Fantasy football sleepers among the 2021 rookies

With NFL rookie mini-camps about to take place this upcoming weekend – May 14-16 – it’s a good opportunity to solidify our look at this year’s rookie class. Since the NFL draft wrapped up, I’ve given you my 2021 fantasy football rookie rankings, draft strategy for dynasty rookie drafts, my favorite players outside of the top names in the class and the top candidates to be this year’s James Robinson.

Let’s tie a bow on the post-draft rookie analysis with some of my top deep sleepers at running back. These guys are all long shots for future fantasy success, but each offers an appealing dynasty profile.

Chris Evans, RB, Cincinnati

Unlike the other three players on this list, Evans was drafted with the Bengals grabbing him in the sixth round. While Evans doesn’t have the most extensive college resume, he enters the NFL with good size and impressive athleticism. Better yet, he landed on a thin Cincinnati depth chart with a big hole to fill following the offseason release of Giovani Bernard. Joe Mixon is the undisputed starter, but Evans could be very much in the mix for backup duties with just Samaje Perine and Trayveon Williams on the depth chart.

Jaret Patterson, RB, Washington Football Team

Similar to Evans, Patterson really won’t have a crack at a starting job with Antonio Gibson solidified in that role. However, the Football Team only had Peyton Barber and Lamar Miller behind Gibson as early-down options – J.D. McKissic figures to remain involved in the passing game – so there’s a great opportunity for Patterson. He’s one of the smallest backs in this year’s class, but Patterson can play bigger than his size. He a name to monitor as we head through the offseason.

Gerrid Doaks, RB, Miami Dolphins

If you like a big running back, look no further than Doaks, who checks in at a healthy 5-foot-11 and 228 pounds. While he doesn’t come with game-breaking speed, Doaks has three-down chops and flashed impressive explosion at his pro day with a 39.5-inch vert jump. Perhaps more importantly, he landed on a Dolphins team that hasn’t been shy about giving relative unknown names an opportunity, with both Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed getting three-down work last season. Gaskin is inked in as the lead back, but there’s opportunity for Doaks to carve out a role on the 53-man roster.

Deon Jackson, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Admittedly, the Colts aren’t the best landing spot for Jackson, as he could struggle to make the 53-man roster with Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines and Marlon Mack anchored atop the depth chart. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t monitor his status. Jackson reported received calls from 25 teams looking to sign him after the draft ended, so there’s a chance he could land elsewhere if he doesn’t make the Colts roster. Jackson is big (5-11, 218) and fast (4.42 40 speed). He also has three-down potential. If he ends up in a zone scheme, he could end up surprising.