Fantasy Football: One Deep Sleeper Candidate From Every NFL Team

Jaron Brown, WR, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has made it no secret that he hasn't been pleased with the progress of his wide receiver group this summer. With John Brown struggling with health issues related to sickle cell trait, J.J. Nelson struggling with drops, and rookie Chad Williams battling a shin injury and inconsistency. In fact, Arians expressed favor with only two players: Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald and fifth-year pro Jaron Brown.

As a refresher, Jaron Brown was buried on a depth chart at Clemson that featured players like Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins, Martavis Bryant, Andre Ellington and Adam Humphries. No slouch himself, Brown ran a 4.4 40-yard-dash at 6'2" 204 pounds, with an impressive 6.82 3-cone drill and a 35.5-inch vertical leap. On a team loaded with amazing athletes, Brown, as it turns out, was also an amazing athlete.

But inexperience and a lack of polish as a route runner have limited him to spot duty during the early portions of his career. Brown has posted just 55 receptions for 700 yards over his first four seasons, although a torn ACL early last season derailed what could have been a breakout year given the limitations John Brown was facing.

The Cardinals have ranked second and sixth, respectively, over the past two years in points, and they love to throw the ball, ranking third in pass attempts in 2016. In 2015 they were the top-ranked offense in football based on our metrics, although they certainly took a step back last year (16th) as injuries and inexperience on the offensive line limited their effectiveness.

In terms of targets, the team has 70 to replace with the departed Michael Floyd, and if John Brown (73 targets in 2016) isn't right, a 100-target season is well within reason should Jaron Brown demonstrate he is healthy and has developed into a real weapon. He should be on the radar in all formats, and he is likely worth a roster spot in deeper dynasty formats.