One of the main keys to a successful fantasy football season is both recognizing and grabbing players that are poised to make the leap into major relevancy. Drafting a sleeper who outperforms better named talent is the key to getting what you want out of your fantasy season. Keeping that in mind, here are five guys who just may fit the bill when you are talking about value picks.
Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints
Running back is the one position where finding the right guy is just as important as grabbing the ‘name’ guys. This year Ingram is in line to be just that type of back as 2013 is already looking to be the year he opens some eyes. During his first two seasons with the Saints, Ingram averaged just 3.9 yards per carry while battling numerous injuries. Now, entering his third season, he is finally 100 percent healthy and early indication is that he is impressing. Observers are tossing words like strong, fluid and fast when describing Ingram this summer and that could translate to big numbers once the season starts.
Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams
It’s put up or shut up time for Sam Bradford as the Rams are putting all the offensive onus on Bradford this year to get it done. With Stephen Jackson gone, Bradford will have to rely on a new spread offense along with new faces to throw to in order to impress this season. With talent like Jared Cook, Tavon Austin and Chris Givens surrounding him as well as the addition of lineman Jake Long, expect Bradford to have his best year yet.
Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks
With Percy Harvin out due to surgery and Sidney Rice having knee issues, the door is wide open for Tate to step up and steal the spotlight. Word out of Seahawks training camp is that he is doing just that with an amazing camp up to this point. Though not the biggest talent, Tate is reliable when he gets his touches, catching 68.8 percent of the 80 targets he had last season and with Seattle’s wideout corps like a M.A.S.H. Unit, expect big things from him, especially in the early part of the year.
Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis Rams
Early word coming out of Rams camp has Cook taking the place of the now departed Danny Amendola as quarterback Sam Bradford’s favorite target when under pressure. Measuring in at 6-5 and 248 lbs, Cook is going to be a matchup nightmare however he lines up and considering the Rams are using a new-look spread style offense this season, that could be anywhere. Consider Cook a potential top five tight end who will see the ball often. Finishing 2013 with 80 catches, 150 targets, and over 1000 yards is not out of the realm of possibility.
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
When you are putting together a winning fantasy team and you are past all the obvious names, what you are looking for most is value and consistency. Well, consider Cecil Shorts Mr. Consistent. In 2012, Shorts trailed only Calvin Johnson and Percy Harvin in per game point percentage. Basically, in 14 games he had 10 or more fantasy points in nine of them. He also finished only behind Justin Blackmon on the Jaguars with 106 targets. Consider him a solid number two receiver or a steal third in 2013.
James LeBeau is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @Jlebeau76 or subscribe on Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
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