SLEEPERS

QUARTERBACKS

DAVID GARRARD - Garrard had the best year of his career as the full time starter. He doesn’t put up huge number like the top five by any means but he is consistent and reliable. The addition of Jerry Porter as a #1 option certainly improves his ranking. Garrard is an excellent option in middle round if you choose to secure running back and wide receiver positions first.

MATT SCHAUB - The health of Schaub and Andre Johnson will be the deciding factors in the success of the Houston Offense. Schaub displayed his ability in the first two games last season and over a full sixteen games; he could be a pleasant surprise.

AARON RODGERS - The nucleus of the Green Bay Packers offense is still in place with the exception of legend Bret Favre. Rodgers has spent three year learning the system and performed well in his brief appearance against the Cowboys in 2007. He also has the luxury of playing three of the worst pass defenses in the league twice in the Lions, Vikings and Bears.

VINCE YOUNG - Young had a rough second season but it is far too early to give up on such a phenomenal athlete. The Titans have a solid running game and the addition of Crumpler and McCareins gives him some solid targets. Rushing yards and rushing touchdowns are a key component to his value so with any luck he will use his legs similar to his rookie year.

KURT WARNER - Warner is currently the Cardinal backup but you can almost count on some combination of a Leinart injury or another sputtering start to the season. Warner could find himself tossing touchdown passes to pro bowl quality receivers by midseason.

JAKE DELHOMME - Delhomme is certainly a risky choice but the potential is too good to overlook. Smith, Hackett and Muhammad round out a solid group of receivers and if Delhomme’s arm can hold up, he could vault into top ten status. He is a fantasy backup for sure but the pool of backup quarterbacks is pretty slim anyway. Worst case scenario you drop him and pick up the guy you could have drafted anyway.

RUNNING BACKS

LENDALE WHITE - White is falling in mocks to the 5th or 6th round and at that draft spot he is a steal. He had more rushing yards in 2007 than first round picks Gore, Addai and Jackson. Granted White disappears in the passing game and the addition of Chris Johnson will surely keep him on the bench during passing downs. White is a workhorse and will continue to be the anchor of the Titans power running game.

LAURENCE MARONEY - New England renewed an emphasis on the running game as the 2007 season winded down and that trend will continue into 2008. Maroney is not your traditional sleeper but he will perform much better than the rankings suggest.

SELVIN YOUNG - The Broncos feel very good about the ability of Selvin Young to carry the load after the release of Travis Henry. Young will get a bulk of the carries with veteran Michael Pittman providing backup and 3rd down duty. There won’t be a shared carries situation unless injuries come into play and Young could put up some very good #2 running back fantasy numbers.

DEANGELO WILLIAMS - Williams is a threat in the passing game as well as the running game. Now that he is the full time starter he should put up good fantasy numbers. A 5.0 average per carry as a feature back is a very attractive possibility. Stewart may take some carries but Williams should still put up some decent numbers.

WIDE RECEIVERS

DJ HACKETT - Hackett produced very good numbers when he was on the field. Unfortunately the problem for him was being able to stay on the field. The success of all Carolina receivers depends on the arm of Jake Delhomme. If he can stay healthy then Hackett could be a very nice compliment to Steve Smith.

TED GINN JR - Ted Ginn Jr is the #1 receiver on a team that will be behind most of the time. He could get a lot of garbage yards and an occasional score while the Dolphins fight to get back into games.

CHRIS CHAMBERS - The Chargers have been looking for a #1 receiver for a long time and may have found one in Chambers. He should be an integral part of the passing game despite Gates and Tomlinson stealing targets.

JERRICO COTCHERY - Similar to Ginn Jr, Cotchery is the #1 receiver on a bad team. If Pennington can survive more than three games, Cotchery could be a nice pick as they begin the two minute drill half way through the 3rd quarter.

BRYANT JOHNSON - Johnson will finally have the opportunity to remove himself from the shadows of Fitzgerald and Boldin. In a pass happy offense he could provide occasional #2 fantasy numbers.

ANTHONY GONZALEZ - Gonzalez is positioned to take over the #2 receiver position for the Colts this year. Harrison’s nagging injuries and off the field issues will play a part in his overall performance this year. Gonzalez will start as the #3 but could see a lot of balls as teams try to contain Reggie Wayne and if Harrison is out of the picture, Gonzalez is a solid #2 fantasy receiver.

NATE BURLESON - There are a number of things going Burleson’s way this off-season. Branch had ACL surgery in January and will likely be out for most of the season, Hackett was not resigned and Ingram is sitting out off season workouts due to a contract dispute. Burleson could emerge as the Seahawks #1 receiver and a solid #2 when Ingram returns. He did have 9 touchdowns last year so he knows how to find the end zone.

JABAR GAFFNEY - Gaffney sits behind Randy Moss on the depth chart but on the field will play opposite Moss. Welker is the number two receiver but occupies the slot. With Stallworth out of the picture, Gaffney will see a lot of balls when Moss is double and tripled teamed.

TIGHT ENDS

ALGE CRUMPLER - Crumpler could be Vince Young’s new favorite target. 800 yards and 8 touchdowns is not out of the question.

BEN UTECHT - Utecht had a minor role in the Colts passing though proved effective when given the opportunity. Now with the Cincinnati Bengals, he could emerge as a third and sometimes a second option for Carson Palmer. His size certainly makes him an attractive redzone target.