Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers: Who to Target After Round 10 (2024)

August 26, 2024

Phil's fantasy football draft sleepers to target after Round 10 of 2024 drafts. His best ball draft value picks and fliers at QB, RB, WR, and TE to target late.

The frenetic activity and continual updates emerging from all 32 NFL training camps have been a welcome development -- with the exception of news regarding unwanted injuries. Preseason matchups have also been easy to embrace as anticipation is building for the long-awaited launch of the regular season. These factors have also provided additional incentives for many of you to maintain your participation in best ball leagues.

This allows you to sustain your involvement in the draft process while finalizing all forms of roster management once each draft is complete. A significant percentage of draft planning is often placed on examining which players to select during the early and middle rounds. However, the decisions that you make once the draft has progressed into the later rounds can also determine whether your best ball roster will remain competitive throughout the year.

The team at RotoBaller continues to deliver nonstop news, detailed analysis, and refreshed rankings that will help you construct your rosters in the best ball format. That includes this article, which will focus on 10 players that you should target for your rosters after your drafts have progressed beyond Round 10.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Sleepers

Will Levis, Tennessee Titans - ADP 142/QB23 

Will Levis never threw 4 TD passes vs a SEC opponent

He has 4 in his first career NFL start pic.twitter.com/hHAtA9ncdg

— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) October 29, 2023

Will Levis erupted for four touchdowns during his first career game last season (Week 8) while skyrocketing to QB6. He was unable to sustain the level of proficiency that he delivered during that memorable debut, as he manufactured an uninspiring 4:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio and averaged 9.9 points per game during his next eight contests. He also led all signal-callers in deep throw percentage (20.8%), according to Fantasy Points Data.

Levis has only garnered tepid interest from fantasy managers during the draft season. However, there are tangible reasons to believe that he can reward anyone who secures him near his Round 12 ADP.

Head coach Brian Callahan will eviscerate Tennessee’s run-oriented approach that had elevated the Titans among the top 10 in run-play percentage during each of the last eight seasons. That will increase Tennessee's reliance on Levis and an aerial attack that has never ranked higher than 24th in pass play percentage since 2016.

Will Levis hits DeAndre Hopkins, Josh Whyle and Calvin Ridley at first practice of Training Camp.

Josh Whyle stock 🚀🚀

(Via @Titans IG) pic.twitter.com/fIjmPYRMCd

— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) July 25, 2024

The Titans have also strengthened their receiving weaponry during the offseason by signing Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd while adding Tony Pollard to their backfield rotation. Levis should benefit from the veteran presence of Ridley, Boyd, and DeAndre Hopkins as his top three wide receivers, whenever Hopkins has recovered from his knee injury. Pollard and Tyjae Spears will be deployed as additional pass-catchers from the backfield.

These moves have placed Levis in a position to effectively guide Tennessee’s revamped offense. That should incentivize you to target him at his appealing ADP (142/QB23).

Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks - ADP 145/QB24

You may not be enthusiastic about your options at quarterback once your drafts have advanced beyond Round 10. However, several signal-callers are worthy of consideration when you are on the clock during your double-digit rounds. That includes Geno Smith, whose presence can help you avoid a roster crisis if your QB1 is unavailable for multiple weeks.

Here's 4:40 of Geno Smith throwing guided missiles into tight windows under pressure. pic.twitter.com/gXsp2MWOwt

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 30, 2024

Smith rose to sixth in completions (399/23.5 per game) during 2022 while securing a league-best 69.8 completion percentage, assembling a 30:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and soaring to third in completed air yards (2,506).

Smith failed to replicate those career-best results last season. However, he did finish sixth in hero percentage (5.4%), which is the percentage of attempts in which a quarterback makes a throw that maximizes the result of the play, according to Fantasy Points Data. Smith was also 13th with 59 deep throws, according to Fantasy Points Data.

Smith should benefit from the arrival of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who will increase the utilization of pre-snap motion. This positions Smith to flourish in Seattle’s revamped attack while supplying more opportunities to locate DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett operating in space.

Sam Howell could leapfrog Smith on Seattle’s depth chart if Smith performs ineffectively during a sequence of matchups. That should not deter you from securing Smith, who supplies your roster with a capable QB2 without the investment of a middle-round selection.

Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers

Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns - ADP 121/RB36

Jerome Ford quickly ascended into an extensive workload when Nick Chubb suffered his season-ending injury last September (torn ACL/torn MCL). Ford’s prospects of operating as a viable roster asset remain robust as Chubb’s recovery from two surgeries continues.

Ford finished 12th overall with 553 snaps from Weeks 2-17, while finishing 19th in rushing yards (771/51.4 per game), 20th in attempts (186/12.4 per game), and 21st in yards after contact (367). 70.5% of Ford’s yards were generated after contact, which placed him fifth among backs with 150+ carries, according to Fantasy Points Data.

JEROME FORD REVERSES FIELD FOR THE 69-YARD RUN 🔥

📺: #CLEvsPIT on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/zWM8hlwLFw pic.twitter.com/vKk11EADHH

— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2023

Ford’s involvement as a receiver elevated him to 10th among backs in routes run (291), 12th in targets (60/4.0 per game/11.2% share), and 14th in receptions (42/2.8 per game) from Weeks 2-17.

