2007 fantasy sleepers

By Michael Fabiano

The word "sleeper" has been defined in several different ways over the years, but the basis of the term in the world of fantasy football centers around a player who can be a terrific bargain in drafts. As owners who landed Philip Rivers, Frank Gore, Maurice Jones-Drew and Marques Colston last season can attest, the right sleepers can be the difference between a decent team and one that contends for a fantasy championship. In our never-ending quest to help owners reach the paramount of their leagues, here are 20 players who either have nice sleeper potential or could be undervalued in drafts.

Jason Campbell, QB, Washington: Campbell showed flashes of serious potential in his seven starts last season, and all the offseason reports on him have praised his leadership skills and his strong, accurate arm. The Auburn product has a chance to produce 3,000-plus passing yards with 18-22 total touchdowns and is worth a late-round selection in drafts.

Jay Cutler, QB, Denver: The heir apparent to Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, Cutler possesses an incredible arm and should thrive under head coach Mike Shanahan in his first full season as the starter. With offensive weapons such as Travis Henry and Javon Walker at his disposal, the talented Cutler could be a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy quarterback.

Jon Kitna, QB, Detroit: Kitna isn't a traditional sleeper, but several components are well in his favor and could mean a career season is in the cards. He has an immense offensive arsenal that includes Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson and Mike Furrey and the Lions face the second-easiest pass schedule, so Kitna could become a low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco: The loss of former offensive coordinator Norv Turner will hurt, but Smith should still continue to develop for the Niners. With Frank Gore in the backfield to keep defenses honest and the presence of Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie and Vernon Davis in the pass attack, Smith could become a nice asset for some fantasy footballers.

Chris Henry, RB, Tennessee: Henry's value did take a hit when the Titans re-signed veteran Chris Brown, so he will still be on the board in the late rounds and could become a nice value. Head coach Jeff Fisher considered Henry to be a first-round talent despite his lack of playing time at the collegiate level, so the team feels he has the tools to find success.

Brandon Jackson, RB, Green Bay: Vernand Morency might be considered the current favorite to start for the Packers, but Jackson will be allowed a chance to unseat him on the depth chart. A versatile back who has drawn comparisons to Ahman Green, the former Nebraska standout could be worth as much as a middle-round selection if he wins the top role.

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta: Norwood is an ultra-explosive runner with the skills to find the end zone each time he touches the football, so new head coach Bob Petrino will no doubt utilize him in a prominent fashion. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock if Norwood even recorded more carries than veteran starter Warrick Dunn, who will be 32 to start the season.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina: Williams is expected to share the workload with DeShaun Foster, but we believe the versatile back will see far more carries in his second pro season. He lost five pounds in the offseason and will be much more effective in the team's new zone-blocking scheme, which is similar to the one he thrived in as a collegiate runner.

Mark Clayton, WR, Baltimore: Clayton was a very productive option for fantasy football owners late last season, and he should continue that sort of statistical success into 2007. An explosive wideout with terrific route-running abilities, Clayton has the tools to record 1,000-plus yards with five to seven touchdowns and can be a nice No. 2 fantasy wideout.

Ronald Curry, WR, Oakland: A former collegiate quarterback, Curry recorded career bests in receptions and receiving yards last season and is locked into a prominent role after the trade of Randy Moss (Patriots). New head coach Lane Kiffin will look to throw the football often, so look for Curry to record solid numbers and emerge as a viable option for owners.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland: A third-year wide receiver, Edwards has shown flashes of potential in his first two pro seasons and has the tools to produce his first 1,000-yard season. While there are some questions at the quarterback position, Edwards should be a prominent component for head coach Romeo Crennel and is worth a middle-round choice.

D.J. Hackett, WR, Seattle: Hackett showed some flashes of brilliance at the end of last season, and the fact that the Seahawks traded Darrell Jackson to San Francisco is a real show of confidence in the Colorado product. Slated to start with Deion Branch, Hackett should produce career bests across the board and become a nice No. 3 fantasy wideout.

Devery Henderson, WR, New Orleans: Henderson, who is in a contract year, is the favorite to replace Joe Horn (Falcons) and start opposite Marques Colston. A true burner with the skills to stretch defenses and make an impact in the vertical pass attack, Henderson could produce monster numbers in some weeks and will be worth a middle-round choice.

Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh: Considered the favorite to start opposite Hines Ward, Holmes should have a number of chances to produce for the Steelers in his second pro season. A true speedster who recorded an impressive 824 receiving yards as a rookie, Holmes will be well worth a late-round selection in those leagues with 12-plus teams.

Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego: With veteran Keenan McCardell (free agent) no longer in the mix, Jackson is now the top option for Philip Rivers in the Chargers' pass attack. A large target at 6-foot-5, 241 pounds, Jackson should be a terrific red-zone option for Rivers and has all the abilities to become a viable No. 3 fantasy wideout across the board.

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay: Jennings opened his rookie season like a house of fire, but an injured ankle caused his numbers to slide the rest of the season. The Western Michigan product is back to 100 percent and is entrenched as a starter for head coach Mike McCarthy, so look for Jennings to be a popular middle-to-late round selection in all drafts.

Brandon Jones, WR, Tennessee:
ones, who is about to enter his third NFL season, is considered the favorite to open the regular season as the Titans' No. 1 wide receiver now that the status of David Givens is in doubt. He wrapped up last season with six receptions, 154 yards and one touchdown in his final two starts, and Jones should build on that success.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver: An attractive low-end sleeper candidate, Marshall is slated to take over for Rod Smith as the Broncos' No. 2 wide receiver. He showed some real potential in the offense late last season, so head coach Mike Shanahan is certain to utilize Marshall in a more prominent fashion. Owners should consider as a nice late-round flier.

David Martin, TE, Miami: A talented pass catcher who could become a reliable red-zone option for Trent Green, Martin is expected to start for new head coach Cam Cameron. While injuries have been an issue in the past, Martin has some definite potential in the Dolphins new offense and is well worth a late-round selection as a No. 2 fantasy tight end.

Olindo Mare, K, New Orleans: Once considered a solid fantasy football kicker, Mare had fallen from the graces of owners in his final seasons in Miami. However, an offseason trade to the Saints, who play more than half of their games in a dome and field an offense that will no doubt score a ton of points, will now put Mare back on the draft-day radar.