As NFL training camps rage on and preseason games get underway, keen fantasy managers are looking to find the best players for their roster this upcoming season. Sometimes, all it takes is some solid detective work during camp to find the most impactful, up-and-coming players.
Understanding workloads, training camp reps, and positional battles could give you a direct path to fantasy glory.
Which skill players have stood out this preseason? When and why should I draft these sleepers? We've done the dirty work for you, scouring all 32 teams' training camps in an effort to find your new favorite draft targets.
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Who is the Star of 49ers Camp? Fantasy Football Outlooks
Day in and day out, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has drawn the praise of coaches and media members at 49ers training camp. The former first-round pick is heading into his third season with the 49ers, and although he'll be the second option behind 2021 stud Deebo Samuel, Aiyuk appears ready to compete for a massive role in the offense this season.
Reporters have highlighted the fact that Aiyuk has been unguardable in camp, consistently beating man coverage with ease. He is in fantastic, physical shape and continues to build a very strong rapport with starter Trey Lance.
After a quiet start to 2021, Aiyuk was the overall WR16 from Weeks 8 to 18. Finishing as a high-end WR2 is well within the range of outcomes for Aiyuk as he continues to thrive and Samuel faces inevitable regression.
Will This Colts Receiver Finally Break Out? Fantasy Football Outlooks
For the last three years, Parris Campbell has generated loads of hype during camp. The result? Just 15 games of action, 362 receiving yards, and two touchdowns through three seasons. Injuries have held him back significantly, but perhaps that all changes this year.
Once again, Campbell has stood out among the receivers. Not only has he turned heads with his playmaking abilities, but the offense looked significantly worse when Campbell missed practice due to a tight hamstring.
With a new quarterback in Matt Ryan and a clear path to the No. 2 role, Campbell could finally achieve the breakout season that everybody has been waiting for as long as he stays healthy. With an ADP of 220 (WR81), he is absolutely worth grabbing in the later rounds of fantasy drafts and stashing in hopes that he can accomplish big things in 2022.
Who Stands Out in Kansas City? Fantasy Football Outlooks
Rookie running back Isiah Pacheco has been the talk of camp for the Kansas City Chiefs. Although he faces competition from Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones, and Jerick McKinnon, Pacheco is capable of making a name for himself, competing to earn a roster spot and meaningful playing time.
Pacheco has been praised for his intelligence, size, physicality, and speed. He has looked shifty yet strong out of the backfield while also earning reps as a receiver. Perhaps most notable is that players and coaches have hyped up Pacheco without even being asked about him by the media. He has made such a strong impact that those within the Kansas City organization can't help but take notice and praise him.
Pacheco enters the draft season with an ADP of 273 (RB76). Even though he might not make an impact in Week 1, he has a strong chance to rise up the depth chart and achieve fantasy relevance this season.
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