Five sneaky bench sleepers for 2025: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Kyle Monangai, Trey Benson, Blake Corum, and Chig Okonkwo headline the late-round targets to stash. The strategy centers on last picks with high upside to beat the waiver wire when Week 1 breakout happens. Croskey-Merritt is highlighted by explosive flashes in Washington’s camp, Monangai draws praise for Rutgers’ yards after contact, Benson has a path to a bigger role in Arizona, Corum could carve into Williams’ touches with McVay seeking explosiveness, and Okonkwo looks primed to surge if Ward boosts Titans’ offense.

The piece leans into training-camp buzz, draft-day value, and the dual-threat appeal of Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie with first-team looks; Monangai’s late-round mobility; Benson’s spot-start upside in a clingy backfield; Corum’s post-hype potential as a more explosive option than Williams; and Okonkwo’s TE1 ceiling in a tighter Titans’ weapon pool. It treats these picks as strategic, season-long bets rather than one-week wonders, emphasizing upside, role progression, and the payoff of late-round depth in a crowded 2025 field.

Beyond the sleepers, the feature reinforces the philosophy that late picks should push the waiver wire in Week 1—where one breakout can swing the entire season. It leans on current rosters and coach commentary to map plausible paths for each sleeper, balancing risk with measurable upside as fantasy managers craft championship rosters for 2025.

The Rams’ 31-21 preseason win over Dallas highlighted the young talent shaping Los Angeles’ 2025 defense and depth map. Stetson Bennett steered the offense with crisp decisions, while Blake Corum offered a dynamic and energetic rushing presence. A standout on the defensive side was fifth-round linebacker Pooh Paul Jr., whose four-tackle showing after an injury absence suggested he could be in the early mix for an inside linebacker role. Coach Sean McVay praised Paul Jr.’s range, demeanor and impact, underscoring a potential early breakout in a position with questions. The Rams also leaned on Day 3 rookie Tyler Greenawalt, whose progress gave McVay something to build around. Beyond the box score, the narrative centers on how these rookies and a returning veteran will influence the regular-season picture. McVay’s comparison chatter, including a nod to Fred Warner during Paul Jr.’s pre-draft days, frames the Rams’ optimism about a versatile, fast linebacker corps. For fantasy angles, Pooh Paul Jr. could emerge as a late-round ILB with real upside if he cements a starting role; Bennett’s continued development keeps him on the dynasty radar as a potential QB2, while Corum’s touches could rise if he seizes a meaningful kata of responsibilities. Tyler Greenawalt’s trajectory adds a further layer of intrigue to a Rams roster that’s still taking shape.

Los Angeles used its backups to turn the Rams’ preseason opener into a confident victory, 31-21, over Dallas on a night when the Cowboys rested their starters too. Stetson Bennett carved out a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster with precise passes, mobility, and composure, capitalizing on solid protection from an energized line. The Rams’ depth shined everywhere else, especially at running back, where Cody Schrader, Jarquez Hunter, Blake Corum, and Jordan Waters piled up hard runs and a touch, signaling a potential four-back rotation behind Kyren Williams.

Xavier Smith showed why he’s in line for a roster spot, contributing as a receiver and return man, while Josaiah Stewart pressed for a larger role with his pressure and sack presence as a third-edge option behind Verse and Young. TheBig picture: the O-line bought Bennett time, the RB corps looked versatile and dangerous, and the defense showed just enough edge to keep fantasy rosters entertained through the early matchups. Two Rams duds—Shaun Jolly and Mario Williams—indicate who might be fighting for the final spots, but the broader performance arc was overwhelmingly encouraging for the depth chart and fantasy sleepers alike.

LA Rams opened the 2025 preseason with a 31-21 win over Dallas at SoFi Stadium, highlighting a blend of young playmakers and efficient QB play. Nate Valcarcel led the defense with nine total tackles, while Josaiah Stewart delivered the Rams’ lone sack in the second quarter. Blake Corum seized the No. 2 RB spot on the night, punching in two early rushing TDs to fuel a quick 14-0 lead. Stetson Bennett looked poised, finishing 16 of 24 for 188 yards, two TDs, and an INT, guiding two sustained first-half drives and distributing scoring passes to Schrader and Presley in the fourth. Brennan Presley added a late score, capping a strong debut for a rookie pass-catcher. The Rams leaned on a mix of veterans and rookies, testing deeper combinations and outlining potential fits as roster battles heat up into the regular season.

The four standouts—Valcarcel, Stewart, Corum, and Bennett—each delivered signals about where the competition in Los Angeles may land. Valcarcel’s tape showed range and hustle with nine tackles and a deflection; Stewart flashed pass-rush ability as Rams’ only sack; Corum showed vision and goal-line burst; Bennett demonstrated accuracy and composure under camp pressure. Presley’s TD capped a promising night for Rams receivers as the team balanced run and pass on early possessions and mapped out how the offense could evolve with added depth in the backfield and receiving corps.