Ford also finished 25th in points per game (12.4) and is positioned to operate as Cleveland’s primary back while Chubb remains unavailable. He should also retain a favorable touch total if Chubb’s workload is managed when he resurfaces.

D'Onta Foreman is competing with Pierre Strong Jr. for a role in short-yardage and goal-line situations after Foreman resurfaced from the neck injury that he suffered on Aug. 1. Nyheim Hines could also siphon a percentage of targets. However, Ford‘s potential to outperform his Round 11 ADP (121/RB36) makes him an enticing option.

Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos - ADP 146/RB46

Jaleel McLaughlin was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft and infused an additional level of explosiveness into Denver’s backfield during his rookie season.

He was 19th among backs in rushing yards from Weeks 4-8 (248/49.6 per game/7.8 per attempt) and tied for the league lead in runs of 20+ (four) – even though he was also 40th in carries (32/6.4 per game) while operating with a 26.3% snap share. McLaughlin also failed to reach a 17% snap share (16.9%) from Weeks 9-17.

Jaleel McLaughlin disappears into a sea of Bears defenders, then pops out for a touchdown. So impressive. pic.twitter.com/LOXcvttZai

— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) October 1, 2023

However, he had already displayed his elusiveness and burst, which allowed him to erupt for sizable yardage and generate big plays. McLaughlin finished among the top five in missed tackles forced per rushing attempt (0.25) among backs with 75+ carries, according to PFF.

Even though the explosive McLaughlin will not operate as a workhorse back, that should not discourage you from prioritizing him at his Round 13 ADP. McLaughlin’s dual-threat capabilities should compel Sean Payton to entrust him with a larger role this season despite a crowded backfield.

UPDATE 8/27: Samaje Perine was released by the Broncos, potentially opening up more oppportunity for McLaughlin..

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers - ADP 165/RB53

Kimani Vidal has been placed in a favorable environment as the Chargers transition toward a steadfast commitment to the run.

Q4 8:13 | 🧢 trick‼️

Kimani Vidal makes it touchdown No. 3, taking the direct snap 69 yards to the house.

🐺: 0
⚔️: 37#RiseToBuild | #OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/mPYU77DNGj

— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) October 7, 2023

Vidal accumulated 781 carries during four seasons at Troy University and paced all backs with 297 attempts (21.2 per game) during 2023. He also soared to second in rushing yards (1,661/118.6 per game), while rising to second in yards after contact (1,056) and missed tackles forced (94), according to PFF.

Vidal will compete for touches with former Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. However, the strategic approach of Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman presents Vidal with an opportunity to secure an ongoing role.

Roman engineered Baltimore’s offense when the Ravens finished among the top three in rushing yards from 2019-2022 and eclipsed 30+ attempts per game during all four seasons.

Edwards could approach last year’s career-high 198 attempts (11.6 per game). However, he has only accumulated 37 targets and 30 receptions since 2018, and his involvement as a receiver will remain minimal. Dobbins will attempt to reclaim relevance within the fantasy landscape after protracted injuries have limited him to just nine games since 2020.

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION:

Kimani Vidal is real pic.twitter.com/jvXNYi01ou

— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) July 31, 2024

The Chargers’ run-oriented attack should provide Vidal with enough touches to become a roster resource this season. That supplies your motivation to secure him at his Round 14 ADP (165/RB53). Even if he fails to make an impact, his cost makes him a risk-free flier.

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Sleepers

Curtis Samuel, Buffalo Bills - ADP 123/WR50

Curtis Samuel is positioned to secure a significant role in Buffalo's reshaped passing attack following the offseason departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.

Samuel signed a three-year, $24 million contract with Buffalo in March and will compete for targets with rookie Keon Coleman along with veterans Khalil Shakir, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Mack Hollins.

Samuel, Coleman, and Shakir are all intriguing options in Rounds 10-12. However, Samuel’s versatility could propel him to career-best production during his first season with Josh Allen under center. Samuel can operate effectively from both the perimeter and the slot, and can also line up in the backfield.

This catch from Curtis Samuel during 1 on 1 drills was his best catch of training camp. He has been all over the field, but this was a spectacular grab from the first-year #Bills wide receiver #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/4WJSGFBuhf

— alex brasky (@alexbrasky) July 29, 2024

Samuel will also benefit from his reunion with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who was the architect of Carolina’s offense in 2020. Samuel flourished in Brady’s attack while establishing career highs in receptions (77/5.1 per game), receiving yards (851/56.7 per game), and yards after catch (320).

Samuel also finished second among all wide receivers in rushing attempts (41/2.7 per game) and rushing yards (200/13.3 per game) while functioning in Brady's offense.

Samuel’s capabilities as a multipurpose weapon and his encouraging history with Brady have vaulted him among your most compelling options at his Round 11 ADP (126/WR50).

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns - ADP 156/WR60

Jerry Jeudy will forever have the distinction of being the second wide receiver selected during the 2020 NFL Draft. However, you are already aware that he has yet to fulfill the lofty expectations that emerged upon his entrance into the league.

