Heirs Apparent

Every draft has those late round diamonds in the rough that make you appear much smarter than you actually are (anyone that read our Heir Apparent article last year and followed our advice on Eddie Royal and Pierre Thomas knows what I'm talking about). Most expert sites / magazines have lists of sleepers and usually the same names appear on 80% of the lists, begging the question: are they really sleepers if everyone in your league is aware of them? In this article we take a look at players on the cusp of breaking out based on being in situations where the starter is injury prone, in the final year of a contract, or just not that good.

The players listed below could fly under the radar on draft day, but could be difference makers on getting you into the fantasy playoffs (an accomplishment many value more than a promotion). The true fantasy mastermind should monitor the progress of these players in training camp and the preseason to see if they may become a fantasy football factor down the road.

You can spend countless weeks in your makeshift war room pouring over game tapes as you prep for draft, but it is important to realize that fantasy successful is somewhat reliant on lady luck. So take a gamble on some of these up and comers listed below and although some of the less informed may poke fun at you during the draft, you'll be the one laughing all the way to the bank as you collect your fantasy pot of gold at season's end.

QB Mark Sanchez, NYJ (QB - #25)

After trading up to the #5 pick to select their franchise quarterback, first year coach Rex Ryan figures to hand the keys to the car over to Mark Sanchez despite reports that there will be a quarterback competition with Kellen Clemens. Sanchez' fantasy impact in 2009 will be limited as Ryan will employ a run first offense and the Jets WR corps is weak to say the least following the loss of Laveranues Coles to free agency (signed with Bengals). He makes for a great selection in dynasty leagues but temper your expectations this season. Sanchez should be selected outside the top 20 QBs on draft day but could be a decent #3 QB (just don't expect anything close to the eye popping numbers he posted last season at USC -- 3,965 yards and 41 touchdowns in 16 starts).

RB Jamaal Charles, KC (RB - #35)

Charles enters his second season out of the University of Texas (No. 73 overall pick in 2008) and remains the Chiefs' third-down and two-minute drill back. In 2008, he had 67 carries for 357 yards (5.3 avg.) and 27 catches for 272 yards with one touchdown. New Coach Todd Haley (former Arizona Cardinal OC) could employ Charles like he did J.J. Arrington last year, giving Charles decent value in deeper leagues and a must have for all Larry Johnson owners; also keep an eye on Kolby Smith. Todd Haley's Arizona offenses were not running-back friendly, which could limit Larry Johnson's value in 2009. Charles is a speedy homerun hitter and a change of pace back that could get 10-15 carries this season if he can stay healthy (bottled an ankle injury last season). It's still very questionable whether Charles (5' 11, 199 lbs.) can handle a full load as an NFL running back, but he makes for a decent sleeper and warrants a late-round pick in all leagues.

RB Jerome Harrison, CLE (RB - #54)

Jerome Harrison enters the final year of his contract with a chance to earn a big pay day following 2009. In 2008, he split time with Jason Wright as the Browns #2 RB and finished with 34 carries for 246 yards and 12 catches for 116 yards. New coach Eric Mangini has compared Harrison to the Jets' everything back Leon Washington (which should bode well for his fantasy stock). Harrison's per carry averages of 7.2 and 6.2 yards per carry the past two seasons are a true display of his explosiveness. First stringer Jamal Lewis is clearly on the down side of his career at age 30 and is coming off another ankle surgery, which could open the door for Harrison to gain significant playing time this season and make him a decent late round value and a smart handcuff for all J-Lew owners.

RB LeSean McCoy, PHI (RB - #11)

The Eagles used the 53rd overall pick in the second round to select the 5'10, 198 pound RB out of Pittsburgh. He'll provide immediate insurance for Brian Westbrook who is rehabbing from knee surgery (bone spurs removed from his right ankle in June). McCoy is a Westbrook clone as they are both short, elusive runners with excellent speed and above average pass catching skills. With Correll Buckhalter now in Denver, McCoy steps in as the #2 RB and should see around 10 touches a game right of the gate as the Eagles want to keep the oft injured Westbrook healthy as long as possible. McCoy will be a must-have handcuff for Westbrook owners and a decent value in the 8th or 9th round.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, PIT (RB - #8)

Willy Parker's contract is up after 2009, so another injury riddled season could spell the end of his career as the Steelers have their first round pick from 2008 waiting in the wings. Mendenhall is coming off a broken shoulder injury that abruptly ended his season in week 4 against Baltimore. He is expected to get 10 to 15 carries in what will probably be a 75/25 split with starter Willy Parker, but will benefit from most of the goal line carries. Parker tends to wear down in the 2nd half of the season, so the Steelers would be wise to incorporate Mendenhall into the game plan as much as possible. Mendenhall (5'10, 224 lbs) will be a great value for those that play in touchdown leagues and should be selected in the 8th or 9th round.