In preparation for fantasy football drafts, most people focus intently on what they'll do in the first few rounds.
It makes sense because those players are the ones who are likely to carry a team over the course of the season. But many times, leagues are won and lost by landing an incredibly valuable performer late in drafts. Think about the impact RB Javonte Williams or WR Michael Wilson had last season.
You can't always pluck a league-winner with one of your final draft picks, but there are ample opportunites to get solid contributors who could help your team beyond just an occasional bye-week start.
Let's see if we can find a few potential late-round gems for this season.
Fantasy football deep sleepers
All ADPs are from drafts since Aug. 15, courtesy of NFFC.com
WR Romeo Doubs, New England Patriots (ADP: 112, WR51)
Doubs had his
share of dropped passes in Green Bay, which understandably had fantasy managers writing him off. However, given a fresh start in New England, he has an opportunity to flourish with QB Drake Maye, who threw for 4,394 yards last year, and led the NFL last season in completion percentage and yards per pass attempt.
Doubs has almost become an afterthought with the Pats trading for A.J. Brown over the summer, but remember ... they targeted Doubs first this offseason. And then traded Kayshon Boutte, who led the team's wide receivers in total snaps. Doubs was hampered by a crowded receiver room during his four years in Green Bay; that won't be the case in New England.
WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers (ADP: 123, WR53)
Coker is entering his third NFL season after catching 32 and 33 passes in his previous two campaigns. The overall numbers haven't been impressive, but his arrow is definitely pointing upward. After missing the first six games in 2025, he came on strong at the end of the season, catching TD passes in four of his last six games.
In the offseason, Coker was rewarded with a three-year contract extension. That shows the Panthers' commitment to their No. 2 wideout and complement to Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.
RB Emmett Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs (ADP: 168, RB54)
The rookie out of Nebraska is poised to be the primary backup for free-agent addition Kenneth Walker in K.C. With Eric Bienemy back as the Chiefs offensive coordinator, the offense has a decent chance of returning to its previous high-powered ways.
QB Patrick Mahomes hasn't had a true No. 1 running back in a while, but Walker's injury history suggests hethat still may be true over the course of a full season. Any missed time from Walker would open the door for Johnson, who's had an excellent training camp, to step forward.
TE Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: 167, TE17)
The Rams frequently used not two, but three tight ends last season. So what makes Ferguson stand out? His ability to play many different roles. Coach Sean McVay praised him specifically for that quality earlier this preseason. An athletic 6-5, 252-pounder averaged 21 yards per catch last season and scored three touchdowns.
Drafted in the second round last year, he'll have a season's worth of experience under his belt and could end up being QB Matthew Stafford's third-best receiving option behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football sleepers: 4 late-round targets for 2026 drafts
