Finding later round sleeper picks at the WR position can make the winning difference for your fantasy team. Matthew Golden, Cooper Kupp, and Jakobi Meyers are all poised to exceed their average draft positions (ADP), offering tremendous upside without the premium cost.
Here’s a closer look at three under-the-radar talents who can bolster your roster with high-value depth and potential breakout star power.
Matthew Golden (WR, Green Bay Packers)
ADP: 190.6
Projected: 203.5 pts, WR38 finish
Key Metrics: 951 projected receiving yards, 113 projected targets
Matthew Golden, a rookie wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is a compelling sleeper pick for 2025 fantasy football drafts. Selected 23rd overall, Golden enters a Packers offense desperate for a playmaker after ranking among the league's worst in drops last season. Golden's elite speed (4.29 40-yard dash) and impressive college performance (987 yards, 9 TDs in 2024) highlight his potential to thrive in a revamped passing attack. With an ADP of 190.6, Golden is well-positioned to capitalize on Green Bay's unsettled WR depth chart, particularly if Christian Watson's availability continues to be an issue. Expect Golden to outpace expectations, making him a savvy late-round target.
Cooper Kupp (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
ADP: 114.4
Projected: 203.5 pts, WR37 finish
Key Metrics: 938 projected receiving yards, 118 projected targets
Cooper Kupp's move to the Seattle Seahawks positions him as a compelling sleeper pick in 2025 fantasy drafts, currently with an ADP of 114.4. Despite the potential clash with OC Klint Kubiak's scheme that deprioritizes slot receivers, Kupp's historical 60.53% slot route usage aligns with his projected 22.0% target share, highlighting his continued relevance. The departure of key offensive players like Geno Smith and DK Metcalf opens up a significant opportunity for Kupp to secure a hefty target share, especially with Jaxon Smith-Njigba drawing top coverage. Kupp's elite 26.5% target rate per route run since 2020 further underscores his potential to command valuable targets. Fantasy managers should view Kupp as a high-reward option capable of outperforming his ADP if he stays healthy and adapts to Seattle's evolving offense.
Jakobi Meyers (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
ADP: 89.7
Projected: 220.5 pts, WR29 finish
Key Metrics: 990 projected receiving yards, 125 projected targets
Jakobi Meyers offers compelling sleeper potential for the 2025 fantasy season, largely due to his projected 21.0% target share within the Las Vegas Raiders' offense. This significant share underscores his pivotal role, despite the team's shift to a run-heavy scheme under new head coach Pete Carroll. Meyers' versatility is critical, especially as he moves beyond his 49.6% historical slot route tendency to adapt alongside second-year TE Brock Bowers and rookie WRs Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton. With veteran QB Geno Smith bringing stability, Meyers' reliable hands and route-running proficiency are poised to shine, particularly in play-action scenarios. His ADP of 89.7 makes him an undervalued asset, offering consistent production with the potential for spike weeks in PPR formats.
The Bottom Line: Your Draft Strategy
Targeting these under-the-radar talents can bolster your roster with high-value depth and potential breakout stars. When drafting WRs, balance your roster by investing in a mix of proven performers and potential breakouts like these sleepers. Such strategic selections can provide an edge, particularly in the middle to late rounds, where savvy managers can outmaneuver the competition by capitalizing on undervalued assets.
