The 2026 fantasy football season is already generating buzz as analysts dissect which late‑round selections could provide the biggest return on investment. Recent commentary from ESPN’s Mike Clay zeroes in on three players whose skill sets and situational advantages suggest they could outperform their draft positions.
Quarterback Justin Herbert, entering his fourth season with the Los Angeles Chargers, is being likened to veteran signal callers Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence. Clay points to Herbert’s 2025 rushing production — second among quarterbacks — and expects a jump in efficiency thanks to improved play‑calling from head coach Mike McDaniel and a healthier offensive line.
At the tight end position, rookie Kenyon Sadiq is projected to become a primary target for New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith. The analyst compares Sadiq’s anticipated workload to that of Tyler Warren, the rookie who instantly became a fantasy starter, suggesting a similar trajectory could unfold in New York.
Another tight end to watch is Terrance Ferguson of the Los Angeles Rams. In his second year, Ferguson is expected to emerge as a key receiver despite a crowded depth chart. Clay notes that his average depth of target tops all tight ends with at least ten targets in the past decade, a statistic that mirrors the breakout paths of Harold Fannin Jr. and Oronde Gadsden II last season.
Sleeper Spotlight: Mid‑Late Round Opportunities
Fantasy managers looking for value in the middle to later rounds would do well to monitor these three. Their combinations of talent, scheme fit, and quarterback connections position them as sleeper candidates who could shift the balance of power in many leagues.
Drafting strategies are shifting as scouts emphasize situational impact over pedigree, and the trio highlighted here embodies that trend. Keeping an eye on practice reports and preseason performance could unlock the upside these players carry into the upcoming season.