Introduction  •  QB   •  RB   •  WR   •  TE

Deep sleeper QBs

David Baker - Trent Green as recently as 2005 threw for over 4,000 yards. He was a top eight fantasy quarterback from 2002-2005. He goes to an offense in Miami with plenty of weapons, including Ronnie Brown, Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. If his concussion does not spell his retirement, Green could surprise with a solid season.

Colin Dowling - While his draft position will no doubt increase as the season approaches, it is insane that a quarterback as solid as Trent Green can be had after more then 20 other quarterbacks have come off the board. Granted, Green will be in a new offense, but it is an offense with which he is somewhat familiar. Toss in that the Dolphin line should be improved and the addition of Ted Ginn Jr. and Lorenzo Booker should help whatever quarterback is under center, and Green is a late round steal.

"Clayton Gray" - What a difference a year makes. From 2002 through 2005, Green was an excellent fantasy QB and never finished lower than eighth. This time last season, he was still considered a starter-quality option in most leagues. However, after a terrible, injury-filled 2006 campaign, Green has fallen off the fantasy map. Did he really become a horrible option? Doubtful. Does he have enough weapons in Miami to be a viable fantasy backup? Probably. Is he very cheap on draft and worth a gamble? Definitely.

"Jeff Pasquino" - Sure he's not the youngest QB on the planet, but he does have a pretty good track record. Add to this that he has Chris Chambers and Marty Booker as two targets and he is not a bad option once 20-25 QBs are already picked.

"Chris Smith" - Prior to last season, Green had four straight top-ten seasons in fantasy scoring. He had three straight 4,000 yard passing campaigns and led one of the most explosive offenses in football. Now the Miami Dolphins are not the Chiefs circa 2003 but there is enough talent on the offensive side of the ball for Green to sneak inside the top-fifteen this season. He is worth a shot deep in the draft.

"Maurile Tremblay" - Green is coming off a bad year and moving to a new team, but he presents terrific upside potential for a very low price. Only Green and Peyton Manning have thrown for over 4,000 yards in three of the last four seasons, and before last season Green had been a top eight fantasy QB for four straight seasons. You don't have to project Trent Green to be a top eight -- or even top twenty -- quarterback for him to be a nice bargain this year.

"Mark Wimer" - Green is just one season removed from a run of 3 years with 4000+ yards passing. Yes, he suffered a scary concussion last year and isn't a spring chicken any more, but he is a very skilled, veteran QB. He doesn't have a ton of top shelf receiving talent around him in Miami, but he made do with Tony Gonzalez, Eddie Kennison and a cast of characters while in KC. Assuming Chris Chambers beats the DUI rap against him, Green will have Chambers and Marty Booker to snag his tosses this year (if Ted Ginn shows up at the pro level, that'd make 3 decent receivers in the patterns -- but rookie WRs are far from sure bets in the pros). There are worse sets of receivers in the NFL.

"David Yudkin" - Trent Green is getting very little love for someone that's ranked in the Top Ten five times and has thrown for 4,000 yards three years in a row. He has to be considered an upgrade compared to some of the other quarterbacks the Dolphins have had under center the past few seasons. And that group includes Jay Fiedler (who even ranked in the Top Ten one year).

"Jeff Haseley" - Green had three consecutive 4000 yard passing seasons leading up to last year, when he suffered that crushing hit early in last season that kept him out for 8 weeks. If he's truly healthy, how can he not be considered as a top 15 QB this year. Something tells me Trent Green didn't forget how to play QB. Several QBs over 35 have had good seasons. Rich Gannon, Steve Beuerlein, Warren Moon, Randall Cunningham. If he's physically and mentally ready to play, he'll put up the numbers once again. It may not be 4000 yards, but his value is waaay too low for a guy of his accomplishments.

David Dodds - Sure he is 37 and on a bad offense. But everybody counted him out last year too. Chris Simms isn't healthy and could be cut. Gradkowski is still raw and won't seat Garcia without an injury. John Gruden has made Garcia the man early in the offseason. At this ADP, Garcia is all upside.

"Andy Hicks" - Jeff Garcia won the Tampa Bay starting job without much of a fight. Jon Gruden has worked very well with veteran quarterbacks in the past and Garcia has enough weapons at his disposal to make his draft spot a mockery. The return to fitness of Carnell Williams and a massively improved offensive line should consolidate the renaissance he enjoyed in Philadelphia last year. Expect the offense to suit Garcia's strengths and fantasy owners who take him will be rewarded with a nice backup option.

