Sleeper Watch

Sleeper: An NFL player who is slightly under the radar but is poised for a breakout fantasy season. Deep Sleeper: A player who may have been labeled a bust or is virtually unknown, who you draft while the other owners are cleaning up pizza boxes at the end of your draft… but one who could also be poised for a breakout season.

With those definitions in mind, let’s take a look at two deep sleeper candidates at the receiver position that could reap many rewards for the fantasy owners who take a chance on them.

1. Mike Williams, Oakland Raiders: Huh? Isn’t this the “fat-boy” who couldn’t keep his weight down in Detroit? Didn’t he earn Mike Martz’ stare-of-death as he consistently underperformed last season? Didn’t quarterback Josh McCown have more catches than Williams (no, but close!)?

While Williams earned his reputation, the former first-round pick enters the 2007 season as a bona fide deep sleeper candidate. Williams was sent to Oakland as part of the trade that sent the above-mentioned McCown to the Raiders from Detroit. Make no mistake, McCown won’t be lining up wide this season, he’ll be mentoring rookie JaMarcus Russell in the fine art of quarterbacking. Williams however may finally get his shot to shine.

In Oakland, Williams rejoins Lane Kiffin, who was his mentor at USC. That was during Williams’ “glory years,” when he was sure-fire top-10 choice in the 2004 NFL draft. Then came the infamous NFL ruling, which kept Williams and bad-boy Maurice Clarrett out of the NFL until the following season. Williams sat at home for a year, but was still drafted in the first round by Detroit. After two underperforming seasons, Williams was cut loose and traded to Oakland.

Williams has a good shot at earning some playing time in Oakland. He has the size and bulk (maybe a bit too much bulk!) to be successful at the WR position. If anyone can get the most out of Williams, it’s Lane Kiffin. Williams will make a good pick towards the end of your draft, especially for you dynasty league players who have the roster space to let him sit and develop in Oaktown.

2. Troy Williamson, Minnesota Vikings: Many people have given up on the former first-rounder after he had a dismal 2006 campaign. Add in the fact Williamson was projected to take Randy Moss’ place in the Vikings’ lineup, and you have all the classic signs of a bust player. But that isn’t where the story ends…

This past off-season, Williamson was diagnosed with depth perception and eye problems. His right eye was weaker than his left, making catching over his left shoulder extremely difficult. These problems plagued him all throughout the 2006 season, making him unable to concentrate properly when the ball was heading his way. Was this an excuse? Sure it was, but when a medical problem arises, most players earn a second chance.

Such is the case with Williamson. He has been a model team player this off-season, and is working with famed Nike vision consultant Alan Reichow at the Nike headquarters. In fact, his position coach estimated that he has caught over 13,000 balls since his Nike evaluation. Williamson has looked great in OTAs, even making a few spectacular catches and drawing praise from his coaches. Sure, he has 2007 second round pick Sidney Rice looking over his shoulder as well as free agent signee Bobby Wade, but that’s why Williamson is a deep sleeper candidate.

Let’s face it; Wade is better suited as a slot receiver, and Rice is a rookie and an unknown prospect at this point. Williamson has the upper hand, if he can see straight and concentrate well enough to do so. At least for now, it appears that he can.

Both of these guys are capable of putting up nice numbers in 2007, but both could also fall flat on their faces and permanently etch the “bust” label on their fantasy status. If you’re willing to take a shot and have the roster space to do so, take a late round flyer on one of these deep sleepers. If you’re in a dynasty league, both are well worth holding onto and seeing how they pan out.

(46 votes, average: 3.15 out of 5)  Loading ... Questions or comments for Dan? Post them in the Cafe Forums! Want to see your own fantasy wisdom published? Check out the Cafe's Pencil & Paper section!