2012 Fantasy Football Drafting Strategy: Late Round Picks to Consider

Mitch Stringer/US PRESSWIRE

Looking out those later round picks when the rest of the drafters are asleep at the wheel is when it's your time to grab sleepers.  Here is a list of sleepers to consider.

Most of these players have been going in the last four to five rounds of drafts.


Kevin Smith (RB, DET) - Jahvid Best is PUP and Mikel LeShoure is suspended.  Kevin Smith is the clear Week 1 and Week 2 starter in a solid offense.  If you are in a PPR league Kevin Smith will also see receptions and he should post extremely solid Week 1 numbers against St. Louis.  Always nice to start the season with a win and find a player late in the draft that will produce.

Cedric Benson (RB, GB) - Cedric Benson is going to split some time with Alex Green, but he is the clear starter while James Starks nurses his turf toe.  Benson has been getting enough attention now that he will probably keep rising in his overall draft pick during future drafts.  Don't get to crazy and draft him too high as I have seen some owners do, but if he slips then you can grab him.

Evan Royster (RB, WAS) - Evan Royster is just not getting any attention in drafts and he is clearly the best RB on Washington.  Take a look at his stats from the last three games of 2011.  He has the ability to get it done, the issue is Washington Coaching Staff is unpredictable and not always letting the lead dog get the lion share.  Royster is going so late in drafts and he is a strong sleeper for 2012.

Randall Cobb (WR, GB) - Randall Cobb will benefit from being the 3rd WR in Green Bay.  Driver and Jones are not rocking anyone's world and Jennings does have injury issues to think about.  Cobb can be taken very late in the draft and is worth stashing to see if he "pops" in Green Bay.

Nate Washington (WR, TEN) - Kenny Britt just doesn't give anyone any confidence.  Nate Washington is extremely reliable and should be one of Locker's main targets in 2012.  He is a solid PPR league WR and you should not hesitate to grab him late in your draft.

Titus Young (WR, DET) - Nate Burleson needs to look over his shoulder at Titus Young.  Young is going to be a better PPR league producer and dynasty league draft pick.  He is worth a late round pick and stash, but should not have a problem filling your bye weeks for you.

Greg Olsen (TE, CAR) - Shockey is gone and Olsen will benefit from being the solo TE in Carolina.  Enjoy solid production from a TE that is being draft late as a backup TE.  You can feel confident in his ability to produce in 2012 with Cam Newton at the helm.

Need a 2012 Draft Guide?  Check out Hatty Waiver Wire Guru Draft Guide

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