Six late-round lottery tickets headline Thunder Dan Paylo's 2025 fantasy football sleepers, with clear paths to breakout if things break right in the offense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Woody Marks, Dont'e Thornton Jr., Elijah Arroyo, Adonai Mitchell, and Isaac TeSlaa are highlighted as high-upside targets you can realistically snag in the final rounds for upside rather than roster fill.

Strategy centers on exploiting depth-chart openings: Croskey-Merritt could gain touches if Washington moves on from Brian Robinson Jr.; Marks steps in as a potential early-down/backup weapon for Houston; Thornton Jr. profiles as a big-field WR who could emerge as Raiders’ WR2; Arroyo offers big-play upside at tight end with Noah Fant gone; Mitchell and TeSlaa carry upside as late-round bets in Indy and Detroit, respectively, if their quarterbacks improve or injuries create opportunities.

The piece stresses the draft’s middle rounds as the frontier, where knowing top handcuffs and rookie depth charts matters. Autodraft aside, these sleepers form a cohesive late-round group that could anchor fantasy rosters in weeks to come, especially in best-ball and superflex formats, where volatility can translate to weekly rewards.

Deep sleepers can unlock upside in deeper fantasy formats by finding players who aren’t staple picks in standard leagues but show enough playmaking and path to opportunity to become weekly differentiators. This season’s list centers on players who could pop in 12- or 14-team formats, dynasty leagues, or IDP setups, offering potential late-round targets and an early-season watchlist for prospective pickups. The piece emphasizes depth-chart knowledge and scouting nuance, not merely late-round hype.

Among the names: Dyami Brown arrives with field-stretching speed and a playoff résumé that hinted at long-play big-play upside, now likely to compete for targets in Jacksonville. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a speed-and-quick-cutting rookie to monitor in Washington’s backfield rotation, while Jaxson Dart (Giants) carries a ceiling that could materialize if he wins the job. Tory Horton, Theo Johnson, Adonai Mitchell, Keaton Mitchell, Kyle Monangai, and Tre Tucker all profile as multi-tool athletes with the chance tofactor in if injuries or inefficiencies hit the top of the depth chart. These players aren’t drafted in standard leagues, but in deeper formats they could become fantasy-relevant as the season unfolds.

As preseason football kicks off, the Indianapolis Colts face a multitude of questions, particularly around their quarterback situation. Coach Shane Steichen has yet to announce a starter for the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, opting to keep both Anthony Richardson and Will Levis in the mix. This uncertainty extends to critical roster spots, including cornerbacks Juju Brents and Jaylon Jones, who are sidelined due to hamstring injuries, placing pressure on veterans like Kenny Moore II and new signings like Samuel Womack III.

Additionally, the wide receiver depth with second-year player Adonai Mitchell seems underwhelming as he is currently listed behind Alec Pierce. The Colts' fifth-round draft pick, DJ Giddens, finds himself in a tight competition for the backup running back spot, potentially locking down a significant role based on his training camp performance. Fans eagerly await the Thursday night matchup that might clarify the depth chart.

Shane Steichen, the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, shared his thoughts on rookie wide receiver AD Mitchell's performance at training camp. Mitchell has showcased flashes of brilliance but also experienced inconsistency, a common challenge for players new to the NFL.

Steichen noted that the transition to the professional level can be challenging and that it often requires time for players to find their rhythm. He emphasized the importance of remaining patient and focused, advising Mitchell to build upon his strengths while addressing areas needing improvement.

Josh Downs has expressed soaring expectations for fellow Indianapolis Colts wide receiver AD Mitchell as they head into the 2023 NFL training camp. Despite a challenging rookie season marked by inconsistent performance and occasional miscommunication with quarterbacks, Downs believes that Mitchell's raw talent and potential make him a player to watch this season. After a promising spring, Downs is particularly excited to see how Mitchell will translate that into his second year on the field.

Mitchell's first season was rocky, catching just 45% of his targets for 312 yards, often finding himself buried on the wide receiver depth chart. However, his ability to create separation was noticeable, and the Colts coaching staff is optimistic that with added experience, he can elevate his game significantly in Year 2. As the Colts look to improve their aerial attack, Mitchell’s development could be crucial for both the team and fantasy players looking for breakout candidates.