"Marc Levin" - It appears that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback job is Jeff Garcia's to lose. HC Jon Gruden has a history of utilizing the pass in his offense and he has had success with aging QBs. Garcia is experienced and mobile and will probably handle the offense (and, more importantly, the pass rush) better than the existing young talent. At the bargain basement price of QB27, Garcia is a low risk, high reward deep sleeper.

"Jeff Pasquino" - Garcia should be the starter for the entire year as HC Jon Gruden tries to save his job and right the ship in Tampa Bay. The savvy veteran has running and passing ability, which he displayed last season in taking the Eagles deep into the postseason. Garcia can throw the deep ball as well, something he also did in Philadelphia. WR Joey Galloway will make sure that Garcia has good fantasy QB2 numbers this year.

"Aaron Rudnicki" - Garcia had a surprisingly great finish to the 2006 season and should be able to win the starting job in Tampa this year given the way Chris Simms struggled a year ago. While Tampa isn't particularly loaded with offensive talent, they have enough pieces in place to be efficient with solid QB play. Gruden has a strong history of maximizing production from older QBs like Rich Gannon and Brad Johnson, so Garcia has a good chance to surprise people once again this year.

"Maurile Tremblay" - Jeff Garcia has all but locked up the starting job over Chris Simms and Bruce Gradkowski. Give him a modest 485 pass attempts, and he should crack 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. If he stays healthy, he'll also probably get you a couple hundred rushing yards, and a touchdown or two. Garcia isn't what you're looking for in a fantasy starter, but he's well worth drafting. In the five seasons that he started 13 games or more, his worst fantasy finish was QB18 -- and that was his first year in the league.

"David Yudkin" - The Buccaneers had a terrible year across the board last year. But Gruden coached teams have generally been middle of the road to top third of the league in passing yards and passing TD. The team should be able to rebound some this year, making Garcia more valuable than the #28 QB.

David Baker - Byron Leftwich was actually on pace for a top seven finish last year before getting hurt in his sixth game. If Leftwich remains the starter, there's no reason why he can't toss up solid numbers. He has underrated weapons in Matt Jones and Reggie Williams and the addition of Maurice Jones-Drew did wonders for the offense last year. Keep close tabs on the QB situation in Jacksonville, but if Leftwich is the starter opening day, he cold very well finish in the top 10-15 in 2007.

Sigmund Bloom - Leftwich should be your targeted backup if you draft one of the top five quarterbacks and don't expect to have to use a backup except for one week. He's been fantasy starter quality on a points per game basis over the last two seasons. Leftwich's fantasy value is only increased by his willingness to call his own number a few times a year at the goal line. He'll outproduce most of the ten quarterbacks taken immediately ahead of him as long as he's healthy.

David Dodds - On a per game basis, Leftwich should destroy his current ADP. He finished as the 21st best QB in 2005 despite missing 5 games. He has thrown 51 and rushed for 8 TDs in just 46 games. Absolutely no risk and plenty of upside with him drafted this late.

"Andy Hicks" - Byron Leftwich is the starter heading into the season. The Jaguars offense are relatively inexperienced, but have had quite a few years together to gel. This year it's now or never. Look at the talent Jacksonville has assembled around Leftwich: Matt Jones, Reggie Williams, Ernest Wilford, rookie Mike Walker, Dennis Northcutt, Marcedes Lewis, George Wrighster, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. Leftwich only needs a few of these guys to fire and he's borderline fantasy starter material. He is an excellent risk as a QB3.

"Aaron Rudnicki" - Leftwich has had trouble staying healthy and there have been consistent rumors that he could be replaced by Garrard or someone else, but when he plays he is generally productive. Last year, his average points per game ranked 11th among QBs in FBG scoring. While that was only in a 6-game stretch, there's reason for optimism given the improved Jaguars running game and strong offensive line he'll play behind. Both of those factors should combine to take attention away from him and give him more time in the pocket where he is most comfortable, and if Leftwich has enough time he can consistently pick a defense apart.

"Jason Wood" - Byron Leftwich has battled injury and has jumped in and out of HC Jack Del Rio's doghouse. Yet, this offseason has been better than anyone could've hoped. Leftwich appears to be in great shape and, after several reports linked Daunte Culpepper to the Jaguars, Del Rio came out and said they are not interested in bringing anyone on board and Leftwich is entrenched as the number one. With a great offensive line, a killer running game and a new offensive coordinator in Dirk Koetter; Leftwich represents exceptional upside this year.

