Fantasy Football: One Deep Sleeper Candidate From Every NFL Team
Malcolm Mitchell, WR, New England Patriots
The New England Patriots' skill position depth chart is loaded with talent, so you can forgive the fantasy community for turning a blind eye, essentially, to 2016 fourth-round pick Malcolm Mitchell. Still, he was the rare young receiver to actually get on the field in the Tom Brady era, and Mitchell finished his rookie season with 32 receptions for 401 yards and 4 touchdowns. And with the recent season-ending ACL injury to Julian Edelman, 159 additional targets are now up for grabs.
In addition, the last time we saw Mitchell, which was in Super Bowl 51, he was busy catching 6 passes for 70 yards and playing a major role in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. Even with the injury to Edelman, in terms of pecking order in the passing game, Mitchell likely ranks no better than fifth, stuck behind more notable names such as Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks, James White, and perhaps even Chris Hogan. That is certainly reflected in his cost, but it is not a reflection of his talent nor his upside should he break into the rotation.
Entering the NFL, Mitchell tested as an above average athlete, and while he certainly isn't an elite size/speed freak like some on this list, at 6'0", 200 pounds and with 4.45 wheels, he can present matchup problems for a defense. Perhaps what was most impressive, however, was his ability to run precision routes on the outside, a role veteran receivers have struggled to fill over the years in this offense. And he was doing it as a rookie.
And, hey, if Brady wants to play until his mid 40s, that leaves plenty of time for Mitchell to ascend the depth chart in one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history. And we have zero idea what this depth chart could look like in the next year. Will the team be willing to pay Cooks when he hits free agency? Will Edelman and Gronk continue to struggle to stay healthy? Will Brady throw for 6,000 yards and 60 touchdowns and put everyone on the offense in the Pro Bowl like your Madden team when you keep it on All Pro?
The point is, you want a piece of this offense, and Mitchell is a cheap option with untapped potential.
Keep an Eye on
Austin Carr, receiver -- The Patriots landed a rookie free agent slot receiver who Pro Football Focus rated as the best slot receiver in the nation in 2016 -- you better believe I'm keeping an eye on him. The quicker-than-fast prospect is seeking to become the next Edelman, and Carr's 6.70 three-cone time indicates he has the change-of-direction ability to excel in that role. With Edelman now on injured reserve, look for Carr to make a strong push for a roster spot.
