4 Rookie Sleepers for 2019 Fantasy Football

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Not many NFL rookies are expected to produce big-time numbers in fantasy football. However, there are a couple of first-year players who, if they take advantage of the ideal situations they're in, can become must-start fantasy options in 2019.

Here are three rookie sleepers that fantasy football players should target in the late rounds of their drafts.

1. Mecole Hardman, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

It was supposed to be an uphill battle for Mecole Hardman to produce in Kansas City's star-studded offense, but he has an excellent chance to be fantasy relevant now that Tyreek Hill has been suspended indefinitely. The Georgia product is a lightning fast (4.33 40-yard dash) receiver and could become Patrick Mahomes' favorite big play target in Hill's absence.

2. Parris Campbell, WR, Indianapolis Colts

Campbell is surrounded by a lot of talent in Indy's offense, but that may actually work to his benefit. T.Y. Hilton, Eric Ebron and Devin Funchess should draw enough coverage off the line of scrimmage for Campbell to work underneath. The Ohio State product absolutely excels in the open field, capable of turning short passes into long gains thanks to his speed and ability to make defenders miss.

3. Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders

Josh Jacobs was already a highly-touted pick coming out of Alabama, but the situation he's found himself in could make him fantasy relevant in 2019. Jacobs is now in line to be the lead running back in Oakland following the season-ending injury to Isaiah Crowell and Marshawn Lynch's retirement. With an entirely revamped offense and Jon Gruden's love for the running game, Jacobs should get plenty of opportunity.

4. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Metcalf is still a work in progress, but he has a good opportunity to become fantasy relevant now that the Seahawks released Doug Baldwin. The Ole Miss product could end up being a touchdown-dependent fantasy option, but his elite straight line speed (4.38 40-yard dash) and size (6-3, 229 pounds) makes his boom potential too enticing not to take a late-round flier on.

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Mike Esposito is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Mike Esposito also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username espo6891. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.