The Draft may be over, but don’t forget about the undrafted players. Check out three undrafted RB sleepers I think could be relevant this season.
The 2022 NFL Draft excitement is over and now it is time to start analyzing the landing spots. There were seven rounds and over 250 players selected, so the undrafted shouldn’t matter right? Well, quite the contrary. There have been diamonds found, so let’s talk about three RB sleepers I think could not only make the team but have a fantasy impact.
Abram Smith, RB, Baylor — New Orleans Saints
2021 Stats: 258 attempts, 1,598 rush yards, 12 TDs, 12 receptions, and 74 yards
Abram Smith was a player who I had high on my board, but many running backs went ahead of him. He ran for over 1,500 yards and was fifth in the NCAA in 10+ yard runs. Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints and could play the complementary role to Alvin Kamara.
Last year, Tony Jones Jr was supposed to play the “between the tackles” role but was so ineffective that they brought back aging veteran Mark Ingram. With a little bit of a rebuild happening, I could see Smith making the roster and getting solid touches to make sure Kamara is fresher during games. In 2021, Kamara averaged six more carries per game and logged the lowest yards per attempt of his career.
Jaylen Warren, RB, Oklahoma State — Pittsburgh Steelers
2021 Stats: 256 attempts, 1,216 rush yards, 11 TDs, 26 receptions, and 227 yards
Jaylen Warren was another sleeper for me who ended up not being drafted. He does not necessarily have elite speed, but he is a tough runner who finished second in the NCAA in missed tackles forced, behind only Kenneth Walker. Warren signed with the Steelers, and I think that he could work his way into second on the depth chart behind Najee Harris.
Najee Harris had 307 attempts last year as a rookie. The next highest was 36 by Benny Snell Jr. To prolong Harris’ career, I would imagine the Steelers would like to take some of those carries off of him. No one showed much behind Harris, so I think Warren could come in and bring tough running to this retooled offense.
Jashaun Corbin, RB, Florida State – Signed with Giants
2021 Stats: 142 attempts, 879 rush yards, 7 TDs, 24 receptions, and 144 yards
Jashaun Corbin did not have the numbers last year like the other two running backs but set career highs in all categories. On a bad team, he showed great burst and good receiving ability in 2021. 47% of Corbin’s runs went for 15 yards or more and averaged over 4.5 yards after contact.
It is no secret that the Giants have struggled as of late and much of that has to do with the injuries to Saquon Barkley. They brought in Matt Breida, but he is going to be used more in the passing game I believe. The Giants could use Corbin as a second back, and he could even fill in for an injured Barkley.
Summary
Now that the NFL Draft is over, many dynasty leagues have started their annual rookie drafts. I would not pick these undrafted RB sleepers but would take a flyer on them with waivers. Pick them up early before training camp to already have them and keep them for the season or possibly profit from trading them when their value goes up.
Thanks for checking out my article on three of my 2022 undrafted rookie sleepers. You can read all my work on my IDP Guys Author Page and find me on Twitter @hayeb3.
