Fantasy Football: 12 sleepers to consider in the later rounds of drafts

• The new QB1 in Washington: Sam Howell has looked impressive this preseason and offers significant fantasy upside thanks to his offensive weapons and rushing ability.
• Rookie tight ends set to buck the trend: Both Sam LaPorta and Luke Musgrave are poised for big receiving roles in Year 1 and can be had at a rookie discount.
• High-end running back handcuffs: Tank Bigsby, Tyler Allgeier, and Jaylen Warren are worth betting on late in drafts, even just to stash early in the season.

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

There is often plenty of value in the later rounds of fantasy drafts as not everyone is as tuned into the options going outside of the first 10 rounds or so. This list will highlight some of the more enticing fantasy options to target in those double-digit rounds of drafts to take a flier on and potentially pay off in a big way. Some of these players are already likely to be on the rise for those paying attention, so get in on them at a discount while you still can.

QB Sam Howell, Washington Commanders

Consensus ADP: 220.5 (QB28)

• Howell was named the team’s Week 1 starter prior to Washington’s second preseason game, which is obviously crucial for his fantasy value.
• With that starting role locked in, Howell has a case to be considered the best late-round fantasy QB for the 2023 season.
• The Commanders offer strong offensive weapons for Howell to throw to, including Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Antonio Gibson, while also getting Eric Bieniemy as the team’s new offensive coordinator, and he should only help the offense.
• Howell started one game in 2022 and finished as the fantasy QB8. We got a taste of everything he could be as a fantasy asset, both good and bad.
• Howell highlighted his passing potential and ability to utilize his high-end weapons, but there were also some bumps, including an interception in the end zone.
• Howell’swillingness to scramble should only help, which he also showed in that Week 18 with a rushing touchdown.
• Howell has continued to showcase these abilities in the preseason, only making him more enticing as a quarterback with a higher fantasy ceiling compared to a lot of the options going around him in these very late rounds of drafts.

QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers

Consensus ADP: 177.5 (QB22)