12 HIGH-UPSIDE Fantasy Football Draft Picks | Target These Sleepers or Avoid the Risk? (Ep. 2013)

In this episode of the Fantasy Pros Fantasy Football Podcast, hosts Joey P., Scott Bogman, and guest Bob Harris dive into 12 high-upside fantasy football sleepers across all positions, offering early insights ahead of the 2026 draft season. The discussion centers on quarterback prospects Malik Willis and Tyler Shuck, both seen as having significant rushing upside despite questionable offensive contexts. Willis is viewed as a low-end QB1 sleeper with potential in super flex formats, while Shuck is praised for his growing role in a rebuilding Saints offense with improved supporting pieces. The conversation shifts to running backs, with Jadarian Price emerging as a top rookie pick due to a weakened Seahawks backfield, though caution is advised about early-season patience. Rico Dowdle is highlighted as a value play in Pittsburgh due to a potential split with Jalen Warren, while Basial Tootin is deemed too risky due to a crowded Jacksonville backfield. Wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Alec Pierce are seen as undervalued due to their potential in new offensive systems, while Parker Washington is considered overpriced due to Jacksonville’s 13-personnel strategy. Rookie Makai Lemon is strongly recommended if A.J. Brown departs, and tight ends Isaiah Likely and Oronda Gadsden are discussed as high-upside, low-floor options with injury concerns. The episode concludes with a strong emphasis on patience, value, and roster flexibility in early drafts. Key takeaways include: (1) Prioritize rushing upside in quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Tyler Shuck; (2) Be patient with rookie running backs like Jadarian Price and Makai Lemon, expecting a slow ramp-up; (3) Target undervalued wide receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Alec Pierce in the 3rd–4th round; (4) Use handcuffs strategically in Seattle and Pittsburgh due to backfield uncertainty; (5) Consider tight end value in the 9–12 range with Gadsden and Likely, but avoid overpaying; (6) Use the Fantasy Pros Dynasty Simulator for mock drafts and trade testing; (7) Monitor A.J. Brown’s status closely as it could dramatically alter Lemon’s value; (8) Don’t overpay for speed alone—context and role matter more than raw stats.