"Anthony Borbely" - Leftwich finished tenth in fantasy PPG in 2006, but he only played in six games. In his first three seasons, he finished 17th, 18th and 21st in total points among QBs, despite never playing in all 16 games. He is currently being drafted as QB27, but if he can manage to remain healthy, it is not out of the question for him to be a top 15 QB.

David Dodds - He finished 17th at QB last year and now is worse than 24th? What changed? Demetrius Williams is better. Mark Clayton is becoming a stud. Derrick Mason and Todd Heap are still there. And they upgraded to a RB that should help move the chains more consistently.

"Clayton Gray" - I'm certainly not trying to turn back the clock to the early part of this decade when McNair was a fixture as a top ten fantasy QB. However, he is definitely better than where he's being drafted this season. McNair finished as the 15th fantasy QB in 2005 and was 17th last season, but he this year, he's the 25th QB off the board. While he isn't going to be a fantasy stud, he's unquestionably a solid backup QB.

"Jeff Pasquino" - McNair is not a young QB by any stretch of the imagination, but he does have a Top 5 TE (Todd Heap), a Top 25 WR (Mark Clayton), a proven veteran target (Derrick Mason) and a young and talented third receiver (Demetrius Williams). Couple this with a strong running game and defense and you have a nice option for your backup QB (or third QB) very late in your draft.

"Aaron Rudnicki" - McNair has never been a picture of health but he did manage to play a full 16 game season last year so there's reason for optimism that he's learning to avoid hits better. His stat splits also indicate that he was more productive after the Ravens opened up their offense (600 more passing yards and 2 more TDs in the second half). McNair has a great collection of weapons at his disposal and should be able to build on his strong finish from a year ago.

"Chris Smith" - Last season, McNair came to a new team and struggled to find himself throughout the first half of the season. However he improved as the year wore on and finished as the 17th best fantasy quarterback. By all accounts he is more comfortable this season, the Ravens have a number of offensive weapons for him to get the ball to and there isn't a real reason to believe he'll finish lower than QB17 this season. He averaged 247 passing yards per game over his last eight starts (not counting the 4 passing attempts against the Browns in week fifteen). He has a real shot of sneaking into the top-twelve this season.

"Mark Wimer" - McNair put his legal woes (a driving under the influence by consent charge against him was withdrawn on July 10th) in the rearview mirror, and can now look forward to his second season as Baltimore's starting QB. He's familiar with his receivers after a year in the system, and has some solid targets in up-and-coming star WR Mark Clayton , the ever-reliable TE Todd Heap, and his old friend/teammate WR Derrick Mason. With a year's worth of repetitions in the Ravens' offense under his belt, McNair should enter 2007 in a comfort-zone with the attack. While he's no threat to rush for 70-some carries like he once did, McNair is still pretty nimble on his feet and has picked up 1 rushing score per season for the last 3 years, with 120-something yards rushing each year during that span. He should outperform others being drafted ahead of him this season -- don't hesitate to take him as your #2 fantasy QB or to use him as part of a QB rotation during 2007.

"Jason Wood" - McNair finished 17th among fantasy QBs last year yet somehow is being viewed as persona non grata this season. For what reason? He had to adjust to a new offensive system last year after spending years in Tennessee. This year, he'll be that much more comfortable in Brian Billick's offense with a 2nd training camp under his belt. Add to that the continued maturation of WRs Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams, plus the sure handed familiarity of Derrick Mason, it seems asinine for McNair to be considered as anything less than a top-15 option if healthy.

Sigmund Bloom - Brad Childress is probably going to go with a conservative gameplan to protect the green 2nd year QB, but Jackson has the running ability and big arm to freelance his way into a few big games over the course of the season. He probably should not be trusted to be a backup, but he's a decent #3 to stash and hold in case he breaks out early. Jackson's value goes up in leagues where passing yards and passing touchdowns are deemphasized.

"Chris Smith" - Tarvaris Jackson is in a situation that is very difficult to get a read on. He is an athletic, mobile quarterback with lots of potential. However he is also very inexperienced and needs to improve his consistency and accuracy. The Vikings receiver core featuring rookie Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson and Bobby Wade could be exceptional or complete busts and only time will tell which path they will take. The upside of Jackson and this offense in general however make him an intriguing pickup late in your drafts.

"Maurile Tremblay" - Jackson looked overwhelmed last year when he got some playing time down the stretch, and he may flop again this season. There's plenty of downside risk to drafting Tarvaris Jackson -- but at his current price he is worth it. A quarterback who can run is always a fantasy threat, and Jackson is one of the better runners in the league from the QB position. In my view, he is a legitimate threat to get 300+ yards and 3 TDs rushing, which can be like an additional 600-750 yards and 4.5 TDs passing, depending on your league's scoring system. It's enough to make him a worthwhile fantasy sleeper.

