Linebacker Sleepers

Photo: USA Today Sports

There was a time when a fantasy player could find unknown players who were ready to explode. These unrecognized players were dubbed "sleepers" because the rest of your leaguemates were not yet awake to them.

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And we also got our fantasy stats out of the newspaper.

Today, the stats are instant, and everyone knows about everyone. As such, the definition of a sleeper has evolved. To be clear, we define sleepers as players who we think will perform better than most expect and be undervalued at their average draft position.

Our staff recently gathered to offer up their sleepers. Here they are.

Linebacker Sleepers from Kyle Bellefeuil

Kaden Elliss, Atlanta

Elliss is coming off a productive 2023 campaign, playing a hefty 1,082 snaps (95%) and compiling a rock-solid 122 tackles (82 solos) and 11 tackles for loss in his first year in Atlanta. Elliss feels like the favorite to lead this unit in snaps once again, while Troy Andersen and Nate Landman are in a heated camp battle for the LB2 spot. However, looking at their ADPs via The IDP Show, Elliss (LB36) is going one pick after Andersen (LB35) even with the uncertainty surrounding his role–Landman (LB62) typically goes in the later rounds. It feels as if IDP drafters might be sleeping a bit on Elliss right now, making him a value in drafts.

Isaiah McDuffie, Green Bay

McDuffie filled in admirably last season for the Green Bay defense, compiling 86 tackles (56 solos) and five tackles for loss over 513 defensive snaps (8 starts). Another thing going for McDuffie is his familiarity with new defensive coordinator Jeff Halfey from their time together at Boston College. McDuffie has looked good during camp, battling with rookie Edgerrin Cooper, who is currently nursing a hip injury, for the nickel spot next to Quay Walker. Right now, the veteran McDuffie seemingly has the upper hand over the rookie for subpackage snaps and could be a steal at his LB60 ADP via The IDP Show if this trajectory continues. 

Zack Baun, Philadelphia

After failing to carve out a role while in New Orleans, Baun signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia this offseason and is making some noise at training camp. Baun is continually running ahead of teammate Nakobe Dean, as both are vying for the spot next to Devin White. While this camp battle isn’t over, it seems defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is currently favoring Baun for the open spot with the first unit. If you’re looking for a late-round dart to throw at linebacker, Baun is worth considering.