my friend...
3) Juron Criner, WR, Raiders - It is early. Real early. Buy why not make a truly crazy prediction and say some no name rookie WR is going to have a great year a la Steve Johnson in Buffalo a few years back? This is my deep dynasty sleeper for 2012. He is big, runs routes well, and catches everything. They knock his speed... but those same critics probably said the same thing about a kid coming out of Mississippi Valley State in 1985 who only ran a 4.71 40. That kid was Jerry Rice. Now - I am not saying Criner is the next Jerry Rice but he has skills and is playing on a Raiders team that lacks true possession receivers. Sure DHB and Denarius Moore are blazing fast but for true route running and catching, they are not as polished as Criner. Carson Palmer made a star our of Housh a few years ago and he had a similar skill set. Time will tell but there is a lot of upside with Criner.
A camo hat? In Nashville? Oh wait... of course.
4) Jake Locker, QB, Titans - Matt Hasselbeck is the new Kurt Warner. Kurt had to watch a rookie Eli Manning start over him in New York and then went out to Arizona to watch Matt Leinart stink it up. Luckily, Kurt took over and led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl. Now, it is Hasselbeck's turn to watch some kid start over him. Not because he is better per se but because he is the "the future." Jake Locker is athletic and had excellent poise last year is his limited action. He took care of the ball and I think he has a good chance to put up QB2 numbers this year. He is currently undrafted in early mock drafts. With Kenny Britt coming back from injury and Chris Johnson coming back from an embarrassing year, he has offensive weapons to use... and when the defense focuses on shutting down those offensive weapons, he can throw to his TE...
Am I the only one impressed with the strength of his achilles in this picture?
5) Jared Cook, TE, Titans - As I mentioned above, the Titans will be better offensively next year. They have to be. And if I have learned anything, young QBs love their TEs. TEs are big targets who stay close to the line and are a like a 270 lb security blanket. In comes Jared Cook. He ended last year beautifully with 335 yards receiving and 1 TD with 26 targets in the final three games. If he can stay more consistent this year, he has the makings of an excellent value TE in the later rounds of the draft. As a note, I drafted him last year with the same thoughts but he was too inconsistent... so I am jumping back on the bandwagon again this year. Fool me once... Cook is currently getting drafted around round 12 in early mock drafts.
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