11 Fantasy Football Sleepers to Target This Year

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints

By Tony DelSignore

Saints rookie wide receiver Michael Thomas has both talent and opportunity. Over the past two seasons at Ohio State, Thomas boasted a 14.4 yards per catch average on 110 receptions to go along with 18 touchdowns. Pro Football Focus had him with a ridiculously low 4.0% percent drop rate over the last two years, too, which was easily one of the best in the nation.

In New Orleans, with long-time target Marques Colston out of the picture, Thomas has a clear path to production. Colston ended last year with 67 targets despite missing three games.

Let's also remember that Benjamin Watson -- and his 74 receptions and 6 touchdowns -- is now in Baltimore. At 6'3" 212 pounds, it's reasonable to think that Thomas will be one of Brees' favorite red zone targets.

As the 58th wide receiver being taken in drafts, there's no reason to think Thomas couldn't flirt with numbers similar to what Colston did in his rookie season (70 catches, 1,038 yards, 8 scores) if he were to win the inside job. And at that point in the draft, you should be looking for ceiling.