Sleeper picks; every team contains them, and they aren't the easiest guys to find, but the writers at fantasyknuckleheads.com work rigorously to help you find all the diamonds in the rough. Today, we will be dissecting the Redskins roster, picking out everyone that is worth a look in your fantasy draft. We are going to scan every position to ensure everything is unveiled, and nothing is left in the dark. Let's get to it.
Quarterback
Relevant Players: Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins
This may surprise some, but listing Robert Griffin III as a sleeper pick makes sense. He isn't regarded as one of the best Quarterbacks available in the draft due mostly in part to his lack of production in 2013. Let's face it. RG3 wasn't fully healthy during last season no matter what anyone said. The main question you want to consider while pondering the thought of adding him to your team is, "can he stay healthy in 2014?"
It is common to receive many mixed answers for a question like this, but his health ultimately comes down to the offensive line and coaching. Head Coach Jay Gruden used to play Quarterback at Louisville, so he knows the position and can be a good teacher for Griffin III. Gruden has yet to handle head coaching duties on an NFL team, but he has coaching experience in other areas and it would be safe to bet that coaching will not be an issue as it has been in previous years.
So, this matter comes down to the Washington offensive line. Can RG3 get quality protection this season? Offensive Guard Shawn Lauvao was added in Free Agency. The team also drafted Morgan Moses and Spencer Long to help fill in the gaps. These additions could pay off in the long run, but it doesn't look like the offensive line is ready to significantly improve in 2014. Despite what performance the O-Line may show, Griffin III still has an impressive group of receivers who will help boost his fantasy numbers.
Let's not overlook Griffin's individual talent, either. No matter how many surgeries he has had, the talent is still there, and teams have reason to be afraid of his ability. If you like to wait in the draft to get your Quarterback for the season, then Robert Griffin III is your guy. If he is there in the middle rounds (after you've gotten your fill of WR's and RB's), you would be crazy to pass on him. He has the potential to go above 300 points this season in a standard league. Remember that when making your decision.
Nobody wants to read this, but in the event of another RG3 injury, Kirk Cousins holds a respectable amount of fantasy value as well. His career has been up and down so far, but the Redskins roster has talent, and Kirk Cousins can utilize every bit of it if he is called upon. If Robert goes down with an injury, you may want to consider adding Cousins to your fantasy team quickly. He isn't the best backup in the National Football League for nothing.
Running Back
Relevant Players: Alfred Morris, Roy Helu Jr.
Even after two full years of nothing but sheer power and domination on the football field, Alfred Morris still isn't at the top of anybody's RB list. He's climbing, but he isn't quite where he should be, either. Redskins fans understand his value and talent, but others seem to overlook the third year Running Back.
This could turn out to be a good thing for you and your fantasy team. You will almost never see Alfred picked in the first round, and it is probable that you will see him drop all the way to the middle of the second or even top of the third round. Take advantage of opportunities like this. Morris isn't the most flashy RB in the league, but his consistency will make you feel confident in starting him every week of the season. Don't worry if you don't have a top five pick and you can't get the best Running Back on the board. Wait it out and pick Morris in the second or third. You won't be disappointed with the production you get out of him.
Roy Helu Jr. is a name that not too many outsiders (not Redskins fans) know about. However, he does hold some fantasy value, especially in the new offense run by Jay Gruden. In Cincinnati, Gruden liked to use two RB's (BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Giovanni Bernard). He may do the same in Washington. Morris is known for his power and vision as a ball carrier, but Roy Helu Jr. possesses speed, elusiveness, and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. This could make for a deadly combo if used correctly.
With that said, it wouldn't be a good idea to pick him very high in the draft. Wait until one of the very last rounds to snatch him up. You could even just pick him up off the waiver wire if you prefer that instead. If something happens during the season and Helu Jr. is forced to make the start at Running Back for Washington, you may want to consider him. He has the experience and puts up solid numbers when given the opportunity. He scored 120 fantasy points in his rookie season as a starter. There is no reason why he can't do that again.
Wide Receiver
Relevant Players: Andre Roberts
It was thought that Roberts was signed to be Washington's number two Wide Receiver; this was before DeSean Jackson came into the picture. Now, Roberts is third on the depth chart and he is ready to make a name for himself. In 2012 (Arizona Cardinals), he started 15 games and racked up 109 points for his fantasy owners. A year later, Roberts played a reduced role and his production was nearly cut in half. Unfortunately, this was due to Roberts being stuck behind Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd on the depth chart.
We have yet to see exactly how Roberts will be used in Gruden's offense, but he is the third best receiver on the roster and he will get his fair share of touches. His worst year in fantasy football came just last year, in which he scored a measly 59 points. It's hard to see that number falling any further in 2014. Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will take some of the pressure off of Roberts, enabling him to make the most out of his opportunities. Expect his fantasy numbers to climb this season. Pick him up off waivers, because he won't be drafted. Wait to see how he performs in preseason if that's what floats your boat. If you like what you see, consider him a good flex option during the season.
Tight End
Relevant Players: Jordan Reed
He was number 12 on NFL.com's "Making the Leap" list. Reed has tons of potential and Robert Griffin III trusts him as a pass catcher. He catches almost everything thrown his way and he has big play ability after the catch. He wouldn't be as overlooked if he didn't have injury problems. He had concussion issues last season and needs to stay healthy if he wants to earn the trust of fantasy owners.
Reed was a pleasant surprise last season for those who were lacking quality Tight End play. However, most believe that he hasn't even come close to his ceiling yet. Instead of spending a second round pick on Jimmy Graham, pick up Jordan Reed in the middle rounds. He may not put up legendary numbers in 2014, but you can expect his stock to climb if he stays healthy for all 16 games.
Defense
You might be thinking that I'm totally off my rocker, but I'm not. Washington has added key pass rushers such as Trent Murphy and Jason Hatcher. They've also added to the secondary with Ryan Clark, Tracy Porter, and Bashaud Breeland. Not to mention that the Redskins already have talented pass rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.
This is most certainly a new look defense and they could surprise fantasy owners this season. With that said, this isn't what anyone would call a top five defense. They have the right core, but there are still some areas that need to be polished. Therefore, you want to give them a look very late in the Draft if you are in need of a defense. They may even be left right on the waiver wire, waiting to be picked up. Don't listen to what everyone says about the "horrible" Redskins defense. This is a revamped unit and they have a chance to do great things this season.
