Fantasy Football: One Deep Sleeper Candidate From Every NFL Team

Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

The quarterback room might be a mess for the Jacksonville Jaguars, but that hasn't stopped 2016 Heisman finalist Dede Westbrook from making his presence known in the passing game this preseason. The 2017 fourth-round-pick caught 6 of 7 targets for 131 yards in the second game of the preseason, firmly putting himself on the dynasty radar after being buried on a depth chart behind Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and Marqise Lee.

As a prospect, Westbrook is thin and lanky at 6'0", 178 pounds, built in the mold of Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce, with tremendous speed (4.39 40) and quickness. But domestic violence allegations in 2012 and 2013 caused his stock to drop despite his prominent college profile.

In his final year at Oklahoma, he posted 80 receptions for 1,524 yards and an astounding 17 touchdowns. Granted, this was in a Big 12 that plays a style of defense that closely resembles how the Red Sea responded to Moses, but the potential certainly exists for a Tyreek Hill-style rise for the young prospect. For Hill, his off-the-field issues also marred his draft stock, but once he got on the field, his natural talent caused him to rise quickly in what was considered to be a crowded depth chart.

Westbrook is more than just a one-dimensional deep threat, and he has flashed the ability to make catches in traffic and to run the more nuanced routes required of a consistent receiving weapon. While the NFL has seemingly moved away from receivers of his body type in favor of bigger targets, history certainly isn't devoid of comparables such as Bruce, Harrison, Torry Holt or, more recently, Emmanuel Sanders.

Talent has a way of demanding more opportunity, and the Jaguars certainly could move on from the oft (and currently) injured Lee and perhaps the now overpaid Hurns. This depth chart, including the quarterback position, could look dramatically different in 2018, and Westbrook is certainly a player worth a deep stash in dynasty leagues.

Keep an Eye on

Corey Grant, running back – The speedster out of Auburn has been a big-play machine as a returner and runner every time he gets a chance. While Leonard Fournette is the presumed workhorse for the Jags, it should be noted that foot issues have plagued him for much of his college, and now pro, career. Durability is not guaranteed, and if Grant can get a longer look, he may provide value should Fournette struggle to stay on the field.