Fantasy Football Sleepers: 7 Rookies That Could Be Late-Round Gems

None of these guys were first-round draft picks, but they’ve shown enough in preseason to think they can have some fantasy value.

If you're doing a dynasty draft or looking for sleepers that may have upside -- especially later in the season -- look no further than these seven rookies already impressing in the preseason. 

Michael Wilson, WR, Cardinals

Rob Schumacher/USA Today Sports Network

Wilson has been lining up on the outside in two- and three-WR sets this preseason, with Rondale Moore operating exclusively in the slot. That bodes well for the rookie third-round pick out of Stanford whose 6'4” frame also gives him an advantage. Wilson's college career was mired with injury, but his size and talent should fit well in the NFL if he can stay on the field.

Jalin Hyatt, WR, Giants

Hyatt has reportedly stood out in Giants practices, and he scored his first NFL touchdown in the second preseason game when he connected with Tyrod Taylor for a 33-yard trip to the end zone. Hyatt's blazing speed can take the top off a defense. At this year's NFL combine, Hyatt ran a 24.29 mph 40-yard dash. That was the third-fastest speed among the 208 players tracked and the fastest among all wideouts. Hyatt had a breakout season for the Volunteers in 2022, amassing 1,267 yards and 15 receiving touchdowns in his junior year. Those 15 scores were tied for the second-most in the NCAA and included a five-touchdown game vs. Alabama.

Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Rice will likely end up like all Chiefs receivers: boom or bust on any given week. Mahomes can make plays wherever and whenever he wants to, and the SMU receiver ranked top 10 in the country last season in both deep catches and screen catches. He joins Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore -- none of whom are the clear WR1 for Kansas City. Rice should run outside routes for the Chiefs, and that alone makes him worth a late-round pick.

Nathaniel "Tank" Dell, WR, Texans

Brian Fluharty/USA TODAY Sports

Don't let his size deter you; Nathaniel "Tank" Dell has consistently beat his coverage in preseason action. The Texans got Dell in the third round despite the fact the receiver accumulated 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns in his junior and final year at Houston and his 19 missed tackles were top 25 in the country. The receiving room is wide open in Houston, and if Dell and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud connect, Dell could be an incredible draft-day value.

Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears

Roschon Johnson spent much of his college career stuck behind Bijan Robinson at UT, otherwise we probably would have heard more about him. The fourth-round pick for the Bears has impressed in preseason, even breaking off a 24-yard run vs. the Titans last week. Johnson is a tough runner, unafraid to be physical. After losing David Montgomery to Detroit, there is certainly opportunity for Johnson. Khalil Herbert and D'onta Foreman are ahead of him for now, but as the season progresses, Johnson's fresh legs could be a boon for the Bears.

Deuce Vaughn, RB, Cowboys

Another player whose size should not deter you is Deuce Vaughn, who is putting on a brilliant preseason campaign to secure a spot in the Cowboys’ backfield. With Ronald Jones already set to miss a pair of games, Vaughn may be able to do it, too. The 5'5” runner out of Kansas State is capturing the attention of Cowboys fans in the preseason as he has proven to be an elusive runner tallying 64 yards and two touchdowns in two preseason games for Dallas.

Luke Musgrave, TE, Packers

Musgrave is going largely undrafted in fantasy drafts, and that should change. Musgrave played at Oregon State and was one of the best pass-catching tight ends in this year's rookie class. He's a massive target (6’6”) that also ran a 4.61 40. Musgrave has been impressing early in camp and is connecting with new QB Jordan Love. It's within the realm of possibility that he could wind up a top-two target for the Packers this season, as inexperienced quarterbacks often lean on their tight ends.