Training Camp Sleeper Buzz

There’s nothing better than watching the various reports emerge from training camp. During the offseason, fantasy managers can be left feeling uninspired by the lack of “exciting” news or drama. It can’t be stressed how important it is to stay locked in. Training camp provides us with insights into what NFL rosters are shaping up to be. This information becomes valuable once fantasy redraft season begins.

As we speak, there are players generating buzz. While these players may not become immediate fantasy options right out of the gate. That doesn’t mean we won’t be discussing them once the season gets underway. These players could be the pieces that become “waiver wire darlings”. A training camp injury can also push these players further up the roster. As always, the more information you have, the better decisions you can make. And this can help you stay ahead of your fellow league-mates.

The Phinest Super Sleepers

A quick fantasy vocabulary test. A “sleeper” is a player in fantasy football who is being overlooked. However, the player has the potential to outperform their fantasy ADP (average draft position). These players are either drafted much later or not at all. These are also players that you should add to your watch list post-draft. For example, Bears running back Kyle Monangai has been making a lot of noise during training camp recently. Monangai has been running with the first team offense. In the most recent training camp exercises as the “change of pace” back to starter D’Andre Swift.

The Bears released their first unofficial depth chart with Monangai listed as fifth, well behind Roschon Johnson. But despite the “unofficial” ranking, Monangai has even gotten positive feedback from head coach Ben Johnson.

Monangai will have a tall order in trying to get higher on the depth chart as a seventh-round pick. If he continues to impress the coaches throughout the rest of training camp, he will get his opportunity.

The Chargers also have another rookie causing a stir at training camp, along with Tre Harris. KeAndre Lambert-Smith got an extended look during the Hall of Fame Game vs. the Detroit Lions. And KLS did not disappoint. Catching deep passes while also having a scoring play. KLS took a slant from just inside the 20-yard line for a Chargers touchdown.

The Chargers have been looking to add more weapons to the receiver position. Lambert-Smith’s emergence could put some heat on former first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Johnston is expected to have a “shorter leash” this season. This may be his last chance to showcase what he can do on the field. Lambert-Smith was selected in the fifth round of the draft. The 6’1″, 181 lb wide receiver from Auburn is increasing his chances of making the roster.

The Cowboys’ running back situation continues to work itself out during training camp. However, fifth round pick Jaydon Blue has been seeing more work with the first team offense in recent days. Blue, the former Texas Longhorn back, has been showcasing his speed and his shiftiness. With Miles Sanders and Deuce Vaughn dealing with injuries, Blue has had more opportunities to highlight his work ethic. Early offseason noise about his “laziness” has been put to bed. Blue is another name fantasy managers will want to keep track.

It’s reasonable to believe that the Cowboys won’t have five running backs on the active roster this season. Listed as the RB3 on the Cowboys’ “unofficial” depth chart, Blue should continue to work for a higher spot. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has also taken notice of Blue’s skill set during practice.

Someone needs to explain how the Kansas City Chiefs keep finding these gems in the later-rounds of the draft. Rookie running back Brashard Smith was drafted in the seventh round. Despite that, Smith has been gaining momentum and praise from beatwriters and reporters covering the team. The 5’10” running back from the University of Miami weighs 196 lbs. He has been showing off his receiving skills during training camp. Some believe that he could fit right in as the Chiefs new third-down back.

Like other backfields, Smith has a fight ahead of him. Elijah Mitchell and Kareem Hunt are running backs ahead of Smith on the depth chart. Isiah Pacheco also looks to be healthy after dealing with an injury-riddled season. Smith will have to duke it out with Mitchell and Hunt to climb the depth chart.

The Raiders added more receiving weapons from the draft as the team continues to make changes to the roster. Dont’e Thornton Jr, the Raiders’ fifth-round pick, has been the one making the most noise throughout the Raiders’ offseason. The Raiders drafted a receiver in the second round, former BYU receiver Jack Bech. However, Thornton Jr. has been the one in the “limelight”. Thornton’s size and speed have caught the attention of those covering the Raiders’ training camp, and for good reason.

Adding another big target for Geno Smith would be ideal. Along with Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, Thornton could be the Raiders’ new deep threat. Coupled with Thornton’s super late ADP, the WR73, Thornton could be a hidden gem in fantasy drafts this season. “But for how long?” will be the question.

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