Five late-round wide receivers could surge into must-start status in 2025, led by Darnell Mooney with Atlanta, where a high-volume, three-receiver look and Michael Penix Jr. at the helm boost weekly upside. Marvin Mims Jr. ripped off a seven-game burst as Denver’s clear second option, posting strong efficiency and big-play potential. Josh Downs carved out a slot-heavy Colts role in a system that loves 11 personnel, offering a reliable floor when healthy. DeMario Douglas is right in the mix in New England’s WR-needy attack, while Christian Kirk’s Houston move creates a new slot-path floor with red-zone upside despite a shifting offense. Drake London and Bijan Robinson anchor Atlanta’s aerial ground game, with Penix’s deep-throw ability expanding Mooney’s ceiling. In short: several late-round targets now carry a realistic path to weekly starters, driven by officer-friendly offenses, slot usage, and QB development.

Thunder Dan Palyo spotlights six late-round fantasy football sleepers for 2025 who could flip the backhalf of your roster into a weekly contributor. Braelon Allen (NYJ) stands out as a potential early-down hammer with breakout upside in a improved Jets’ run game, while Jaylen Wright (MIA) is presented as a high-leverage handcuff behind Devon Achane. At tight end, Zach Ertz (WSH) is framed as a durable veteran safety blanket, with Brenton Strange (JAX) intriguing as a Week 1 starter and two-tight-end pairing value. DeMario Douglas (NE) is pitched as a slot-win in Drake Maye’s offense, and Keaton Mitchell (BAL) is flagged as the ultimate Henry-style handcuff. ADPs anchor the hype, inviting managers to chase upside late rather than rely on stale rankings.

New England opened its preseason with a win over Washington that underscored offensive potential, piling up 327 yards while forcing two takeaways. The day got off to a bang when TreVeyon Henderson sprinted 100 yards for a kickoff return, setting the tone for a fast-paced afternoon.

Undrafted receiver Efton Chism III seized the moment, delivering six catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, a performance that heated whispers about a possible Week 1 roster spot. NBC Sports Boston’s 53-man mock kept Chism on the final roster, joining seven receivers: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Chism, and Javon Baker. Bourne and Polk were notably omitted, despite Bourne’s modest production last season and Polk’s rookie-year promise before injuries sidelined him.

Last season Bourne compiled 38 catches for 305 yards and a TD, while Polk had 12 grabs for 87 yards and two scores as a rookie. Their quiet summer and limited preseason contributions heighten the stakes for the depth chart, making Chism’s breakout a potential pivot point for the Patriots’ WR corps. For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: the Patriots’ receiver pecking order could shift quickly once rosters tighten, and Chism’s early momentum merits ongoing attention.

Six deep-league sleepers emerge for 2025 fantasy football drafters: Ricky Pearsall, J.K. Dobbins, Tank Bigsby, Dylan Sampson, DeMario Douglas, and Jacory Croskey Merritt. Outside top 100 ADP and poised for opportunistic runs, each carries upside if injuries or scheme changes tilt the offense in their favor. Pearsall could inherit a larger target share in San Francisco as Aiyuk heals and Deebo Samuel Sr. exits, while Dobbins lands in Denver with Payton’s backfield versatility fueling a breakout. Bigsby showed well in 2024 metrics and could seize lead-back duties in Jacksonville, with Sampson stepping into Browns’ backfield depth. Douglas flashed in New England training camp as a possibly top Pats target, and Croskey Merritt’s explosive playmaking could push him into meaningful late-season work.

The piece emphasizes the late rounds as fertile ground for high upside, especially in standard or PPR formats where even modest workload can translate to asset value. Yahoo ADP outside 100 makes these players attractive sexier-dart options, and the narrative rewards those who combine draft strategy with up-to-date camp intel and roster dynamics. With 2025 rookie and veteran movement, these sleepers offer intriguing paths to meaningful weekly points and potential waiver-wire pop.

In short, these sleepers illustrate how a single breakout game or depth-chart reordering can transform late-round dart throws into league-winning contributors.

Drake Maye had an unforgettable day at training camp, showcasing his skills against the Washington Commanders. He excelled in avoiding pressure and delivering precise throws, marking what many believe to be his best performance so far. His connection with playmaker Demario Douglas resulted in impressive plays, indicating his growing confidence in Josh McDaniels' offensive scheme.

Besides practice, Maye mingled with notable figures like Jayden Daniels and Sam Hartman, contributing to an eventful day. His interactions with young fans further highlighted his charisma off the field, making him not just a promising quarterback but also a well-liked figure among Patriots supporters.