Amongst all the fantasy sleepers I have written about, every so often I like to really dig deep into the sleeper bin and pull up a guy who is totally flying not only under the radar, but is off the radar completely. In 2011, I wrote up a piece about Colts RB Delone Carter. No Carter didn't live up to the hype I threw at him in 2011, but he is someone who could be a factor in 2012.
A few months ago, I wrote about Broncos RB Mario Fannin. The jury is still out on Fannin, who figures to be in a three-way competition with Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman for the backup spot behind Willis McGahee. But if he practices as well as he did last year in training camp, he could still have a shot. In this sleeper addition, I am going to dig just as deep and pull out a guy who could fight for playing time in a young Colts offense.
Ladies and Gentleman, I give you WR T.Y. Hilton.
I'd like to say something before I go any further. These guys that I list might or might not pan out. I'm not telling anyone to grab these guys within the first 10-12 rounds of any draft. But in the last few rounds, grabbing one of these guys would be a good choice because if they pan out, AWESOME. If not, then you really didn't waste a high pick on them. Either way, you make out. And you may have found a hidden gem in the process.
With that out of the way, let's look at Hilton's college career. This guy blew up. In a run-oriented offense at Florida International, Hilton racked up 229 receptions for 3,531 yards and 24 TDs over four seasons. A speed demon with a 4.37 forty at his Pro Day, Hilton runs crisp routes and is great on vertical routes down the seam. The biggest drawback with Hilton is his size (5'10/183) and is on the frail side, pulling his hamstring at his Pro Day. Now that he is over the injury, he has looked much better recently.
Bottom Line:
With Austin Collie currently dealing with his fourth concussion in three years, Hilton could have a bigger role than previously thought. Although, I don't see him being consistent since he's a rookie playing with a rookie quarterback. If your league gives points for return yards, Hilton could be worth the pickup since he figures to be the team's primary kick returner.
For other sleeper options for 2012, READ MORE.
