Every season fantasy owners begin trolling the internet for this year's best sleeper picks, and honestly by the time the season rolls around, everyone is aware of who these players are. That said, we still want to feed our fantasy hunger, so we at Fantasy Knuckleheads shall endeavor to bring you a few of our favorite sleeper prospects going into 2010. This may include, rookies, veterans or even fringe players.
Remember, a sleeper is someone who outperforms his draft position. Some of last season's performers who put up number's well beyond their average draft position (ADP) included Thomas Jones, Ricky Williams, Miles Austin, the New Orleans Saints defense, Vernon Davis, Visanthe Shiancoe, and even Brett Favre among several others.
This season one of the guys I'm very hopeful for is Tashard Choice. He should be starting somewhere, but Dallas has been smart enough not to trade his talent away. Given a shot, Choice could take over a team's running game like Rashard Mendenhall did in Pittsburgh, or Jamaal Charles in Kansas City. Below are five reasons why Choice is a strong 2010 fantasy football sleeper breakout candidate.
Tashard Choice, RB - Dallas Cowboys
ADP: 169 overall - 49th RB selected
Rushing Receiving Season G GS Att Yard Avg TD Target Rec Yard Avg TD 2008 16 3 92 472 5.1 2 30 21 185 8.8 0 2009 16 0 64 349 5.5 3 22 15 132 8.8 0
There is much talk in Big D about who will be the primary back of the Cowboys 3-headed RBBC (running back by committee). With the majority of ink spent on Felix Jones over Marion Barber or vice versa. Everyone knows Choice has skills but he is sitting third on the depth chart. Still the sleeper talent is waiting to explode on some one's fantasy roster.
- He is the team's most complete running back. He runs, catches and blocks. Marion Barber is the goal line closer, and Felix Jones is an explosive outside runner, but only Choice can do it all. Tashard could be a primary back on another team.
- Injuries - Each season Barber, Jones or both spend time hurt. Choice is only an injury away from true fantasy relevance.
- Marion Barber may be traded or cut. There are rumblings that Barber could be on his way out of Dallas by season's end.
- Despite being the team's third back and playing in a limited role, Choice still had as many targets as Felix Jones last season and as many touchdowns.
Summary: Choice is one of those guys who could explode out of nowhere and be a top pick in 2011 if the opportunity arises, and this season that opportunity could come knocking. He's currently being drafted 25 picks later than LaDainian Tomlinson who is likely to be a major bust for the New York Jets this season. You're better off taking a flier on a guy like Choice with high upside and less risk later in the draft. If you're in a dynasty league, now is the time to get him.
ADP taken from our friends at MyFantasyLeague.com
