Redraft season is right around the corner. Here are some sleepers for redraft that would not be starters based on current ADP.
Training camp is quickly approaching and, not too long after that, preseason football will be here. It is time for all you fantasy football addicts to start preparing for your fantasy football drafts. I decided to take a step outside of dynasty and give some 2022 redraft sleepers. All of the ADPs listed are from FantasyPros, who takes the consensus for 2022 from Fantrax, Sleeper, and RTSports.
For running backs and wide receivers, I took players outside of the top 30 because most leagues start two at each position. Also, both positions can be placed in flex spots. For tight ends, I chose players drafted outside the top 12. Let’s go ahead and dive into the sleepers for redraft you should pay attention to.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns
RB33, 88th Overall Pick
I know many prefer Nick Chubb in the Cleveland backfield, and I tend to agree. But he is getting drafted 71 spots ahead of Kareem Hunt and there is more of a split than people think. Hunt only played in eight games last year but was tied for 20th in fantasy points per game. Hunt and Chubb played together in seven games and, in those, Hunt only had a snap share over 50% once.
In the seven games that both Hunt and Chubb played, the opportunities were split 45% to 55% when looking at attempts and targets. Hunt had 105 opportunities, and Chubb had 128 opportunities. There will be some time the team will be led by Jacoby Brissett, so the running work should even be larger. Hunt is a steal at ADP and could very well be a top 20 RB this season alongside Nick Chubb.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Miami Dolphins
RB34, 92nd Overall Pick
Chase Edmonds spent four years in Arizona and was never given the lead-back role. Many say that much of that is due to his size and inability to stay healthy. In reality, he has only missed eight games in four years and only five games in the last two years. Edmonds’ touches have gone up every year and was the highest in 2021 at over 13 a game.
Last year James Conner had the better fantasy year, but Edmonds had the higher yards per attempt — 5.1 to 3.7. Even missing five games, Edmonds finished 18th in targets among RBs. With the new offense under Mike McDaniel, Edmonds is slated to be the lead back and could have a breakout year and finish among the top 24 among RBs.
Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
WR43, 108th Overall Pick
The Jaguars were a mess last year; many, including myself, believe they overpaid for Christian Kirk in free agency. That can be true, and he still is an upgrade to the receiver room from 2021. Kirk will provide some extra talent and speed for Trevor Lawrence in 2022.
Even with the bad offense, Marvin Jones finished as WR 34, and the Jaguars had two receivers with over 100 targets. Per Player Profiler, Kirk finished 22nd in average yards of separation per target compared to Jones at #85 and Laviska Shenault at #72. As the number one receiver, Kirk should get more targets and finish well within the top 30 at WR this year.
Russell Gage, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR45, 116th Overall Pick
Tom Brady is back, but one of his weapons may be slow going to start the season. Chris Godwin tore his ACL late in 2021, so there is indecision about when he will be back and how soon he will be 100%. Mike Evans had more touchdowns, but Godwin lead the team in targets, receptions, and yards.
With Antonio Brown gone, Tampa Bay made an underrated signing of Russell Gage in the offseason. Last year Brady showed that he can still sling it, and Gage finished as WR 38 even with missing three games. Gage has had over 90 targets in the last two seasons and, in 2020, was top 12 in slot snaps. Gage should be able to occupy a lot of the snaps by Godwin in the slot and should well outproduce his ADP of WR45.
Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
TE21, 166th Overall Pick
Justin Herbert had another great year, and many want the receivers associated with him. The Chargers are looking for a new tight end, and Gerald Everett could have the best year of his career. Last year an aging Jared Cook had 83 targets and finished as TE15 with only a 57.8% catch rate.
In his only year in Seattle, Everett had his best year in all categories, including in catch rate at over 76%. Per Player Profiler, Everett was ranked third in true catch rate compared to Cook at number 29. Being paired with Herbert should allow Everett to thrive and could be a top 10 TE this year. Everett could be a great value pick in redraft, if you are waiting on TE.
Thanks for checking out my article on Sleepers for Redraft. You can read all my work on my IDP Guys Author Page and find me on Twitter @hayeb3.
