In fantasy football, securing elite wide receivers early in your draft is an important strategy, but championships are often forged by finding incredible value later on. These undervalued, or sometimes “deep sleeper” wideouts are the players flying under the radar, poised to significantly outperform their average draft position.
Whether due to a new offensive scheme, increased opportunity, or simply overlooked talent, identifying these hidden gems can give you a massive competitive advantage in 2025.
Let’s explore some wide receivers who are primed to surprise and become vital contributors to your fantasy roster.
Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints): Olave is a player with WR2 upside who is being drafted as a very low-end WR3 — nearly a WR4. Some of it is his brutal concussion history; some of it is because the Saints could be in contention for the worst record in football. Nevertheless, if you’re getting him as your WR3 and he remains healthy, you will gain a major advantage given that he’ll be a major focal point of the offense.
Deebo Samuel (Washington Commanders): Samuel’s move to Washington in 2025 and the presence of Jayden Daniels at quarterback could lead to a resurgence. Daniels’ proclivity for screen passes aligns perfectly with Samuel’s skill set, potentially providing a higher floor in PPR formats and a chance to rebound from a physically demanding 2024 season.
Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots): While Diggs’ age and his new team in New England might cause his ADP to dip, he’s still a highly talented receiver now paired with a promising young quarterback in Drake Maye. If Maye develops quickly and the Patriots’ offense improves, Diggs could still command enough targets to be a valuable fantasy asset, especially given the potential for a high target share.
Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers): Pearsall showed flashes of his potential late in his rookie 2024 season, especially when Brandon Aiyuk was sidelined. As he enters his second year, with more familiarity in the 49ers’ complex offense and potentially an expanded role if injuries or trades occur, Pearsall has the talent to significantly outperform his draft position.
Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons): Mooney had a solid 2024 season with almost 1000 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He should benefit from a full season with Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback in Zac Robinson’s offensive system, positioning him to be a strong secondary option in a potentially high-volume passing attack.
Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): As a first-round rookie in 2025, Egbuka joins a talented Buccaneers receiving corps, but his versatility and high football IQ could help him carve out a significant role quickly. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard has already stated that Egbuka has “exceeded expectations” in training camp, indicating he could be a surprise fantasy contributor even as a rookie, especially if he secures the slot receiver duties.
Tre Harris (Los Angeles Chargers): As a second-round rookie in 2025, Tre Harris joins a Chargers offense undergoing a significant transition under Jim Harbaugh, with a need for new playmakers after recent departures. If he can quickly build chemistry with Justin Herbert and adapt to the NFL game, his size and big-play ability could earn him a substantial target share, making him an intriguing high-upside rookie sleeper.
Christian Kirk (Houston Texans): After a down 2024 season with the Jaguars, Kirk is now with the high-flying Houston Texans and C.J. Stroud. If he can stay healthy and build chemistry with Stroud, he has the potential to be a reliable “safety blanket” in the Texans’ explosive passing game, providing a consistent floor and red-zone upside.
Cedric Tillman (Cleveland Browns): Tillman showed promise in a three-game stretch in 2024 after Amari Cooper was traded, and he is now slated to compete with Diontae Johnson for the Browns’ WR2 role alongside Jerry Jeudy. With a full offseason to develop chemistry with whoever wins the Browns’ starting quarterback job, Tillman could become a reliable target in an offense looking to improve its passing attack, offering significant value at his ADP.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. (Las Vegas Raiders): Thornton Jr. has blazing speed and has reportedly been earning starting reps in Raiders camp, with the coaching staff viewing him as a deep-ball specialist. If he can build a rapport with Geno Smith, his big-play ability and the potential for a few long touchdowns could make him an exciting, high-upside sleeper.
Demario Douglas (New England Patriots): Douglas showed flashes of potential in his first two seasons and has been considered an offseason winner for the Patriots, impressing the new coaching staff. With Drake Maye at quarterback, if Douglas can secure a consistent role in the slot, he could see increased volume and become a reliable PPR option in an ascending Patriots offense.
Darius Slayton (New York Giants): Slayton is back with the Giants and remains a deep threat with big-play ability, despite inconsistent target volume. If Russell Wilson can unlock more downfield passing opportunities and Slayton’s target share increases in a Giants offense that could be looking to push the ball more, he could offer valuable spike weeks.
Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): Doubs has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason with the Packers adding more rookie receivers to an already crowded room. But Doubs has a solid rapport with Jordan Love and has shown a knack for finding the end zone, making him a reliable option in the Packers’ offense if given the opportunity. If he does get traded, though, it could also be good for him to get more target volume elsewhere. Either way, he’s not a bad deep sleeper option.