"Jeff Tefertiller" - The WRs are young and not proven, but Jackson could surprise this year. He will make plays with his legs helping many fantasy owners. With the strong running game, I expect QB18-20 production. The Vikings offense will be conservative so the upside to hit top 15 production is not there, but Jackson should outproduce his ADP.

"Mark Wimer" - Harrington hasn't been an elite fantasy QB since he entered the league (his best finish was 2004, when he was the 17th best fantasy QB in the land, tossing 274/489 for 3047 yards, 19 TDs and 12 interceptions), but he's got a huge opportunity this season thanks to Michael Vick's legal woes. Last year in Miami, the Dolphins gave Harrington the keys to the offense during week 5. He threw a lot of interceptions early on after stepping in for Daunte Culpepper (9 interceptions and 6 TDs during weeks 5, 6, 7, and 9), but calmed down when he had some games and reps under his belt (6 TDs and 6 interceptions the rest of the season). During the second half of the season, the Dolphins went on a run of 5 wins in 6 games before fading weeks 15-17 - they were briefly in playoff contention with Harrington at the helm. In Atlanta, he'll have the benefit of a full training camp as the starter -- he's someone to keep your eye on as the team figures to pass more in the new offense being installed by head coach Bobby Petrino and company.

"Jason Wood" - Harrington isn't a very good quarterback. But HC Bobby Petrino seems to think otherwise and OPPORTUNITY is half the battle. With Michael Vick being written out of Falcons lore, Harrington will have every opportunity to resurrect his career in Atlanta. With a proven veteran WR in Joe Horn, a phenomenal TE in Alge Crumpler and a collection of young, highly drafted receivers waiting to make their marks, Harrington could surprise.

"David Yudkin" - Some men are born great; other men have greatness thrust upon them. While Harrington may not be great, he more than likely will be the Falcons' starter and his ADP has yet to catch up to that sudden development. He still is Joey Harrington, so don't expect a great showing, but he still could be a decent reserve or bye week fill in.

Sigmund Bloom - Chances are your league is not deep enough that you'll need to draft Russell to capitalize on his production this year, but don't be afraid to pick him up once the Raiders install him as the starter. Russell is the kind of raw talent that can have a few big games even while struggling with rookie mistakes. Russell's prodigious arm makes him a constant threat to throw long TDs, and his mobility keeps the play alive and gives him more chances to do just that. He's a no brainer midseason pickup if your QB committee does not bear fruit.

"Marc Levin" - I admit I have visions of Vince Young's rookie year swimming in my head. The Raiders need a ton of help on offense, but Russell is very talented. He may not have much early season success as the Raiders may not be willing to throw him to the lions early in the season. But, if he was a guaranteed starting QB, he'd be going much higher than QB31. He is talented and will eventually get his chance. Though he could be available on your WW for much of the year, he is worth rostering as a QB3 if you have the space.

"Jeff Haseley" - In 3 of the 5 games he appeared in last year, Anderson managed to reach 17.0 fantasy points or more. That included games against defensive minded Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Anderson, who is a healthy 6'6 and 240 lbs, has great size for a starting QB in the NFL. Some call him the best QB on the roster. I think the Browns QB position is still very much up for grabs and Anderson just might be the one who doesn't allow Brady Quinn a chance in the NFL just yet.

"Jeff Haseley" - In 9 games last year, with the Chiefs Damon Huard had 11 TD passes, 1 INT, 60.6% completion pct, 4 multiple TD games, five games with 18.0 fantasy points or more, a 98.0 QB rating, which was 2nd only to Peyton Manning and lastly, which might be most important, 6 wins to his credit. I don't know about you, but if that's drawn out over a full season, we're talking Pro-Bowl. How can the Chiefs keep that ability on the bench? The answer - they can't. Huard picks up right where he left off.

Colin Dowling - Make no mistake, Josh McCown is only running the show until JaMarcus Russell is ready to lead the Raiders. That said, McCown has shown a very strong arm and some ability during his career. While there is a good chance he won't start the entire season, McCown will likely be available very late on draft day should you find yourself needing a starting quarterback in the late rounds.

"Jeff Tefertiller" - Kitna looked sharp last year but had times where he looked his age and his mobility was not what it once was. Martz has a reputation for getting his QBs creamed, just ask Marc Bulger. Stanton has QB1 or QB2 upside in that offense.