Last season, Matt Ward’s “Stashes and Sleepers” series famously brought you players like Elijah Mitchell, Khalil Herbert and Davis Mills. This year we are back with 32 names for you to stash on your dynasty rosters.
Dynasty fantasy football is not just about the stars. It is about depth, patience and getting young, budding talent that flies under the radar of consensus. Identifying opportunities to acquire upside players at low costs can help you create that dynasty juggernaut you have always wanted.
First up, the AFC East.
NEW YORK JETS
Jeremy Ruckert - Tight End
Getty Images
A third-round pick (101st overall) out of Ohio State, TE Jeremy Ruckert is a physical specimen with mean intentions both in the blocking department. The young bruiser stands at a towering 6’5” and 255 lbs with a respectable receiving profile, albeit with limited volume as a member of Ohio State’s prolific passing offense. The Jets’ newest addition to the tight end room will likely begin his career behind Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah, as the team recently prioritized veteran depth at the position this offseason. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old rookie has the draft capital and collegiate background to find success in the NFL after the depth chart clears out. Expect the Jets to slow roll Ruckert’s development with the hope of him becoming a significant force in their future offense.
BUFFALO BILLS
Isaiah McKenzie - Wide Receiver
NFL
The wide receiver rotation on the Bills is topped by all-pro Stefon Diggs and a litany of unproven assets. Gabriel Davis is the fan favorite to take on the secondary receiving role in the offense behind Diggs but has yet to establish himself as a consistent NFL receiver, earning a mere 10.9% target share throughout his career and statistically regressing after his rookie season. Isaiah McKenzie is also the early favorite in training camp to see an increased role this season. It offers managers a virtually free investment alternative when attempting to acquire a piece of this high-powered offense. The 27-year-old receiver is unlikely to break out as a surprise superstar in 2022, but he certainly has an opportunity to return value well above his suggested cost.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Sony Michel - Running Back
NFL.com
It would give me no greater pleasure to stand on my podium for the second year in a row and declare Gerrid Doaks as a must-have sleeper in dynasty leagues. Alas, the Dolphins have a new array of running back talent that is being overlooked as potential risers come mid-season. Sony Michel ended the 2021 season with a bang as a member of the Rams' potent offense. Michel received over 70% of the offensive snaps in six consecutive games from Week 13 through Week 18 last season. During that stretch, he recorded 540 rushing yards on 139 carries with three touchdowns. The former first-round pick finished the season strong enough to end as the RB36 in PPG. Michel resides on a depth chart stacked with makeshift producers as the Dolphins brought in Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert and drafted ZaQuandre White this offseason. Myles Gaskin also remains and is expected to share some change-of-pace duties with Edmonds. It is unclear who will stand out as the principal benefactor at running back on this team for the 2022 season. Michel is as good a bet as any, considering his cost, to make an immediate impact and establish a defined role.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Pierre Strong - Running Back
Boston Globe
It feels like for as long as football has existed, Bill Belichick has been at the helm of the Patriots, creating alchemy by turning unsuspecting players into NFL stars. Pierre Strong fits the build of the next unsuspecting star. The Patriots selected Strong in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (127th overall) out of small school South Dakota State. Strong put up absurd numbers in his final season, rushing for 1686 yards on 240 carries while hauling in 22 passes for 150 yards and 18 total touchdowns. Strong profiles to fill a consistently coveted role in Belichick's offense as the pass-catching speedster out of the backfield. For years that role has been held by the perennial PPR over performer James White. The Patriots' long-time satellite back is now entering his 9th season at the age of 30 and is currently on the PUP list after missing most of 2021 due to injuries. Strong fit the replacement role perfectly with impressive speed (4.37s 40-yard dash), bust (86th percentile score) and agility (75th percentile score). The Patriots rookie is much bigger than White at 5’11’ and 210lbs and could supplement Damien Harris in short-yardage situations as well. Strong is an excellent taxi squad stash in all formats and a must-target player towards the back end of your startup drafts.
Check out the complete Heat Wave Cheat Sheet for the AFC East
If you would like to look back on last year’s Stashes and Sleepers series, it is available here:
Dynasty Deep Dive: Stashes and Sleepers- AFC Edition
Dynasty Deep Dive: Stashes and Sleepers- NFC Edition
Much respect, thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.
You can find my other works as the Lead Writer and DOC at Broto Fantasy Football.
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By Matt Ward