Finding later round sleeper picks at the WR position can make the winning difference for your team. Khalil Shakir, Jakobi Meyers, Jerry Jeudy are all poised to exceed their average draft positions (ADP), offering tremendous upside without the premium cost.
Here's a closer look at 3 overlooked talents who can bolster your roster with high-value depth and potential breakout star power.
Khalil Shakir (WR, Buffalo Bills)
ADP: 97.5
Projected: 208.4 pts, WR34 finish
Key Metrics: 952 projected receiving yards, 111 projected targets
Khalil Shakir is a compelling sleeper pick for 2025, particularly due to his impressive 2.43 yards after contact per reception in 2024, highlighting his ability to maximize every catch. As the Buffalo Bills' newly minted WR1, Shakir is poised for increased efficiency with a projected 11.46 yards per reception, supported by a four-year extension that solidifies his role. Despite missing preseason due to a high-ankle sprain, the Bills expect him ready for Week 1. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out of the picture, Shakir inherits a significant target share. His extension-backed status and yards-after-contact prowess position him as a high-floor PPR WR3 with a WR2 ceiling, making him a savvy sleeper choice at his ADP of 97.5.
Jakobi Meyers (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
ADP: 81.8
Projected: 217.0 pts, WR32 finish
Key Metrics: 988 projected receiving yards, 125 projected targets
Jakobi Meyers is a compelling sleeper pick for the 2025 fantasy football season. His historical average of 7.26 targets per game and a moderate 0.35 fantasy points per route run lay the groundwork for his projected 21% target share and impressive 2.41 fantasy points per touch. This efficiency is expected to rise with the Raiders' new offensive scheme under head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, which emphasizes play-action and defined reads. The addition of QB Geno Smith, known for his accuracy, further stabilizes target quality, while rookie RB Ashton Jeanty’s presence enhances play-action opportunities. With minimal competition for targets, Meyers is poised to outperform his ADP of 81.8, making him an ideal high-upside WR3 with WR2 potential in both standard and PPR formats.
Jerry Jeudy (WR, Cleveland Browns)
ADP: 74.8
Projected: 226.2 pts, WR27 finish
Key Metrics: 1188 projected receiving yards, 140 projected targets
Jerry Jeudy's projected receiving yards per target of 8.46 in 2025, a 60.5% increase over his historical YAC per reception, highlights his potential for explosive plays in Cleveland's offense. With an ADP of 74.8, Jeudy emerges as a sleeper due to his role in Kevin Stefanski's play-action heavy system, which emphasizes intermediate timing routes fitting his separator profile. Under Joe Flacco's leadership, Jeudy's target stability could improve, leveraging his short-area separation skills on slants and crossers. While competition from Cedric Tillman and David Njoku exists, Jeudy's efficiency boost and entrenched role suggest a high-upside WR2/3 with potential WR1 spike weeks. Drafting Jeudy at his current ADP offers significant value, especially in PPR formats.
The Bottom Line: Your Draft Strategy
Targeting sleeper picks at the WR position can be a game-changer for your fantasy football roster, offering high upside at a relatively low draft cost. Players like Khalil Shakir, Jakobi Meyers, and Jerry Jeudy are poised to outperform their current average draft positions (ADP), providing valuable depth and potential breakout performances. When drafting WRs, consider the balance between established stars and emerging talents; sleepers can offer the perfect blend of stability and surprise. Prioritize these under-the-radar talents in the mid to late rounds to maximize roster flexibility and capitalize on potential WR breakouts.
