Fantasy Football: One Deep Sleeper Candidate From Every NFL Team
Bruce Ellington, WR, Houston Texans
Touted by many as a potential 2016 breakout candidate in San Francisco, wide receiver Bruce Ellington never had the opportunity to demonstrate his talent after a hamstring injury forced the team to place him on injured reserve. After being released from the New York Jets on August 5th following a failed physical, Ellington signed with the Houston Texans on August 11th as the team sought depth for a banged up receiving group.
Just eight days later, Ellington was a force in his preseason debut with the first team, catching 4 of 5 targets for 93 yards. The fact that he earned the start so quickly was shocking (although Houston sat many of its top wideouts), and the fact that he was dominant was exciting. He followed up that performance by again catching 4 of 5 targets in his second preseason game, although this time for just 29 yards.
The former South Carolina receiver -- and basketball player -- was a fourth-round pick for the 49ers in 2014, but his career never really got off the ground as injuries, poor quarterback play, and inconsistency limited his opportunities. While possessing elite athletic traits, Ellington stands at just 5'9", although packs a punch at around 200 pounds. His 4.45 speed and elite burst allow him to separate at any level of the field with ease, and he has dynamic ability in the open field to go along with an outstanding vertical leap (39.5 inches).
If everyone on the Texans remains healthy, perhaps Ellington is left looking for his breakout opportunity elsewhere when his contract expires. But players are on this watch list because of their ability to rise to the occasion if opportunity presents itself, and those opportunities aren't always predictable.
As it is, Will Fuller is sidelined with a broken collarbone, and there is no timetable at this point for his return. Second-year slot receiver Braxton Miller has struggled to separate himself from the pack as he converts to wide receiver after being a quarterback for much of his college career. And the ever disappointing Jaelen Strong still appears to be more of a role player than a feature guy. Even DeAndre Hopkins has missed the past two weeks with a vague hand injury.
Ellington's immediate rise up the depth chart cannot go unnoticed, and he is certainly worth a flier in deep leagues to see if he can finally fulfill some of his immense potential with a new team.
