Fantasy Football: Top 15 Sleepers to Target in 2019
By Kole Berrey
FANTASY FOOTBALL SLEEPERS TO TARGET IN 2019
NUMBER 5 – CHRIS HERNDON
Chris Herndon may be the most consistent person across all national and local lists highlighted as a “sleeper” at the tight end position, almost to the point that he is a household fantasy name. His ADP, production, circumstance, and the nature of the tight end position all add up to him having a breakut season, though, so he needs to be talked about here.
Tight end is one of the biggest headaches in fantasy. It’s Kelce, Ertz, Kittle, and the field.
The problem with tight end is that the top guys go so early, and when the first domino falls, a run on the position can start to happen. Fantasy players can actually use this to their advantage. If there is a run on a position, like tight end or quarterback, it can push back good players that normally wouldn’t drop that low. If that happens, you can swoop those players up, and then target a player like Herndon in the later rounds.
Herndon’s ADP is on the low end at #161, making him the 18th rated tight end. His schedule happens to be the fifth easiest for tight ends, and his connection with Sam Darnold really picked up at the end of the season last year.
He finished the season with 39 catches, 502 yards and four touchdowns. Keep in mind he was a rookie last season, and these numbers put him at 15th in yards and 16th in catches among tight ends. That already outpaces his projected 18th position among tight ends this year.
It may be an assumption to say he will have a better year two, the potential for Herndon to outplay his draft position is definitely there. Even if you can grab a more elite tight end early, don’t be afraid to take a chance on Herndon in the later rounds. If he starts playing well, you have a great trade piece to dangle later down the line.
*since this writing, Herndon received a four-game suspension from the NFL. His ADP will undoubtedly fall, but he could still add great value later in the season*
Recommended Target Draft Range: Because of his suspension, target him at the very end of your draft. Take him as a postseason flyer or trade bait later on.