2019 Fantasy football: Six Rookie sleepers to target

Though regular-season football is still a few weeks away, fantasy football season is here, and here we look at six rookie sleepers to target this year.

There are many keys to a successful fantasy football season, one of which is finding gems with late-round picks.

Using those selections towards the end of the draft on second quarterbacks, tight ends, and defenses is an exercise in futility.

It is a better use of draft capital to take shots on rookies at running back and wide receiver who boast high upside and have a shot at earning a high number of snaps in their debut seasons.

Here we look at six such players who are well worth targeting in the final rounds of drafts.

Jalen Hurd – San Francisco 49ers

Hurd was one of the stars of the first week of preseason as he caught two touchdowns in the 49ers’ win over the Cowboys.

On the first, he made the most of his background as a former running back to bully his way into the endzone, and then took advantage of his 6’4″ and 227-pound frame to haul in a high back-shoulder throw for his second score.

A receiver who first caught the eye in camp for his aggressive downfield blocking leading to scuffles, Hurd is making significant progress and his ability to play on the boundary and in the slot could lead to him getting plentiful opportunities early in his career.

With Trent Taylor recovering from foot surgery, Hurd has been getting reps in the slot. Should he continue on his upward trajectory, it would be no surprise to see him lined up there Week 1.

Hurd’s prior experience as a tailback makes him an intriguing chess piece who could also add goalline back value. He is a raw as a route-runner but, playing in the ideal system to maximize his talent and versatility, Hurd has the potential to pay huge dividends as a last-round dart throw.