There is no better feeling in fantasy football than calling your shot on a sleeper! Plucking a diamond out of the rough before anyone else realizes the value, is one of the reasons we dynasty managers dig so deep into weeds each offseason. Now that the 2021 season is nearly upon us, here are some rookie IDP sleepers that could become contributors to your IDP title run.
Pete Werner – Linebacker – New Orleans Saints
Werner, who was selected late in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, is currently slated as the backup to Kwon Alexander as the WILL linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. It is totally possible that if Demario Davis or Alexander were to get injured, Werner would immediately become a three-down linebacker in the NFL. If that becomes the case, the Ohio Star alum could easily start for a winning IDP team this season.
Dylan Moses – Linebacker – Jacksonville Jaguars
Moses came to the Alabama Crimson Tide as one of the most highly decorated prospects of all time. The superstar linebacker was even featured in ESPN the Magazine at age 15. Unfortunately,l those glory days have faded, as Moses has sustained multiple injuries in his collegiate career. which. However, the undrafted rookie for the Jacksonville Jaguars just watched Joe Schobert leave town in a trade to Pittsburgh. If fully healthy, Moses could impress his new coaching staff and force his way into some playing time as early as this season.
Jonathan Cooper – EDGE – Denver Broncos
Cooper is a 6’3”, 255 lbs. edge rusher. The young defender was a former top-50 recruit from Ohio. Unfortunately, the seventh-round pick by Denver didn’t get much playing time in Columbus due to so much competition at OSU. However, Cooper’s strength and power make him an interesting IDP sleeper rookie. Working into a depth role for the Broncos front seven, Cooper could make an impact early in his career. As an on-ball linebacker, the former Buckeye could be needed if Von Miller or Bradley Chubb miss any time in 2021.
Joe Tryon – EDGE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It may be weird to consider a first-round pick as a sleeper, but in IDP circles Joe Tryon is not expected to make a statistical impact in 2021. The 32nd pick in the 2021 NFL draft is an impressive 6’5”, 260 lbs. edge rusher out of Washington, who has the length and athleticism to fit in at the NFL level. With only Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul ahead of him on the depth chart, an unfortunate injury scenario could create significant playing time for Tryon. The fact that Tampa Bay is expected to be a terrific defense also lends to production for whoever plays pass rusher in that system. If Tryon gets snaps, his potential in sack premium and BestBall IDP leagues is tremendous.
Rashad Weaver – EDGE – Tennessee Titans
Originally from Cooper City, Florida, Rashad Weaver was a fourth-round selection out of Pittsburgh in the 2021 draft. The 6’4”, 259-pound spent most of his collegiate Saturdays flying around opponent backfields, making tackles, and forcing fumbles. The rookie edge rusher isn’t expected to play a lot for Tennessee this season, but with another COVID outbreak wreaking havoc on the Titans players and staff, it is only prudent for IDP managers to keep an eye on the Titan’s depth chart. If some of the starters are forced to miss time with COVID protocol, Weaver could thrive.
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