It was a very important week for many fantasy football players. There were a ton of drafts held this past weekend, and some players made their way up draft boards with solid preseason performances. This is the Dark Phoenix, where we take a look at some of these sleepers that could be household names in the near future.

Jerious Norwood - RB2 - Atlanta Falcons
6'0" 204 lbs. - Mississippi State - 3rd round pick (Falcons 2006 - 79th overall)

Norwood was a 3-year starter for the Bulldogs, and put up some impressive numbers during his time in college. He never missed a game due to injury, which is somewhat remarkable given his slight stature. He played for a brief time at QB in high school, but came to Mississippi State as one of the top 10 RBs in the country. Ball control is a big part of the Bulldogs program, and Norwood did not disappoint. He only fumbled the ball four times during his college career, and finished as the school's all time leading rusher.

Jerious' game is all about explosion. He exploded at the NFL Combine, turning in a 4.37 40-yard dash. He has great straight line speed, and can get to top speed in a hurry. He does a good job of patiently waiting for blocks to develop in front of him, and he is very instinctive as to when to turn it upfield. For a smaller back he is a very willing inside runner. He needs to improve his lower body strength, and he is improving as a receiver.

The Falcons got rid of T.J. Duckett for a reason. And that reason is Jerious Norwood. There is some talk that Norwood could end up being the starter in Atlanta by year's end. We won't discount Warrick Dunn that quickly, but Jerious is certainly a player that will get some serious playing time during his rookie season, with hopes of becoming the starter in the near future.

Ray Perkins - RB3 - Cincinnati Bengals
5'10" 205 lbs. - SE Louisiana - undrafted free agent (Bengals - 2005)

Ray Perkins was a standout at Dillard High in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. His college career had many stops, but started with a season at Vanderbilt. He then enrolled at Southeast Missouri State, and then the University of Iowa. His college career finally ended at Southeastern Louisiana University. He finally flashed some of the potential he showed when coming out of high school.

Ray is all about speed to the corner. He has amazing speed, and a very quick initial burst. He is a very shifty runner in the open field, and is hard to line up for a square tackle. He is dangerous in the open field, and is very effective on screen passes. Perkins also has value as a kick or punt returner.

Perkins is currently listed as the #3 in San Diego, but in the near future he could be the main backup to LaDainian Tomlinson. Michael Turner is going to be a feature back in this league, sooner rather than later, and that will open the door for a player like Perkins. He spent the entire 2005 season on the Chargers practice squad, and the experience he gained was invaluable. Keep an eye on Perkins in those deep dynasty leagues.

Jason Carter - WR5 - Minnesota Vikings
6'0" 205 lbs. - Texas A&M - undrafted free agent (Vikings - 2006)

Jason was ranked as the #1 run-pass QB in the state of Texas when he started at College Station. He was a multipurpose player for the Aggies, and was dangerous in many different ways. He provided a consistent receiver, and a dangerous option in the return game for the Aggies.

Carter is a very athletic player that can make plays. His route running has improved steadily since his conversion to WR in college. He is very elusive after the catch, and has shown very consistent hands. He runs with good hip wiggle, and is hard to tackle in the open field.

Jason Carter has a chance to make this team with the departure of Koren Robinson. Not only because of the slot it opened up in the receiving corps, but also in the return game. Carter is a very hard worker and has a blue collar work ethic. It's these attributes that will help Carter secure a position with the Vikings. The team could also put him on the practice squad if they release him.

DeDe Dorsey - RB3 - Cincinnati Bengals
5'11" 196 lbs. - Lindenwood - undrafted free agent (Bengals - 2006)

DeDe Dorsey is a superstar from the NAIA ranks. He earned All-America honors on both offense (RB) and defense (DB) during his time at Lindenwood University (in St. Charles, MO). As a senior (his only season as a full time RB) he rushed for 1,600 yards and scored 18 TDs He started his college career at Ottawa (KS) University, the same place where Derrick Ward went to school.

DeDe can get up and move. He is a very instinctive RB, that can make defenders miss in the open field. He shows good patience when running the football, and knows how to time his burst through the trash at the line of scrimmage. Once he's in the 2nd level of the defense he has the moves and speed to break some very long runs.

Dorsey is a rising star on the Bengals roster. He certainly has turned heads with coaches and veterans alike. With Chris Perry almost always injured, or dinged up, Dorsey could become the main backup to Rudi Johnson. Rudi is a tough runner, but all it takes is one play for Dorsey to be the main back on a very high powered Bengals offense. DeDe is having a great preseason, and looks to carry that momentum into the regular season.