Jeudy finished outside the top 50 in points per game during three of his four seasons in Denver while averaging 6.2 targets/3.7 receptions/53.6 yards per game. The disappointment surrounding his numbers is accentuated by the results that have been delivered by other members of his class, including Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk, and Michael Pittman Jr.

Deshaun Watson connects with Jerry Jeudy deep for an exciting final play of practice today. #Browns pic.twitter.com/pgxalaPPpV

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 4, 2024

However, Jeudy has resurfaced in Cleveland, with an opportunity to resuscitate his career. The Browns acquired Jeudy in a trade with the Broncos and signed him to a three-year, $52.5 million contract extension. The team’s investment in Jeudy bodes well for his prospects of securing an ongoing role in his new environment, which will also be a favorable development for fantasy managers.

Amari Cooper remains entrenched as Cleveland's primary receiver, but Jeudy should ascend directly below him on the Browns’ depth chart. That positions Jeudy to deliver production that surpasses the modest expectations of his Round 13 ADP (156/WR60).

Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ADP 255/WR81

Tampa Bay secured Jalen McMillan in Round 3 of April‘s NFL Draft (92nd overall) after he accumulated 250 targets, 164 receptions, and 2,172 yards during his final three seasons at the collegiate level.

He also finished 15th overall in receiving yards (1,098/84.5 per game) and receptions (79/6.1 per game) during 2022, despite sharing targets with Washington teammates Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk.

McMillan also ranked among the top 10 Power Five slot receivers in yards per route run (2.19), missed tackles forced per reception (0.23), yards per reception (13.9), and explosive pass play rate (34.8%), according to PFF. McMillan also averaged 103.7 yards per game during his first three matchups in 2023 before an MCL sprain sidelined him during four contests.

Watching the Bucs and talking to players, it’s clear rookie Jalen McMillan will be special. He runs great routes. I loved his tape — he was on my Better-Than team — but he is even more impressive than I expected this early. Bucs killed the draft.

— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) August 1, 2024

Chris Godwin will be functioning as the Buccaneers slot receiver in offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s reshaped passing attack. However, McMillan is competing with Trey Palmer to become Tampa Bay’s primary Z receiver, and should ultimately seize that role.

That makes McMillan a viable target at his Round 22 ADP (255/WR81). He would also become a valuable asset if Mike Evans or Godwin are unavailable during the regular season.

Fantasy Football Tight End Sleepers

Tyler Conklin, New York Jets - ADP 128/TE17 

Tyler Conklin has remained a comparative afterthought as fantasy managers have selected the first 16 tight ends during Rounds 1-10 of current best ball drafts. However, Conklin is capable of functioning as a TE2 who delivers low-end TE1 output during various weeks of the season.

Conklin finished 13th at his position in targets during 2023 while accumulating 87 for the third consecutive season. He also rose to ninth in air yards (614) and 11th in receptions (61/3.6 per game). Conklin has also captured 21 contested targets since 2022, which places him second among tight ends, according to PFF.

The Jets also progressed through the offseason without infusing formidable competition for touches at Conklin’s position into the depth chart, which now contains Jeremy Ruckert, Kenny Yeboah, Zack Kuntz, and Anthony Firkser.

Aaron Rodgers ➡ Tyler Conklin 🎯

We're So Back 😎#Jets | 🎥 @nyjets pic.twitter.com/PPcYN5fCHF

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) July 24, 2024

Aaron Rodgers is also positioned to spearhead the Jets offense, which expands the scoring potential for Conklin and New York’s other critical weapons. It is unlikely that the 40-year-old Rodgers can replicate the level of play that he delivered during his most proficient seasons.

However, the 10-time Pro-Bowler’s performances should easily transcend the substandard quarterback play that derailed the Jets offense last season. That elevates Conklin as a tight end to prioritize when your drafts have advanced beyond Round 10.

Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams - ADP 241/TE33

Seattle selected Colby Parkinson in Round 4 of the 2020 NFL Draft and he was limited to just 10 targets and 39 receiving yards during his first two seasons.

He also averaged 1.9 targets/1.5 receptions/16.7 yards per game during his final two years with the Seahawks while failing to average 5.0 points per game in 2022 or 2023. Parkinson also operated with snap shares of 40.5% and 47.3% while rotating with Noah Fant and Will Dissly during that sequence, but his current path toward targets has expanded considerably.

Parkinson signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract with the Rams and should ascend into a starting role while Tyler Higbee recovers from the torn ACL/MCL that he suffered in January. Higbee is currently on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, and would miss at least four regular-season matchups if the Rams eventually place him on the reserve/PUP list. That would not occur until after Los Angeles has completed the final roster cuts.

Happy camping, @CJ51 🤩 pic.twitter.com/DFEHalYzA3

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) July 25, 2024

Parkinson should remain atop a depth chart that contains Davis Allen and Hunter Long if that scenario transpires. That would provide the 6-foot-7, 250-pound Parkinson with an opportunity to function as the Rams’ TE1 in Sean McVay’s offense. It would also supply you with a potential point producer on your roster in exchange for your investment of a 21st-round selection.

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